This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I love that there is pink in every window, on every sports player and in all of the magazines. It is amazing the support that is shown in every imaginable way. But still, why do we have to celebrate it? It is time for this nasty disease to be gone.
I lost my Mom to cancer. A college friend passed away last month from a reoccurring brain tumor. Ryan's cousin lost her second round battle to breast cancer earlier this week. It's just too much! Too many people are being taken away unnecessarily by such a horrific disease. These patients battle in such a graceful way and are put through so many terrible treatments. I'm just ready for it to be gone. Polio, small pox, they've been eradicated. I hope in my lifetime this is as well.
Okay, enough of a soap box. I wanted to let the Blog world know that we have made our choice for careers... Evansville, IN here we come! Ryan has joined a private practice and will be one of four ENTs. The group has hired another fellowship trained Facial Plastics guy that will begin the same time as Ryan. We are pleased with the opportunity for growth, the location of Evansville in relation to family and our happiness with the city itself.
We have been getting our house ready for the market in the spring. Amazing how you get the energy to fix all of those little things you keep walking past, but never stop to fix until you know it is time to sell!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Big Decisions
So now we are down to two.... jobs that is, for anyone reading!
Last weekend we drove to Fishers, IN outside of Indy. We got to enjoy a little time with Ryan's family and ditched the girls to head south to Evansville. (The girls couldn't have been more thrilled, apparently they didn't even ask for us the morning we left!) The Palmers have some great neighbors with kiddos a little older than Caroline... she's thinks they are fabulous! They are just sweet kids that are nice to put up with the "little kids." They have a trampoline in their back yard and Caroline officially mastered the forward roll while she was there!
Evansville is a private practice in a town at the tip of IN, larger population in Erie and MUCH better winters! : ) (Nothing above I-70 was my vote to keep the winters at bay!) We had an incredible tour of the city led by the partner Ryan would be joining. I met up with Sally Becker - the Mom of a very good college friend, in fact, Anne is the first person I met at DePauw! Sally raised her family in Evansville and used to work in corporate relocation, so she obviously knows the city from many points of view.
Now we are waiting on Franklin, TN (satellite of Vanderbilt) just 20 miles south of Nashville. It will be an interesting week if they come back with an offer. We need to quickly get down there to see the practice and make some big decisions!
It really is a very exciting - albeit incredibly stressful. Ryan and I talk about the options constantly and our views are swung back and forth depending on the day/conversation/current frame of mind.
Stay tuned to see what happens. Any insight is most appreciated!
Last weekend we drove to Fishers, IN outside of Indy. We got to enjoy a little time with Ryan's family and ditched the girls to head south to Evansville. (The girls couldn't have been more thrilled, apparently they didn't even ask for us the morning we left!) The Palmers have some great neighbors with kiddos a little older than Caroline... she's thinks they are fabulous! They are just sweet kids that are nice to put up with the "little kids." They have a trampoline in their back yard and Caroline officially mastered the forward roll while she was there!
Evansville is a private practice in a town at the tip of IN, larger population in Erie and MUCH better winters! : ) (Nothing above I-70 was my vote to keep the winters at bay!) We had an incredible tour of the city led by the partner Ryan would be joining. I met up with Sally Becker - the Mom of a very good college friend, in fact, Anne is the first person I met at DePauw! Sally raised her family in Evansville and used to work in corporate relocation, so she obviously knows the city from many points of view.
Now we are waiting on Franklin, TN (satellite of Vanderbilt) just 20 miles south of Nashville. It will be an interesting week if they come back with an offer. We need to quickly get down there to see the practice and make some big decisions!
It really is a very exciting - albeit incredibly stressful. Ryan and I talk about the options constantly and our views are swung back and forth depending on the day/conversation/current frame of mind.
Stay tuned to see what happens. Any insight is most appreciated!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
11 Months, Let the Countdown Begin!
We have officially begun the final year countdown in Erie. 11 months. Gotta find a job, survive another year of preschool, Ryan study/take boards, list/sell house, find new house, move! Just a few things on the do to list... oh well, they will all get figured out one step at a time.
Ryan: He currently has three interviews: Nashville (Franklin) TN, Evansville, IN and Oklahoma City, OK. Each job brings a different aspect of a medical practice and now it is a matter of figuring out what he wants most out of his career. Lots of great options!
Anna: Enjoyed a great summer with the girls. I've worked mainly 3 afternoons a week which has given her lots of time to hit the pool, play dates with friends and just being around home. We've met some new families in the neighborhood which has helped our social life!
Caroline: Currently at Dance Camp. She's ready for the school year to begin and to bring back dancing on the weekends. She did figure out how to swim underwater this summer and has realized it is almost easier than swimming on top of the water. We love seeing her confidence grow and it's more fun than ever to take her to the swimming pool. Daddy is going to all of these places to find her the "best kindergarten teacher" so that the move won't be as scary for her next year.
Audrey: Moving target! She is more sturdy each day with walking. She's also learning that grabbing some Caroline hair when her big sister is bothering her is a very effective way to get the big sister to stop what she is doing! The kid is scrappy that's for sure.
July was a month full of visitors. Pal started it off just in time to help us celebrate Ryan's birthday weekend. We invited the other residents over for cake and it was a lovely afternoon for a little day-drinking birthday fun. Mimi and Popop arrived the following weekend. We hit the frozen safari (i.e. free ice cream) at the zoo and then went blueberry picking on Sunday. That evening Gayle, Georgia and Hampton Boyd arrived with Fran Gerritz. They had been at a family reunion in MD and took the extra time to trek it up to Erie. We showed them the highlights in a short 24 hours, but had a great time letting the kids reconnect!
Those are the highlights from the last month. Hard to believe this final year has begun, very bittersweet in many ways.
