What We've Been Up To

Now, as part of the elusive medical school senior class, we've joined the ranks of student families disappearing for months at time from home as we support our beloved future doctor in out-of-state rotations and pursuing interviews for the long-awaited residency.

Having heard horror stories of the massive working hours usually required of residents (particularly the first year or two), we decided our residency location of choice would be in the midwest near my family-- which is actually now just my parents and baby sister at home. But, after almost 10 years away from home, it's time I was near my mom for a season, especially during what we expect will be a very busy and intense time for Dustin, and thus our family.

Since Dustin has decided to go into Internal Medicine (which he loves), and it is a relatively non-competative field, we can make location more of a priority, rather than searching all over the country for program options.

SO, from mid-September to post-Christmas December, we've been away from home and living at my parents' house. They live in a remarkably scenic area and have a beautiful spacious house, with a large basement which our little family has been blessed to have all to ourselves. We've been very comfortable the past couple months as Dustin has fulfilled three IM rotations and done interviews in the area. We feel very blessed to have things work out so well, especially that we haven't had to be separated from Dustin, as often happens with student families that final year of applications and audition rotations.

Besides spending great quality time with my parents, we've also enjoyed filling our days with a nice routine and fun memories, especially during the holiday season.

Just after we got settled out here, through referral, I was able to find the perfect little preschool for Benjamin! Everything just fits, from the semester start and end date (Sept. 30-Dec. 18-- we got here just in time!), to the daily schedule (MWF 9:15-10:45am), to the location (just 15 minutes away), to the price (only $58 for all 3 months). Where did we find such a great little school? It's actually a high school and the teachers are about a dozen darling senior gals who mastered their Child Dev I class and now teach this preschool class as their hands-on Child Dev II class. The teachers are so much fun as they absolutely adore the kids and take turns teaching lessons. They are very enthusiastic and always do lots of crafts and involved activities. Each week has a fun theme, from Science to Healthy Foods to Animals. There's about 12 kids in the class, all which are impressively well-behaved. Benjamin LOVED it. It's been the perfect thing for him these past few months.

It's been great for me, too, as a couple other preschool moms go to church with us and were my awesome running buddies, so while the kiddos were in preschool, we went running. Very nice set up. We were never super hard-core, but, rain or shine, we tried to get a good work-out in a few mornings a week. :) I love how the Lord orchestrates these sweet and subtly perfect opportunities to help us be that much happier, productive, and fulfilled.

Since we settled here just before October, we've enjoyed being with my family for the subsequent holidays. Benjamin's been talking about having Halloween at Grammy's house all year. We lived it up with fun decorations the whole month and cookie baking and an over-dose of candy (which we still have yet to finish...) with treat-or-treating at Benjamin's preschool party, the church trunk-or-treat, and the traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating.

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving at my sister's house near Washington, DC. It was a long drive-- both my little family and parents and sis in our van-- but more than worthwhile. We enjoyed a week basking in the Mari-&-Josh atmosphere, playing games and even sightseeing a bit at the historic mainstreets nearby and a couple Smithsonians. Both Benjamin and Jonathan were completely awed by the Natural History and Air and Space museums! We topped off a marvelous holiday break with a delicious traditional Thanksgiving feast perfectly hosted by my darling sister and then early that morning some very successful, if exhausting, Black Friday shopping. Thanks for having us, Mari and Josh! We love you SO much and truly enjoyed our special time with you.

We also made many wonderful memories between holidays, with fun outings to the park, walks around the neighborhood, the Botanical Gardens, a trip to Kentucky to see Jo and fam, Six Flags, the Children's Museum, and, of course, just hanging out at home, basking in the love of our family!

Christmas closed our time there-- we loved spending the holiday season with my parents, Mollie, and my brother Bryce, home from college. Being so close to the ones you love seem to accentuate all the joy that Christmastime brings. From making holiday goodies, to preparing gifts, to cuddling up and watching Christmas classics, it was yet another wonderful Christmas. We feel so blessed and spoiled! Thank you to everyone!

We are so grateful for the tremendous and much-appreciated love, generousity, and support of my amazing momma, daddy, and sister these past few months. It has been a treasured time. We love you so much and miss you already!

We headed home on Boxing day and arrived late on the Sunday after Christmas. We're gradually getting back settled in and prepared for the already full new year ahead... medical school graduation, residency, new home, and new... well, we'll spill the news soon. ;)

We hope 2009 has brought you blessings, both in the ups and downs, and that 2010 will be overflowed with all the more.