Week Rundown (07/17/2011-07/23/2011)

Sunday

Since Lydia was sick, I didn't run a church van. Instead, I got the kids ready and made it to church in time for Sunday School. Lydia stayed home from church all day.

On my way home, I took the kids with me into the grocery store to pick up food for lunch. We had sandwiches, the kids took naps, then watched Mythbusters before heading back to church.

Evening services went well. There was a teachers meeting afterwards, and both kids crawled all over me while I was trying to listen.

Back at home, they had a snack before bed. Lydia was still sick, so she stayed in bed for the most part. I watched an episode of 'Storm Chasers' before going to bed myself.


Monday

Lydia woke up feeling a bit better. Still not fully recovered, she didn't make into class. I took Malachi to daycare and then Mysia to daycamp before heading into work.

During the afternoon, my mom stopped by for a quick visit. She got to see my office at the radio station.

After supper we decided to play a few games on the Nintendo Wii before sending the kids to bed. We played Frisbee toss and bowling. I'll tell you what... the kids were good! Mysia beat me both times!


Tuesday

Tonight we played Mario Kart on the Wii. The kids did very well, and the races were close. We played five races before getting the kids ready for bed.


Wednesday

The day was good, but busy. Supper was quick, and we made to evening church services on time!


Thursday

This evening after supper, we played Chicken Feet Dominoes as a family. It was a first for the kids, so we played with our dominoes facing out so that we could 'help' each other. They caught on quickly, and we played several rounds. It made for a very fun night.

We got them to bed and Lydia worked on homework. I was a bit wore out... so I sat around and watched some tv.


Friday

Today was Mysia's last day of summer daycamp, she was excited. They had a picnic planned and it was gonna be fun.

Lydia and I both got off of work in the afternoon. We entertained the idea of walking the mall, but decided it was too hot to venture out, and relaxed at home instead. We picked up the kids, got some pizza, and came home. We watched several episodes of the Andy Griffith Show, and then let the kids play for a while before getting ready for bed. I did a grocery run.


Saturday

We woke up, packed some breakfast, and headed out to my parents' house. Ben, Ana, Elijah, and Jonathan were there. Mysia and Malachi enjoyed playing with cousin Elijah, and we got to hold our new nephew Jonathan. Of course, we visited and talked for most of the morning until late afternoon.

When it got close to nap time, we said our goodbyes and headed home. We all took a short nap. I then woke everyone up and we headed to the pool. As we paid and made our way in, there was a clasp of thunder. Everyone was made to get out, and we hadn't even gotten in the water! The rule is that they have to wait 30 minutes after the sound of thunder to allow people back into the water. They said there was no refund, so we decided to wait.

2 hours later.... we were almost ready to get in. The storm had passed around us, we received no rain, and the kids were bored! Then, out of nowhere, thunder rolled again. The lifeguards were sympathetic and gave us free passes for another day.

We came home, the kids were disappointed. So I said that they could have bubble baths and take as long as they want in the tub. That made them happy! We ate sandwiches, allowed them to play, and then it was off to bed.

Lydia and I didn't stay up too much longer, just enough to do some homework and things around the house.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (07/10/11 - 07/16/11)

Sunday

I didn't want to get up. I was tired. But I did it, and made my van route. Unfortunately, I only had two riders. Services were good.

For lunch, we went over to Me-Maw/Paulette's house. Lydia's siblings were there as well. We ate spaghetti and salad, then we all took naps. It was like a giant, afternoon slumber party on the living-room floor! Even though we napped for over an hour, it felt good.

We had teachers' meeting at church, then the quartet had a sound check. We practiced several songs to be ready just in case. Then it was evening services.

Afterwards, our church had hot dogs and hamburgers for all. We ate, sang, enjoyed others singing... and then watched the fireworks! They were great!

It was a long day, but very good!


Monday

After the eventful weekend, we woke up a bit tired, but we got around! Daycare, daycamp, college, and work... that was our day! For the evening, we had sandwiches, I then left to quartet practice. Lydia got the kids ready for bed, and I went to do a quick grocery run after practice. Lydia worked on her homework and was finished by the time came home. We actually got to bed at a decent hour!


Tuesday

Mysia was complaining of a sore throat. I took her to daycamp anyway... well, daycamp ended up calling Lydia to pick her up. So Mysia got to spend the day with Granny. She had a high temperature... that means she obviously had the virus that Malachi had last week!

Malachi wanted his hair spiked, so I put gel in his hair and spiked it. He went to daycare that way. He was very happy about that!

For the evening, we didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Mysia wasn't feeling too good, so she basically sat around.


