Helping out friends

Kim announced last month that she was closing her store down (she's a military wife and her husband deployed. In order to be able to spend more time with her 3 boys, she is also leaving a full-time job).

The store is called In My Mind's Eye, and the link is http://www.inmymindseyeonline.com. Currently all merchandise is 40% off.

Thanks for visiting her site and helping in any way you can. (Early Christmas gifts ;) )

I feel so small

I have failed at my job as program person.
On 27 Dec 06 I provided Ch. Kim, Felisha and Ch. Page with a detailed plan for the weekend of 9-10March. I also produced a facility request for those days after receiving confirmation from the chaplain advisor and our speaker. What I failed to do was follow up with the CA's on that request. Yesterday I spoke with Sherene Fenton and
found out that the paperwork has been lost and therefore not approved or available.

The problem: AFRC has the Annex and all classrooms on Saturday 10March from 0700-1300, the same times we would need the Annex for breakfast and then childcare. We put in the announcements for this Sunday's bulletin for the special Saturday program, including childcare.

Possible solution: If the sanctuary is available, we could have Rabbi Frankel speak in there. Instead of Clyde's big breakfast, we could do a continental spread of danishes, fruit, coffee, and juice possibly outside in a tent. Childcare, if the weather was decent (or heated tents) could be outside in those tents as well.

So far I have actually spoken with David (fix it man) who talked about the "chain of command" etc etc. I have also spoken with Felisha, who says this is not out of the ordinary for our chapel.

It just hurts to have messed up. Knowing that I have much more work ahead of me makes it worse. Why me?! Why God?!

UPDATE: We will be having our program in the Sanctuary at the chapel. We have cut it down to only 2 hours, and no food, which is VERY out of the ordinary for our church group.

PWOC and Me!

Well, let's see. We just had our February montly program at the chapel last Friday. It was good as usual.

I ended up in the nursery/kids room with our Childcare chair, Linda. She had 6 little ones to herself. So, when the announcments started I helped her get through the "bathroom" break and chose to stay and help her out.

The room was mostly chaos, but we made it through the night singing "ABC's" and "Frosty the Snowman!" We read some, colored some, and kept the peace some!

Our speaker was Ginger Taylor. She is an old friend of Charlene's. She is a very powerful, insightful speaker. I just love the affect she has on our ladies. They just fall to pieces when she speaks. Our theme was "Stand by Your Man" (Jesus). The room was decked out in a pink wedding style. I even ordered a wedding cake from a local bakery. It was beautiful.

I'm counting down the next programs. Here they are listed:
March Craft Day and Program
April Program
April Spring Retreat
April PWOC Sunday - involves a large reception
May Craft Day
May Program - Should be installing new board members!!

Time..

OH I wish I had more time.

Especially to update this blog for my friends and family.

I have had a whirl-wind month, and it isn't stopping now.

Past:
Trip to Mississippi
Seperate trip to Texas
Server went down for a weekend, and LOST all the information on it :(.
Hospitality chair flaking out on me.

Present:
Valentine's Banquet on the 3rd of February
involves- 14 women decorating tables, the Officer's Club, cakes, food, etc!
Lists, lists, lists!
Need to scan in items for friend who is job hunting.

Future:
PWOC monthly programs - need to figure out what in the world I am doing!

ACK! I don't know what I am doing..
Hopefully, Maybe, I'll get good pictures of the banquet, should be fun, say the least!

2006 Christmas Trip

After a change in plans moved us up a few days, we have landed in Pascagoula, MS for the beginning of the new year. This trip has been very eventful. We have seen new clients, old clients, family, and new and old friends. God is Good! (repeat with me, "All the time!")



David and I helped my dad work on the house in Pascagoula the past 2 days. We were able to put down some sub-flooring, sheetrock on walls and ceilings, and today we should be rearranging kitchen cabinets. It is nice to finally see the house becoming more livable.

Well, Happy New Years to all! We will be down in this area for the next couple of days.

;) ttyl.

Christmas 2006

David and I had an excellent Christmas.

First, we did Christmas Eve services at the Chapel. That was fun. We read a passage of scripture together for part of the service. I also did sign language to "Silent Night". That was fun, until the choir got lost and so did I!!!

We opened presents on Christmas Morning. David got me 2 wall sconces, I'll put a picture up one day. They are absolutely beautiful!

I got David a shirt and tie set, sweater, a pillow/warmer for the back of his chair, and a WinTV PVR device. More on that later.

