Water!

I gave David my spray bottle and let him go at it! We had to change his jammies before he went to bed.

More China. Lots More.

Family, I wanted to give you an update on some changes that have taken place in my work situation.

First, a little backstory: 

For the last 5+ years I have been either part of or the leader of a team that has managed relationships with clients using our international services. I was the first on the team, and largely designed the role and team. There were ups and downs, many learnings (like I wasn't meant to manage people as they just end up hating me), and I weathered a few storms. After 4-5 years of doing much the same thing, I found myself wanting change. I began looking for other opportunities, and even had one or two that I turned down after offers were given. They were "stay the course" moments. I kept telling myself I was going to stick it out to a certain point, and if things didn't change, find something else. Things always changed in some way that kept me going.

Switch to very recent events:

A few weeks ago the entirety of our US-based international team was let go in a reduction in force, as they call it. All, that is, except for myself, for which we have been very grateful. Why was I spared? I like to think it is because I have proven myself as an invaluable asset (not to mention very blessed). Outside of being awesome (and blessed), I'm still around because I am being tasked with new responsibilities.

Now on to the present:

The short story is that there are myriad inefficiencies in our China business that are negatively affecting our ability to properly deliver for our clients in a measurable and meaningful way. My new job is to fix it. Oh, the joy of fixing broken things. Fortunately I have a knack for identifying the minute fractures that rupture a system. The new role is an answer to my pleadings with Heaven, placing me in a situation where I can more fully utilize my strengths, and further grow to prepare for whatever comes next.

And to the future:

With my new role will come a significantly increased travel burden. Given that the core of my responsibilities are tied directly to our operations in China, I will be spending an increased amount of time in the Middle Kingdom. In addition, I am now the sole member of our US-based international team, and the only member in our organization that is bi-lingual in Chinese/English at a professional level. It places a heavy responsibility on me to be in a lot of places. I thought last year brought a lot of travel, wherein it was merely a warmup to this year.

While we feel we are being very well taken care of and directed by Father, it is going to be a challenging time for our family. If you have extra prayers you can send heavenward, we would be grateful.

Oh, and if you get an itch to visit China, I would never turn down the company. I'll even sacrifice my king bed for two queens so you can stay for free. April and May would be particularly great times to visit before it gets hot.

Photos

I haven't blogged in awhile, so I thought I would post a few pictures.  Enjoy.

Picking up chicken feed is fun for all.

The boys had fun building their forts with their ice cream buckets.

More forts. 

Jacob was painting but helped the littles put big shirts, so they could watch.  It was pretty cute.  

He is really into abstract art.  It is fun to see him explore.  

Michael and Joshua had a great job at the Klondike.  And they didn't freeze!

The littles like to have their picture taken everywhere.  I should have wiped his nose first, but well, they were just too cute!

They are still enjoying building!  These are my favorite blocks ever.  

Joshua made a bed and built a person to go in it.  He even has a blanket.

Hyrum loves to play with Simon after naps in his crib.  They are just too cute everywhere they go!

I love watching the bigs cuddle with the littles.  

I hope all are doing well!  Love you all!

Blessed

Was more left than I originally thought. Feeling so blessed and grateful to have my family intact. Thank you for all your prayers. 

Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4 Active™, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Snow

I just thought you would enjoy seeing these photos of the snow.  Most of them you've probably already seen, but, now you get to see them again.  :)

As the snow began on Friday

I think this was Saturday night

Beautiful Sunday morning

Sunday morning front porch

After Dad blew the snow

Yesterday was a sunny warm day.  We probably lost about half the snow yesterday from snow melt. By the end of the week it will probably be gone!  But, of course, still no school.

Holiday photos

I didn't take all of these, but I had to share some of our fun holiday pics!

Hyrum and grandma bonding!

Hyrum was very excited to get new pajamas!

Our one big gift was these blocks and they have proven their worth.  We are still having fun creating with them!

They are so much fun that they show up all over the house . . . including my bathroom!

Michael enjoyed getting a big container of ice cream from grandma.  Hopefully he can go and build with the bucket today!

Hyrum took a fun picture of FHE with grandpa.

He also caught Joe during FHE.  

Apparently if you want Hyrum to like you, take pictures with him!  (Or give him treats.)

Simon loves all shoes including the Petersen's shoes!

But he also likes to read, and this was too cute to pass up!

And now he has daddy's shoes and hat and Jacob's water bottle.  Maybe he would wear his own shoes if I didn't hide them.  Hmmm. . .  

I didn't take enough photos, but there you go.  :)

Photos on a Random day

Ok, so I have a little time, so I thought I would upload some picture.  Enjoy!  Most of these are Christmas preparation pictures.  We decided to teach the boys to make Christmas candy instead of doing all the work.  They did a great job!!

Hyrum loves the star!

Simon loves the box, of course!

He wasn't the only one.  The box is the best!

I love that I don't have to decorate the tree at all.  Older kids are great!

This was just precious!

All done!  What cute boys!

Wresting on the floor is the best! 

The boys love music just like their dad!

The island is a great place to play.  And, yes, Simon love my head bands! 

We took a trip into Chicago to the Kriskindle market.  It was a great trip!  Especially watching movies on the drive.  ;)

We didn't have any bad sleep issues at the hotel.  Phew!  

Michael at the market.

Simon didn't love the market until he got food.

Hyrum is super cute when he sleeps!

Even Hyrum got to help make turtles.  Yummy!

He was very proud of his help.

And everyone likes a taste! 

Joshua was excited to make caramels on his own.  He couldn't believe I let him do it.  I guess I need to work on my control issues.

Michael had fun making toffee!  Yum! 

And amidst all our fun Joshua had a minor toenail surgery to help him not have ingrown toenails anymore.  Gross, but hopefully successful!

And since he doesn't like walking on his feet now he has been having fun with Knex.  Lots and lots of Knex.  

So much fun around here and now we are ready for Christmas.  Yay!  Merry Christmas everyone!