Wednesday

Mysia spent the day with Granny again. When dropping off Malachi at daycare, the other kids were lined along the hallway as they waited for the restroom. Malachi walked in, and the girls all smiled, greeting him as he walked by. The funny part.. he was like, "hi girls...!" as he walked by in a cool, nonchalant type of walk! Oh my!!!

This evening,I ended up taking Malachi to church with me, leaving Mysia and Lydia at home. Lydia took the opportunity to work on homework.


Thursday

It was a repeat again. Mysia still had a high temperature, so she got to go to Granny's. Malachi didn't think it was too fair, but we reminded him that he got to go last week when he was sick.

Today was busy for me at work. We had the yard sale to benefit the Joplin Relief effort through Convoy of Hope. The station was donated a ton (and I mean a TON) of clothes. Practically brand new work type clothes, mostly for men. We sold shirts for $1, and anything with legs for $2. All the money went to Convoy of Hope... a total of $902!

Lydia had a sore throat all day, and sure enough... when she got home, she was not feeling well at all. She ended up having a temperature as well. She ended up going to bed around 8. So I got the kids ready, and put them to bed as well. Mysia needed it anyway.

The house was quiet. I'm sure there was plenty for me to do. But I gave in! I caught up on a few things, made a good night post with my iPhone, and joined everyone by entering dreamland.


Friday

Lydia was sick. No doubt about it! Mysia still had a slight temperature. Since I only had to work a half of the day, Mysia stayed home with Lydia. I dropped Malachi off at daycare before going to work.

After returning home with Malachi, we ate a lunch, watched some tv, and then the kids went down for a short nap. I received a brand new Bible in the mail from my grandparents. The one I've had is ten years old, and I've wore it out! They were able to give me an identical one. Talk about exciting!

During the kids' naps, I did some chores, played the Wii for about 20 minutes, then watched an episode of "the Revolutionary War". When they woke up, we played war with Malachi's army men. Then wrestled on the floor. I tackled them good! I let them watch some cartoons while I made some supper. Time slipped by fast, and Lydia had went back to sleep. I told the kids to clean up their rooms. Malachi ended up crawling into bed and fell asleep. I then made Mysia go to bed since it was bedtime. I stayed up a bit this time to get some things done before retiring to my pillow! Ahhhh.....!


Saturday

Well, I actually got to sleep in for a few hours! The kids got up and actually played nicely, not expecting to watch cartoons or Netflix! I'm so proud of them!

Lydia was still very sick. She hardly got out of bed at all. This virus was really getting her down.

I took the kids with me to my parents' house for half the day. Benjamin and his family were in town visiting, so we all spent the afternoon over there. The kids got to play with their cousin Elijah, and we also got to hold Jonathan!!! We had a great visit.

When we arrived home, I had the kids take naps. Lydia was still filling 'yucky', and had tried working on homework while we were gone, but it didn't work.

After naps, we ate and watched some tv. The evening went by fast, and soon it was time for bed. Lydia was still sick too.......

~Matt

SG POST: Working at a SG Radio Station (Part 5)

This will be my last post in this series. However, I will still post on things that happen, and my thoughts about things that come to mind. This post will give you an example of some of my future posts I hope!

As I mentioned last time, there are great treasures to be found here at KWFC! Especially in the record library. They have some neat things here. Since the station started in 1969, they've collected so much. There are albums here I've only read about, and how hard they are to come by.

For example, the station has the first two albums recorded by the Cathedral Quartet! Wow! And the best part... they're still in good condition!

So you can see how I'm excited about what's at my work! I'm surrounded by my hobby! How can one not be thrilled? ;)

I hope to pull some of these treasures out from time to time, take a good listen, and then make a post about them. I'm sure I'll find something to write about! So stay tuned!

~Matt

Working at a SG Radio Station (Part 4)

Working at a Southern Gospel Radio Station is a dream for me. Why? Well, considering my love for the music, it's a perfect fit!

I no longer need to use earphones while working at my desk. And it's not because I have my own office. The door is open, and the music is there. Of course, the music is the radio itself! Oh yeah! Plus, I can sing along... something I didn't get to do while at my old job.

Lydia convinced me to take the record player out of our bedroom and put it in the office. It's plugged into the computer as well. When I'm focused on a project, and morning programs comes on the radio, I'll pull out a record and play it. I'll even record it onto the computer, so that if I ever find time, I can digitalize it for iTunes!

It's amazing what can be found in KWFC's record library! I know that many of my SG friends would practically kill to get a hold of some of the treasures to be found here! I'll go into more detail next time!

~Matt

Working at a SG Radio Station (Part 3)

One of the duties that I have at the KWFC radio is creating the weekly email blast. When Dave brought me on board, it was one of the things we had talked about doing.

