2017 Reflections

This year included major steps in rebalancing. It is strange to think back to the beginning of the year when I felt anxious and empty. Anxious about leaving the security of PepsiCo, starting a new job, making a good impression with my new Team when I knew I was starting with an empty tank, second-guessing my decision to take a step backwards in my career progression, worried about Jack Ranger and his emotional maturity and reading ability which might require a second year of kindergarten, concern for my Mom's health, and concern with my own health (aka, kidney stones are the WORST!). Empty because I was running on fumes due to the hours involved with wrapping up my role at PepsiCo; I felt like I was doing a lot of things in my life mediocrely and nothing exceptionally; in my world of juggling career and family a few balls including friendships and my own health had dropped; and I felt like I had no space for passions like writing and non-profit work. I knew I needed to make a change and I felt 100% that I was divinely led to Southwest Airlines. I knew God would help me put the pieces together, but I was hopeful I wouldn't sabotage the good things underway while I was also trying to refill my cup.

The first few months were a difficult transition. I wasn't used to working consistent hours every day in an office, I had to recalibrate my style and approach because what works as a Leader at PepsiCo is very different than what works at Southwest (that is a good thing, but still requires a personal change), and I still needed to give my little people lots of time and attention while trying to navigate building new work relationships. But I found myself slowly unwinding, gradually coming home without being exhausted, and finding some space for reconnecting with friends and planning for things I love. My first hint of progress was when I found myself wearing jeans for a whole week! I rarely ever wore jeans before and I am not sure I could ever go back. Then, I noticed I was laughing more at work. My friends at work are hilarious and they are encouraging, authentic and truly funny. When I came into work after our weekend at Fossil Rim nature reserve and my cube was "ostriched" it was the best thing ever. I significantly underestimated the impact that laughter and fun would have on my feelings about going to work every day. Finally, in late summer, I asked Grant if he wanted to go on a weekend away with me and I was actually excited about it! Being away for a weekend is often difficult because if I am too busy during the week and then gone for a weekend and then straight back into a workweek, it makes me feel like I am not able to connect with the kids enough for them or for me. The kids get clingy, I get tired, and the whole thing unravels pretty quick. But, I was feeling like the kids were good and I was ready for a little time away with my handsome guy! It was lovely to finally be able to enjoy getting away for a weekend. It may sound small, but it was big for me and I know it also meant a lot to Grant.

As I look back on the year, Southwest really did enable me to make a big step in the right direction for rebalancing my time and priorities. I started this year feeling anxious and empty and I am ending the year feeling energized and peaceful. I feel energized about what will come in 2018 for my job and for my family. We will go back to the new UP elementary school (hopefully), we will go to Horn Creek which is so meaningful to me, I anticipate that I will be able to pick back up the health ball that I dropped, and my best friend from college is having a baby! I feel peaceful about our home; where the kids are in their faith and learning; and content in living our crazy and happy life with my BFF - Grant Walsh. I am not super excited about turning 40, but it is at least nice to approach that milestone without regret. There are so many, many, many little things in my life right now that add up to so much happiness and peace. Things like my Mom and Dad living across our alley, getting in the hot tub most nights with Grant, finally getting a new couch, my super short work commute, serving on the Sky Ranch Board, watching Grant, the kids, and my parents take full advantage of the SWA travel privileges, walking to the grocery store and parks, seeing Cadie's love of reading grow, being amazed by Jack Ranger's intellect and curiosity, hearing Colton yell "I'n OK" when he falls about 20 times a day, being able to trust and rely on sweet Peyton so fully, being proud of Grant as Culhane Meadows continues to grow, and easily falling asleep at night knowing that my little family is in the palm of God's hand.

Thank you God for a beautiful 2017. Thank you for the change you orchestrated in my life, thank you for more time here on earth with my Mom, thank you for filling my cup back up. Please help me to continue to seek your face, put loving you and loving others in the center of my life, and guide my little people to a deeper relationship with you.

Grant turns 40!

I couldn't let Grant's 40th birthday go by without honoring him. I hoped to make the party at Kaze a surprise, but Grant was on to me when I wouldn't take a last minute family trip to San Diego. He wanted to leave on Christmas Day! He mentioned it to me when I was cleaning up from our Christmas Day brunch and apparently it is suspicious to not agree to haul your three kids off to LEGOLAND at the drop of a hat on Christmas Day. Anyway, he guessed I was up to something, but I think he still felt special that so many friends and family would come to share the evening with us.

