Redirection

Let me start off by saying I firmly believe God has a sense of humor! I also think that when we make mistakes or try to do things our own way, He has a way of redirecting us. I can say now that this has happened to me twice within the past six months.

In April, I was offered a job at a company that felt like it would be okay. It used my skills and they were eager for someone that knew how to be organized and how to organize others. That would be me. Only after I accepted the position, which was on a Friday afternoon, I felt so sick all weekend. I could not shake the feeling that I had made a huge mistake. Finally after a lot of prayer, I felt God telling me I needed to decline the offer. I did and instantly felt peace.

Fast forward to the end of July. After many months of job searching, I interview and accepted a position with a company. Everything felt so right. But, obviously, God has a different plan for me because a position within the school district opened up. After 17 days of working at my new job, I resigned today. I will begin working as a secretary at Wenatchee High School.

As I type this, I don't regret anything that has happened to get me to this place. I learned a lot of new skills at the job I just left... skills that I hope will prove beneficial to me. It has always been my goal to me employed within the school district -- it provides so much for my family and gets me closer to my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.

High School already?

Time has certainly flown by. It seems just yesterday this adorable tiny girl with a ton of hair was handed to me -- wrapped in a pink blanket. Wasn't it just yesterday she started to walk and then talk non-stop?

In one week, my little girl starts high school. She is already thinking about high school dances, high school play auditions and learning to drive. Wow, like the first two weren't enough???

Those that told me time flies were so right... I kept thinking they were just trying to scare me or something. But, it is so true. I can't believe she is already 14 and high school is just around the corner, literally. I want to treasure every moment and help her to become the young woman that God has planned. I know he has amazing plans for Carissa (as well as her sisters, but today's blog is all about Carissa) -- she can do anything.

I am proud of you Miss Riss.... remember you can accomplish whatever dream you put ahead of yourself. You are strong and couragous... remember that motto we came up with? You may be tiny, but you are mighty! Carissa, your heavenly Father loves and adores you as much (or more) than we do. Enjoy high school and all the adventures that it will bring.

Love, Momma

Green Grass!

I love our green grass. Ken has worked very hard the last two months to get it where it is. There are a couple patches in the front that didn't take the hydroseed too well so we are working on them still. All in all, it looks great and most people don't notice the patches unless they are right on our property.

The backyard had a large area re-sprayed so it looks a lot better. I will take a picture of it in the next couple days and post it.

Next year the plants go in. I am SO excited for that... I am tired of the dirt. We are also hoping to add curbing before the fall. It will give it a more completed look.

Sunsets

We are constantly amazed by the beautiful sunsets. Here are two recent pictures that show the varying sunsets. These were all taken within the last month.

New job status

I started my new job on Monday. Tuesday the office (four of us, plus Cory's mom and the extra helper) went to lunch to celebrate me joining the team and also surprised the boss with an early celebration of her birthday (her birthday is Saturday).

Today was the first day that I really did what is in my job description: transcribing dictation. The boss, Cory, started me off on a couple easy reports. I am excited to learn their three voices and cadences and eventually get to the "meatier" reports. They have someone coming in to help in the afternoons a couple times a week until I am up to speed.

My boss is a sports fan. The office went to the Mariner's game on Monday afternoon, and still made it to work Tuesday morning. Cory was kind enough to tell me so I wouldn't think they intentionally left me out, but the tickets were purchased awhile ago.

I am super excited about the new things I will get to learn. I have never worked with Lotus -- and have been told my friends that I am not missing much. I am also eager to learn all about the various reports for the state.

I really think this job is a good fit for me. Can't beat the six minute commute -- it is awesome!

~J

61 years!

Tuesday Ken's parents will celebrate 61 years of marriage. WOW! Three of the five kids (and spouses) are taking them to dinner and a play in Seattle. While we would love to join them, it is just not something we should do right now. So, we are surprising his parents by going to visit them this weekend. Well, technically we are surprising them Sunday after church... but they have no clue we are coming over.

I am going to a bachelorette party Saturday night while Ken and the girls hang out and watch movies.

At any rate, it will be fun and we are excited to see family and friends.