We went to Christmas Dinner over at Rachel and Michael Coggins house. She fixed a huge spread and we ate ourselves silly. Rachel gave us a nativty set. I just love it.

We came home and finally put holes in the walls. David and I gathered all the pictures, frames, wall art we had and finally put things onto the wall. We had fun and finished the living room. I'll take pictures of that too. :)

Ok, I'm off to make lunch..

Christmas Wish List 2006

Me:
Windchimes
Birdhouses
Flowers, Bulbs
Stationary
Waterford
Lenox
Department 56
Gourmet Cooking Items
How-To Draw Books
Candle warmers


David:
Alaska items (bears, wood deco items, pine, rough wood)
Seashore decorations
Woodworking tools, books, ideas

Christmas Letter 2006

~ 2006 ~
Merry Christmas from the Killingsworth's

We pray your year has been filled with lots of joy and happiness. Please enjoy this Year in Review!

Aaron started college after returning from the Navy last year. He's really growing up as he teaches the young adult class at our old church in Houston. He's currently keeping us up-to-date with the family while living with Aunt Jan and her crew.

Elden took at trip to St. Louis and spent time with Mom and Rick. Mom is happily celebrating "sixty years young" this year, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Dad moved to GA, then on to MS to rebuild our house on the coast. He's found a great job doing what he loves, while keeping track of our old friends.

Beka and Jerry took a 7-day cruise to Cozumel, Jamaica, and the Grand Cayman Islands just after Kristen (5) and Justin(4) started school. Kristen is growing up fast, and she is just like her mom, a social butterfly.

Sad news hit us during the anniversary of hurricane Katrina. Aunt Mary Rooth passed away at a young age. Our hearts still grieve her passing.

Taylor turns 15 this year. We can't believe he'll be getting his learner's permit already. Though he spent Spring Break and Summer with us, it's never enough time. He's becoming a fine young man.

Kayla graduated with her Associates in Spring and recently took another trip out of the U.S. of A. She's becoming quite the world traveler. She has plans to go to cooking school, we can't wait!

Dad and Jean are loving AL. We were able to visit with them along their way to TN on a Fall trip.

PWOC = Protestant Women of the Chapel = One very busy Christa!
Christa is the '06-'07 Programs coordinator for the women's group at the Robins AFB chapel. She's in charge of monthly fellowships including choosing the speaker, theme and decorations. It's proving to be a very rewarding and challenging volunteer position. Christa is also taking on new adventures, including singing in the Christmas Cantata and was a shepherd in the Christmas Play. Life for us has seemed to revolve around the chapel much of this year.

David is staying busy with Tux Studios picking up new customers each week. He's enjoying building websites and applications for the new clients. Our new home has a fireplace and David has become an excellent lumberjack! Wagner, our dog, will turn seven in January. He's loving the huge backyard we have and of course the cooler weather. He's mellowed out more, if that's even possible!

We miss every one of you! Remember the Reason for the Season and have a Merry Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

It is very close to Christmas here. We have A LOT going on this holiday season.

First, we won't be going to Texas for Christmas. :( (Sniff, Sniff) I'm still trying to keep my cool about that. We had big financial issues come due at the end of the year. I was able to send my presents to mom so she'll be able to put them under the tree for the family assembling there. I also sent out stockings too. This is a HUGE thing wih my mom, you can only get stockings if you spend the night and wake up on Christmas morning at her house. I also sent a video wishing everyone Merry Christmas etc. That was fun.

December in Review:
December 2 - Craft Day - We made 100+ Christmas cards for different charities around town. We also made 10 tied quilts for the Pregnacy Resource Center. The kids had something to do too, they used poster paints to create bags for all the goodies from the Baby Shower to go into.

December 8 - PWOC Monthly Program
Theme: "A Baby Shower for Jesus"
Food: Chicken Fingers provided. Potluck for Apps, Salads, and Desserts.
We had the ladies bring shower gifts to be donated to the Pregnancy Resource Center. We ended up taking 2 car loads over there. Wow, God is good.
We also had an Ornament Exchange, I took a lighthouse by Thomas Kincaid to Kinny who collects lighthouses, and she ended up giving me a penguin, which I collect. Life is good. God is good.

The program was with 8 ladies doing different singing and speaking parts. I let them choose what they would like to do. It is really neat to see how their different things came together.

December 10 - Christmas Cantata
AM: I sung in the 40 minute cantata. Pretty amazing for me who doesn't do public speaking. It was a fun program, very lively music. David recorded it. He's really stepping out in our world of the chapel as well.

