So many things going on!!

The Wampler household is full of preparations! We have decided to move. The train tracks behind our house are going to be used for a local light rail commuter train. What this means is that we would have a train going behind our house every 15 minutes. Not fun! When we first moved into this house we asked around about the tracks, we were told that it hardly ever comes through and there were no plans to use them on a regular basis for about 30 years. Then we got some fliers that said they were looking at starting the project in 5 years, and we started talking about moving but still not real worried because it was just rumors. Well, a few weeks ago we heard that is has been bumped up to 18 months because they received funding for it. It is still in talks but we have decided to move while our property price is still above what we owe on it. We love this neighborhood and we really love this house. We are sad to leave it, but are trusting God that he has something better in store for us. Our plan is to have the house listed by the end of the week, which means I am in full cleaning and decluttering mode! Although, I do keep telling Aaron that I don't want to do this. We are hoping to have this house sold by May (which is quite feasible in this area) and hoped to be moved in June.
We are hoping to find a house that needs a lot of renovations (for a good price) that we can totally gut and renovate to our specifications...but if we find something that we absolutely love that doesn't need any work well, we would be open to that too.
Other preparations is that our church is hosting a missions trip to Mozambique, Africa. We have some members of our church that became missionary's over there last year and our church wants to go support them. With that being said Aaron and I are planning on going. I am a definite yes while Aaron has to see when the exact dates are and see if his work schedule will allow it. I am so excited to be able to go to another country and tell them all about God's love for us! While there we will be working in an orphanage, hosting a "True love waits" program to help combat the spread of AIDS, doing a sports program for the teens and going into the bush to tell them stories about God and his incredible love for us! It should be an amazing experience, and I think that is part of the reason we have to move is so that I can go on this trip. I am really praying that Aaron will be able to experience this with me, but he also told me that if he can't go he thinks I should still go. What an amazing husband! Right now the dates are not set in stone but it will be either in September or October. I'm sure I will have lots more to post on this when the training starts for it.
OK, so I've got to get back to the housework, but I wanted to share our news with everyone! Please pray for us! Life has not slowed down one bit since I quit my job, but the blessings sure keep pouring in. God has great things in store for this family!

Handling a situation with love, grace and forgiveness.

As per my last post I was really angry with the people we carpool with. So, I called them that day and told them that I no longer work for JetBlue and that I will be more than happy to take the afternoon pickups. See, the mom was not too keen about afternoon's because she has a kindergardener (half days) who she picks up as well. Well, after I called and spoke with the husband I didn't think much else about it, but later that night she called me.
She said "So I heard you quit your job" and
I said yes, but it has been in the works but today I felt it was time to just let it go. She then said "I'm sure you were really angry with me today"
"I was upset that my daughter was picked up by someone who I don't know and taken to a strange home, and while I don't doubt your judgement in chacter I don't like the fact that she was sent home with some one I have never met"
She apologized several times, and I told her that I forgive her. It was a bad judgement call, and she knows she would have been angry if it had happened to her. I was glad that I had time to calm down before speaking with her, so that I could speak with her with a forgiving heart.

As for Kaitlyn, we had always told her to not go with strangers. But when the school office calls your class room and tells you that you are to ride home with a certain mom who are you to doubt that. We did have a long conversation about it though. I did tell her that if she is EVER told to go home with someone she doesn't know is supposed to pick her up then she is to go to the office and tell them she needs to check with her mom first. Especially if it is someone she doesn't know, but even if it is someone she does know but I didn't tell her would be picking her up. She cried a bit, but I did explain to her that I wasn't angry with her, just with Heather for having someone I don't know take her with them. It was a good learning lesson for her, and she knows if it wasn't the right person it could have been really scary.

So even though this was a really bad situation I do think that some good has come out of it.

Reaffirming my decision.

