We still have a job

So, about a year ago we found out the Air Force was doing what they call "force reshaping." Which basically means laying a bunch of people off. They do it by year group (the year you came into the air force). They told us they were getting rid of quite a few people in Jason's year group and we have been very worried about it ever since. We prayed a lot about it, and we felt like we should stay in the military as long as we could, only getting out if they kicked us out. Many people got out voluntarily, but it would not have been worth it for us to do that.

So, Jason has been telling me that the AF said they would let everyone know in November, which we interpreted to mean Dec or Jan. But he was surprised today at work to find out that the force reshaping board results were in. He was called into the commander's office and handed a paper that says, basically, "You have been selected for retainment in the Air Force..."

We are so very blessed. There are many who were not as lucky, and we feel for them right now.

This has been a faith promoting experience for us. Because we were extended several times in Montana, Jason had to "compete" against fewer people than if we would have moved earlier, as we expected to do. Also, Jason's leadership the last year or so in Montana were really great guys who helped a lot with making Jason "look good" on paper, and we were so blessed that they were the ones in leadership positions at that particular time. Of course, it helped a lot that Jason came out of his training in California this summer as a "distinguished graduate." I was and am so proud of him.

So, we have much to be thankful for as we head into the holiday season this year. It has been quite a roller coaster ride of a year, and it's not even over yet! I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for looking out for my precious family.

As a side note, we went to the mall this evening to exchange a shirt for Charlee. We walked around the stores and played at the kid's play area. In the car on the way home, Charlee shouts out, "I love shopping!" in her cute 2 year old voice. All I can say about that is Wow. She is starting out a little young, isn't she?