No sunshine today, but still 45 degrees outside.  Lots of water and mud to stomp around, but Pudge and I made it!

Walking: One step at a time...

Days 1 and 2:  With my new job, I have decided to begin carving out a new me.  One day at a time, one step at a time.  What will be, will be.

Where is spring?

Digging Up Old Photos

Look how little old Pudger was...and so cute...now she is a lot bigger and a bit older, but still has that cute face.  She's a good doggie, although very spoiled.                                             

We still have lots of birds in the apple tree outside Erik's bedroom window.

More puppies, babies and old photos to look at.                            

                                     

Binder Park Zoo with Aunt Chelle

Little Effie Lu

March 6, Happy birthday to Michelle!

This is about how it was the year you were born, minus the ice.  We had a snow storm and I was stuck at the hospital and didn't think anyone was going to come get us to take us home.  

But your dad showed up.  :)

Catching Up Photos

Alayna

Dashiell

Catching Up...

Wow!  I didn't realize it had been this long.  Erik is now a sophomore at MSU!  ...and almost finished with that!!  He was on the rowing team last year, but not this year, which has given him more time to go to football and basketball games and work on his classes.  This year he is living in an apartment with 3 other guys and he seems to be having a great time.  I'm pretty proud of him.  He has embraced college life from the get-go, participating in sand volleyball, rowing and attending sporting events.  I love it!  GO GREEN!
Last year for me was a nightmare.  Most everyone knows that I have been teaching at my dream job for the past 23 years.  I was fortunate to be able to teach in my hometown, at my alma mater, and in the grade levels I truly enjoy...middle school.  Unfortunately, last July all that was ripped away from me, leaving me unemployed and without my dream job.  Not only was the financial blow excruciating, but I never got to say good-bye to any of my students.  I have re-lived the whole nightmare many, many times when students and parents approach me in public to let me know that they miss me, or that I was their favorite teacher, etc.  I appreciate that, but it's difficult each time.  I didn't choose to leave and I didn't have a say in the way I left.  I can't say that I think the decisions made by my former school were in the best interest of ....well, anyone.  Eleven dedicated teaching staff didn't return in August...gone...no good-bye...no thanks for your time...nothing...
Time moves on...
The saving grace to the whole year came during the following winter and spring when we were again blessed with grandbabies.  Alayna Presley joined us (a little early) in January and Dashiell Henry arrived in April.  They are both adorable, healthy little individuals and we love them to pieces!
I may never fully recover from that summer, but finding joy in my family sure helps.
I should post photos...that's next.