2 weeks. 10 work days.
I’ve been on an all-day trip to OSU Tulsa, 12 meetings (ranging from 30 minutes
to 3 hours), conducted 3 employee interviews, assisted in 2 more employee
interviews, hired a new employee (who quit before she ever got to the office on
her first day), and completely planned, produced, and led a ½ day training. Most of this was “new job” related, but many
other tasks and projects were “old job” related. Also had an eye doctor
appointment where they changed my contacts to mono-vision, and went to my youngest’s
Kindergarten Alphabet Boot Camp Fashion Show – all this meant several hours
away from the office. I am pretty sure on 2 different occasions when someone
asked me how the new job was going I responded with some version of “They’re
trying to kill me.”
But, I LOVE IT! The
challenges, the learning curve, the growing pains. And there are many. While I have some set
goals and expectations, the direction I choose and the tools I use to get there
are all up to me. I’ve already
implemented a few new systems and have a few more up my sleeve! My team has to adjust to new leadership,
too. I know they are experiencing their own
sense of upheaval, but we will all work together to do our jobs and make it a
great place to spend our days.
I am really enjoying being on the Leadership Team. It has allowed me to flex my creative muscle and,
an added benefit, to get to know my “bosses” better. We have laughed together, come together to
solve problems, and learned SO MUCH in the last 2 weeks. Not only about the job and processes, but
about each other and about what makes us each tick. 3+ hours in a car together will do that! Add to that ALL THE MEETINGS! Those first few moments while waiting for the
last attendee to get there allow for some fun stories.
Last year, I didn’t even know what a “Registrar” was. Now, I am one. And this week I go to a 2 day conference with
all the registrars across the state. Surreal.
Even if this initiation has been a baptism by fire, I feel really GOOD
about the direction my career is taking.
My supervisors and superiors have been nothing but complimentary of the
things I have already accomplished, and they are so supportive and encouraging when
I present a new idea for our team. I
know this is a bit of a “honeymoon” phase and it is bound to change. I am
really excited about this opportunity and about watching it change and
grow. I look forward to being more comfortable
in my role and the feeling of really knowing the job. Right now, every knock at
the door and ring of the phone is an opportunity to learn something new!
Thank you all for all of your encouraging words and
congratulations. Truly a blessing. God is so good. All of the things I have been through over
the last year led to this very moment, and for that I am so grateful. My faith is still being tested, but I know
God’s favor will shine on my husband very VERY soon. Please keep praying for his job search. And pray for my sanity as I continue to
transition in to this new role with it’s different demands.
September 22 - 25, 2017
Friday Night means FOOTBALL in the Fall, and this weekend was no different. The only thing different was a trip down the road to Deer Creek instead of playing in our beloved Pioneer Stadium The kids like to call it "going hunting" Since the Deer Creek "mascot" is the Antlers. It was a GORGEOUS night for some football. Perfect temperature, no wind, beautiful Oklahoma sunset! And, even after some pretty bad and overly home-cooked officiating, we left 4-0! Way to go, Pioneers! Lara and her student trainer crew worked tirelessly - even when the players, cheerleaders, and band were celebrating the win. They were already cleaning, loading, and making sure everything was ready to head back to Stillwater! The buses finally rolled in to the high school a few minutes past midnight.
Saturday morning, Lara and her hard working friends were back at the high school by 8:00am to clean and get ready for the week! No rest for the weary!
We didn't see Emma this weekend, so it's all about Lara this time...
Saturday, she went with us to Edmond to watch Little Brother (who is still measuring everyday to see if he is taller than her - he's not) squeak out a win from a terribly obnoxious team. And again - terrible officiating. They even switched out the refs at half time! Lunch at PDQ, then to Nana and Grandpa's new house in Perkins to watch OSU football. MORE bad officiating, and a LOSS, and that put a cap on our Saturday.
Sunday morning was spent doing chores and laundry until it was time for Jake to go to baseball practice. While he was in Coyle for that, Lara and I went BACK to Nana and Grandpa's new house in Perkins to spend a few minutes with my Aunt Brona as she was shuttling her grand kids from Kansas to Oklahoma to see their dad. After that practice and visit, we all went to church, After church - a fun sports baseball party for Jake's friend. Lara and I had fun wrangling Finn and his little buddies, and we played a long game of catch. We watched the bigger boys play flag football, wiffle ball, and dodge ball - as well as eat more snacks that I ever thought possible! In the middle of the party, Lara was called for a babysitting gig. Cha-ching! What a crazy evening.