KWFC has a big listener audience. Many have email. In fact, over 2,000 listeners are signed up to receive the emails. So to keep them involved, I send out an email every week with information about upcoming events.
I get to utilize my graphic design capabilities in doing the artwork. I type up the message. I schedule and send out the email. It's a challenge each week, but I definitely enjoy it.

Over the past month, I've been able to incorporate prizes. It's also being used to test out our listener/email reader's responses. I want to find out and connect to our KWFC listener family. So far, it's been great.

For example, several weeks ago, I was able to give out a pair of tickets to see Ernie Haase & Signature Sound at the fair on August 1st. To enter, they had to reply to the email by the following Friday by naming two of the groups Ernie sang with before forming Signature Sound. It wasn't too hard of a contest, but it did require some thought and a little research. It worked! There are people who 'love' SG just as much as me!

Speaking of 'loving' Southern Gospel... just wait until my next post!

~Matt

Working at a SG Radio Station (Part 2)

Like I mentioned in my last post, I now work in SG Radio. However, if you listen to KWFC, you'll realize that I'm not on the air. With that in mind, you may wonder what I do. To be honest, I'm still finding out!

My official title is "Underwriting Sales Rep./Publicity Manager".

As a Sales Representative, I get to go and try and get businesses to 'underwrite" (sponsor) the station. Yes, that is 'selling' air-time slots. It's pretty neat, and it's a new experience to me. I'm trying my best to learn how to meet and talk with new people.

I love the station and what we do, so conveying that to others isn't hard. It's just a bit difficult to find business interested in spending money. However, our rates are very reasonable, and the station has a dedicated listener audience. If only businesses realized that! Over the past weeks, I've visited a number of businesses. I hope to get some new underwriters soon.

As publicity manger, I get to do a lot of neat things. It's where my graphic design talent gets to kick into high gear! Banners, flyers, posters.... website, facebook, twitter... Oh yeah! Just visit the website to see some of my work! http://kwfc.org

There are a few more things I do too... more on that tomorrow!

~Matt

Working at a SG Radio Station (Part 1)

Okay, after several months... here it is! My first post (in a series) about my new job.

As many of you know, I now work for KWFC Radio here in Springfield. It plays Southern Gospel Music, and also includes Christian family programing.

Southern Gospel has always been a part of my life growing up. KWFC has always been my station of choice. Every Sunday morning, the family would tune in before heading to church to hear the music and partake in the 'Mystery Song' contest. We'd occasionally win a cassette or cd by correctly guessing the hymn.

As my obsession for the music grew, the more involved I got into listening to the station. I'd call in, visit, keep up with the popular songs in the industry. If I could make it to a concert, I would be there. I was no stranger to the guys at the station either. Dave (station manger) got me to start working on posters for the concerts. Then, just before the new year, I got to design the calendar for 2011.

Dave then started talking about hiring me. I had always wanted to work for the station, I just never knew that I would! So, after several months, I was hired in April!

So... what do I do? Well, I'll explain in my next post!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (07/03/11 - 07/09/11)

Sunday

I knew that it was going to be a busy day... And so it was. I ran the church van like usual. However, since it was hot, the tire tread came off on one of the wheels on the way back to the church. We ended up abandoning the van and picked by the van driven by our associate pastor.

During Sunday school class, we had a "good-bye" party to our teacher and his wife. He is stepping down from teaching our class. We'll all miss his teaching and leadership of our class.

During the afternoon, we rested and then got ready for services. The evening service went by fast, and we were soon eating and visiting during the church's Independence Day Celebration. However, storms rolled in, causing all to retreat indoors. Since it didn't let up, the fireworks were postponed until next week.


Monday

It was nice to have the day off, but the kids didn't sleep in! Silas and Kristi came over for lunch. We played Wii and visited. The kids enjoyed playing the games with them. As nap time came around, we pulled out the Wii Fit, and had them try some of the activities/games. Silas is very competitive, and we had a blast trying to top each other's score.

For the evening, we got to hang out with Doug and Mary. We ate supper, played in the sprinkler, visited on the porch, and then ate desert! The time flew by quickly, and it was soon time for the kids to go to bed.


Tuesday

Malachi had a high temperature when Lydia picked him up from daycare this afternoon. Fearful that he might have strep throat, Lydia took him to the clinic. Thankfully, all he has is a virus with a bad cough. He cuddled this evening.

After work, I attended a packing party at Convoy of Hope, for the relief effort of Joplin. I was with the KWFC group. We packed clothes. It was a neat experience!

