WOW!

That's all i really have to say.

I feel rather sheepish about beginning yet again. But here it is. It has only been what four months since the last time I posted anything.

Summer was...yes it was. A bunch of here and there and fixing and thinking and hoping and praying. We met some new people, who happen to be good people. We fixed our roof. Silly shingles. We relaxed and played. It was a good summer all told.

Things are finally settling into a routine at work and home. The start of school has been a little bit of crazy. Working in food service at a college has some perks. I mean who can say to to summers sort of off? But, students seem to be arriving earlier than they have in the past, and in greater numbers. This is all fine and dandy, but when you add early arrivals to some major changes at the Grille (which I happen to be in charge of), to special diet needs on campus (which I also happen to be in charge of), to making sure that our student work-study staff is in place and provided for as well as scheduled (which, yes, also happens to be my responsibility), and add to that catering Dordt and outside events which are again part of my responsibilities, and the general day to day duties. It has made for an incredibly busy last three weeks of my life. Think at least one 80+ hour week (more likely it as 90-100+ but I'm not entirely sure).

But, for all that it has been a wonderfully encouraging start of the semester. Sure I've made my share of mistakes, sometimes I think I make a lot more than I do, but it has gone great. The changes that we've made at the Grille seem to have gone over well with students. The staff has really embraced them as well and take pride in what they are doing. That whole process has been quite eye opening to me and was a great learning experience. I learned a lot about examining spaces for flow and process. I learned that there are a ton of things that I still have to learn even though I am the one in charge. I've learned that all of your positive words mean nothing to have the right systems in place that allow people to work in an environment that is busy, yet friendly, that works much like a family. I've learned that the sound of laughter in the work place is as welcome a sound as is the laughter from my daughter.

We are excited to have had good friends move back to the area. As much as it sucks for them, we are excited to have them back around. It is good to get together with them and their son (who happens to be about 9 months older than Addie is).

Once upon a time I had hoped to gather a list of words that Addie knows. I don't think that I could remember them all any more. So I think I am going to scrap that plan. I don't know if it counts but she had a 5 word sentence just tonight. Wow! Daddy Burp excuse me. That's what she said. Really.

For those of you who don't know we are expecting another mini soon. As in any time between now and the end of September. The due date is technically the 20th. But, anyone who has had a baby probably knows that those babies are not bound by doctors telling them when to come out.

Anyway, peace. If anyone reads this and would care to comment please do.