It has been awhile since I actually posted more than pictures on this blog, so I thought I would take some time today to write about what is going on in our lives right now. First of all, I can't believe it is nearing the end of January, 2009, ALREADY! Wow. Second, my sister-in-law, Cindy, is in the birthing process right this minute! She will be delivering another baby girl, named Olivia Anne. The rest of the updates will come as random jumbles and bits of info.

I am getting closer every week to graduating from UALR with a Masters in Social Work. This is such a dream come true for me. We have been so blessed throughout this process. I am currently enrolled in two classes, which focus on group and family therapy. My internship this semester is at Arkansas Children's Hospital. I work with children who have asthma and their families when they come through our clinics, Emergency Room, or are admitted as an in-patient. I will also be working with children who have Cystic Fibrosis in the future. I am hoping to stay on at ACH after graduating in May, but we will see. My classes and internship responsibilities keep me VERY busy. There is always something that needs to be worked on for school.

Aside from school, Lee and I are focusing on spiritual, health, finance, and home matters. We really feel that 2009 is a year of major transition and overall change for us. Lee is kept very busy with work, and he spends two evenings a week fullfilling training requirements.
Cole is very busy as well. He is growing taller each month, and his vocabulary expands every day. Some of his favorite expressions are "You silly goose!" and "What you talkin' 'bout?" He is such an inquisitive boy who loves adventure! He enjoys sports, being outside, cars/trucks/planes/trains, climbing/jumping, helping out, watching movies, sword fighting, giving raspberries, exploring, reading, and jumping on our bed.

Lee and I are planning a trip to Chicago this May as a graduation get away. We are really looking forward to this! We also have a trip planned in April to a horse ranch in Northern Arkansas. Oh, and I will also be turning 30 in March. Unlike most of my other birthdays, this one feels more monumental. Well, the only other things worth mentioning right now is I have been able to spend some time with good friends this past month and am looking forward to making this a priority. I really didn't know what I was missing out on by allowing myself to be so wrapped up in my own home. Oh, and I started the Grocery Game, with the encouragement of a new friend of mine, Fawn. Thanks, Fawn! I am reaping the benefits already, and it has only been Week Two! For more info on how to save money while grocery shopping, go to http://www.grocerygame.com/. Well, I need to check on Cindy's status, so I'll go for now.

Until then,
Sonya