Gods Timing

 Jay has bought a house!  And in 2 days (Oct 31 - Happy Halloween) he will close on his home and start a new season of his life.  When Jay graduated from highschool in the challenging times of Covid he flipped flopped around in his career(s).  He landscaped, dabbled with plumbing but in his heart he knew he wanted to be an electrician.  However, passing the test was another story so as we like to say he got in through the backdoor.  He got hired with the company he now works for as a shop hand, all thanks to positive enforcement from his best friend Aaron Neal because in life sometimes it really is all about who you know.  Jay worked for this company for a good 18 mos as a shop hand, earning the union hours he needed so he could bypass the exam and instead try to get into the apprenticeship program through an interview.  By that time the people at the hall knew him and his work ethic.  He got into the program and he's now into his 3rd year as an electical apprentice.  As I look back on my dear son's life I see the hand of God all over him.  He is a sweet soul who loves family, friends and most importantly his precious Hannah.  He is so aware of the character traits he desires for himself and surrounds himself with people who build him up. I remember all those years raising him and the worry I felt.  Would he ever learn how to read?  He did.  Would he find a job that would provide for him and not make him miserable?  He would.  Would he find a woman who would bring out the best in him, love Jesus and adore Jay?  He did.  Would he understand the gospel and the gift of salvation that is given to us freely by Jesus?  He does.  After all this why would I worry about whether or not the right house would come along for him but I did.  Buying a house right now in Jay's price range is challenging but as usual God opened the doors.  God's timing is so perfect.  I'm reminded of this over and over when I look at my children's lives.  Jay will soon begin a new season of his life and I know God has him.  God knew I needed these 23 years with my boy and these past few years after high school Mike would say Jay needed more time on the runway.  Well now it's time, Jay.  You are ready to take flight.  Your dad and I love you so much.  We are proud of you and can't wait to see what you do with your humble abode. Invite us over every now and then and call your mother.  

Bourbon Night at the Siebert house

On Saturday Sieb and I threw a bourbon party.  We asked our guests to bring their favorite bottle of bourbon.  We had a great time.  

 

A weekend getaway

Last Monday my friend, Erin, texted Jenna and I and asked if we wanted to go up to Wisconsin (where Erin has a vacation home) to spend the weekend.  My weekend was wide open and so was Jenna's.  It was such a relaxing, fun weekend.  We arrived late in the afternoon on Friday and went to a fun pub for dinner.  On Saturday we took a walk and experienced these views.  Saturday afternoon we shopped and that evening we hung out back at Erin's house.  

Jenna came up with the idea to get us matching jams!  We really had a nice time together.  

 

Fall Nights

 On Saturday we had John, Judy, Mary, John and our kids over for dinner.  It was such a lovely evening.  I love spending time with my adult kids.  

These kids!

 Faith came for a visit and brought Daisy and Curt with her.  Hannaj joined us and Faith got to meet her.  It was such a lovely evening.  I have been able to see Faith every month since April (except September).  It's been a huge blessing.  On another note, Jay made an offer on a house yesterday, however, as I write this he doesn't know if the offer has been accepted and so he waits.  Praying for God's will over this.  And if you're wondering where Nick is.  He had a fishing tournament all weekend.  He's so busy these days. 

LeAnne Morgan

On Saturday night Kim and I went to see comedian, LeAnne Morgan.  I just love her.  She is 59 years old so much of her comedy centers around menopause.  She has been such a breath of fresh air for me.  Her comedy is clean, relatable and down to earth.  I have watched her Netflix show at least three times.  Her show began at 4pm and she joked she would have us all home and in bed by 8pm, which gave us enough time to watch her show, get dinner and get home and in bed.  Now that is a Saturday night that I can look forward to! 
 

Washington D.C. with CWA

I just got home from five wonderful days in Washington D.C.  It was one of the most holy spirit filled couple of days.  Sadly my trip started with the horrific news of Charlie Kirk's assisnation.  Mary and I said so many times we were glad to be together with other believers during such a sad time for our country.  God was moving through our entire conference and we were encouraged by the women in our circle and worshipping our God who works all things out for our good and His glory.  I came back changed.  The picture above is all the women from IL and our CEO, Penny Nance.  

On our final night in D.C., CWA put on a "Red, White and True" banquet.  It was cocktail attire so Mary and I got dolled up.  We loved it.  

One of the highlights of our trip was lobbying.  This is the IL women with Darin Lahood's legislative assistant.  We lobbied on two bills - the mom's act and protection of women in olympic and amateaur sports act.  I really enjoyed being at Capitol Hill and experiencing what it was like to lobby with legislators.  Being able to share my faith with others and pray over our electred officials is very meaninful to me.  

 There was over 200 women at this conference.  We ranged in ages from 20 something to 70 something.  It was such a positive experience for me and I'm forever grateful to Mary who not only encouraged me and gave me a gentle nudge to get my CWA group up and going but she continues to walk alongside of me, being my biggest cheerleader.  I am so grateful to her.  I came back from this trip with lots of ideas and can't wait to see how this next year plays out for me as a CWA leader.  I thank God for this opportunity because I am no where close to being equipped for this role but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.