Thanks!

When we're down-and-out, it's nice to know we can get by with the help (and thoughtfulness) of our family and friends.

Our days have been long. Jon's been looking at all options but with the weather, holidays and bleak state of the economy, employment leads are few and far between. With no job, it's hard to justify spending any money. And with no car large enough to transport our family, outings are even more unlikely.

We don't intend to sound sorry for our ourselves, but rather to show just how grateful we feel to some extra special people who provided us a way to do something fun as a family.

Shortly after Jon received that dreaded news that he'd no longer be a WaMulian, the Johnson family sent us gift cards to Claim Jumper since distance keeps them from personally taking us to dinner. Some friends took care of our transportation problem by loaning us a van that they weren't using for the week.

Jon helped Caleb with his word search while I enjoyed my favorite: California Citrus Salad.

Then Jon did his regular wad-the-straw-wrapper-and-toss-it-into-someone's-mouth game. Here he is showing Natalie how to open her mouth for his target. And he makes it every time.

Our pizzas arrived and I was a little jealous that the kids servings were twice as large as mine. Guess they figured I must have filled up on salad.

Alyssa enjoyed a hearty chicken nugget lunch. Nothing skimpy about Claim Jumper's portions. Except maybe the size of my pizza. :)

Happy kids. Happy parents. Grateful family.

Thank you, Johnsons and Guisingers. You made our day.