Bitter sweet..

I love this picture! The box of chocolate footballs says "No penalty for holding", isn't that cute and right timing too or what!? With this picture and sweet thought in mind.. we follow with the bitter one:

As many of you know, Jay didn't pass Neuro. At Ross you only have 2 chances to repeat. He used one of the chances when accepted back as a repeater (withdrawled in the middle of 1st semester because of n1H1), and this last one he was repeating 2nd; therefore, no more chances. I got to say we always planned on that possibility but never really thought or believe it would happen. After two years spent on this dream, your first reaction is denial. It was funny though. We found out after lunch. We were on the basement, kids playing and we just sat there on the couch trying to comprehend and start brainstorming on plan Z. Samuel kept asking to play with us but Jay said we were busy, since we needed to talk and make some decisions. Next thing you know he throws a ball at Jay. He reminds him we are busy, and Samuel responded: "But you are not talking anyway, so play with me then!". Almost instantly Benjamin decides to get his wiggles out and starts dancing/jumping/singing at the same time and we just couldn't help it but to laugh. Daniel of course, missed all the action because of his nap. The only thing we were for sure at that moment is that we had each other and the "best" of all is that we were together and now, that wasn't gonna change in the following two weeks. Lots of thoughts and careers came to mind. So far, Nurse Practitioner seems to be the next pursuit. He is applying to the Nursing programs here in Omaha (why move since we are residents of NE and have more than 5 schools he can apply, like Creighton, UNMC, Clarkson, Methodist..). However, he wouldn't start till January 2012. Oh joy, 7 months until then. Fortunately, there are a lot of lab jobs (microbiology) here in Omaha so we don't have to move, and he could work until he starts school again. Furthermore, he could enroll in the ROTC as soon as he is accepted so we don't have to get more loans. Yay!

We are still trying to figure out how everything will work out but either which way we know we will be OK and Heavenly Father will watch over us again. We are still looking at "a horizon of possibilities!"

Meanwhile, the kids are super enjoying daddy. Reading, wrestling, showering.. Benjamin gets very sad every time he is not around (when he is in the shower, or goes outside to get the newspaper) thinking he is leaving again. The other day Jay came up with the egg-shooting-game.. they just about lost it because they were laughing so loud.. By the time I got my camera they were more calm, but still the picture doesn't really tell the moment like the video..

Baby too, has had his fair share of enjoying daddy or being enjoyed by daddy..

The "power flex" sure got giggles out of Daniel.. plus the tickling of daddy too!

Either way, we are hope full, and continue to thank Heavenly Father for our boys, and our many blessings.

In a way, I think is was being so hard on all of us that may be that is why we needed to be together regardless of the sacrifices made.

It is so good to know this is just a small part of the big picture of eternal life. Yes, we are here to be tested and to have experiences, and we sure and having many! We are so glad and blessed to have my in-laws and their unconditional hospitality and support. This would be A LOT harder if we were living somewhere else, paying rent, etc..

Conclusion: We can be tested, just smile and think on all your best options as you enjoy with your loved ones.