First of all I want to thank everyone for their kind posts about me leaving JetBlue. Every time I turn around right now I feel affirmed in our decision. Today's was one of the greatest affirmations yet.
I usually work 3:15-9:15 Mon-Thurs. Today, I did start my shift at 3:15 but I am still sick so I went into "after call" (it basically stops the calls coming in) and went upstairs to refill my water. While up there the phone rang and it was the lady I carpool with. She said she went skiing with her husband and it was very crowded so they were getting back late... so she called someone else and had her take the girls to their house until she could pick them up. This made me so angry! I do not know this parent at all, I have no clue where she lives and my daughter is at her house???? And you did not even bother to call me??? Well, I said ok (it was too late Kaitlyn was already there) and I had to get back to work. Well, when I got back my heart was racing, partly from the cold and partly from being upset/worried/mad so I called work and told them that I was done for the day. I am just so angry that a person that is supposed to be responsible for my daughter sent her home with someone I don't know!
I am mulling over what I should say to this parent, but I need to cool down before hand. Right now I am leaning to taking my equipment into JetBlue and saying I'm done right now. That way I can call this parent and tell her the same thing.
So, yes every where I turn right now God is reaffirming my decision.


****Update: I have decided that as of today I no longer work for JetBlue. I will be picking Kaitlyn up in the afternoons and she will be dropped off in the morning's by the father of the people we carpool with (who is much more reliable than his wife) and that way I know she won't be going anywhere else.

The Happiest place on earth and decisions.

We had a wonderful time at my mom and dad's. We ended up driving the 11 hours it takes because flights were so full. We had a fun time on the drive out though. The kids brought along their CD's so we played them and sang funny so the drive didn't seem too bad.
Disneyland was a lot of fun! The kids had a great time and we did a lot of things that we didn't get to do last time. We took them on the little roller coaster in toon town and Aidan loved it. (I never did get Kaitlyn to go on space mountain with me). We had a blast but really missed having Aaron their with us. I wish I could post some pictures of our fun trip but I left the camera at home so I will have to get the pictures from my parents before I can post them.
The drive home seemed a lot longer and that could be that I was on the verge of getting sick. That night I started getting a sore throat and I woke up yesterday with a really bad sore throat and a stuffy head. Today I feel like I have something pounding my head so I am hoping to get some time off work....
Speaking of work, while driving I had lots of time to think and pray over my job. I have not been happy working their for awhile now. And after being forced to work overtime I was really upset. And While looking to see how much time off I have accrued I also noticed that I was not paid for those 4 hours that I was forced to work.
Also, with Aaron's new job the kids are by themselves more than I would like. Aidan just doesn't understand the concept of being quiet while I am working. We have tried movies and snacks and things and he is just too much of a distraction. Right now it isn't so bad because it is only 45 mins until Kaitlyn is home and then they play upstairs together. In about 4 weeks though I am starting a new shift that would require him to be with me for several hours. I would start at 1:15, and I just don't see how we are going to work it.
We have looked into putting him into daycare for those hours, but it would take my entire month's salary to do that. So, then I would be miserable (because I dislike the job) and my son would be in daycare...something that Aaron and I had always said that we didn't want to do. I would only be working for the flight benefits and we can't even make it on flights. So, I have decided to turn in my resignation. This has been a very difficult decision for me, and Aaron says he supports whatever I feel is best. I may go back to it when Aidan goes back to school, but I am also looking for another job that I may like better.
While I thought that working from home would be one of the best things I could do, I have really hated it this entire year. You are completely and totally alone in your room, with people yelling at you and wanting you to fix whatever problems they have. There is no one to vent to, and if you pause to take a breath before the next call comes in it goes against your stats, of which you only have 1 min per week to make extra notes in people's records, to stop and go to the bathroom or to just stop and take a mental breath before heading on to the next person.
A minute is not a long time to accomplish all of that, and you find your mental health seconds disappearing. You have a supervisor that communicates via email, but sometimes that just isn't enough. While doing this job I have been called stupid, idiot, a bitch and several other names that I don't have the time to list. I have had to listen to people chew their food, use the toilet, and swear at their kids and threaten suicide...all in the name of good customer service.
So, right now our little family is going through a lot of changes, some for the better such as Aaron's new job, and some not so good, such as me quitting. But I know that God has a better plan for us and that mentally and emotionally I will be a better mom and wife than I am right now. I know that this is what God is leading me to do and I am ok with that, I don't know how it will all work out but that is what makes God so wonderful! So, please say a prayer for us that God will direct us in the ways he wants us to go and that we will listen.

