Now that is a good looking man!

Sleeping....

Thanks Duff for the bone

This picture is fuzzy, But I just love it!

Enjoying his birthday present in his birthday suit

Isn't he just the cutest!

Falling into place

God really gives us what we need, doesn't He? I have been invited to a BNI (network marketing group) for ISAGENIX. I was concerned about finding trustworthy childcare for Jairus on those Tuesdays. But my good friend, Sarah Zitny said she would be happy to have him. Sarah is such a blessing to me and to our church. She makes the childcare schedules, and always fills in when someone flakes out. Thank you Sarah, you are a great friend, I love you! You have blessed me so much.

Now about my job..... I will be working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a total of 20 hours a week! I will bring Jairus to work with me on Thursday and Friday until Timmy gets home from work! Then on Saturdays, I will leave the little man with his Daddy. I am really excited to get out of the house. Jairus will get to make new friends and get out too! This too perfect! Only ONE could orchestrate this amazing blessing!

God has blessed this family today!!!

I have had the itch to get out of the house a little bit. Tim and I talked over me getting a part time job. I was concerned about how I was going to make this work, childcare and juggling our schedules. Last week, I put in an application at Graham Fitness, the little gym 2 miles away. Today I went in for an interview. It was amazing, God set it up so perfectly, almost showing off his skills to bless! Not only do they need me the hours I want to work, they have childcare for FREE, and I will be getting a gym membership for FREE! We have been praying for financial blessing, and had no idea what that would look like. But let me tell you, it is looking pretty good from where I am sitting! I get to get out of the house, without compromising my values as a mom and a family woman. Jairus will spend time with other adults and getting socialized with children! I will get to contribute to our finances. That feels so good! Tim works so hard for us, and now I get to help ease the burden a bit. Thank you JESUS! Praise the Lord for this incredible blessing! Anyway, wish me luck. I haven't started yet. My new boss and I are going to get together tomorrow or Friday to hash out details. So pray for me, and for our family that we adjust well to the change. And believe, that God will pull you through your trials. He certainly has pulled us through!

Happy Birthday Party!!!!

Autie Sam let Jairus open theirs early. I wonder what it could be.

This book from Auntie Sam and Uncle Jeremy and the girls is totally cool! He loves books! AWESOME GIFT!!!! Thanks Auntie Sam and Uncle Jeremy for coming out, we love you!

Jairus' cake. The engine, and the cars following.

From another angle.

Grandma and Papa Charbonneau got Jairus a sand box!!! Very fitting. He loves to be in the dirt. Thank you Grandma and Papa. You are very special, Jairus is lucky to have grandparents like you!
Filling up the sandbox, don't pay attention to my yard.

Uncle Jeremy and Tim. I love seeing these boys together!

Jaya Lee, so pretty!

Spinning around!

Getting busy on the cake.

"I love frosting."

Auntie Jessie put a lot of thought into this toy. It is so cool. It speaks to him, sings him the alphabet and there are little animals to put on it, and the toy tells him which one it is, the sound it makes and describes a feature about each animal. Very neat. Thanks Auntie Jess and Uncle Rica for such an awesome toy. Thank you for driving from far away to come and help me out and for making some Mexican food!

Last but definitely not least, his riding choo choo train from his Grammy. It comes complete with a whistle and an a 6 foot track. Grammy wants to get more track, but we know better! Thank you Grammy for the awesome gift! He loves it, and loves spending time with you

Grammy planned far in advance for this, she purchased the train when Jairus was only two weeks old. She also got Jairus a Tonka Truck rug for his room.

Also, thank you Uncle James for the beanie, it will keep his head warm in the winter.

To everyone who wished Jairus a happy birthday, and all who gave gifts, THANK YOU! It is heart warming just to know he is thought of and loved my so many.

A Belated Birthday Gift!!

This morning, we

had a busy day

planned. We had

some difficulty,

but look how cute

he looked!

We had a surprise package on our door. It said Cabela's on it, and at first glance, I was sure Tim was going to be in a mess of trouble. But then I noticed it said Jairus on it! We had to wait till Daddy was with us to open it. So Little Man and I went down to Grandma Charbonneau's to bake his birthday cake....
















In his special package it was a powered mini- ATV! And a shotgun!















Here Jairus and Daddy are getting the ATV ready.
















Nice shotgun!



"Uh, where is
the power at?"















He loves his new ATV. We just need to get the power going. Thank you so much Grandma and Grandpa Eastman for the awesome gift. He cried when I had to pull him away from it to go to bed. We will load some video of him riding it as soon as we get him some power. We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

AUNT DONA!!!

We love and miss you!

Hope You had an awesome birthday!!! Or should we say an awesome birthday month!

Happy Birthday Big 1 Year old

The day started with Jairus and I playing at home. We played with his instruments, especially his new guitar. Around 1 or 2, Daddy came home and we went for a late lunch.