The evening was memorable and included hibachi, sushi, karaoke, toasts, Grant hitting the gong, and red velvet cake. I wish I had more pictures, but I was too busy having fun!

It was a good thing I had the party planned, because the day really didn't start off strong. Colton was sick with the flu and Grant was on rug cleanup duty. Grant sure is a cute Dad! Grant and I also stuck off for a movie during the day. Molly's Game was a good diversion and we knew Peyton could handle the little ones. They were actually pretty easy during the day because the main ick had passed and they were mostly just quiet and resting.

Christmas Fun

What an incredible Christmas season!
- Santa at Snider Plaza tree lighting - always a favorite tradition.
- Colton and cousin Parker at Pi Phi Santa with DD. What did Santa say that was so funny to Colton?
- Gingerbread fun with Peyton.
- Colton as a Wiseman in the school chapel, Jack Ranger as Joseph at the church Advent Festival (he was supposed to be the Innkeeper, but Joseph's parents forgot and JR did an awesome job stepping into the lead role - lol ), Cadie as one of "Nine Ladies Dancing" in her 3rd grade school musical.
- Celebrating with Nina and Papa before they left for Athens.
- Selling Mistletoe - the kids made $401! Not too shabby. JR was the top salesman.
- Grant and JR braving Six Flags Holiday in the Park in the freezing cold.
- Erin having fun with her Southwest friends
- Christmas Eve at DD and Big John's

All in all, a really wonderful time of the year.

Daisy - Our Tortoise Friend

Cadie wanted a pet SOOOOOOO badly for her 9th birthday. What she really wanted was a little pot-belly pig. She even did a campaign at the house with pig drawings everywhere. The pig was a no-go, but she finally got the best of me and convinced me to get her a Tortoise. We were going to get a turtle, but a little research revealed that a tortoise is a bit easier to care for since they don't require water to swim in within their habitat. We got Daisy the Tortoise at PetSmart and Cadie seems to really love her. We even put short fencing around one of the vegetable gardens so that Daisy can safely spend sunny afternoons outside. Daisy seems to be quite happy living in her Rubbermaid in her Rubbermaid by the playroom window.

Sky Ranch Family Weekend

Sky Ranch Family weekend was even more fun than I expected. It helped that the weather was incredible and that our good friends, The Jameson's, came with us. We caravanned to Sky Ranch and although we were a smidge late for check-in due a late start and a Buc-ees stop, we made it just in time for dinner. After dinner we quickly checked in our rooms (which were surpassingly nice). As we were getting situated in our rooms, Cadie realized we had left her brand new retainer on the dinner table! She and I rushed back to the dining hall. We dug through all the trash with two of the sweetest counselors ever and we found it in the 5th and final trash can. I was so relieved and we were just in time to go to the family devotion time and then Night Zip-Lining! The Dads did not do the zip lines, but the Moms and big kids had a great time.

Saturday morning was an early breakfast, devotion time, and then on to lots of activities. We started off with Laser Tag. I think the kids liked the idea of it, but none of us were really sure how to play. It was only about 30 minutes which was good because we didn't know what we were doing. Then, we did the vertical which was basically a high-ropes course. It was a huge hit and the kids didn't want to leave even though we had played for over an hour and a half. I stayed put on the ground, but Grant made it all the way to the top! The kids were all monkeys and Colton even did the big swing.

Saturday afternoon we did Bazooka ball which was a total blast. It was basically paint guns but retrofitted with small, soft nerf balls. We all loved it. We also did the jumping pillow, maze, Christmas crafts and took a short nap before dinner. After dinner we had family pictures and minute-to-win-it game time. Grant helped kids make rockets all afternoon and evening for the big rocket blast on Sunday morning. We stayed up late on Saturday chatting and playing outside. Thankfully, Sunday was a sleep in late day, but we still had to wake the kids up around 9:15am for a 9:30 brunch.

On Sunday we had a short talk, shot our rockets and then packed up to head home. Of course, Grant and the kids rockets went the farthest! We got back home around 2pm and had a few hours to get laundry started and school bags ready for 5pm choir practice.

It was a wonderful weekend and I hope we can make it a tradition. I loved the change in scenery, the sweet counselors, the opportunity to spend so much time outside, and chance to deepen friendships. I also love how Sky Ranch helps us as parents to keep bringing our kids to Christ and infusing the Bible and God's love into their hearts and minds. Plus, camp is so FUN!

PS - Thanks to Nina for the awesome Elf jammies. They were a huge hit and I think the best family Christmas picture ever.