Tim's blog

One day before her 80th birthday Tim's mom is home in heaven.  We are so grateful for God's gracious timing as all my siblings were able to be home with Mom & Dad a month before her home going - this one the first time in 15 years we had all been together at the same time.  The Lord took her in an amazing way.  Around 1:30am on June 19th Dad heard a noise and got up to check on Mom, he came out into the hallway and asked her how she was, she simple raised both hands high over her head as she stood there, much as a small child would do as they asked to be picked up by there father.  They she went into the arms of her Lord & Savior!  She is now pain free and happier than she could ever imagine!

There will be a memorial service, celebrating the life of Maxine Estelle Laughlin this coming Tuesday, June 26th at Dufur Christian Church in Dufur, Oregon starting at 3:00pm.  If you happen to be in the area you are welcomed to join in the celebration.  

                    (L to R) Sisters Sue & Peggy, Mom & Dad, Brother Ted next to Tim

Family reunions.  That's what we have been having and are looking forward to, at the same time!  Last Saturday we celebrated two of our grandkids' birthdays, both turning 2 years old.  This celebration was a family reunion of 3 of our 4 kids and 5 of our 8 grandkids.  Our oldest son, Andrew and his family are with us here in Salinas, CA for the next couple of weeks as is our daughter Sarah; son Matt and his family are in Kentucky, 1500 miles away!  Here's a pic of Andrew & family, plus Kathy visiting a local beach in Monterey:

Grandson Jack turned 2 on June 15th and granddaughter Caitlin was 2 on February 9th.  Here's an image of Jack enjoying his birthday cupcake:

On Sunday evening, when I took the family shot above I was fortunate to get a pic (below) of Caitlin as she was waking up from a nap - although she is 6 months older than Jack, she is significantly smaller!

              Hope we aren't boring you with 'family vacation' pics, but I couldn't resist.

Most of you who visit this site from time to time know that we were blessed a week ago now with our 8th grandchild - Jonah.  Also, we have mentioned from time to time about the situation with our daughter, Sarah.  She would have loved to stay in Ireland, if there was work for her there, but that has not 'worked' out so she is here in California.  Well, last week she had an 'informal' interview at a private school that teaches English as a second, or foreign language.  

During this relaxed interview she was offered a 20 hours per week teaching position, after the summer job she already has.  So, it looks like she will begin work in San Jose, CA in August.  All of this is subject to change, of course, but that's what it looks like now.  In additon to the good news of a job, we also got to spend a day with a wonderful niece - Becky Long.  Becky goes to Liberty University on the east coast, and was raised in Ethiopia, when Kathy's brother and family have worked for many years now.  The picture above is of Becky with Sarah - flying a kite!

Does anyone have a lead on a reliable used car for Sarah in the San Jose, CA area?   

Jonah has finally arrived, about 27 hours from when I'm writing this - 6:00am on June 1st, 2012.  Checking in at 6 lbs, 14 ozs and 18" long.  It was not an easy delivery but Aubrey is tough and being her recovery.  Daddy Mark is holding up well despite the lack of sleep!  Big brother Jack welcomed Jonah as well - it will be interesting to see what he thinks when the bring Jonah home. . . which should be later today (Saturday the 2nd).

Kathy and I join Mark & Aubrey, the extended family and friends in giving thanks to God for the miracle of new life and a beautiful healthy baby boy!   Here's a few images on Jonah and family,  taken 10 - 12 hours after his birth. 

                                      Daddy Mark with Kathy holding baby Jonah

                            Mommy Aubrey with Daddy Mark, sister Sarah and baby Jonah