New found freedom!!

Well, He did it.  John had his first moonlighting shift this past week and he really enjoyed it.  While he moonlights he is the only doctor in the ED (in this case, in the whole hospital) so it is safe to say that before he started he was pretty nervous.  After his shift he said he had a lot of fun and says he's not so nervous for his next shift.  We'll see about that when the time comes.  I am so proud of him and all he does for our family.  It has been a crazy eight years with one more to go, but it has all been worth it.  When I look at how far John and our family have come, and all the little things we have accomplished in these few short years (it seems like forever), I am amazed.  We have two beautiful kids, have lived places I wouldn't have dreamed of living and met sooooooo many amazing people along the way.  I guess in a way this is a little tribute to John.  Even though he probably wont read this.  He is an amazing man who is constantly going.  I don't know how he continues to function half of the time, but somehow he does.  He is an amazing man with an amazing talent for what he does.

WELCOME MALLORY

I know I need to eat some of my words.  We broke down and got a dog.  Ugh.  She is a sweet dog but a lot of work.  I decided that my kids needed a pet that they could take care of that wouldn't let them forget about her.  They have been so sweet with her.  It is fun to watch them want to take on the responsibility of walking her, feeding her, and playing with her.  Caleb is her favorite.  I think it is because he is closest to her size, but she is always walking next to him. Whenever Caleb gets on the floor she is right there with him.  It is pretty sweet.  I will be glad when the first few months are over.  I knew it was going to be a lot of work and it hasn't been bad, I'm just waiting for the mellow to kick in.  I'm excited to watch her grow with our little family.

4th of July

I know I am a little late in posting these, but we have had a busy week.  Our fourth was great. We had a relaxing day.  The kids played in the pool while John and I got ready to have a few friends over.  We had a good old barbecue which I thought was great.  And I finally did it.  I made my first batch of homemade ice cream.  It turned out really good.  I was so excited, I can't remember the last time I had homemade, but it was great.  After dinner all the kids played while the adults talked, played games, and just chilled.  It was a nice night (despite the cold).  John left us for work but the rest of us did a few fireworks.  They were a lot of fun.  Some of the younger kids were a little scared, but after some reassurance, some bug spray, and a few blankets we were on a role, until a cherry bomb exploded and hit me in the arm.  After a short assessment, and a few laughs about how funny it would be if John saw one of us in the ER the festivities continued.  All in all it was a great night.  I love my friends and am so grateful for their constant support in my life.

I love this picture.  Cassie was catching Caleb at the bottom of the slide.

One more year!!

So today is the official first day of John's last year.  HURRAY!!!!  We are getting really excited to move on.  But it will be sad to leave a few things here in Michigan.  We are planning a lot of camping trips to the beaches this summer.  Lots of blueberry, strawberry, and apple picking planned for this summer and fall.  We have already started our list of what needs to be done to put our house on the market in nine months:) hopefully we can sell it.  So this summer we will be getting the outside ready so that in the spring when hopefuls are coming to look at it it will look nice.  A couple of John's fellow residents already have jobs.  It's crazy to think that if all goes well we will be joining that group of employed in a couple of months.  I don't quiet remember what that feels like but I know I will enjoy that feeling again.  I am so proud of John and all he has done for our family.  I know that I tend to complain a lot about our situation, but I am really grateful for everything we have been through.  Hopefully it will be a fun packed year with a lot of fond memories.