Then we treated him to ice cream!



Then Grandma Charbonneau came to wish her boy a happy birthday!

Thanks Grandma for his new race track

Plus he got a new shirt. Very Cool.

Not one to be a party pooper, Grandma came complete with brightly colored cupcakes.

"Yummm, birthdays taste good."

"Here Mommy, I have a lot on my hands!"

Yummy

I could be a clown at a rodeo!

"Got Milk."

A finished work of art. Check out the video clip below!

Turkey Sausage Saute' with Rice

Last night, I didn't want to go to the store, it seems silly to me to make an extra trip for one thing. So I grabbed some stuff we had, and this turned out excellent!!!
--
1 cup cooked brown rice or the Harvest Melody Wild Rice (from Costco)
1 package of medium spice turkey sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 large onion, cut into thin strips
1 green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 red pepper, cut into thin strips
Handful of fresh green beans
2 cups mushrooms, cut into slices
1/2 Jar sun dried tomatoes, drained on a paper towel, cut into halves
olive oil
garlic powder to taste
pepper to taste
small dash of chili powder (omit if sensitive to spice)
favorite seasonings
--
Heat up a large pan to medium and circle olive oil around twice. Add the onion, green pepper, red pepper, mushrooms, and sun dried tomatoes. Cover to allow the moisture to help cook the veggies. Check to make sure the mixture is sauteing, not browning.
--
Once veggies are cooked, add the turkey sausage and the green beans. Turn up heat to med-high and stir often. Get the green beans and sausage to the bottom of the pan and cook. Sprinkle with seasonings and toss to coat. Once fully cooked, scoop some rice on a plate and top with the sausage saute'. Serves 3 to 4.

Not what he wanted

Tim was hoping for counter-intelligence for his new M.O.S. But he got communications instead, he will be working with fiber optics. Please keep him in your prayers. We are praying that the military still sends through him interim for his Top Secret Clearance. If he has that, it is a great bonus when he goes to look for work outside the military. I feel so bad for him. It feels like he is constantly getting the short end of the stick. I tell him God is saving it all up to bless him. But, I don't know if that is what he wants to hear at this point.

Tim will be leaving at the end of January for two months of training in Georgia. That is going to bite. It has been awhile since he has had to leave me for that long. And now he isn't just leaving me, he is leaving Jairus too. It is so nerve racking to wonder what he will be doing when he gets out, how we are going to support our family. But we are so sick of living this way. We can't make any big plans to travel, go on vacation or even a concert because the whims of the military can change all our plans in a second. I am longing to be able to plan fun for our family. Tim has been excluded so much from family things, I know it must hurt his heart.

Anyway, one step closer to knowing what the destiny of this family is. Tim has about 17 months left in the military. God is faithful, and He is good. I know he will bless Tim with his heart's desire.

Early Birthday Present

We couldn't wait to give this to him!
The strings taste good too!
Looking good!

Redeemed Soldier

All my life, I have searched for you.

But I filled myself up with the world,

Living a lie- instead of accepting the truth.

----

You waited, like the gentlemen you are,

Watching me destroy myself,

Breaking your heart.

---

I ached- I was tortured inside.

You longed to be my Comforting Healer,

But your hands were tied.

---

Finally- the dawn of a new day!

You gave me your Son,

And washed my sins away.

---

Oh my Lamb of Victory,

Let me feel your Majesty.

For You to shine in me.

I want all to see,

Through me,

Your Glory.

---

You Daddy, I will always praise.

Let me sing of Your Love, Mercy,

And Grace.

---

Let me be Your soldier, standing tall.

Dressed in your armor,

I am answering Your call,

---

On my life, anointed by Your Blood,

I shall fight

In the desert and the mud.

---

There is no turning back now- for sure.

The Lamb to who I owe my life,

You are preparing me for war.

---

Oh my Lamb of Victory,

Let me feel Your Majesty.

For Your Light to shine in me.

I want all to see,

Through me,

Your Glory.

---

Now come Holy Spirit, fill my heart.

Lead me by the hand,

Tell me where to start.

---

Speak to me Strongtower, today.

Go before me,

As I battle for You in this place.

---

Prepare the hearts You send my way.

Soften them, Father,

To hear of the Love of Yahweh.

---

Give me Your Heart to intercede for the hurting.

Show me how to pray boldly.

In Your Name, I ask these things.

---

Oh my Lamb of Victory,

Let me feel Your Majesty.

For Your Light to shine in me.

I want all to see,

Through me,

Your Glory.