Off to the happiest place on earth....

Which would be my mom and dad's! Well, we are going to Disneyland too, which is technically the happiest place, but for me it is my mom and dads. I can't wait to see them and several other members of my family!
Only bummer, we (the kids and I) may end up driving instead. The flights look really booked, so we will try to make it, but we may just end up driving. Aaron is going to stay home and do work stuff. We are sad that he can't come this time, but I am looking forward to 5 entire days off from work!!! As busy as we have been lately I totally need a break.
The kids are making their lists of what they rides they want to hit first. I'm trying to talk Kaitlyn into going on Space Mountain with me, but so far she is not budging. Maybe I can get My mom to go instead.
I'll make sure to post some photo's when we get back! TTFN! (TaTa for Now!)

Wow, time sure flies.

It doesn't seem like all this time has passed since I last blogged. Life has just been very hectic since Aaron received that promotion.
I did not get the Analyst job, and to be honest I did not think I would get it. I don't have any experience with that, although if trained I know I could do it well. So, I am still watching for something else within the company.
I am struggling with my job right now. The new bill of rights has made people think that we can give them whatever they demand and they yell at us all the time. Lately, I have been very grateful for the few nice calls I get. Before the 14th the majority of the people were really nice and I was enjoying it. Now I dread going to work every day. To make matters worse, the call volumes have been extremely high and they are "strongly encouraging us to work overtime" almost every weekend. I am one of those who can work very few overtime hours and by adding Aaron's new job to the mix it has made things even worse. He has not been getting home until after 6 almost every night since starting this job. I am pulled by work and my kids trying to balance it. I have looked into taking a leave of absence just until Aaron's job gets into a more normal pace, but it doesn't look like my work will let me have anything like that. Anyways, I digress I am just a little stressed out being pulled in several different ways and not knowing which is best. I really don't want to quit with JetBlue, but I really don't know what the best answer is. I am praying that I will be shown the way I should go, but right now I just don't have a clear answer. OK, onto other things....
Next weekend I am taking the kids to California to visit my mom and dad. I am looking forward to it, and the kids are really excited that Poppa is funding a trip to Disneyland. Yes, again. My mom sent me an email and asked where the kids would like to go. So, I asked them and they both yelled "DISNEYLAND!" So, we will be there next Friday, me, the kids and Grammie and Poppa. Aaron is staying home because he will be in a class and just can't get away right now, but I wanted to go see my parents while Kaitlyn is on break.
Speaking of the kids....They spent the last 3 days at Aunt Janet's and Grammie and Poppa's (Aaron's parents). They had a blast. But next time we will have to remember to take clothes with us. It was totally spontaneous and so much fun for them. We went to borrow Aaron's parents car until we can afford to buy another one (Aaron's last job provided him a truck so we didn't need another vehicle). We met halfway between the 2 houses and Kaitlyn casually said "I wish I could go with Poppa". Well, Aunt Janet said "I don't see why not." and then proceeded to tell me she was coming this way Wednesday so she could bring her back then. Well then of course Aidan wants to go to, so they both end up going. They bought some clothes, toothbrushes and toys at the dollar store while up there. They really did have a great time! Thank you Aunt Janet and Grammie and Poppa! They are already talking about going back to do it again.
Aaron and I enjoyed having some time to ourselves, and being kid less for a few days. I was able to get a lot done around the house without being interrupted a million times. But I did miss them a lot. Things seemed too quiet around here, and I am glad to have them home.

