Good-bye Fall

So, November is around the corner, alright it is this Sunday. That is more like a heartbeat away. I have been at the new job for four months and the kids have been in school almost two months. Since my last post, Jordan has gotten over the H1N1 virus and has finished his flag football season. Jennifer has attended her first homecoming game and dance. I have attended my first Women’s retreat at our new church and helped to build my first bed. I will eventually post pictures but the paint is still drying so it’s not quite assembled yet. The kids and I are still in that ‘getting settled’ stage and I am not sure just how long it takes to move onto the next one but I really hope it isn’t too much longer. I haven’t been working out and that has definitely been a setback but I am working on some creative ways to get a workout routine fit into the commute, work, commute, family time and chores schedule.
Devotion time has even been suffering and I have determined not to let that continue another day. I cannot say that there is one specific thing that has set me back but it is mostly a combination of trying to get too much crammed into a day. I am glad that we are adjusting to the Daylight Saving Time this weekend as the days are getting so short and the nights so long. I praise God that His mercy is new every morning and He never slumbers nor sleeps. I love that I have awesome Christian radio to listen to every morning and afternoon while I drive and that God has continually shown me when I start to lose focus. I am so very blessed.

Well, Fall is definitely here and Winter is close behind. I drove to work on Monday to see snow in the hills right behind my workplce. I saw snow piled up on the hood of a car as it drove past too. Sandpoint is almost an hour north of Spirit Lake and it hasn't snowed here yet but it's coming. So far, life is good and I am daily reminded of how special I am to my Lord. He gives me more than I can absorb at some days. I am constantly awed at His grace, sovereignty, and love for me!

Jennifer is really keeping me on my toes with school and life changes but she is willing to heed the Lord's voice and is trying to make good choices. Jordan is feeling more comfortable with Flag Football and has 4 more games before they are done and I think it is a mixed blessing as the weather gets colder he is not as happy about being outside in shorts. He is doing great in school and is 'bored' as usual but I hope that he takes that boredom and focuses it on his spelling. He is really loving the time spent with his friend, Eli, and his cousin, Andy.

Here is a snapshot of Papa and Jennifer watching a funny on You Tube.

I cannot make excuses for my absence. No internet tends to leave me not interested in typing about life. I haven't even been journaling or emailing. I have been praying and I am convinced that is the best communication I can have. Doesn't help much for friends and family who may be curious what has happened since we moved to the Northwest. So here goes a short photo recap since I was last on here.

Labor Day Camping Trip with family & friends:






Jordan's First Day of Fourth Grade:


Jennifer's First Day as a Freshman:




Upward Flag Football








Jordan took 2nd Place in his North Idaho State Fair entry in the Lego Division. (I didn't get pictures unfortunately. He also joined the Upward Flag Football team and has played in two games so far. He has been helping his Papa and cousin Emily build a doll house and has been helping Papa do all sorts of 'guy' things. Like using power tools!! I walked down to the shop the other night and there was Jordan using a grinder to unweld some wheels off a frame and spark were flying everywhere. I thought at first he was welding! After my heart stopped pounding, I watched in amazement as he and his Papa finished the task like they had been working together for years. Jordan also taught me how to ride the four wheeler and took me on an adventure through the woods. He is doing well in school and doesn't necessarily like it but has accepted it.

Jennifer on the other hand has blossomed and grown by leaps and bounds and has liked High School so far. She comes home bubbling every day and is taking Acting I as an elective. I knew she would love it and am so glad that she decided to take the class. She has been to her first High School Football Game and two soccer games. She wants to be involved and that is a long cry from a year ago. Oh, and she really enjoys her Youth Group (although I think I already mentioned that)and even attended a Girls Sleepover the Friday before school started. She is making friends and working hard at everything before her. I am so proud of her and the good choices she is making!!

I am trying to find out just how to make time for myself and still get things done and mostly trying to find time to workout. The weather is starting to change and soon the cold will make it very difficult to run or bike and so I am trying to get creative. I was spoiled at Motorola with the full gym onsite and the flexible schedule not to mention the short commute. I am not complaining just realizing how good I had it as far as work and workout scheduling go. I will take family over those things any day though. Tonight I had my brother and family over for dinner and it was so good to just sit, break bread and fellowship with those I love and have missed for so long. I wish we were even closer and not 20 some miles apart but when I consider how little I have seen them in the past 20 years the miles don't seem so great anymore. God is indeed gracious and good!