Happy Birthday, Son

About 8 or 9 years ago, I remember a conversation that I had with my dear friend, Amy.  The conversation went something like this:

"You realize that when the kids turn 8, we're half way to driving?"

"Wow.  Really?  Well, that means when they turn 9, just a year later, that we're half way to graduation."

That time is now.  At the end of December, Jared acquired his learner's permit. Tomorrow, he turns 16.  When did this happen?  I'm just a couple years away from turning 40, and I'm cool with that.  But my baby, he's turning 16!  That, well, that's what I'm struggling with.

I love watching my children grow up.  I love spending time with them.

Jared is growing up and becoming a wonderful young man.  He's kind, considerate, helpful, loving, funny, caring, passionate.  I love you, and very proud of all things that you have accomplished.

Happy birthday, Son.

Happy New Year!

Wow!  Really?  Can it be?  I guess so!  When we all wake up tomorrow morning, it's going to be 2013! 

Twenty-twelve was a good year for us.  I feel very blessed.  We moved into our house.  Kids have been doing great in their bowling adventures.  I sang in the Candlelight Processional.  We saw family and friends in Ohio, Georgia, and Florida.  Chris shot his first Florida deer.  Jared got his driving permit.  I've been loving pintrest and have made a few of the projects from there -- including jar labels and laundry soap.

So what lies ahead in the new year?  Well, it means mom becoming comfortable with her baby driving. :-) Actually, both of her babies driving as Nicole can get her permit in October -- and she wants it! (help me!)  It will be a year to continue working on the house and making it "ours." 

What does 2013 have in store for you and yours?  It is my wish for you, a happy and healthy 2013. 

Happy New Year!!!

What's Up?

So what's up?  I can't believe that it's really been since April that I posted.  I've had many ideas, I guess that I just haven't followed through with them.  Sorry!  So what has been going on down here?  Well...

In April, I went seasonal at Disney.  What does this mean?  It means that I get to choose my schedule. I tell Disney when I can or cannot work.  It's been working out great!  I don't have to ask for days off for the kids bowling tournaments, for holidays, or whatever.  :-)

Jared spent a few days at the end of June in Las Vegas for a World Team Challenge bowling tournament.  While didn't come away with any wins, he did come away with a huge amount of experience which is awesome.

July, the kids and I traveled to Ohio for a week visiting with family and friends.  We then headed to Indianapolis for a week -- for yet another tournament for Jared.  For his first time at Junior Gold, he did really well.  He learned a lot about himself that week.

We were finally able to start the new school year at the beginning of September.  I want to say that this is the latest that we ever started -- and it felt really strange.  We'll still be able to finish early to mid-May; we just lose the flexibility that we're used to.

Well, there's been a lot going on with the kids -- what about mom and dad?  Well, things are status quo with Chris.  He will be heading out hunting this fall, so he's excited!  As for me, well, I've already mentioned work.  I also started singing Christmas songs again as a part of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.  If you haven't heard this before, go check it out!   This link will take you to one of many videos you can find on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtFr8dm3D_A&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PL01E299601FEDAD89

Home business? Maybe...

I've been toying around with the idea of starting my own Disney trip planning business.  I have an idea for a company name, but other than that, I'm not sure where to start.  I want to focus, not on the dates and accommodations, but rather on the trip itself.  Helping people to decide which days to go where, help them set up their dining ADRs, help them figure out where certain characters are for photo ops.  Though, I would help with the accommodations if needed.

I have so many ideas, but I also question if this is something that people would be willing to pay for?  If so, how much?  Do I charge per trip?  Length of trip?  So much for a...b...c...?  Guess what I need to do is a bit more research and go from there.

What are your thoughts?  Is this a service that you would be willing to pay for?

Roots

A good friend of mine recently commented about how she is just feeling like she's settling in to her home, here in Florida.  She and her family moved to the area about 4 months after we did.  I've been thinking about this lately, but I must admit that I have felt like we were settling in to our lives here in Florida.  It wasn't until this final move that I realize that while we're settled -- our friends, daily routines, church, etc. -- we haven't been able to put down roots.

Roots is what we need to put down to help keep us grounded.  It's what tells us that we're not moving anymore.  That's what I've wanted for my children -- and now it's coming true!  We're slowly, but steadily, settling into our new home.  We're learning what downsizing means (well, at least I'm trying to learn).  Unpacking takes time; time that I don't want to use.  I wish I could wiggle my nose, have 1 wish, and it would be finished -- everything have it's own home.  Since that will never happen, it's up to me to find everything a new home.  The kids are planning out their rooms: layouts, decor, etc.  It's fun to watch as they work towards making their rooms theirs.

Roots.  What roots do you need to transplant?  Which roots do you need to set into place?

It's August...really?

Well, the beginning of the year I did so good at keeping up with my blog.  And well, I guess life happened and I got away from writing.  We have enjoyed many visitors this year -- it has been wonderful!  At the end of March, my sister and her family came down for an extended weekend.  At the end of April into May, Jared and Nicole each had a friend from Ohio come down to visit for 10 days.  In June, Greg and his fiance visited.  Now, in just about 10 days, we'll be in Ohio visiting for a week!

At the end of March,  Jared and Nicole started their adventures with braces.  It has been a rough road having to adjust what they cannot eat.  Chris and I are not willing to "break the rules" very often.  We don't want to prolong the adventure any longer than we need to. :-)

So, what else have the Whittaker's been up to this summer?  Well, bowling...and more bowling.  We're currently at the bowling alley at least twice a week.  Both kids are in summer leagues on Mondays and then on Wednesdays they are practicing with 2 awesome, gold level coaches.  They are a part of an Elite Bowling team that will bring opportunities beyond belief.  The first team that was put together traveled to Las Vegas for a national tournament.  I can't wait to see what doors are opened for these two!

I promise to write more sooner than later.  I have many ideas running through my head!

Blessings,
B~

Nascar, baby!

I grew up watching Nascar and continue to love watching it still today.  There are some that think it's a redneck sport and it's boring to watch as all the drivers do is take 4 left hand turns all day.  I have to admit that there are some races that are pretty darn boring.  There are others, like today's race, that definitely carries some excitement.  I'll also admit, that there are drivers that I root for...for them to be wrecked! lol  Does that make me a redneck?  Maybe.

However, there is one thing that happens at every race that keeps me watching for years on end.  It's what football, basketball, baseball, golf, wrestling, and every other sport does not have.  What is it, you ask.  It's prayer.  Yes, there is a prayer spoken at the beginning of EVERY race.  The Nascar powers-to-be are not concerned with offending people.  There are tens of thousands of people that watch the race on tv and in person that could be offended.  If they are, well, oh well.  I'm not one to go out of my way to offend someone, but on the other hand, I truly feel that there are many things in this country that are done "to not offend someone."  But when that happens, you are going to offend someone...  Oh how I digress...

We, as Christians, are called to "pray without ceasing" and that's what Nascar embodies for me.  With the prayer at the beginning of the race is a reminder that it doesn't matter what you're about to do, but we are to pray and invite God into the space.  These men are working and invite God in.  Today's winner, Trevor Bayne, shared his is victory lane: "I keep thinking I'm dreaming. We prayed before the race. We do that a lot. This just shows how powerful God is."  This was said on national tv!!!  I was so excited to hear this.  I also saw that his team prayed before Mr. Bayne climbed out of his car in victory lane...  

Thank you, Trevor Bayne and the Woods Brothers Racing team for sharing your faith with others.

Thank you, Nascar...

Blessings,
B~