PM: Christmas Play - Another step out!
I was a shepherd in the play. We had 3 under the age of 1, and 5 other under 6. It was fun and crazy all at the same time. I had 3 speaking parts too. My micophone didn't function, so I almost YELLED my lines.

December 12: SUMs Dinner
Single and Unaccompnied Members Dinner - Provided by the Chapel at the Chappel. Once-a-month. Long day as well, getting decorations together, food out, then clean up.

UPCOMING:
December 24th Christmas Eve Program
David and I will be reading verses and then I will be leading the last song "Silent Night" as we light candles around the chapel. This will be my first Christmas Eve service. I am excited.

Of course Christmas Day Dinner
We should be going to Ch. Rachel Coggins home. We have been invited a couple of places for dinner. It was a hard choice.

oh PWOC..

We're getting ready for another retreat/conference. I'm excited. Tired. Everything all at once.

PWOC Fall Focus

I have a BUNCH to say about the past few meetings. But, David says it's past my bedtime!

Sept: Kick Off Program
Theme: Unity to Let the World Know

Oct: "Does the Shoe Fit?"

Nov: "Living Letters, to let the World Know"

Dec: "Baby Shower for Jesus"

Jan: "Unity= You -N- I - Tie"
Objective: Focus on unity through a study of differing personality types andhow they work together.
Scripture: Ecc. 4:9-12 (NKJ) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But oe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up... And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Feb: "Stand by Your Man"
Objective: Either Learning to maintain unity in marriage OR Learning to Stand by THE Man, Jesus, being the spritiual bridegroom.

March: Sabboth and Tabernacle Teaching

Happy Weekends

Ok. Here I sit on a cloudy Sunday morning. I have been asking God to wake me up early (when the 1st alarm goes off). And, I seem only to be able to do so on Sunday mornings. Is that ironic or what?!

We have had a busy weekend. We helped pack and move one of our dear friends, Xavier and Erin. It is very sad to me that we only just began being friends with them. David and Xavier get along famously; Erin and I were just beginning to craft together. I am going to miss them much. But, they have God's call on their lives. They are heading west to Missouri. I cannot wait to get the report from them about their journeys and how God has continued to guide their paths. He's been so good so far!!

I updated my "ticker". I lost another pound by Saturday. Felisha, the kids and I have gone to the pool 2 times this week and swam. I had meant to on Friday but ended up being part of the move crew. We will try to continue this next week. Her kids are getting more and more independent in the water. Maybe Felisha will one day too.

We started putting together a website for Felisha. She will be making purses and diaper bags. I have ordered one from her. I even got to pick the fabric I wanted, how fun was that!! I will post more once I have her site more functional, of course I will be putting pictures up here once I have my bag.

Christa.

Things to consider

Well, too much going on to get into much detail.

We have friends moving to Missouri. We have new job prospects, one of which is in Houston. We have lots going on at church. Too much.

Our business is growing. But, it seems to be getting more and more difficult to run. Things are panning out as smoothly as it seems they should.

I feel like I am dog-paddling in a pool, barely keeping my head above water. Things keep getting crazier and crazier. It will end soon? Right?

PWOC - Kick Off Program

We also just finished our Kick Off Program on Unity. It was once again WONDERFUL. We have Becky Shirey speak. The board had heard her at the leadership conference. It was a great pep talk with major spiritual focus.

I used international flags to drape on the tables and chair backs. We have cheese and chocolate fondue and all the dippables you could imagine.

Once again, great!

Welcome Tea

The Welcome Tea for PWOC was wonderful. It was on Saturday August 18.

We had 2 hours to get it together. Eight dining tables with teapot centerpieces. Three buffet table with ivy. Ferns across the front.

I will TRY to write more later!

Weekends

Here it is.. hmmmm.. Sunday evening. I have had a long weekend.

Friday night I had a PWOC board planning "retreat" at the Officers Club on base. It was nice, BUT the air conditioner was OUT! So, it was *very* hot. We worked on figuring out our skills, passions, attitudes, etc. It was an interesting night.

I woke up early on Saturday and finished working on my programs for the year with PWOC. I brought a fan to the final 10-6 meeting. It was applauded. :) We worked more on our strengths and weaknesses and then went to work on planning on the year. One thing we failed to accomplish was to learn of Felisha's (our president) vision for the coming year, and then to state our goals for the year. We tried and tabled them only succeeding in making very generic goals.
1. To reach the women in the pews at RAFB chapel.
2. To reach the women of RAFB.
3. To strengthen the women of PWOC in their Christian walk.