Happy Birthday to Aaron!!!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday! I can't believe that we have been married for almost 10 years and have shared almost 1/3 of our lives together. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. I am so proud to be your wife and I love you more today than I ever have. I wish you all the best on your day!
Love you, love me.


Photo taken on our honeymoon at St. Patricks point in Northern Calfornia. In 1997.

Interview update.

Well, I think my interview went well. It was an actual interview this time. I should hear something by Wednesday they said, so we will see. I don't have my hopes up but it would be a great position to have. Thanks for thinking of me!

Wish me luck...again!

I am interviewing tomorrow for a systems analysis position. It would be a full time office position, no more working crazy hours. And I would be off the phones. I will be interviewing with the same girl that I did when I went in for the auditing position. So, I don't have my hopes up very much. But hey it doesn't hurt to try. My only problem is that I don't have any experience with something like this, but I think I can do it. Esp. if they give me training, then I would be able to pick it up no problem.
Anyways, say a little prayer for me tomorrow. Thanks!

Congratulations!!

For Aaron. He was offered the instructors position for Union Pacific railroad! The position is here in SLC at SLCC at the redwood campus. They want him to start tomorrow! I can't believe how quickly this is happening. I am so excited to get rid of the greasy work clothes (well not actually get rid of them because he will be wearing them to work on the yard). No more greasy fingerprints on the walls, and no more nasty work boots. I am just too happy about that, but more importantly I am so happy for him. He set this goal when he started with the railroad 8 years ago and each different job he took was to position himself for this job.
Way to go, Aaron! I am so proud of you!!!

Tinkerbell

So here it is my first attmept at sewing an outfit. I have learned a lot while trying to figure this out...like what those little notches are supposed to be used for. So, yes the skirt is a little crooked. It was acutally a little more crooked, but I ripped out the seams and tried it again. Also, my stiching was a little crooked and where the bodice and skirt meet it was supposed to be in a little point on the front. I could not for the life of me figure that one out so after a few attempts I just sewed it straight, so that is why the purple ribbon is there, but I think it looks cute that way. The shoulder straps (which can't be seen due to all her hair) are also of the purple ribbon because I thought it would be cute that way and I didn't want to try to figure out how to turn fabric the size of ribbons right side out.
So, I still need to make the wings and put the velcro on for the back closure, but all in all for my first attempt I don't think I did too bad.
I still have a long ways to go though.

Job, Jetblue, and stuff.

Aaron received a call Friday afternoon that they would like to do a phone interview with him this up coming Thursday. We are leaving it in God's hands, but I'm excited and nervous for him at the same time. This is a position that he has said he would want to have since he started working for Union Pacific almost 9 years ago! We have no idea if he will be offered a position, or where it will be if offered...but we are placing it in God's hands.
On the JetBlue front, things are starting to get back to normal. There have been many ups and downs with them the last week but all in all I am very proud of the way our company is handling the situation. I think the customers are also coming around to see that we are doing everything that we can to accommodate them (even too much in some cases!). They are setting up a customer's bill of rights that will cost JetBlue millions of dollars (which was put into effect retroactively of Valentines). I am also amazed of what people are asking us to compensate them for...calling us on there cell phones for example! I am glad that we are getting back to normal, and that I actually sold some tickets last night! That means that all is not lost and some people still have faith in our company.
Well, for some other news. I have decided I am determined to learn how to sew. I made a few pillows for the kids dolls, and kitties, and also a dog bed for Cookie. Cookie really likes her dog pillow/bed. And since she sleeps in my office while I am working I wanted something that matched the lavender. And while it is not perfect I don't think any of them look too bad. Now I have moved on to trying to make a Tinkerbell outfit for Kaitlyn's AG dolls. I have to bodice put together with a few a modifications, but I got stuck while trying to figure out how to gather the skirt. I had the "Complete idiots guide to sewing" but every time I tried to find information in there it didn't have what I was looking for so Aaron bought me "Sewing for Dummies" (upon my request) And while I haven't been able to try anything in it as of yet it answered all the questions the other book didn't. So, I am teaching myself how to sew. I told Kaitlyn it might not be great as I am just learning, but she doesn't care she is just happy for me to be trying. I'll post a picture of it when I am through.
And a little bit about Aidan since I can't leave him out when I am seeking about the rest of us. He is healing from his cold but his voice sounds funny to me. It is changing and I stopped short the other day and noticed that it is coming away from that sweet little toddler's voice into a boys voice....I am so not ready for him to be a big boy yet (although he tell's me that is what he is constantly). I can't believe how much growing up he is doing lately. AHH if we could just get this time to slow down just a bit! Then he talks about how excited he is that "His snow is back!" and I think to myself that he still has a few more years of growing to do. And that makes me smile!

