My middle name is grace

So I've always been a rather klutzy person, but this weekend (and today) takes the cake. Friday night was the wedding of two of my good friends. Before said wedding, a friend and I were walking out to use the restroom. En route to the restroom, I did the following: tripped over a stair, walked right into someone, sideswiped another person, and backed into yet another person. At the reception, they had a gazebo set up with branches and holly leaves and what not decorating it (it was a winter-themed wedding). I was walking by said gazebo and got my hair caught in the branches (without realizing it, mind you) and discovered it by attempting to walk forward only to have my head jerked back. I then went to the restroom again, only to run into a door. Saturday, my car decided it hated the cold weather and I got locked out of my car due to really really cold locks. Twice. (I know that's not a klutzy thing, but go with me here) Sunday, I managed to knock several chips out of my bowl of frito chili pie and then proceeded to dump my water all over the table, Cara's phone, and Cara. (Sorry Cara! Glad your phone is ok!) Today, however, was the crowning moment. I was on a monthly worker visit for my job and I had to run back out to my car to grab something. It was dark and I wasn't really paying attention to where I was walking (bad idea) and I walked right into a mud puddle. Now when I say walked, what I really mean is sank. Yes. I put my foot down only to have my right leg promptly sucked into to the mud up to the middle of my calf. The best part of this is when I pulled my foot out, my shoe stayed in the mud and I had to go digging for my shoe. Even better is when the kid I was visiting looks out the front door and sees me standing on the front lawn pouring mud out of my shoe. You may now proceed to laugh.

Ice Ice Baby

I'm just gonna throw this out there - I hate ice. Now don't get me wrong, it's cool to look at and it makes for some fantastic pictures, but I hate the options of being stuck inside vs. dealing with maniac drivers. I also hate not having power. The good news about not having power is I get to spend some quality time with a great friend who let me crash at her apartment with her and her 2 kids. In other news, I still like my job. Right now I am mainly helping people with transporting kids and doing visits, but I do like it. Welp, that's all she wrote for tonight. Stay warm and safe.

Update

Well I have now been with my new job for a little over a week. The verdict is....I'm not sure! I do like it, but I feel so totally unprepared and lost, which is the norm according to my coworkers. My time has been spent reading for my training (which starts in January by the way...JANUARY), shadowing visits with coworkers, shadowing in court with coworkers, long drives for transporting children, etc. For the most part, there is never a dull moment. We have a lady who is leaving at the end of the month so my supervisor has me helping her with her monthly visits. By myself. I have my first one tomorrow morning and it would have to be with the person who tried to pull one over on me when I called to set up the visit today. Nice. Oh well - it will be fine - my supervisor reassured me that "there is no way I can screw up a visit." We'll see about that. :) Ok well that's all for now - if you have any burning questions about my job, leave a comment!

nervous

I start my new job tomorrow - Child Welfare Specialist for DHS. Am I excited? Somewhat. Am I nervous? That would be a YES. I know it will be fine, especially since the first few weeks are training and I won't actually have my own cases until at very least a little over a month from now. It's just the newjobIdon'tknowanyoneorwhatImasupposedtodowithmyself blues. 10 points if you got that the first time without having to read it again. I will let you know how it went. Say a little prayer for me!

Also - Laurie - I got you e-mail and your dress is STUNNING! You are going to be a gorgeous bride :)

The end.

seriously

There is something wrong with this world when they start advertising bullet-proof backpacks and how well they will protect kids on the news. Not gonna lie, it breaks my heart.

Fall

I absolutely love Fall. It's my favorite, no question. Tonight at church the mid high and high school had a bonfire. We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores. It was a gorgeous night - crisp, but not too cold. The sky was clear & a gorgeous navy blue - it looked like velvet. As a result of the stunning blue sky, the trees stood out as a stunning hunter green color. The best part was a few stars were even visible. Amazing. Immediately following the bonfire, the college/young adult group carved pumpkins. So much fun. :) Tonight was great - full of friends, fun, and fall-ish activities.

Fall Retreat

I'm off for a weekend of fun, bonding, and relaxation. It's fall retreat time. Yesssssssss. :)

Joy Comes In the Morning

I woke myself up laughing this morning. Not just a little snicker mind you - real genuine laughter. It has kind of set the tone for today. Most days I come into my job and try to make it through the frustrations of the day without getting too crabby and head home. Today has been different. I have found joy and laughter at the smallest things and I have enjoyed my day. The first moment of joy came on the way to drop the kids off at school this morning.

"Ms. Kristin, do you like crows?"
"Crows? Um, no, not particularly..."
"I do." (a few seconds of silence) "I mean me neither."

I chuckled. I returned to the daycare and spent the morning with 3 one year olds. We went to the gym so they coud run and get some excercise and I found myself smiling and enjoying every moment as much as they were. I have yet to go outside, but I heard on the radio this morning that the high is around 77 degrees today. Perfection. I am thoroughly enjoying finding happiness in the little things in life. I want to make it a goal to find joy in each day, no matter the circumstances. It could be worse.

You're Killing Me Smalls!

Colt and the boys, you're killing me! Where's Vince when ya need him?

Missing You

I miss Spencer. :(

A Sad Smile

Mitchell Whitaker passed away at 3:00 this morning. My heart is absolutely broken and I don't even know this family. I smile because I know he is not in pain anymore and he is at peace, but I feel so much for the family. Say a little prayer for the Whitaker family today and for many months to come as they adjust.

The Kingdom

Tonight was amazing. Fairview Baptist Church came to our church for a combined service again. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Fairview, they are a predominantly African-American congregation and they are AMAZING. Their choir sang for us tonight and their pastor spoke. It was a great service, but my favorite part was the end. Their choir and our choir combined and sang a song titled "I Need You, You Need Me." The words are simple, but so beautiful:

I need you, you need me
We're all a part of God's body
Stand with me, agree with me
We're all a part of God's body

It is His will that every need be supplied
You are important to me
I need you to survive
(repeat)

I'll pray for you, you pray for me
I love you, I need you to survive
I won't harm you with words from my mouth
I love you, I need you to survive
(repeat)

The beautiful part of this song is that it is next to impossible to sing it together without feeling moved to wrap your arms around the person next to you, or at least grab their hand. It was a beautiful sight to look around the sanctuary and see people of different races, backgrounds, economic status, etc. holding hands and singing about needing one another. I think Jesse Middendorf put it well when he said that God was looking down on us and telling His angels, "they're starting to catch on." Tonight we experienced a taste of the Kingdom. Let's not let it end with one service - let's live out the Kingdom every day. I need you and you need me. Let's live that way.

New at this

Well, here goes nothing!