So after a late-ish night on Sunday, it was a good thing there was no school on Monday! Teacher professional day. Lara stayed home with her dad and brothers and enjoyed a nice day off. Laying on the couch, watching, Netflix - and being lucky enough that since Deer Creek JV forfeited the JV game (the JV crew is now 5-0!), there was no football practice! Easy day!
Back to the grind - and it is HOMECOMING week! Good Times!
September 15 - 18, 2017
Here's to another Friday-Saturday-Sunday in the books. Each weekend the same, yet oh so different! This was a "Betsey" weekend - as in, my weekend to have Emma and Lara here at my house in Stillwater. Nothing much was planned, and we only had a few places to be on a schedule, so it was looking to be a relaxing weekend. In most regards, it really was. Nice weather, some down time, and time with the family. Just what we all needed.
Friday Night Lights was the first big event on the agenda. Our awesome student trainers even got a shout out on the Facebook page as they were advertising the upcoming game!
Emma came to Stillwater earlier in the evening, and the whole family made it to the stadium about 6:15 pm. It was a BEAUTIFUL night, and we were looking forward to the little girls from the pom and cheer clinic performing at the pre-game, some awesome Pioneer (undefeated) football, and a great "God Save the Queen" halftime show from our amazing marching band - all while celebrating "Pink Out Week" and raising awareness and money for Breast Cancer Research! Lara on the field, Emma with her friends, Jake with his, and Finn sitting with mom and dad. It was a great night. Pioneers beat Mustang and moved to 3-0 on the season.
Lara is so lucky to have a sister. A TWIN sister. A built in best friend, confidant, and someone to see you through to the other side. They may not live together, and they may not have the same interests and talents, but they will always be sisters. And Friday night, after the game, after the lights went off, emotions of the win died down, and the stress of LIFE as a teenage girl came crashing down, Lara needed her sister. There were tears, sobs, and cries for comfort. She needed me, too. I did my thing - I was her soft place to land. A shoulder to cry on, ears to listen, the gentle reminder of Whose she is and that He is always on control, some motherly advice and counsel, and she felt better. Maybe just a little. But then the lights go out and the door closes. And the soft words of sisters deep in conversation float out and can still be heard. Not what they're saying, but the tone and timbre of the words being spoken. Thankful for that bond. And that God knew. He knows we all need grace, and we all need a sister - by blood or by love - whichever he has blessed you with. Thank you, Lord, for the sisters I get to raise and nurture, and thank you for the "sisters" you have put in my life to help me, too.
Saturday morning, everyone was up earlier than they probably wanted to be (except Jake; I think he had his uniform on by 7:00 am). We left relatively early for a quick jaunt to Edmond for Jake's first game with his new team. It was a fun and exciting game, ended with a big win, and then we had to find some lunch to eat for the hungry crowd. We tried a new place we'd never tried called PDQ. We were excited to eat there as we had tried a couple of times in the past but since it was new it was always too busy. Luckily, the new has worn off a bit and we got right in! Great food, fun family time, and a promise to go back soon! Thank you Lord, for a family that loves to do life together.
The rest of Saturday was spent relaxing and recuperating. No one had any pressing plans, so there was lots of YouTube, Netflix, DVR, and a few books were opened. Finn keeps both girls pretty busy as he loves them SO MUCH and just wants them to play with him! I love watching the girls (and the boys) when they have "down time." Unscheduled, uninterrupted, free time. You see what they treasure, can get them to chat about what they love, and thoughts come out that during the usual hustle and bustle might be missed. The last hour before I left for a commitment that night, we all 3 just hung out in the girls' room and talked and laughed. There was a discussion about future baby names (Emma's not having kids!) and an assessment of the joke that ends in the punch line "Because Seven Eight (ate) Nine" that left us all in a mess of giggles! So fun! Thank you Lord, for relaxing weekend days.
Sunday was a bit cloudy, and some refreshing rain came down, but again, a wonderful and relaxing day. Mid-morning Emma was a bit bored, and she knew Nana and Grandpa were moving some boxes to their new house today, so she went over to help them for the rest of the day. The rest of us went out for an "out of the hat" lunch where everyone puts a suggestion on a slip of paper and the one drawn out wins. We even got our weekly family meeting out of the way at lunch (there is NOTHING on the calendar for Thursday - HOW???), which is a weekend must! A fun way to spend the early afternoon. It was back to family board games for the afternoon. Another fit of giggles came from our 2nd round of Apple to Apples when Lara couldn't say "Swedish Massage" with out a strange accent and/or misplaced S sounds. We all got a good chuckle out of that! I have to say, I love the giggles a lot more than the tears... After Nana and Grandpa finished wearing Emma out, they took her home to Orlando. We are so grateful for her servant's heart and her willingness to help her grandparents out. The rest of us went to Life Church for Sunday night to hear more about "My Big Fat Mouth" and being critical. We got home in time for showers, homework and bedtime. Thank you Lord, for your Word to guide our feet and a pastor who tells it like it is.
