Greetings to 2016

Guest reading in Jack's Kindergarten class before Winter Break

2016- the number looks weird as I type it.  Doesn't seem like it can be quite right... but rather than dwelling on the change and the speed of time- I'm choosing to grasp hold of 2016, and I think the rest of my family is doing the same.

Jack is kicking off the New Year as the winner of our local banks coloring contest- thus making him the proud new owner of a piggy bank and a crisp $5 bill.  He seems to be confidently striding into the new year with the swagger of young a boy on fire.

NonaJane is boldly bouncing, prancing, spinning, and jumping full force into the new year with a fresh hair cut and a whole lot of 3 year old energy.  She embraces change and loves new adventures- her spunk will keep us on our toes this year (and every one after that).

sword fighting while teetering on the edge of the fireplace. Surprisingly- this did not end badly at all

Day 1 of "Look what I can do!"

 Matthew T is toddling into the new year like a drunken sailor- loud, wobbly, and relentless.  His fearless nature and persistence is unmatched.  He is a jolly little fellow- marching along and laughing at his own jokes.  His hair is wild, his clothes rarely fit.  He finds joy in every little thing that comes his way.  He never passes up a hug, and is ready to get this year rolling with his new found independence.

Myself?  I see 2016 with hopeful eyes. I see myself regaining some freedom with each passing month as Matthew becomes older and bolder.  I foresee some better sleep- perhaps a full night?  I see a financial plan with exciting goals. Entering into 2016, I have started doing some extra side work as an independent contractor with "Bringing Therapy Home".  A home-based and center-based therapy facility in Overland Park.  I have already met some amazing therapists/co-workers that I am so excited to collaborate with and learn from! There is nothing more exciting than loving what you do, and pushing yourself to grow and expand in your skills and knowledge.  As an Occupational Therapist, your learning and growing is NEVER done.  I feel refreshed, confident, and determined to make 2016 a strong and diligent step forward in our families adventures.

Big Brother and Little Brother sound asleep in the back of the truck, and holding hands.
Please don't let me forget this moment.

cuteness

Adam- well I can't exactly speak for him.  But what I do know, is that at the end of 2015, Adam made some major sacrifices for our family.  He may never know how much his sacrifices were truly appreciated, but it was an action that will never be forgotten by me.  It will likely stand as a strong pillar in my archives of amazing moments in our marriage: Adam sold his beloved Truck and put the equity into our savings account. (If you know me... you know how much I love putting money into a savings account. I've been finding joy in that since early childhood.)  Perhaps not everyone in life has had an object that they wrap so much of their pride,  their joy, and affection around.  But Adam loved that truck as much as an inanimate object could be loved.  His truck made him feel good: the way it felt, the way it looked, the way it sounded. It was the one thing in this household that was truly HIS.  Adam probably doesn't think I understand... but I felt the deep pang when we drove away and left his truck behind.  I could feel the loss emanating from him as he sat next to me.  I know it is nothing more than a vehicle, we both know that.  But sometimes, I think it is ok to allow yourself to love something that is worldly and material.   As if the truck wasn't enough, he also agreed to put a year hold on his golf course membership.  Between these two items and me starting to work some extra hours- we have completely re-arrange our budget and set things in motion for what will hopefully be a financially freeing and rewarding year!

The first time we let Chance inside

So while I can't speak for Adam- his actions have spoke for him.  Adam is ready for the New Year.  He is ready to do what it takes for our family to have the freedom to go on adventures and make memories.  We are working together in unity to accomplish goals and make things happen: which is a pretty amazing feeling.

and Chance... we took a chance on a stray dog that wandered into our lives the week of Christmas.  While we initially tried to scare him off- hollering and stomping our feet, Chance just seemed confident that this was where he belonged.  He slept on our front porch without food or water for almost 2 days.  Gently greeting us with each entry and exit, and watching for us diligently each time we came up our driveway.  I posted lost dog ads, drove to all the neighboring homes, called the local vets, and even the sheriffs office.  No one seemed to be looking for Chance.. and our hearts started to break for him. On Christmas Eve we took him to the vet, and found that he was a healthy dog, and that his breed is called "Beauceron".  We brought him home and gave him some food and water.  Chance  seems to be some sort of strange twist of fate- because we had ZERO intentions of acquiring a dog.  But Chance has proven himself to be a worthy new pack mate. He doesn't jump on people(well.... he hasn't been neutered and he does like to "Hug" people now and again...) but he doesn't bark, he doesn't get aggressive and tolerates Matthew poking and prodding him.  He doesn't chew on toys or bother any of our things.  He lays down for his feet to be wiped at the door, and hasn't had any kind of potty accident in the house.  The only complaint we have is that he feels he belongs on our couch... and that just doesn't fly with me.  So we bought him a dog bed and I think he is giving into that just fine.   So... if you come to visit us, that fierce looking dog who greets you at the garage? Well, really he is just a big baby who desired to be loved. Not too much to ask for in this world really.