2014 in a Nutshell

To be honest, 2013 sucked jinglebells.  Brian was sick and had surgery, we got hit with big medical bills, cars broke down, and it was just one thing after another that wasn't going right.  So both Brian and I decided that since 2013 was just a wreck, 2014 had to be all sparkly, merry and bright to make up for it. 

2014 definitely lived up to our prediction, but things are just so busy that I didn't have time to do Christmas cards and get them in the mail like I normally do.  We didn't even have a chance to get an official Christmas letter done and out in time - so you get a blog.  Hey, cookie crumbs are better than no cookie at all right?

Lets start with Brian, because he had less going on in his life. (no, offense babe - you know its true).  Brian continues to work as a electrical drafting technician at Burns and McDonnell.  Basically he works quickly on a computer making lines, circles, text boxes and all sorts of other things.  I once observed him and seriously, he would give the Trans Siberian Orchestra a run for their money on the amount of epilepsy he could cause by watching him work.  He likes it, and that's all that matters.  At home, I put him to work on the remodel.  At the very end of the remodel - Brian had yet another surgery.  I've told him numerous times that I'm ready for an updated model of him that doesn't have health issues! :)   He had a bulging disc in his lower back that the doctors went in and fixed.  It wasn't near as invasive as his last surgery and we were in and out in one day.  He's a trooper!  He is almost back to full health and he is feeling great! 

This year we took on the biggest rennovation that we have ever done...in case you've missed all the endless facebook posts of our remodel addiction....in the two and a half years since we've had our house we have remodeled

#1:  The Basement

 

#2: The Master Suite

 

#3: The Craft Room

 

 

and finally....

#4: The Main Floor 

If you have ever visited our house - you know how dramatically different it looks now.  We have talked about doing this remodel since we bought our house and it is AMAZING.  There are many times we sit here and think....this cannot be the same room.  The transformation is phenomenal and we are so proud of it.  I like to claim a lot of the credit - but I really can't.  I worked through the whole process and a huge shout out has to go to Brian.  He is amazing.  While I was holed up in the craft room working on school work, he was busting his jolly 'ole ass on the remodel.  Also, my parents deserve a huge thank you!!! They have been a ridiculously huge support and this literally would have never been possible with out them.  They are nothing short of epic and we can't say thank you enough. 

As for me...life is crazy.  I started this year by ending my job at Oak Grove where I worked for 3 years.  I was lucky enough to score a new job at the Blue Springs School District.  I did my student teaching there in 2010 and then I got to go back!  It was a very exciting time in March when I got the job...only to have to wait 5 months to actually start the job!  And you know I'm about as patient as the kid on Christmas Morning (excluding my brother and I because sleep was much more valuable than opening presents early). 

I did get a jump start on the job this summer when I attended a month of training for the Biomed classes I teach.  It was a LONG month, but it was awesome.  I was surrounded by teachers who were just as passionate about teaching as I am.  It was one of those professional development experiences where everyone is drinking the spiked eggnog and everyone walks away a better person and educator.  

Then I put all that to use in the fall when I started my new job.  I'm definitely in a unique situation this year...  I'm at Blue Springs South High School in the morning teaching Medical Interventions and Biology, then I travel to Blue Springs Freshmen Center to finish out my day teaching Principles of Biomedical Science.  

2 schools + 3 classrooms + 3 different classes + 144 kids = never a boring day for me

Of course we can't forget the extracurricular activities either.  I'm the sponsor of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) at the Freshmen Center and I'm an assistant coach of the Girls Swimming at South.  

I've finally found a wine that I like - and that helps with the stress.  Most days I feel like I'm giving Santa a run for his money on what he does once a year and I do it every day, but I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.  I'm exhausted, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it. 

Looking forward to 2015, we have one main goal...to start our family!  For those who don't know, we have been trying for about 2 years now with no luck.  We went to visit a fertility specialist this past April and found out that we have issues with both of us that make it a lot more difficult to conceive. We have had tests, been on meds and had re-tests.  We find out this coming Monday what the next step is.  (dang you Santa for postponing test results!!).  Whether the next step is an IUI, IVF or adoption; we hope to be parents or expecting parents by the next time you get a Christmas letter.  Everyone cross your fingers, send good vibes, pray, do a rain dance or whatever you do to send positive test results our way so that we can go with the cheaper option of making a baby!  

 

This year has been filled with lots of ups and downs from job stress, fertility issues, remodel craziness, and surgeries but overall, its been a great year.  

Here's to an even better 2015 coming our way!