It's February already?

I can't believe it's February already? Every weekend since Christmas we have either been gone or have had company. I feel like it too. This weekend I am staying home. We have Mal's last swim meets on Thursday and Saturday. We are both sad and glad. Practices and meets seem to take up a lot of time but then she won't be swimming any more. I am hoping she breaks her record in the 50 again. If not she had a good swim season and we are really proud of her. I am hoping to get all my tax info together to get turned into our accountant. Besides that February looks to be less hectic and maybe we can get some things done in the house.

Happy Bithday Elias Morgan Krall

Elias
2nd cousin Malori and Elias

Great Grandparents

Brad coming to tell us he was finally here. Calynn is clapping she was so excited.

(sorry I don't think I spell her name right)

Yesterday we got to welcome my first great nephew into the world. We tried to give mom and dad time and not bother them but eventually we couldn't stand it any longer and headed to the hospital. We only had to wait about an hour and a half. We took turns going to see Brooke and Elias, and Brad. Ok I know everybody says their baby is cute but he really is. He only weight 7lbs and 8oz and 19in long. He was very alert for all of us and even made noises for us. We all laughed because his uncle Drew said well he isn't ugly. It was funny like he was expecting him to be. Malori and Bailie were saying he really is cute. I guess they were prepared for ugly and having to pretend he was cute. Congratulations Brooke and Brad!

Today Malori and I are headed for Chicago. This afternoon and evening we will spend the day at the Merchandise Mart. The living and giving expo is on this week. It is a great place to check out new merchandise for the store. Then Sunday we have tickets to a Bridal Show. We get to see a fashion show of gowns and the check out vendors for all kinds of wedding stuff. Invitations, reception hall, dresses, honeymoon places, florists, photographers you name it they will be there. I probably won't be able to afford most of it but it will give us some ideas. Can't wait to start the day except Mal's at swim practice again. I am all packed so as soon as she steps in the door we're off.
I did find out that in the polish traditions they don't do rehearsal dinners! Of course our luck the only thing the guy pays for. So I told Sebastian we could trade, we'll take the rehearsal and he can take the reception. Great idea!

Fact: Did you know the Mart is so big it has it's own zip code!

Fact: Because Britni works one block from the mart and her parking place is even closer I don't have to pay to park! Savings $30, day shopping with the girls PRICELESS! (maybe not for Kevin)

Difficult People

I had a lady come into the store today would was really rude and down right nasty. She had already been in when I wasn't there and was also rude to an employee. I gave her what she wanted to get rid of her and then after she left I got really upset. I frankly was ready to lock the doors and leave. With all the other stress over the business I just felt I couldn't deal with any more. After awhile I did compose myself and then later in the day I just got mad. Why did I give into her demands. I know in business "customers are always right" but really they are sometimes wrong. Later in the day the art class came and I just love those kids. They are fun and loving. So why do I waste so much time and thought on the few people who cause trouble. It does seem like I can only focus on what goes wrong than all the things that go right. There are many people who have been supportive to me.

A wonderful mentor to me who is no longer living, DiAnne, our former pastors wife, gave me scripture for different times in my life. One that comes to mind is "Harsh words stir up anger and a soft answer turns away wrath" (not a direct quote because I'm to tired to get up and look up the verse-its in Psalms) I need to have soft answers and sometimes just be quite. I doubt that lady will ever be in the store again and she probably will tell some others about it but I choose to not focus on her but continue walking where God wants me to.

Biggest Losers!

Kevin and I started our diets Monday and today we dusted off the treadmill and weight equipment. We took turns weight training for 10 minutes and then treadmill for 10 minutes the started over. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to move tomorrow. Our goal is 5 times a week. We watched the Biggest Loser on TV while we worked out. It did motivate us. If they can do it we can. I even checked out their website and might participate on line. I was thinking about getting their book anyway. I just happen to know a great place to get it!

Neither of us want to look like a hippo when Britni gets married so we are setting some goals and helping each other!

The Blues

Boy am I ever having a hard time getting back to some sort of schedule. I just have the blues. I don't feel like doing anything. No real reason. I have a long list of things that need to get done and things I need to get started on but just can't seem to get motivated. Any suggestions?
Maybe part of the reason is some of the stuff I need to do is no fun. Like taking down store decorations, end of the year taxes, and getting 2 wisdom teeth pulled. Need I say more?

Happy New Years!

I can't believe it's already 2009! This year has many changes in store for our family. Our last daughter graduating from high school, college decisions, maybe a wedding, a new baby, great nephew, arriving in just a month. Plus all the stuff we don't know that's coming. Some of these changes are exciting and scary. There is always mixed feeling with change, we know it happens but there is also sadness that life is moving on whether we are ready or not. So the best thing to do is trust God is doing the best for me and my family and embrace the changes. I know from past experiences not everything has gone my way and many things I wish we could avoid but those experiences also make me who I am. I love and cherish my family and look forward to this year.
January also brings some sad memories as I reflect on the past years. It has been 5 years since Kevin has been in church. I miss going to church as a family and sharing this area of our lives. I know he is doing what he thinks is right but my prayer for this year is he would see the need to have God in his life. Not my way or what I think God needs to do but God would meet Kevin where he is. I also pray for all three of my girls and that they would have a closer, personal relationship with God. I have learned my expectations are not always Gods and it isn't what others see that is important but our heart. In the past it has been more comfortable for me to have my family do the right thing in human eyes. But in many ways it is more truthful for them to not live a lie just to please me. God doesn't want us to be luke warm. Either cold or hot but the fact is,at times I would rather them be luke warm. How sad it is I put my needs before those I love. So that is my prayer, and hope I will be trust God for this year.
Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto thy own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and he will direct thy paths. Prov 3:5&6