Ready for 2012

I'm struggling to believe another new year has arrived. It seems that 2011 went by much too quickly. I suppose it's time for a recap.

2011 was an eventful year. Last winter I began looking for a new job, as mine was no longer available after the end of the school year. I accepted a position to work for a therapy company, proving speech-language services in a nursing home and outpatient settings. After a very unhappy summer of driving around doing a job that was quite different than described during the interview, I made the decision to leave. I'm so glad I did!

I quickly found a new position working for District 150. Despite all of the unpleasant rumors, I have had a mostly positive experience. I love my students, and my coworkers are fantastic (not to mention the fantastic school schedule). I have also continued to work a few PRN shifts at Rosewood Care Center. I always enjoy seeing everyone there, and it's great to work with adults.

Other memorable moments of 2011 include our first vacation to somewhere other than to visit family. Riding the train to Chicago and seeing the sights was great. It wasn't the dreamed-of beach vacation, but still a fun adventure with my favorite boy.

We were also able to spend lots of time with family and friends in 2011. Mom and Dad have been to visit several times, and Joshua and I toured his grandparents' homes in Monticello and in Wisconsin. We have seen our favorite niece get bigger; she's walking now!

Now that 2012 has begun, I'm thinking about the eventful year it promises to be. Joshua will finish residency at the end of June. He has accepted a position to begin practice with a group in Monticello, IL. We'll be close to his family, in a beautiful, small town. He is so excited to complete his education and move on to a real job.

Before we get there, though, we'll need to think about selling our home in Peoria. I'm trying not to dwell on this too much; I love our life here so much! Although I know Monticello will be fantastic, it's hard to think about leaving Peoria, my job, proximity to my sister and parents, our house, and my plant babies. Monticello is a wonderful opportunity for Joshua to make a tremendous impact in a community, and I'm sure I will be able to reinvent myself, as well. Who knows what I will do?

Here's to 2012: may you be as friendly and happy as 2011!

Sorry for My Abscence

It seems that the holiday season has gotten away from me. A combination of stocking-stitching (a record-number of orders in my esty shop!), lots going on at work, and time spent getting ready at home has kept me away from my blog. Here are some highlights from the past month.

Joshua's exciting Christmas gift to me was ruined by Mary at the Wireless Store. At the beginning of December, I received a voicemail that my iPhone was ready to be picked up. What!? So, I received that gift a bit early, and I am officially a trendy phone person. I'm still getting it all figured out.

Mom, Dad, Kati, and Ryan arrived for a Christmas weekend spent at our house in Peoria. Along with Mom and Dad came a bounce house! (Each year I put a couple of funny or unrealistic gifts on my list, such as peace on earth, two turtle doves, a bounce house, etc.) Yes, Mom and Dad really rented a bounce house. It was in my backyard for 24 hours, and the weather was so nice, we were able to bounce away. I'm sure my neighbors were curious.
Christmas Eve was spent relaxing (rather than stressing about snowstorms, as we have the past couple of years). We drove up to Geneseo to celebrate with Dad's family. This year was the first that the party hasn't been at Grandpa and Grandma's. Aunt Kathy hosted in her more spacious basement, a necessity with all the little ones running around these days. Things went very smoothly, and the macaroni and cheese I took along went over very well. We also had a chance to play Wii Dance Party game with Kylie for a few minutes. Too funny!

Christmas day was a gift extravaganza at our house. Mom and Dad outdid themselves, as always. Some of my favorites included an adorable red, curvy-handled umbrella (I don't love bland umbrellas), numbered glasses (modern, practical, and fun!), and some new knitting supplies. The fireplace also made it's Christmas debut on my TV; it's sure to be a cozy favorite for years to come.
Joshua, Shaun, Mom, and Ryan spent a large portion of Christmas afternoon assembling the Imperial Flagship, a massive Lego creation that Joshua was so excited to receive. Yes, Joshua loves Legos.
Grandma Norma and Grandpa Joe drove down to say hello later in the afternoon. It was nice to see them, and I was, once again, glad for the beautiful weather.

On the 26th, we celebrated Dad's 51st birthday. I always feel a little bad for the poor people who have birthdays so close to holidays. It just seems like they don't get the full celebration they deserve. Shaun made a red velvet cake, and we went out to dinner before taking Kati and Ryan to the airport.
Overall, a very enjoyable holiday. One thing that really became obvious was how much nice weather can improve everyone's moods and outlook. It was gorgeous, sunny, and in the 40s all weekend. Perfect! We did what we wanted to do and enjoyed each others' company. It was certainly one of the nicest Christmases.

On to the new year!

Happy Anniversary!

Today Joshua and I are celebrating four years of marriage. How quickly time passes by!

It truly seems like a minute ago we were working our way through med school and grad school, living in a small apartment in Litchfield, planning a wedding and our lives.

I love you, Jush. So glad you found me.

To Yule Log or Not to Yule Log

So, I have decided that my non-fired-placed house needs a yule log dvd for Christmas morning. Silly? YES! Essential? YES!

I thought I would go right to Amazon and add one to my cart. Easy cheesy.

WRONG!

It turns out there are many choices, with extremely opinionated reviews. I am lost, basically. If you would like a laugh, you should certainly go to Amazon and check out the reviews...

The review that finally helped me choose the best option was from the very kind, and thorough, John Hillstead. (Can be viewed here for those of you who are beginning your own hunt for that perfect, fake fire.)

After careful consideration, I have decided to purchase the HD Moods: FIRE (Blu-ray Version). It comes with Christmas music, spooky Halloween music, and general, relaxation music. This thing is going to be worn out with all the use it's going to see.

And, with Joshua's comment yelled up from the man cave, "I've got your hard log right here!" I'm feeling quite inspired.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday!

Shaun celebrated her 30th birthday last week with lots of activities!

On Wednesday, Shaun, Mom, Lena, and I went to see Wicked. So fun! I even rocked hooker boots and leggings for the occasion. You're only young once, right?

Thursday, Shaun's actual birthday, she, Bill, Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa went up to Galena for a hot air balloon ride, one of Shaun's dreams for a long time. Personally, it's not appealing, but I can understand the excitement.

Friday was dinner at Osaka, with cake after at our house.

Sunday was pumpkin carving at Bill's house, not really birthday, but still fun. I made the dots one and the two silly faced ones. Shaun made trick-or-treat and helped with mine, and Bill spent a very long time making the perfect border collie. On Monday, there were plenty of trick-or-treaters to enjoy our creations.

Happy Birthday Shaun!

Horn of Plenty - Quite Symbolic

May I present my seasonal door decoration - courtesy of my favorite floral arranger (thanks Mom!)
After wrestling with a standard circular grapevine wreath for a couple of hours, I was able to create the cornucopia base for this arrangement, which I love. And what nice symbolism, too. Such a plentiful home I have... good friends, family, a rewarding job that I really am enjoying (mostly!), and lots to look forward to in the coming months. Although fall brings on horrible winter weather, I can't be too upset when there is so much to be thankful for. Hope you're feeling warm, cozy, and content, too!

Happy Birthday!

Tuesday marked Joshua's 29th birthday. We celebrated with a small party (Wes, Shaun, Bill), and a Dairy Queen Cake.

Here are some blurry pictures from the events. (camera frustrations...)

Friday night we had a few more friends over, and another Dairy Queen cake. Yes, two ice cream cakes. Yum!

Happy birthday Jush! Love ya!