Jetblue.

Well, This has not been a fun week, well I guess I shouldn't say week but at least half a week. It has been exhausting and frustrating, but fun I would not say.
It started on Monday actually with a few call here and there questioning what JetBlue was doing in terms of their flights due to the "Nor Eastern" coming in. The answer, "We are continually tracking the storm to see what is going to happen. We don't want to cancel your flights if we don't have to." In other words, nothing.
Valentines day comes and the storm comes with it. In full force! Planes were stranded and passengers were stranded, and ice was still coming. There were supposed to be "Pockets" of weather that we were supposed to get our planes out through but that didn't happen. The reasoning...Planes were freezing to the ground, which means that the deicing equipment had to be moved in order to unfreeze those planes.
There were 259 of our 505 flights that were canceled. It was a nightmare. JetBlue is still suffering from it, and are now trying to realign planes and flight crews. They have decided to cancel for Saturday, Sunday and Monday all of our flights that are E190's (the smaller planes). Which is 155 flights of itself. This is to help get everything back on track, but it is also creating more frustrations for our customers.
I believe this was a learning experience for our company. They have learned (finally!) that it is helpful to cancel flights before a big storm, there have been many many times that we have been lucky and there have been "pockets" of good weather where we could take off. I think there are a lot of a angry people. I am not looking forward to going back to work, and am enjoying my few days off. I may work a bit of overtime tomorrow mostly because I feel bad for our customers. When all of this happened the call volume not only went up but got overwhelming. I'm talking so much so that our phone systems could not handle it, the phone company had to work with us to actually be able to hold them on the line long enough to say "We are sorry our call volume is too high please try again later" (not a direct quote but basically that is what it said), and then when they finally got through to us we basically didn't have enough answers for them. ... Some of the questions they want to know from us... Where is my baggage? Why did you cancel more flights? Will my flight actually take off since it is significantly delayed? Are you sure this flight will take off? Is it going to be back to normal tomorrow? Why are other airlines able to get their flights off the ground and you can't?.... The list goes on and on, and basically our answers are "I'm sorry but I don't have an answer for that" or "I can't tell you for sure but please keep checking with us", you get the gist of it ... And THEN if we had to get a supervisor for them (like to have them unchecked so we could cancel and refund their money) there was a 20-30 minute hold time for that. Luckily, I was able to get some WONDERFUL people on the phones who were very understanding, there were a few who weren't but for the most part everyone was pretty gracious. But now that the ice storm is over and we are still canceling flights...well, I don't think they are going to be so understanding about it anymore.
I feel so bad for them, it is a huge holiday for the east coast. Basically, it is like a spring break and they were planning on having a wonderful vacation.
So, say a little prayer for me this week as I will be handling a lot of disgruntled customers for days to come.

Jobs, A Birthday, and Praise Team.

There is so much happening that I totally forgot to post this week! First off I want to wish Aidan A Very HAPPY 4th Birthday!

