Life at Home

I've been neglecting my blog for a little too long. For that, I apologize.

To fill you in on what's been happening, I am now at home. And what an adventure that turned out to be. I ended up being stuck overnight in the Omaha Airport the night I was supposed to fly home because of freezing rain. Luckily I had a friend with whom to pass away the long hours. I finally got home Friday morning, around 10:45, and headed straight to my chiropractor (a night on a concrete floor doesn't do my back much good). From there, we headed home to drop off my luggage (which I had to pay for twice...grrrr) and then off to the oral surgeon to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed. Welcome home Tammy!!! I really can't complain though. I healed very quickly, and was off of the pain meds after only a day and a half (and I didn't turn into a swollen chipmunk).

Since then, I've worked a couple days, and served my jury duty without having to report :D

We had our family Christmas party this past Monday, which is always a ton of fun. Josh and grandpa entertained again this year with their tradition of giving each other wacky, maybe inappropriate, and very funny gifts. I got to see little Cooper, who isn't so little as I had remembered. I can't believe he's almost a year already!! And Carson and Brianna are growing like mad as well. I'm so glad that I get to be home to watch them grow and to spend time with them.

Christmas Eve brought 3 services for me...yes, 3. I'm used to 5, so it was a little strange, but it was nice at the same time.

Christmas day was really good. We opened presents in the morning, and then just spent the day hanging out as a family. It was really relaxing. Then my mom, brother and I headed to my fiance's house to spend some time and have Christmas dinner with them.

I finally finished unpacking and putting my clothes away yesterday. I can only handle complete chaos in my room for so long. Oh...and I finished reading Twilight...at 2:20 this morning. I was reading in my bed, getting ready to settle in for the night, and then the book took a very exciting turn (April, I know you know which part I'm talking about) and there was NO WAY I could put it down until I was done. I tried to pretend like it wasn't that great when I started the book, but I will admit, I am totally hooked!!!

And with that, I must leave you. I'll fill you in again soon.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Going Home

The semester is nearly done...one final today, and then a couple assignments due tomorrow. I cannot believe this semester went by so quickly. And now I'm almost done with being graded...'cause you don't get grades as a student teacher...you just have to do the work.

It is so weird to think that it has been 3 1/2 years since I started here. Time really does fly right by.

I have so much to do so that I can leave tomorrow. I haven't even started packing my suitcases yet...though I did do my laundry :) I have four boxes of books packed to send home and there are still more books :|

Right now, I'm trying to focus on getting my work finished...and PRAYING that I will be able to fly out tomorrow night (there is snow and ice predicted for Omaha tomorrow) And I'm praying that my surgery goes well Friday morning. I really don't have any time for complications, so let's all pray that everything goes smoothly and recovery is quick.

And now, I must study some more for my final, which is in 2 hours.

LOVELOVELOVE

One Awesome Evening

Last night was great. Eric made some amazing chicken noodle soup from scratch (with homemade egg noodles) and Mary made some delicious chili and biscuits for dinner. Maria and Tyler came over to join us. What a fun time hanging out with friends and talking about life...lots of laughs.

Then I headed downstairs and got my paper written. Hallelujah for being done with that. Now I can focus on my Working with Parents homework for the rest of the week.

After completing my paper, I headed back upstairs for a break. As the snow gently fell to the ground, Mary and Eric imparted some wonderful wisdom and advice. We talked about how I'm feeling, with a big transition, moving home, quickly approaching, and another transition, getting married, coming up in a few months. It is so beneficial to me to get little nuggets of wisdom from people who mean so much to me.

I just want to say thank you to Mary and Eric for everything you have done for me these last couple years. I have so appreciated being able to live with you and be a part of your family these last few months. I always knew I could call you if I needed anything, and that has been such a blessing for me. I love you guys!!!!!

LOVELOVELOVE

Still Here

I am still here...promise!!

I've been away from the internet since last week Tuesday, as I was in Minnesota with my uncle and aunt and cousins (and grandparents...as a complete surprise to my cousins) for the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a great time, though it was a bit sad as this was the last of my 4 years in a row celebrating with them. Since I'm graduating and moving back home, I will be able to spend Thanksgiving with my family at home next year. So, we made the most of our time together this year. I spent hours making jewelery with Amanda, playing the wii with Kenny, quoting The Princess Bride with Uncle Jim, and enjoying good conversation with Aunt Kristi.

I just got back to Orange City last night at 9...just in time for Brothers & Sisters...and then it was homework, sleeping, work, class, work again, class again, cleaning, homework, dinner, some more homework, etc, etc.

And now I'm blogging to please a certain cousin of mine, and to put off homework for just a bit.

I'm down to two weeks of classes and then finals, and then I'm heading home!! I am soooooo ready to back home...even though unpleasantness awaits me. The day after I get home, I'm having all 4 wisdom teeth taken out, and then I have jury duty Christmas week. But I am absolutely definitely looking forward to being back home.

I should probably get back to my homework now. I hope this satisfies some of need of information/updates for some of you. This week is gonna be quite crazy...so I can't promise much else will go up this week, but I will do better keeping everyone updated.

LOVELOVELOVE