Up North

Wow, it's been a whirlwind of a few weeks. We arrived here Nov 13th safe and sound. Mike's parents were so glad to see their girls and meet the newest one finally. They met us at the airport with so many sweet gifts to brave to cold air outside. Mike was still driving and he and my dad made it here the next morning. We unloaded the Uhaul and Mike showered and took off for work even though he had been up driving all night. The next few days were a blur of, "yes, I have that, I just don't know where yet" and "um, I think there are clean socks in that pile" and "Which one is crying?" but we made it here and I enjoyed showing my parents around town. Had a great Sunday at chruch http://www.emmanuelbible.org/ and am really excited about getting involved here. People are friendly, teaching is great, they have nursery!!!! Wooo Hoooo!!!

Three days after arriving we had our Grand Opening at the store. Just to give you a little picture. At openening we had 45 employees with less than 2 days training. Our opening week was the 3rd largest in Little Caesars history. We had people lined up out the door from our store past 3 others stores in the strip mall to albertsons front door. Mike worked 134 hours that week. Getting home at 4am, showering, sleeping 2 hours and back by 7. Grand Opening night he didn't sleep, just showered and went right back (second night of the week he missed sleeping). By now we have over 100 employees and some how still can't stay staffed. amazing how many people want a job but just can't work! =) We're doing the business of 4 average stores each day so it's busy but we've ordered extra equipment and supplies and are getting more efficient. Still learning how to handle things like scheduling and employee issues. We are so thankful for the work. It's been a long wait.

At home it's been a little different. Quiet as far as people go. Lots of training issues with Charlize the first week. Seeing some real fruit the last few days (saying, "Okay mommy" "please" "thank you" without prompting) Michaela is doing well. Slept 7 hours straight one time a few nights ago. Hope that starts to be the norm soon. I get internet at home in a week. Shang-hi'd Larry's lap top today and found health ins. and car ins. during nap time. Phew! Charlize has had a nasty cold that has been keeping us away from church and friends. Praying this will clear up real soon so I can start to make friendships. It's been a long two weeks of only 5 minutes a day of adult interaction. The guys are on a rotating schedule by now. Larry opens and Mike closes. So he goes in around noon and gets home between 1 and 2am usually. then sleeps till work the next day. It's been a challenge to try to keep the house quiet and our room off limits all morning but I think after he gets rested up we'll be able to have some good family time in the morning. It's going to require some creativity on my part to change my schedule so this time is used best.

So much more to say but I need to be dilligent with the rest of life. Thanks for all who have been checking in. I get internet next Friday and will answer back then.