He had to share his birthday with the super bowl this year, but it was Ok with him since he was also able to share it with some good friends. We went to our friends house and had a good time, and he got to play with lots of his friends. We will celebrate further in March when we head back to California for a trip to the San Diego Wild Animal park...or as Aidan puts it, "to feed the giraffes".
I had my "audition" for praise team on Tuesday and am happy to announce that I will start singing this upcoming Sunday. I am very excited for that. And Pastor Greg gave me some good information on how to build my range back up again, since it has been so long since I have actually sung in a group.
On the job front: Still no news of the auditing job for myself. I called and spoke with her on Tuesday and she said that there were a few people who had pushed their interviews into this week and that I should hear something by the end of the week. I will probably wait until Tuesday and if I don't hear anything then I will call her again as I was told that the position was to start on Valentines day.
On the job fron for Aaron: The railroad is hiring 4 instructors positions. 2 of them are here in the SLC, one in Spring TX and the other in Chicago. He has decided to put in for it. We are not sure what will happen and are leaving it in the Lord's hands. We know that he will move us in need be and will have us stay if our time in SLC is not up. We are praying that he guides this process. This has been a position that Aaron has been working towards, it would get him out of the field and back into a class room, which is where he is meant to be. He loves teaching and it shows. Please, pray for us as we are going through this process of change. I think it would be good for both of us with a change in jobs, but only God know's what is best.

*****A quick update: I just recieved an email that I did not get the job, but my interest is being placed in a "pool of candidates" to choose from if extra need arises. Not exactly what we were hoping for, but at least I know now. Thanks for the well wishes.

What's happening.

I was supposed to my audition yesterday for the praise team, but Aidan was sick so I had to cancel. He ended up with the tummy bug that has been going around, he is feeling much better now though. I am praying that it stays away from the rest of us.
I did, however, have my interview yesterday for the auditing position. It looks like a job I would enjoy, although it is very repetitive. It was a strange interview, where she only asked me why I was interested in the job. She then took me to "shadow" someone actually doing the job, I watched Angie for a bit and she told me basically what I was to do. I then went back and spoke with Shannon (yes another Shannon) and told her it was something that I thought I would enjoy. She said thank you for my time, shook my hand and that was it. I'm not sure how she is going to decided since she really did not "interview" me. I should know by Monday weather or not I got the job. It would be nice to be off the phones though.

Another post this week! I'm on a roll!

Things are going well here in the Wampville house. The kidlets are happy, clean and fed. Which is the most important, but I thought I would take the time to jot down what is going on in our day to day lives for the week.
Kaitlyn, has had a tea party almost every night this week with her dolls. (I need to make sure I capture that on camera!)
Aidan is full of energy that is pent up because it is just so cold outside that you go out and come right back in. Maybe we need to go bowling this weekend. He has also been trying to figure out what he wants to do for his birthday, he has the option of having a party or going on a trip. (gotta love working for an airline to be able to offer that as an option!) Right now he is leaning towards going to the San Diego Wild Animal park the feed the giraffes, but there has been talk of a T rex party...so we will see.
I have been busy with work and pulling out music to sing along with, I am trying to find some that will test my range a bit, I used to sing along with Phantom of the Opera all the time and could actually hit the high notes...Maybe I need to dig those out again. Aaron is busy with work and church stuff (lots of meetings to figure out what is happening to even start looking for a new pastor) ...just busy, but a good busy.
I have applied for a temp position within JetBlue that would be auditing Non Rev reservations (Non rev means standby). It would be an intresting job and I think I would enjoy it although I would be working from the center rather than at home. So, we'll see what happens with that. They asked that we had our names in by Saturday and there was no time frame as to when they would let us know...so I guess it is a watch and see. But I am hoping to get it. I think I would get to be off of the phones for awhile, and I think that would be good...Esp after this last week of grumpies! HA. So, thankful that today is a day off and a day of rest.
We hope all of you readers have a wonderful weekend and miss all of you that are far away!

