Snow is falling and I am caught up on homework so I thought it was time to update you all. We have been in Grand Island since August. We really like being back in central Nebraska. I finally feel like I know my way around town and can find most everything/everywhere I need. We love our neighbors, the convenience of being near the mall (ok, I appreciate that more than Justin), and being halfway between our families.
We celebrated Thanksgiving here with both sides of our families. It was a full house but we all were able to sit down to enjoy a meal together. My parents and sister were able to come early and spend some time with us. We went shopping on black Friday...Annie hit the jackpot for deals! We have a lot to be thankful for over the past year and the holiday was added to the list. We were so lucky to celebrate with everyone at our house!
We were in Omaha, North Platte, and Taylor for Christmas. We celebrated with both sides of the family on different weekends. Each celebrate brought some great memories...Isabella opening presents and riding in her new Little Tikes car, roasting marshmellows and drinking warm cinnamon rum ice cream near the fire pit on Christmas evening, being sick in Taylor (not such a great memory), and spending time with our loved ones. We were blessed to be with all of our family over the holidays.
For New Year's we were in Omaha. We went to the "boats" with Kevin, Becky, and Baby Kern! We didn't win any money but listened to a really good Pearl Jam cover band, drank, and rang in the New Year with style! We love those two and have really missed them since moving! Becky is due in April and we can't wait to meet their bundle of joy!
Last fall, I was at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital for my medical internship. It went so well! I loved every minute of it and really miss the patients, SLPs, and the setting. This spring, I am at Central City Public Schools. I just started last week and with some snow days, I haven't been there more than 5 days. I have already learned a lot and am taking it all in. The kids are fun! Most are really motivated and enjoy speech. They welcomed me with open arms. My cooperating clinician is extremely knowledgable and I am trying to learn her "tricks" of the trade.
Justin is enjoying his poistion with the NSP. His new job has a learning curve and he's taking it all with stride. He just celebrated his 30th birthday. We threw him a surprise birthday party! It was the best party ever! Friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and more were able to come. Justin felt very special and enjoyed the entire party. We were up until 2 AM! That's really hard for us...we are old and in bed by 10 or 11 PM every night. It was so great to see everyone and just relax!
The New Year always brings the same resolutions for me...but this year, I tried to think of some things I wanted to do differently than years past. This is what I came up with:
- Improve communication with my husband.
- Rid myself of negative thoughts about myself. I have improved with this in the past couple of years but I want to continue to grow and challenge myself to think positively, appreciating myself and how God made me.
- Handle my stress differently. I want to learn to confront situations and resolve problems up front. I want to learn to reduce stress and not let it affect my physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
- Show my husband and family that I love them daily. I know that my loved ones know I care deeply for them. But I want to make sure I am constantly giving love.
This is a good start and I know that it will be hard to keep these going. But I'll give them a whole hearted try!
Catching some rays!
Little stinker climbed up on my parent's patio table to look in the window. It was snowing and he REALLY wanted to come inside.
For some reason he thinks he's a lap dog. Maybe it's because we allow this...
"Hey, this is my new bone."
BatDOG!
Training for the hunt!
