The Joy of Connecting with Family

My grandmother, Anna Luise Triemer, or as we like to call her, 'Omi', turned 90 years old this year (2006). Her birthday and my mother's birthday are on the same day, June 29th. To celebrate this milestone, my mother, father, and sister traveled to Augsburg, Germany, to be with our relatives there. The plan was to have a family celebration on the Saturday following her birthday. As soon as I knew of my parents' and sister's plans, I started to want to go as well, but didn't see how, considering my job (then) and financial situation.

However, God provided me a new job (see this post on that subject) that made the trip possible! Praise God! It could only be a short drop-in visit, in light of my wife's stage of pregnancy (see this other post). I arrived on Friday, spent the day visiting with my grandmother at her assisted-living apartment, spent the night at her place, spent Saturday morning and midday visiting with her, and then went with her to the family celebration, at which I visited with other relatives until really late. I then flew back home Sunday.

The fun part was that we tried to keep it a surprise, which it was to her-- news leaked to others, but they still were surprised that I came. I am so grateful to my wife who supported me in going and because of her, I have no regrets. Praise the Lord!

Announcing...

...the birth of our sixth child, Abigail Grace Cabrera! Yes, you read that right! She's a girl! After five rewards of boys, God, in His sovereign will, hath blessed us with a girl! Here are the particulars:

• Abigail Grace Cabrera was born on Friday, July 14, 2006, at 6:43 p.m. at Banner Thunderbird Hospital, Glendale, Arizona. Weight: 6lbs. 12oz. Length: 20 1/4 inches.

Mom and baby are doing fine; the boys are responding well and helping out at home. Because of the flexibility my new job, I was able to stay home for a week and still get some hours of work.

A Job, Well, Done.

I'm praising the Lord for His providence once again. As I posted previously, I was facing another layoff from another company who has pulled the plug on their product. Praise the Lord they gave me six weeks to start looking. Praise the Lord for the many job seeker resources available to me. Praise the Lord for Manpower and Honeywell having a position open. Praise the Lord that He brought me into a new position without any gaps in income or time on the job. Praise the Lord that the job is closer to home, pays very well, and is interesting work. Praise the Lord that we can continue our great health insurance through Cobra for about the same as a new contract employee. Praise the Lord that I can take off time for when the baby comes (more on that in another post). Praise the Lord that my new group is flexible and many work from home on a regular basis! Praise the Lord!!!