We all really seem to finally be in the routine of this school year. Grades are being recorded, clubs are meeting, teams are practicing. The girls are here one weekend and in Orlando the next. This past weekend was a reminder that life ebbs and flows. There are highs and lows, but He supplies us the tools we need to learn and grow. We are reminded that GRACE wins, every time. And being a teenage girl is fun, challenging, educational in so many ways, and on some days - just plain hard. Here's to a better week and weekend coming up. Thank you Lord, for the time to recharge our batteries on the weekends.
September 8 - 11, 2017
This weekend was the girls’ weekend to spend at their Dad’s
house. Somehow, I think I saw more of
both of them this weekend than I do weekends when they are at my house! Dichotomy of parenting teenagers, I guess.
This weekend started with our first home football game for
the Pioneers. Our first Friday Night
Lights. Lara’s first time on the
sidelines for a Varsity game in front of the hometown crowd. Emma and her dad decided to come too, since
they were taking Lara home with them after the game. The trainers had all
decided to dress up for the school day, so that moment had to be captured in a
picture.
Then it was time for business. Back to the blue polo shirts and khaki shorts.
Kick off happened under clear, sunny skies and the sun was
setting on a beautiful (although a little windy) day. As the game progressed, everything was going
very well. Pioneers were having a great
game offensively, defense was holding their own and had kept Moore scoreless, we
were winning, and there were about 7 minutes left in the half. That’s when the Moore Quarterback was being pursued
by a couple of Pioneer Defenders, and he decided to run the ball out of
bounds. Straight into Lara! In her defense, she was totally paying attention
and knew what was about to happen. She
took a couple of steps back, but that just had her running in to her
Pioneers. She was trucked, as the boys
would say! From my vantage point in the
stands, she looked like she flew backwards a few feet, landed HARD on her
bottom, then her head fell back on the track!
Watching that red hail flail about from the stands shook this momma to
the core! I took off towards the track
(that surrounds the field), but I quickly saw the football boys pick her up,
head ATC Aaron Harmon looked her over and sat her down for a breather. All the players asked if she was OK, the Orthopedic
surgeon came and checked on her and patted her on the shoulder, then the cheer coach sat with her for a minute, and a fellow
mom that was taking cheer and pom picks went over and hugged her for me,
too. I didn’t get to talk to her until
halftime. We were both pretty shaken up.
Damage report was minimal.
She was shaken up a bit, and MORTIFIED which caused more tears than the
accident. She did have some cuts and scrapes
and a pretty bruise on her left hand. Not
sure if that was from being stepped on by the player or from the water bottle
caddy landing on her hand when she fell.
She was sore afterwards, and she said she now had “mad respect” for her
football brothers who do that day in and day out for fun. Her little brother
Jake remarked how she handled it well, because she didn’t “have on pads or
ANYTHING!” He played football a couple
seasons ago, and he said he knew that had to hurt. Pioneers came out with the win, so despite the craziness, it was a good night.
Saturday was a calm day – the girls were out in Logan County
doing their thing, so I am not sure what either of them accomplished that
day. Sunday, we had all agreed to go to
the same church service at Life Church, and then Lara planned on coming home so
she could finish homework and do laundry.
Our Sunday ended up being a little busier than that. One of the girls’ really good friends had
been sick most of the week and kept getting sicker, so on Saturday night she
had been admitted to the hospital at OU Children’s for some intestinal
issues. So, after church on Sunday the
three of us took an impromptu road trip.
We got some flowers and a balloon for our patient, and some things Mom
needed, and headed out. We spent about
an hour visiting with her, then headed back to take Emma home and get back to
Stillwater for the evening. Even though
it wasn’t the most positive of circumstances, it sure was nice to have a little
girl time! They both did homework in the
car on the way down to the city, but they chatted and played music and kept me
awake for the drive home. Much needed
trip, just the 3 of us!
Here's to another week! Lara has JV football in Moore
tonight, and then we have Friday Night Lights here at home this week, too. The weather was cooler this weekend, but we’re
getting back up into the 90’s by the end of the week. Not a bad start to the “Fall.”
Last Thursday (Thursday, August 31) was a fantastic day. It was another day that the Lord made, and I was glad to be rejoicing in it. The air was electric. Working on the beautiful campus of Oklahoma State University, I get to feel the tangible charge and hear the unquestionable buzz in the air for the first home game of the OSU Cowboy Football season. Add to that the excitement and anticipation of the season opener for the Stillwater High School Varsity Pioneers as they travel for their first game to Edmond, and the enthusiasm was real. Evident in everything. It was contagious. It was exhilarating. It. Was. AWESOME!
