Surprise.....I still know how to post a blog

I had a few free minutes this evening and decided it'stime to post a new piece of my life on the blog since its been several months. A lot has happened during this time, so much so I have to be sketchy at best. After 3 months of searching the land development field I decided it was time to search in other fields for work. The networking thing really does work. A friend gave me an opportunity in the HVAC field and now Iv'e been working locally as a parts and warehouse manager for about four months. The company is American Residential Services (ARS) and the job is challenging at times, long hours and some weekends, but they seem pleased with the results. Although I took a great salary reduction I am greatful to be employed! God is good.

The house is still on the market and by the grace of God we continue to make our payments and meet our bills.

We have enjoyed our summer seeing our kids and our grand daughter Kylee. As I write this we are preparing for her FIRST birthday. Here are just a few select shots of Kylee growing up.

April 2009

August 2009

August 2009 at the pool

Lunch at Oma's

Play Time with Opa

Cuddle time for Bailey too.

Now that it's September we anxiously await the arrival of Matt and Katies first born due any day. And of course wedding plans are always the topic with Courtney and Stephen which is just around the corner too. Denise is still very involved with her church duties and Angel Food Ministry, so our together time is very limited. Which reminds how precious our time can be.

More later......

First's in 2009

Just by chance, you stopped by and low and behold a new posting. There's my first first for 2009.

Well, the real big first for 2009 for me is being terminated from a job after 25 years. So for the first quarter of this year I have been job searching, as well as doing what I can to reduce spending. The house in on the market after two short lived, but wonderful years (http://corabettthomas.com/258) Checkout the link! Everyday I have some time with my Lord and we talk about His plan for us, yet another first for 2009. I have learned to trust Him and accept the situation as a trial for us to build our relationship with Him as well as each other. Everything around us has just become sweeter, and learned never to take anything for granted. I have a lot of lines with bait on the hook, but no nibbles. Although, I am excited for an application yesterday with Chatham County, Ga. as a GIS Tech. Sounds like a fit, so be praying for that!

Last week Sean and Jenny had Kylee baptised at Grace Coastal Church and she just reached 6 months old, another first for 2009. We get to see her a couple times a week and she is full of firsts. See Jenny or Seans facebook for more pics. Rolling on her belly eating cereal and fruits the princess wave. What a joy to see them grow.

We also heard that we are going to have another grand baby, maybe not a first, but we heard about in 2009 a first for Matt and Katie. Ohh boy it's so cool!

Another first, I got an oppurtunity to counsel my brother who is struggling with the same things as I am...unemployment. In February I got a chance to go kayaking with Stephen on the New River in Bluffton another first in 2009. What a thrill the history in rice fields and river banks. Very cool!

Not many pics or other exciting news from the Carolina's just beautiful weather and lots of reminders that God is good and will provide our every need. Thanks to all for your continued prayers!

Family Faces - Thanksgiving 2008

The holiday season has started and we embraced it in a grand way. We traveled to Chattanooga for Thanksgiving week and then returned home to Bluffton with Kylee's great grandparents, the Lindaueres and Matt & Katie, to continue the celebration of family. Many great meals, a couple extra pounds and a little work on the golf swing, some bowling and baby showers were just a few activities that took place. All in all it was a wonderful time. Katie made a comment that every time we gather with family she gets to meet someone new. Tim, Barb and the kids visited for Thanksgiving also. (One of many cousins from Denise's family tree). And when she came here to Bluffton she got to spend time with Kylee.
Now everything is quiet and the dust is settling (oh yea, no dust in a Dutch house), lol, we are getting ready to continue the holiday with a quick trip to Maryland. Then during the Christmas to New Year's week Denise's sister Dee and b-i-l Russ are coming to visit. A tradition we truly embrace. Here's hoping you also embrace family during this holiday season and focus your thoughts on our Lord and Savior, Jesus, who has given us all things.