I decided I couldn't mention my kids without putting some updated photos on my space.

Here is a picture of (left to right) Matthew, Jacob, and Joshua.

I also had to include this picture of Sarah, as she is a real trooper playing goalie during a heavy rain storm.

And finally, here is a picture of Matthew also playing goalie during soccer practice.

Earlier this year my manager Rick asked if I would be willing to go over to Operations for a few months to help out while members of the team were out on family leave. This was a win-win because I would get more familiar with the Operations tools, and they would get the help of an experienced System Administrator. My time in Operations is almost at an end and I have learned a lot, and kept very busy.

This last few months I have also attended Wood Badge which is advanced training for Boy Scout Leaders. I learned quite a bit about how a scout troop should run, and am starting to implement several of the principles with the young men I work with. At Wood Badge I created a ticket (goal list) of 5 things I can accomplish to help my Venture Crew progress and help me be a better leader. It was a great experience and I would suggest it to every scout leader.

On the personal front my wife and I are about to celebrate our 8th anniversary. I can honestly say that I love her even more today then the day we married. Rebecca is an amazing person and she does a tremendous amount to keep our family running. She can be hard on herself at times, but she really is a great wife, mother, and woman. She was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes about two months ago. This has been a challenge to her and to the family, but I am confident we can work together and make the changes needed to help her keep the illness under control.

My kids continue to get older. My two oldest played soccer this year and they seem to have had a great time. My oldest also started 2nd grade and she seems to be doing well in school. Jacob and Joshua (youngest) both started pre-school this year. It is very exciting to see them growing up and acting more like little boys than toddlers. It also makes me feel old.

Right now my family is getting ready to travel to California for Christmas. I am not looking forward to the drive, but I think it will be nice to visit with the family. We are thinking about taking the kids to Legoland while we are there. Hopefully we will  make the trip in safety and the car will function as it should. I'd better get back to work, but I wanted to catch everyone up.