Because of parking and other logistical concerns and issues that arise with a home football game in the middle of the work week, my boss had given me the choice of leaving a little early to avoid some of the inevitable chaos that would grow as the afternoon wore on and kick off at Boone Pickens Stadium loomed. My plan was to leave at 2:30 in order to be able to get to the elementary school in time to pick my boys up at the end of their day; then to make it to the high school before the team buses left for Edmond with the football team, as well as 4 amazing young women who work hard as their trainers. I had a special present as a surprise for Lara, Molly, Lauren and Lauren for their first official out-of-town trip for the 2017 Football season. I figured they work hard, and spend countless hours surrounded by stinky boys, so it might be nice to have something a little “girlie” for the first bus trip. So, I commissioned a local baker to make them special, personalized Pioneer Football cookies for the ride. Each girl got one with their name on it, plus a few others. I said they didn’t have to share the baker’s dozen of cookies, but they’re sweet girls so I figured they would!
I am so glad I was able to be there to deliver the cookies personally. All four girls were so happy, and Lara was beyond excited. She didn’t know she would get to see us, and OF COURSE the surprise was thrilling! One of the other trainers said, “I’ve never seen her smile like that!” So, for me, that was a huge win. Mission Accomplished. (After they got home from the game, I heard the report that the cookies were amazing, and they did end up sharing them with the boys near them.)
At the end of the night, OSU won their home opener by beating Tulsa with a score of 59-24. The three Pioneer Activity busses finally pulled in to the high school at 11:45pm after a fun win over Edmond Memorial with the final there being 23-7. Stillwater was impressive. Little Gundy at QB throwing bombs and the defense was in beast mode – held Memorial to 3 yards rushing in the first half and 67 total for the game. Britt and I enjoyed our time in the stands with Jake, Jake’s friend, and Finn while Lara did her thing on the sidelines. A good time was had by all.
While all of this was fun, thrilling, and cause for much celebration – there was still icing on the cake for that day. You see above I said my plan was to leave work at 2:30. At 2:25pm, I took a call, summoning me down to my boss’s office for a meeting. Initially, I was worried it was going to mess up my plans for the next hour of the day (my very well thought-out and choreographed PLANS!), but sometimes an interruption is all you need.
During that 15-minute meeting, my life and my trajectory were changed. Prayers became promises. Stresses were relieved and the weight of the world became immeasurably lighter.
I had applied for a “promotion” of sorts on the night of Wednesday, July 19th. There was an Assistant Registrar position that became vacant at the beginning of July in my office and I felt led to apply. I believed it was a HUGE long shot to entertain the notion of being awarded such a prestigious post, but like my Dad always said – “The answer is always NO if you don’t ask.” While I met all the qualifications, plus had experience here in the office, I was just dreaming and hoping for a better position to be able to contribute more professionally, and to be able to support my family better. A couple of weeks later, I got the call for a first interview scheduled for Monday August 8th. While I thought it went really well, you just never can tell. Then, a few days later, I received a call for a second interview, planned for Monday, August 14. That interview was INTENSE. Lengthy, and with many key players from the office. I left there spent, sweaty, and still feeling like it was a long shot. But, hopeful that I would not be enduring that mood for long, as I was told they would have a decision by the end of the week. However, on Friday the 18th, I got an email saying the decision committee was delayed in meeting due to schedule conflicts and it would be NEXT week. The next Friday, August 25th, I got another email saying they had hoped to offer the position this week but there was an HR issue that had to be resolved first. At this point, I had all but given up. Some moments I was SURE I was going to receive an offer for the position, but most days I knew it was not meant to be.
That is until my boss called me down to his office on Thursday. As I took the LONG walk from my work station back to his office, I didn’t think anything out of the ordinary was happening. He knew I was leaving early, and I figured he wanted to make sure I had everything covered in my absence. Then, he shut the door. That is always a sign something big is about to happen! And boy did it! He offered this amazing opportunity – TO ME! A new job with different responsibilities, interesting assignments, and a chance to serve on the Leadership Team in the office! Giddy, excited, delighted, amazed, and a little overwhelmed. I have a lot to learn, and I can’t wait to get started! So thankful for the chance, and honored that the committee chose me. It has been a long and winding road to get to this point! But, God! He is faithful!