Ok. Those are nice, but we didn't plan how to accomplish those. It was disheartening. There were many, "we didn't do this or that last year", "I didn't like this last year", "You offended me here or there when I came to PWOC", etc. I tried to make my comments constructive but positive. There were many prayers going up during the "retreat".

Last night David and I went to the Atlanta Bread company. It was good, I had a Greek salad. We then went to our favorite shopping strip and I headed to Michael's while David headed to Books a Million. We drank coffee and David picked up 2 more computer books. He loves that place.

I picked up a few things for next week's "work" Sunday for the PWOC welcome tea. I am getting more and more excited about putting that together. Since our theme is "unity to let the world know" I am doing an International Tea. We will have tea and desserts from around the world. I have asked Kitty to make some German cookies, Sharon to make some Korean tea and cookies. I will be asking Ms. Faynetta to make some lace cookies, and to borrow her silver tea service for the meeting. I am hoping to ask Ms. DiAnne from Mississippi to come up for the weekend. We shall see.

I am also planning on using tea pots filled with fresh ivy for the centerpieces. I will be making and buying small country flags to put into the tea pots. I will then make up a small fact-sheet about the country of which I have flags. I will put on it the country's motto, bird, etc. I am hoping to research some Christian facts or maybe some "Voice of the martyr's" info about some of the 3rd world countries around the world. This way I can put some prayer facts for each of the countries as well. I want to make up a few index cards at each table as well that will have those facts on them and make it something that the women can take home with them and continue to pray about. Again, we shall see. That's a lot to get together before next Sunday when I have the work day.

The tea will be on Aug. 19th. I plan to take lots of pictures and of course have an update here. :)

Anyways, today was the last day of our senior Protestant chaplain, Burrell. They had a fish fry in his honor, and of course we had a "hail" for our new senior Protestant chaplain Page. This will become confusing at some point. We have a Ch. Payne and a Ch. Page. Whew.. His family seems nice, we are looking forward to working with him at PWOC, he's our new guy! I need to get back to work on the house, that's what I've finished the weekend off with.

We received rain this weekend as well. Thank God, prayers never cease to answered around here. I've planted a few new things in the garden and around in the beds. I was hoping I wouldn't have to water every day for the next week. God is soooooo good.

Til later..
Christa.

New job..

Ok, whew!

I got a new job. It has consumed more time than I thought it would.
I am excited still about it. It just keeps me on my toes, and limits my time
at home.

The neat thing about the job, is almost everyone one of you has seen one or used one of our products. It's pretty cool. We put promotional sayings and icons on pencils and markers.

:) Anyways, I need to get my laundry done, and also work on a few websites with David before bed. I'll try to post more soon.

HUGS AND LOVE,
Christa.

PWOC program

We had our first PWOC program last night. Things were crazy in trying to get it together. Everything from moving from the chapel annex into a tent, to last minute changes in availablity of chairs and tables. It was crazy.

Our speaker was RIGHT ON TARGET. The program flowed and we had a good time. I am exhausted though.

:) I will try to write more later and possibly get a few pics up too.

new post.... holder

holding space for new post!

General Thanks..

We are doing very well. We are so incredibly blessed, I cannot put into words all the things God in continually doing in our lives. It truly amazes me.

Georgia is probably the prettiest place I've ever lived or visited. We have had round after round of flowering trees, bushes, plants, bulbs, you name it. I am in awe. I spend about 2 hours every other day outside in our yard. I have started a herb garden. A welcoming neighbor sent over about 10 transplants from her garden, so I've dug up new areas around the house to plant the various azaleas, wisteria, camelias and dogwoods. The town we live in is a military town. They are so welcoming and warm.

We have gotten really involved with the base chapel. There are 3 groups of people who attend there. The Catholics, the Protestants, and the Muslims. We are obviously involved with the Protestants. There are 3 different Protestant church services on Sunday, and about 10 different Bible studies to enjoy. I have really fallen in love with this group of women called the Protestant Women of the Chapel. http://www.pwoconline.org/

May 1st..

It's May Day. I'm researching what that exactly means. I seem to recall it having to do with War? and poppy flowers? I'll post more when I know more. :)

Let's see, I have lots to write about, and I don't have time. So, I'll BBL!

UPDATE: So, I was SOOOOOO totally wrong. May Day has something to do with Workers rights, here's a link to a full definition at Wikipedia.