Lydia and the kids were watching Mary Poppins when I arrived back home.


Wednesday

Malachi woke up with a high temperature, so I called my mom. She agreed to watch him for the day. Mysia wasn't too happy that he was going to get to spend the day at Granny's, but we reminded her that she got to do that a few weeks ago when she was sick. She still didn't think it was fair! lol

Lydia stayed home with Malachi while Mysia and I went to church. Mysia wasn't too happy that I made her sit with me, but we made it through services fine.


Thursday

Malachi was still sick, so he got to spend the day with Granny again. He was feeling better, so Granny took him to Bass Pro. Mysia had a special time at daycamp. She got to go see the movie 'Rio'.


Friday

Malachi went back to Granny's house again. He was feeling better, but Granny wanted to have him one more day. Mysia wanted to go, but had daycamp. She got to dress up as a superhero.

The workday went by pretty fast, and we got home at a decent time. Abigail brought Malachi home and became the kids' sitter for the night while Lydia and I headed out for a date night. We ate some supper and then headed to the Springfield Cardinals game. Thankfully the weather cooled down, and we got treated to a 3 hour game! The game ended with some fireworks, and we picked up ice cream before going home.


Saturday

Lydia went to bio-life, I slept in. The kids woke up Abigail and they watched tv until I got up. After Abigail left, we packed up our swimming wear and headed to Lycia's to swim. The kids took to the water with no problem, swimming from one end to the other. We had forgot the sunscreen, so we were a little red afterwards. Lydia got burned.

We enjoyed the afternoon at church, with a party for one of college guys who had recently returned from a missionary trip to Columbia. Cory explained his trip as the slides were shown. It sounded like he had a great time.

When we got back home, we all crashed in the living room thinking that we wouldn't sleep in for long... ha! We woke up 3 hours later! We then got some things done around the house, got showers, and put the kids to bed. Lydia started working on the finances while I worked on some projects I had fell behind on.

We got to bed LATE.

Week Rundown! (06/26/11 - 07/02/11)

Sunday

I woke up, got ready, and headed to Men's Prayer Breakfast at church. I was a bit tired, but I made it through church services.

The family all met at Cici's Pizza for lunch. We ate and visited, and then headed to my folks' to visit some more until services that night.

The evening services focused on youth camp highlights. We got to hear testimonies and specials.


Monday

Today was busy for me at work. The website was down for the station. It came back up late afternoon, and we had lost some pages from the past month, so I worked on trying to get things back up.

For Lydia and the kids, it was pretty normal. Lydia worked on homework and I had quartet practice this evening. We're working on "I Love This Land" for the Independence Day Celebration this Sunday at Hillside.


Tuesday

Work kept me busy. There were more things that needed 'fixed' on the website, and this afternoon, I made stops at several local businesses. I'm trying to drum up some underwriters for the station. The weather was hot, but I made it through.

As a family, we had a relaxing evening.


Wednesday

The schedule wasn't any different today. I got off work around 6:15, and we barely made it to church services on time, but Pastor's sermon was good. It was about loving your neighbors, no matter the circumstance. That includes everyone... friends, family, co-workers, etc.


Thursday

Today was interrupted in a good way! Silas came home from Iraq! We met him at the airport along with family and friends. I had to get back to work, but Lydia and the kids went out for lunch with everyone else to celebrate Silas' return. They then when home and took naps while Lydia worked on homework.

I came home and we did chores around the house. The kids watched some tv, and we got them to bed at a decent time.


Friday

I picked Malachi up from daycare when I got off work. We played 'army men' while waiting for Lydia and Mysia to come home. We got ready and left for family picnic at Lydia's Uncle and Aunt's house. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, chicken, and a whole lot of sides! The kids played and played while we visited. As soon as it got dark, the kids played with sparklers. I was the one in charge of lighting them. I got several burn marks on my fingers to prove my involvement.

The kids were wore out by the time we got home. So it was straight to bed!


Saturday

Lydia went to bio-life, and I made the kids pick up their rooms. Malachi was complaining about his foot. Come to find out, he had a huge splinter in it from last night. It took some fighting, and some tears, but we finally pulled it out. He limped for the rest of the day.

I worked on the kids' bikes, fixing the training wheels, etc. It was hot outside! We then retired to the air-conditioning and took naps. We did a grocery run as a family before heading over to my folks' house. We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, while enjoying the pool. We had a bit of a light summer shower that lasted for 20 minutes, but it was so hot outside, it didn't change anything.

We visited for a while as it got dark. We then packed up and headed home for showers and bed.

Clowning Around

Well, as you can see, the kids were clowning around the other day!

I just can't figure out where they get it from.......

~Matt