The nerves are setting in!

I spoke with our music minister about joining the praise team at church. I love to sing and have often wanted to be a part of the team, but with 2 small kids and Aaron playing the sax during that time it just wasn't possible for me to join. Well, now the kids are a bit older and can behave themselves when we are both practicing so I decided to see what it takes to join.
Next Tuesday I have an audition and range test to see where I fit in. I am so nervous! I haven't done a musical audition in a really long time! They are in desperate need of soprano's which is good because I mostly sing soprano, although I can do alto too if I have too. And while I am nervous I am also excited because I know that my vocal abilities have grown a lot in the past few years, although my range has suffered a bit since I haven't practiced weekly as I did when I was in high school!
Anyways, just another way for me to shed. And although I am nervous I am also excited! I know God will help me through it, he would not have given me the desire and gift of music if he didn't want me to use it. Anyways, say a little prayer for me that my audition goes well!

What a fun weekend!

We are back from our American Girl Place trip. And we had an awesome time! This is the front of the store which is 2 stories tall. There were so many dolls and clothes to look at that it was some what overwhelming. The first the the girls wanted to do was get their dolls hair done. So, we headed over to the hair salon. We learned a lot about how to care for the hair and that Kaitlyn shouldn't sleep with her because it causes it to rub on the blankets and roughs it up. We also learned that we should use water on it to brush it every time. They said that the water keeps it smooth and nice looking. We got there at the perfect time too, there was nobody there so we got right in, when we came back by it a little later there were a lot of people lined up!




The next thing we did was shopping. The girls had both saved up their money to buy a doll and some clothing to go with it. And of course they both picked the same doll. Kaitlyn, had actually planned to get a different doll until the doll of the year came out. Her name is Nikki and actually looks a lot like Kaitlyn, and had a lot of the same interests as her as well. So, it was the perfect fit for her.
After shopping we needed a bit of a rest so that we could come back for afternoon tea and the Revue. The girls were a bit disappointed but Kristi and I both had a bit of a headache and needed a rest (we had both been up since 2 am to see if we were getting on the flight, but that is a whole other story!).
deserts. The also brought out little pieces of cake and sang happy birthday to t So, we went and had a rest and got ready to head back over there for Afternoon tea. The girls had a great time at tea and were the perfect little ladies. We had finger sandwiches and little treats. They also came out and sang happy birthday to them! It was really fun. After that we had a bit of time to kill so we went shopping at Crate and Barrel , but the girls kept begging us to go back! We went back about 6:30 for the show and found out that we had front row seating! It was a fun show and told the story of all the historical girls. The girls were really excited when some of the actresses looked right at them and smiled! They wouldn't let me take a picture of them in the theater at all, but I did take one of them on the steps right outside the theater, but it was with my other camera and I don't have the film developed yet.
The next day we drove to Hollywood Blvd and saw the walk of fame and Grauman's Chinese theater (where all of the hand prints are). I have lived in Southern California all of my life and had never seen it, so it was kind of fun to see, but not something I need to do again.
The girls tired of seeing that pretty quickly, so Kristi wanted to go to downtown Disney and shop a bit at the Disney store. We had a fun time shopping, but the girls found a new store that they would like to plan a trip to sometime. It is called Libby Lou, and they have all kinds of makeup and you can get your hair done. I found this T shirt that I loved and wish that I could find a post card in it, so I just took Kaitlyn's picture with it instead. It says Where a cup of tea can bring you together and apart and together. My mom took the kids on the teacups since none of the rest of us adults would ride on them. So, Mom I'll be sending you a copy of this picture!
We had a bit of a scare about making it home on Saturday night. So, I called Dad and Mom and set it up for us to go spend the night if we had too, but we made it on. We were the last 4 to make it on the flight, and we didn't have to jump seat. It was a great trip but it is good to be home! The girls are already trying to plan when we are going to see the American Girl Place in Chicago and New York. Trent (Dakota's Dad) said that they couldn't go for another 10 years. They added it up and figured out that they would be 18 by then (YIKES!) and that he wasn't too funny! LOL! Anyways it was a fun trip, but it sure is good to be home!