---

Camp was intense. Most of you probably do not know I used to write- a lot. About five years back, I went dry. Any time I tried to write creatively, my pen wouldn't move. God blessed me this week. He has filled my heart with so much, I think the floodgates in my mind are going to burst. Of all the things I have ever written, I know this is by far my best work. This is my first work of Praise to the Lord. Please, if you feel moved, share it. I want this piece to speak to people who feel lost, or that God would never use them. It is a lie. He is calling, the question is weather or not we will answer.

Chef Boy 'ar Jairus

Jairus getting into his drawer

Too cute. Every time the

camera is out, he poses

like there is no

tomorrow!

Tub Time

I love this kid! How funny is this?

Look at that little booty!

He loves the bath.

Giving the Beasties some coverage

Sophie Girl. Brain. Baby Girl. Soph a Doph a Loaf of Bread. Thing 1.

Duff. Doodles. Destroyer. The Dark One. Fat Face. Thing 2.

Pretty sad. I am a bad mommy. Before Jairus my camera was consumed with pictures of these two. Now with Jairus, I am chasing him all around with the camera, and my poor Beasties aren't getting any media coverage. This may not be the most exciting thing they do each day, but they deserve the attention.

Rockstars don't perform on demand.

My little man is so cute, and he loves to rock out. But as soon as I get the camera on him, he refuses! I guess true genius is spontaneous!

Jesus is Faithful

Our beautiful niece, Jaya went in for eye surgery today. The doctors corrected her lazy eye. Sam said it went great, her corneas are looking good, and the doctors are happy. It has been amazing to see my sister's and brother's strength during such an uncertain time. Jaya's diagnosis has gone from very grim and discouraging to endless possibilities for her sight. She sees more than the medical professionals ever thought she would. I really believe Jaya has shown this family how to have faith in the most Faithful One of all. Jesus is healing this little girl. He is using her condition to speak to me and to my family. Praise You Lord for Jaya! When I think of her, I smile. She has such a gentle way about her. She is girly, sweet, and an absolute testimony of miracles! I feel Jaya is going to be the Softener of Hearts. She is going to break down walls and barriers for Jesus. I am getting chills thinking about her! I am so blessed, we are so blessed to have her! Go to www.eastmanfamilytime.blogspot.com or click on the Eastman Family Link to the right to see our beautiful Jaya Lee! Get better fast baby girl!

Three Bean Chili!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced (1 cup)
1 red bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
2 carrots, diced (1/2 cup)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 pound extra-lean ground beef (or use ground turkey)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups water
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, seeded and minced
2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can of chipotles
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

NOTE: We keep a can of tomato sauce on hand because it is not saucy enough. Also we use a few cloves of fresh garlic.

Heat the oil in large pot or Dutch oven over moderate heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and carrots, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the cumin and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the ground beef; raise the heat to high and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes, water, chipotle and adobo sauce, oregano and salt and pepper. Cook, partially covered, stirring from time to time, for 30 minutes. Stir in the beans and continue cooking, partially covered, 20 minutes longer. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

This is dinner for tonight. I love it! So easy, makes great leftovers, and if you plan ahead, you can just throw everything in a crock pot overnight!

Duff is good... for now.

I love how close they are becoming! Duff will stand just about anything from Jairus.

Jairus' room.

Here you are Auntie Jess. So it is sideways, only part way through though. A little tour of his room.

Friday Mandatory Fun!

This weekend there was a picnic in honor of the anniversary of the chaplain's corps in the military. Mandatory Fun as Tim calls it. So we went and had a great time. Jairus got to play in the bouncy toy, he really liked that.
















Not sure of what to do.
















This picture looked differently in my head. Of course I am more critical of myself than people who see this are. However, I should have redone it. It is just that I am always behind the camera, and don't get to have many pictures of us taken.














Getting ready to go down the slide!
















He is liking slides more and more. At first, he wasn't sure what to think of them. He would stick his legs out to the side and accidentally stop himself. Now he is getting the hang of it.

















My boy loves to climb!
















LOVE THIS!!!!














All in all it was a GREAT DAY!!! We got to spend time together as a family. Then we took Jairus to Grandma and PaPa's house so we could have a much much MUCH needed and deserved date. Jairus spent his first night away from home! Tim and I went out for dinner at Black Angus (thank you Leah and Brian for the gift card!) Then we browsed around at Borders Books. There are so many cool books for boys! Plus they have new workout accessories and videos from The Firm (my workout system of choice). Tim said I have enough for now Firm stuff for now. Sad face...
After that we went to see Evan Almighty. GOOD MOVIE! Better than the first. It really addresses the views secular people have on Christians in a funny way. It brings to light the stress of following what God wants us to do, and how hard it can be for the family to trust. It really hit home how we fight and fight against God's calling, when it just would be easier to submit. Anyway, it was well made. I am sure God got a laugh or too as well. Awesome date! Tim opened the car door for me, and every other door too- really made it feel like a date! I am looking forward to having another one.... Someday.