I can’t help but think of the words Jesus spoke in Luke, chapter 16. After telling the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” My current position was important and crucial to the office, but I always knew I could do more! When I started this job back in March, I set forth to do the job with excitement and precision and to the VERY best of my ability. And, my managers and bosses saw that. A short 5 months later and through a series of extraordinary events, I merited the REWARD. But, God! He is so good.
I feel like a Phoenix rising from the ashes today. I can’t stop smiling. I can’t stop dreaming of a future that looks much brighter than it did a few days ago. I can’t stop praising the Lord of ALL CREATION who was faithful to complete this good work in me. This song is on perpetual repeat in my head…
By Your Spirit I will RISE, from the ASHES of defeat! The Resurrected KING is resurrecting ME! (Elevation Worship – Resurrecting)
My official start date will be September 18th. Some transition will occur before this date, and I will be doing both jobs for awhile as I work to hire my own replacement. Always a few growing pains with things like this. Thank you every single one of you who has prayed, provided, or played any kind of role in keeping the Weavers on a positive track these last 12 months. We still need a job for Britt, but some of the pressure is relieved and we can breathe a little better. Please continue to send job opportunities his way, and pray for our family during this transition.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And weboast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5 NIV
September (August 31) 1 - 4, 2017
Four Day weekend. So rare! And so precious. Sometimes, the Labor Day holiday comes along and it makes the beginning of school feel interrupted, but it is a WELCOME interruption. And this year, the kids got a special treat as it was a four day weekend! They got Friday off as well as the Monday holiday, which is even more rare. Everyone in our house was looking forward to it, and ready to make the most of it. Football one every level, the fair, a relaxed schedule and great weather! What's not to love?
Lara's weekend started EVEN EARLIER as there was an even more rare Thursday night Varsity football game for Stillwater High School Pioneers. SO, Thursday afternoon, Lara and her Athletic Training crew loaded up with all the football players and headed to Edmond to take on the Edmond Bulldogs at Edmond Santa Fe Stadium. (It's confusing - welcome to Edmond!) But, Lara and her girls got a special surprise treat for the bus ride from yours truly! COOKIES! Personalized, special, Pioneer Football cookies. These girls work harder than anyone outside their families will ever understand and they need appreciation, too. They came home with a 23-7 Victory!
There's no sleep for the weary, though! The buses pulled in about 11:45 pm, and these ladies were back at the Stadium for practice at 8:30 am! While the players watched film, they cleaned and prepped for the coming week. After practice, Lara FINALLY got the hair cut she's been wanting for weeks. After I got home from work Friday, Emma joined us for the rest of the weekend.
Friday night we loaded up and headed out the the Payne County Fair Grounds for a fun time at the County Fair. Animals, food, rides, and friends. So much fun. The girls caught up with several friends, and we stayed late. Successful night - even if it was unplanned and a little chaotic at the start...
Saturday was off to a slow start. Everyone was stuffed up and snuffly from being out at the fair grounds the night before, plus 2 late nights in a row! Once the girls got up and around a little bit, they went to Nana and Grandpa's house to help them unload their attic in anticipation of the Big Move in a few weeks. They are such big helpers, and they got Hideaway Pizza for a special lunch as a reward. LUCKY!
The afternoon was spent laying around, playing board games with brothers, and general laziness. Ahhh! That's the life. As evening crept in, people were making plans. Emma invited me out for a DATE! She had some gift cards to spend, and she wanted to spend them on me. We went out to eat, got $1 candy to hide in my purse, then went to see "Wonder Woman." We both LOVED the movie and had such a great time just being together, alone. Another very rare occurrence!
In the meantime, Lara was back out at the fair! Another friend invited her to go, so off she went! Different friends, different rides, another good time!
Sunday, we got up and went to church, then lunch - the usual! After lunch, Emma was headed back to Logan County. A friend was having a "Back to School" party that afternoon/evening, so she didn't want to miss that. After we dropped her off at her friend's house in Mulhall, we stopped by Nana and Grandpa's house to see how packing was going, then spent the rest of the evening watching Netflix and playing games. Ended the night with an epic Rustic Cuff Monopoly Battle were Lara spent a lot of time in jail and landed on every showroom (rail road) when her brother owned all of them so the rent was oppressive. She lost. Bad. ;)
Everyone slept in Monday morning, but there was still football to prepare for! Today, at Pioneer Stadium, the JV Pioneers took on Edmond Memorial Lara had to be at school at 2:15 for practice. 9th grade played at 5:30, then JV at 7:00. Between practice and the JV game, the trainers and equipment manager had a fun dinner and shopping adventure to kill the time. Both teams shut out Edmond Memorial for a CLEAN SWEEP for the Pioneers!
Here's to a FULL week and looking forward to our first Pioneer game under the Friday Night Lights!
