graduated.finally.

This blog has been neglected for ages.  I've missed taking the time to reflect a bit. Recording thoughts and feelings and the events happening in my life. At the gentle prodding of a dear friend, I'm going to attempt to get back into the groove of writing again. And I must admit I am excited about the idea of reflecting and recording being a priority amidst the chaos of life.
I had no idea where to begin. I mean, its been a little over two years since my last post on this blog. As I contemplated my "first" post, this dear friend said, " You need to write about graduation and all you have accomplished..." I instantly thought of some awful Christmas brag letter we are all too familiar with and I pushed the thought far from my mind. Again, the gentle encouragement to record for my kids the accomplishment of going back to graduate school. This time instead of the brag letter, I thought about the good things that can happen amidst adversity. And I realized I want my kids to set goals. I  want them to know that even when all the odds seem stacked against them and they feel like giving up is the only option, that hanging on and persevering is also an option. And its the option I hope they take. Because in the end it all pays off. And all the tears, heartache, despair and feelings of failure... eventually make the achievement all the sweeter. Yes, the achievement of finally receiving that Masters Degree Diploma.... and the opportunities that has given me.... tastes pretty sweet right now.

Getting here was a bit rocky.... I applied to graduate school in February 2008. After careful consideration I chose to attend Western Kentucky University - as part of their online cohort. I took my first class in the summer of 2008. Come fall, I was working full time for the school district as an "SLP" on a provisional contract while taking a full load of graduate classes, serving in the YW presidency, and raising kiddos. I recall people always asking me.... "how do you do it?" I remember thinking, I do it because that is what the plan is and it needs to be done.  Sure it was overwhelming at times, but quitting any one of the things making me "busy" was not an option.... Stumbling blocks began as I was unable to go to Kentucky that first summer for clinic. This put externships back a year, which meant pushing back graduation. But at the time, I just kept feeling like 2009 was not the summer to leave my family. 2010 rolled around and I went to KY for 5 weeks. Loved the cohort I was with and the friends I made. Returned home, and I continued taking classes, working, and completing externships to earn my 400 clinical hours necessary for graduation. The summer of 2011 brought great disappointment as all of my summer plans for my third and final clinical externship  fell through one by one. Graduation once again slipped through my fingertips. Fall rolled around and I continued working for the school district and I hoped and prayed that I could obtain a contract for an externship for the summer of 2012. I needed a medical type placement working with adults. Long story short, I got an externship site worked out. And now that I'm on the other side looking back I can honestly say, it was all for the best. The externship experience was extraordinary. My supervisor taught me more in 40 days than I thought possible. Lasting friendships were forged. I landed two jobs. I discovered loves and skills I didn't know I had. And at the end of it all I find myself saying, the Lord knows me.  I wanted things on my timeline. I did not want to exercise patience....but that was not the plan. And it was not the plan because ultimately, He knows best. And when we have faith and do our part, things eventually work out.

Katharine McPhee - Terrified ft. Zachary Levi

I love music. No, I am not musical in any way, shape, or form. I cannot sing at all nor do I play an instrument.  When I say I love music, I mean listening to it.  Josh and I love to quiz each other on singers and song titles. We love listening to music together and finding music that somehow has meaning to us in some way. We love all types of music and we especially love selecting music for home videos.  We are always looking for songs and making movies and slideshows in our heads....more often than not they stay in our heads and never make it to imovie but we still look and listen and create.

My latest favorite song was discovered by Josh, emailed to me while I was in Kentucky, and I can't even think back to when I liked a song as much as I like this one.  I seriously could put it on repeat and let it play again and again. Okay so I've done that at least a handful of times. I love everything about it.  And seriously, who knew Chuck could sing.  And I mean wow- he is good.  like really good. So, take a listen.  I'm telling you, you're gonna love it.

Dreaming of the big leagues.

It all started when Coleman asked Coach Ryan if he had a jersey for him.  From the moment Coleman had that White Sox jersey in his possession, he became a member of Justin's team.  In his little mind that is. He often made comments like, I'm not 4 any more, I'm 11 and do you need me to go into the game coach? I'm ready. I loved watching him.  He would sit in the dug-out with the big kids and eat their pizza.

The kids on Justin's team were amazingly nice to him.  They talked to him and encouraged him and kept his little dreams alive. He became the bat-boy for the last few games and he took his responsibility so seriously.  When the games were over, Coach Ryan would take Coleman onto the field and let him hit a few pitches and run the bases.  You could see Coleman's eyes come alive with excitement. He was living his dream.  And then at the end of year team party, Coach Ryan had Coleman come up and he praised Coleman for his great confidence and determination.  It was the icing on the cake.

june 2010

                          

Road Trip.