A new season.

So, once again this week has been super busy. It started off last Sunday when our Pastor retired. The deacon's wife's hosted and helped serve at the retirement luncheon and there were so many speeches and special gifts that we were there pretty much all day. It was a wonderful day of celebration though!
While we are sad to see him and his wife go we are excited to see what changes that God has in store for our church. We know that God has the right person chosen for the job, but change can still be kind of scary. We will really miss his wife Jen, who has been Kaitlyn's Sunday school teacher for the last year. We have really seen Kaitlyn's faith grow through her teachings.
Pastor Rodger and Jen we wish you the best as you are hiking the Appalachia trail! A dream that they have had for a long time and are just finally able to give a try to.
We have also been dealing with changes in my schedule. The best part is I now have Friday-Sunday off, but the change that I now am working 4 days in a row seems to leave Aaron with a lot more to do. Making sure that all homework and studying gets done, dinner made, trips to girl scouts and Awana's. I sure have married an amazing man that does it all wholeheartedly! I love you babe and appreciate all you do!
Next weekend Kaitlyn and I will be traveling to Los Angeles with some friends. It is finally the fruition of a year long dream for her of going to the American Girl Place! We are going to have afternoon tea there and also see the American Girl Revue. She is so excited and it should be a wonderful weekend!
If you don't hear from me before then I will post pictures next time!

Shed

*Disclaimer* This post is more raw than any other post I have put on here thus far. I view my Blog as my journal and have shied away from putting too much of myself on here. I have decided that 2007 will be my year to stop shying away from things as you will understand when reading the rest of this post. My prayer is that while I am trying to succeed at shedding some of my insecurities that God will somehow use this to touch *your* (your being anybody reading this blog) life. With that being said ENJOY!


So, I subscribe to an Ezine (an email magazine) put out by one of my favorite scrapbookers, Ali Edwards. In the latest issue she had an interesting challenge and I thought I would try it out this year.
This is part of what she had to say:

"Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities."

So, I have been thinking on this word. Trying to figure out what I want this word to be. I've thought through several of them, playfullness, happy, content....all very good words, but they don't necessarily fit what my goals are for 2007. So, after much contemplation my word is: SHED. And not like the building.
I looked up Shed at Dictionary.com and here are a few of the definitions:

1.	to pour forth (water or other liquid), as a fountain.

2.	to emit and let fall, as tears.

3.	to impart or release; give or send forth (light, sound, fragrance, influence, etc.).

4.	to resist being penetrated or affected by: cloth that sheds water.

5.	to cast off or let fall (leaves, hair, feathers, skin, shell, etc.) by natural process.

6.	Textiles. to separate (the warp) in forming a shed.

–verb (used without object)

7.	to fall off, as leaves.

8.	to drop out, as hair, seed, grain, etc.

9.	to cast off hair, feathers, skin, or other covering or parts by natural process.

I really like numbers 2 and 3. To emit and let fall as tears. Meaning to me that it comes out sometimes without expectation. Sometimes it is a lot of work. Sometimes it just hurts so bad that you have to let it fall off, to emit it from your life. I also like the send forth as light....it reaches out and touches everywhere it can reach.
I think that God really knows my heart as I have been praying asking him what word would best define my goals for 2007. To send forth as light. To not keep things to myself. To share his glory!
There are other reasons for the word shed as well. I'd like to shed a few pounds (wouldn't we all at some time or other). I would like to shed the clutter in our home. I would like to shed the debt that we have, while not much I would still like to get rid of it. And I would like to shed my insecurities, to bask in the understanding that God made me in His glory and that he loves me just the way I am.