2011-- year in review

This year, Grant and I finally got away! Most significantly we celebrated our 10 year anniversary in Peru. Our type of vacation was spent hiking through Machu Picchu and learning about the Incans. We also returned to Ripon College in Wisconsin to celebrate ten years post college graduation. We completed our first 5K together, and I was the second female. (No one needs to know that there was not a lot of women running.)

Grant is still the department chair for social studies and has been at the same school since we got married. He received a federal grant that allowed him to have multiple vacations business trips this year. He studied at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut. He also studied witchcraft, Colonialism, and Puritanism in Massachusetts. The summer trip allowed him to visit a long distance cousin. Most recently, he returned from Washington D.C. With all the pictures that he brought home, you could tell the history buff felt right at home. I am also happy to report that this was Grant's first winning season in 7 years, and all 5 of his lineman starters were state recognized.

I graduated with my post-master's certificate as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in May. After three degrees after my bachelor's degree, I am done... for now. I am been practicing as nurse practitioner in neurosurgery for the past six months. I have been trying to balance work and home, and I am so grateful for changes within my department which has allowed me to be home for the past 2 weeks. I am currently serving in children ministry/ primary in my church. I have received the Banner Health Community Service award for 2 years in a row.

Raea is in fourth grade. She is now playing the viola. This was Raea's first year in competitive, year round soccer. She has enjoyed multiple tournaments all over the valley, which reminds me too much of my days playing club. She is amazing, mature, and loving. She makes our house more peaceful.

Ethan is in first grade. We have been blessed to realize he is a genius with a mind that never stops. (My first suspicion was when he was reading at four, and it wasn't because of me teaching him.) He is a member of the after school chess team and lego team. It was amazing to see his growth on the soccer field. He just started his basketball season. He is growing both mentally and physically. He also has the biggest heart and adds patience and out of the box thinking to our house.

Larissa is in Kindergarten. It is so great to have the same great Kindergarten teacher for everyone so far. She is one of the youngest and tallest in her class. She finished another soccer season. When people say "natural born athlete", I think they are referring to her. Ethan and Larissa are actually on the same baskebtall team. She loves fashion and changes her jewelry and clothes all day long. All she wanted for Christmas was a jewelry box. She adds love, loyalty, and fashion to our house.

Herston is in preschool. When Herston turned three, all his state therapies, like speech and PT, he was receiving ended. The good news is that he no longer qualifies for them. We still have challenges with swallowing, but he hasn't been in the ICU for over a year. He looks like a typical, rowdy three year old. I am blessed everytime he has a tantrum because I almost missed them all. He also can make anyone smile in his attempt not to smile. He adds laughter and humor to our house.

With the ups and downs of the year, we ended it just how we wanted. Thank you.

A Very Merry Christmas

We hope your day was exciting, fun, and full of love.

2011 Christmas Card

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

First Tooth

In first grade, Ms. Knowles had a tooth tree for kids that lost any teeth that year. I lost my first tooth in second grade. By that time, it was no longer a novelty.

Larissa is a young kindergarten and is a Young descendant. I warned her that her friends would lose their teeth, but she would have to wait.

But she was motivated.

I should have picked up on the new found interest in apples and carrots, but I didn't.

While doing her daily wiggle check, she felt one move. Maybe if I closed my eyes and concentrated, I could tell it moved. But it wasn't ready.

So I gave her the news.

Tears in her eyes; she wanted it out.

"Call Grandpa. He can do it."

"Larissa, it's not ready. It will hurt."

We called Grandpa, set up an appointment, and I warned him it wasn't ready.

He made no attempts without her permission.

I was barely aware of what was happening. No tears, no distress.

Then they handed me the tooth... that never wiggled. Two months after her older brother lost his first tooth.

When you are determined and have the right people in your corner, you can do anything.