Restructuring

Warning:  Pity Party Alert!!!

The company that I work for decided to do some restructuring.  I was fortunate enough to survive the restructuring... for now.  I guess they didn't get the memo that I am not a fan of change, and that I have a tender heart.  My two immediate bosses were the casualties in the restructuring, and everything unfolded before our eyes.  The sight of these two people being reduced to packing their belongings into boxes pretty much sent me over the edge.  At some point, I think I was close to hyperventilating.  From there, I started muttering a curse word under my breath (I am not proud of that one).   Then, I think that I started praying out loud.  I'm really not sure what all I did.  We now have video surveillance in our office.  Hopefully, it won't be played back for me. 

Change is the pits, and I don't like venturing out into uncharted waters.  I have worked for this company for 15 years - my entire adult life.  I celebrated my first wedding anniversary, and had two babies while working here.  I think that is why I take it all so personally.  It isn't just a job for me.  My entire life is intertwined in this place, and I never should have let that happen.  There is also the fear that I could be next.  I could be the next one on the chopping block.  After 15 years, I have to start over proving my worth to the company.  What if I can't do it?  Just for the record, I don't work to bring in a little extra spending money.  I work to help pay the mortgage and put groceries on the table.

I have spent the entire day worrying about the people that lost their jobs, and for my own fate.  Now, I've decided just to go on.  Either I prove my worth, and they decide that I am an asset.  Or, they let me go, and I have the opportunity to branch out and learn something new.  Either way, it will be okay.

Miracles Never Cease

I know, I know... a family bike ride isn't anything new for the Fortenberrys and it certainly isn't blogworthy.  Oh, but it is too me.  Not only did Fred and Jonathan accompany me, but ....

Jessica came along, too!!!!  I wanted to document the moment, but she wasn't wearing any make-up.  I was only allowed to take a picture of her back.  Bike riding isn't Jessie's "thing."  She is frequently out and about in our neighborhood, but she walks... no matter how far away her friends live.  We were certainly surprised (and very happy) when she decided to come along!

The Last Day of School

There is nothing more tiring than the last day of school.  The kids played outdoor games in the heat for much of the afternoon.  This is how I found Jonathan at 8:00 p.m. that night!

The Living Museum

The fourth grade had a living museum the last week of school.  They put hours and hours worth of work into their project.  Jonathan ended up being in a group with three other kids.  They depicted Mayan life.  They had to dress like Mayans.  Make a poster that represented their group, and they had to research, write and rehearse a script about the Mayans. 

All of the fourth graders did an awesome job.  Most of them were not in a group like Jonathan.

Janis Joplin

I loved these boys with their clip-on ties.  Their sign proclaimed them to be the George Bushes!

Mary Kay Ash definitely stole the show!

It was so fun to watch them, and try to guess what famous person they were. You could see how hard they worked, and how much they cared about one another.  If they had friends that were being skipped over, then they would make sure to send people over to them.  It was such a fun way to end the school year!

Cannon Balls and Texting

My kids approach pool time in different ways.

Jonathan enjoys yelling "Cannon Ball!!!" At this point, he jumps into the pool with a big splash.

 Jess uses the time to enjoy the sun, and catch up on her endless texting.

Field Day Fun

Just before Memorial Day, Jonathan's school had their annual Field Day. I was able to join Jonathan for a few hours.

Field Day is the best day of the year!

Jonathan and I in the hot sun.

This game involved two kids with their head in the neck of a large shirt.  This one was a little bit dangerous.

The kids were instructed to sit under a tree and rest.  I found it interesting that Jonathan ended up resting next to FIVE girls!

My Hero

I am very proud of my brother.  He plays the trumpet in United States Army. There have been a couple of people (not many) that have questioned me when I've told them that.  They say, "Oh, really?"  Judging by the tone in their voice, they are really saying "He must not be a real soldier."  I want to say that I am very proud of my brother, and he is indeed a real soldier.  He has one of the hardest jobs in the Army. 

Today, I read his Facebook post and cried.  No one should have to go through what he does day in and day out.

I've put 300-400 soldiers in the ground. Really I lost count after 200. You would think it would get easier after a while but in fact gets harder and harder and harder. Every time I walk into BAMC with my trumpet under my arm, people look at me and tear up, cover their face or just turn and walk away. They know why I'm there, they know we just lost another soldier at the burn center.

Can you imagine having his job?  Can you imagine playing Taps at countless funerals?  I am thankful for the service that he provides our country.  I love you Jeff.  You make me proud to be an American.