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.

2007!

I can't believe that it is already 2007! What a busy year 2006 was and I'm looking forward to seeing what God has planned for us this year.
Kaitlyn had a wonderful birthday. We went sledding as mentioned in the last post. Then came home and had some lunch. Then we went to see Flicka at the dollar theater. That movie was right up Kaitlyn's ally, although Aidan seemed a little bored through it. After the movie we came home and had dinner. Kaitlyn's request of spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. It was yummy. We then opened presents and had cake and ice cream. It was a fun day, but she is really looking forward to celebrating at the American Girl Place in LA at the end of January. She has been really good about saving her pennies so that she can shop while we are there.
I am officially off on Sunday's now. I was able to get off on the 31st. and what an awesome day it was. We started off going early for music practice (Aaron plays in the orchestra) and they were short some vocalists. So, I did something I have missed doing and sang with the praise team. It was so fun and reminded me of how much I miss it. Hopefully, I can begin singing on a regular basis. After church Mr. JW (an elderly gentleman that Aaron has been picking up for church for the last 6 months) asked to take us out to lunch. He is such a neat person to talk to and the kids really love him, and thankfully he loves children as well...He had 5! He asked to go to the Porcupine. We had never been there but the food was wonderful and we really enjoyed fellow shipping with Mr. JW.
After lunch we came home to have some naps before heading out to some friends house for a New Year's celebration. There were tons of kids, and I got to hold baby Noah for quite awhile. AHH I totally miss holding babies! Aaron told me to make sure I had my fill of it while we were there! LOL! And we played this game called Ticket to Ride. You have to build the longest continous railroad to win. It was a fun game, we are going to see if we can find one to get for ourselves. Esp. since railroading has been in my family for as long as I can remember...it just seems like it is a game we should own :0)
So, there you have it. All of our fun celebrations for the last few days. We spent a quiet day at home on the 1st as I had to work that night and Kaitlyn started back to school today after a month off.
I am now painting our living room. It is going to be a dark brown color. Aaron picked the color and it will be fun to see how it turns out. I'll post some after pictures when it is all done.
I wish you all a wonderful, healthy and blessed 2007!