So this past weekend I took a much needed leave of absence from Bowling Green, Kentucky and set out for Marietta, GA to visit my in-laws. I say in-laws so you will technically know with whom I am talking about, but I am thankful they don't treat me like an in-law.  They welcome me and love me and accept me just like one of their own, and that sure feels good.  It is just over a 4 hour drive from my hotel to their home.  I arrived Friday afternoon and settled right in visiting with my mil Beki.  Soon Jill (sil) arrived with her boys and she and I enjoyed catching up and talking about work and school and kids. Saturday was filled with breakfast out with Jason, Hannah (Jason's wife), and Kevin.  Yum man I love good food. Visiting with Kevin about college and careers.  Watching TV and just enjoying the down time. Then it was off for a girl's lunch out with Hannah and Beki. Beki treated us to a little place called the Roswell Tea House that was quite tasty - I dined on a grilled tomato wrap that was filled with grilled chicken, spinach, grilled onions and peppers and mozzarella cheese, with a side of fresh pineapple and tomato basil soup. Oh and we shared a dessert sampler. You know I was happy.  That afternoon Kimi (sil) arrived with her daughter Taylor and we were off for pedicures.  I loved this girl time. With no sisters of my own, all I know about sister relationships comes from my relationships with all of my sil's and I sure enjoy each one of them.  Then it was home for pizza, a movie, and late night chatting. Sunday brought church and a visit with my childhood (since Kindergarten!!) friend Stephanie and then a night time drive back to this temporary home of mine here in Kentucky.  It was such a wonderful trip and I loved getting the chance to reconnect with my family and friends.  Thanks everyone!!  I miss you already.

motto.

To counter the heart-ache of being away from my family I've been noting some perks about being in Kentucky. You know like the fact that my hotel room cleans itself and I get uninterrupted sleep. The best perk though is the food.  Not gonna lie.  I admit I live to eat.   Eating with those I love is the best, but eating with new friends is fun and eating in your hotel room alone...well there could be lots worse....  So, I am thrilled with some of my food options here.  Namely Panera Bread and Chick-fil-A. There are other great places too, but these places speak to me. I don't have them at home and they are deliciousness. Just thinking about them makes me smile.

snapped with my trusty iphone at chick-fil-a

Conversations with Coleman.

I treasure getting to talk with the kids on the phone while I am away from them.  Here was my conversation with Coleman after work today on my way back to my hotel.....


What are you doing?
I'm getting a cheeseburger.
In Tintucky or at home?
In Kentucky.  Its not time for me to come home yet. I'm still working in Kentucky.
No, not work. Are you getting your cheeseburger in Tintucky or here.
Kentucky.
Oh.

I want to come see your hotel.
Its a really long ways away.
I know.  I could fly with dad.
But then its a long drive home.
I know. But I would be good.
You are a good boy.
a pause.
Mom, leave your door open in case I come.
How about you give a special knock when you come.  I don't want any strangers to come into my room.
Well, you could leave you door open and then just call the police if a stranger comes in. Or tell the stranger to get out b/c its your room.

Mom, I love you.
I love you too coleman.
Mom, I really miss you.
I really miss you too.
One more thing Mom.  I will never ever forget you.
Thanks Coleman.  That makes my heart happy.

Journey to Kentucky.

June 25th arrived.  No matter what I did it still came.  Quicker than I wanted it to actually.  But then I realized the more quickly it arrived, the more quickly I could do this thing and come home.

Josh and I left Idaho Falls Friday morning and began our journey to Bowling Green, Kentucky where I am spending the next 5 weeks doing a clinical internship as part of my graduate studies.  I thought as soon as I got in the van I would burst into tears.  I feared I might cry the entire way, leaving my little kiddos behind. But guess what?  I didn't cry at all.  That's what happens when you're road tripping with your best friend and you can talk about whatever you want and you never get interrupted and you stop at every state welcome sign and act crazy and jam out to whatever music you want and the one on one time together is blissful.

                  Unfortunately Missouri's state sign was on an exit ramp in downtown kansas city and Kentucky's was in the median 

just prior to a bridge...so no photo opp there....didn't they know I needed a pic for my kids??

We drove 16 hours our first day.  We pulled into Selina, KS around midnight and crashed in a hotel there.  We hit the road the next morning around 8 and drove 10  more hours to Bowling Green, Kentucky.  11 hours with stops. But man of man, they were good stops that day.  Panera for lunch just outside St. Louis, MO and Chick-fil-a for dinner in Owensboro, KY.  Since Josh and I both live to eat, we were in heaven.

Our trip took us 1792 miles, across 6 states (not counting Idaho), and took 27 hours (25 driving, 2 for fuel and food stops).

Josh helped me get into a nice hotel (had to make a change from my original reservation), find campus, the clinic, the church, shopping, theaters, and good food. We ate dinner out together and saw a movie.  I was sure enjoying all of our time together.  Secretly wishing he could just stay with me the entire time.

       remember KY was an original confederate state....lots of historical stuff... as well as some old buildings on campus that I love

Monday morning rolled around and I took Josh to Nashville (1 hour drive) so he could catch a flight back home.  I then began my week at the clinic where I'll be spending the next month.

But guess what?  It's not that bad.  I don't cry every night.  I've met some super nice girls. I'm learning a lot.  I have an amazing facility to work in.  Great professors and supervising SLP's.

Of course I miss Josh and my kids like crazy.  But I am handling it better than I anticipated.  Luckily I am super busy so time is rolling by pretty quickly.  I am thankful every day for great friends, a super mom, and most of all an amazing husband who are all helping take care of my family while I am away.  Y'all are the best.