Ryan: He currently has three interviews: Nashville (Franklin) TN, Evansville, IN and Oklahoma City, OK. Each job brings a different aspect of a medical practice and now it is a matter of figuring out what he wants most out of his career. Lots of great options!
Anna: Enjoyed a great summer with the girls. I've worked mainly 3 afternoons a week which has given her lots of time to hit the pool, play dates with friends and just being around home. We've met some new families in the neighborhood which has helped our social life!
Caroline: Currently at Dance Camp. She's ready for the school year to begin and to bring back dancing on the weekends. She did figure out how to swim underwater this summer and has realized it is almost easier than swimming on top of the water. We love seeing her confidence grow and it's more fun than ever to take her to the swimming pool. Daddy is going to all of these places to find her the "best kindergarten teacher" so that the move won't be as scary for her next year.
Audrey: Moving target! She is more sturdy each day with walking. She's also learning that grabbing some Caroline hair when her big sister is bothering her is a very effective way to get the big sister to stop what she is doing! The kid is scrappy that's for sure.
July was a month full of visitors. Pal started it off just in time to help us celebrate Ryan's birthday weekend. We invited the other residents over for cake and it was a lovely afternoon for a little day-drinking birthday fun. Mimi and Popop arrived the following weekend. We hit the frozen safari (i.e. free ice cream) at the zoo and then went blueberry picking on Sunday. That evening Gayle, Georgia and Hampton Boyd arrived with Fran Gerritz. They had been at a family reunion in MD and took the extra time to trek it up to Erie. We showed them the highlights in a short 24 hours, but had a great time letting the kids reconnect!
Those are the highlights from the last month. Hard to believe this final year has begun, very bittersweet in many ways.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
We Have A Walker!
Okay Caroline, life just got a little more interesting with Audrey around.... as of Sunday, June 24 Audrey is mobile. She's still a little shaky, but gaining new confidence everyday. It is so nice to have her up and about.... makes the laundry a little easier to do without scrubbing every knee of every pant from Audrey! She's also getting louder at meals. I can't honestly explain what it is she's saying, but Audrey has definitely figured out you need to be loud in this family to be heard!
Earlier this month, we enjoyed a fantastic week at Isle of Palms with the Eidson, Harris, Pfluger and Palmer families. It was the best! The house was perfect and the kids had a ball choosing the tidal pools in the late afternoons and the swimming pool for the high tide times of days. It did end up raining one day but we sent the Dads and kids to the children's museum in Charleston. Those that saved behind had some quiet time, enjoyed a little reading and a terrific lunch - Palmetto cheese, can't get enough of the stuff!
I'm also writing to you on our new computer. In late May, we accidentally left the kitchen window open. When the girls and I came downstairs for breakfast, I noticed the screen was split. Our computer was gone and when I reached for my phone to call the police it was gone as well.... at least no one was hurt but it was scary to think someone had been in our house and none of us heard anything. They also made off with our Kindle and external hard drive. The hard drive is the most upsetting, so many of Audrey's first photos were on there.... at least I have some stuck here and there but many of them will never be recovered. We have learned a lot about backing things up and all kinds of safety precautions.
Summer is moving along! We have officially 12 months left in Erie, woo hoo! I'm already focused on getting this house in shape to get on the market in the spring, now if I can just get Ryan on board as well. : ) Many exciting times ahead for us in this upcoming year. Many unknowns to get figured out... we are ready. Ryan has worked hard for many years and I know we will end up exactly where we need to be to further his career!
Earlier this month, we enjoyed a fantastic week at Isle of Palms with the Eidson, Harris, Pfluger and Palmer families. It was the best! The house was perfect and the kids had a ball choosing the tidal pools in the late afternoons and the swimming pool for the high tide times of days. It did end up raining one day but we sent the Dads and kids to the children's museum in Charleston. Those that saved behind had some quiet time, enjoyed a little reading and a terrific lunch - Palmetto cheese, can't get enough of the stuff!
I'm also writing to you on our new computer. In late May, we accidentally left the kitchen window open. When the girls and I came downstairs for breakfast, I noticed the screen was split. Our computer was gone and when I reached for my phone to call the police it was gone as well.... at least no one was hurt but it was scary to think someone had been in our house and none of us heard anything. They also made off with our Kindle and external hard drive. The hard drive is the most upsetting, so many of Audrey's first photos were on there.... at least I have some stuck here and there but many of them will never be recovered. We have learned a lot about backing things up and all kinds of safety precautions.
Summer is moving along! We have officially 12 months left in Erie, woo hoo! I'm already focused on getting this house in shape to get on the market in the spring, now if I can just get Ryan on board as well. : ) Many exciting times ahead for us in this upcoming year. Many unknowns to get figured out... we are ready. Ryan has worked hard for many years and I know we will end up exactly where we need to be to further his career!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Sorry New Year's Resolution!
Well, I tried to get a posting a month done... guess April snuck by me too fast! With birthday season in full effect, we were busy celebrating the girls.
Audrey turned 1 on April 12. We had a special day, enjoyed lots of time as a family, and just reminisced about how much had changed in the year. Audrey is a happy kiddo, smiles all of the time and doesn't seem to know many/any strangers. She's a fan of her milk and graham crackers seem to be her favorite! Slowly she's trying new foods and expanding her world of baby gourmet. : )
Lots of Erie friends joined us to celebrate her birthday. She had a bird themed party complete with matching cake from her invitations - thanks Heather! She didn't do too much damage to the cake, but that was a perk for us - we got to enjoy it the rest of the week. Our home was filled with kiddos - the posse of 4 year olds playing dress up was most amusing. The birthday girl definitely enjoyed being sung to and that seemed to be the highlight of her day!
We traveled to Fishers, IN for Easter and enjoyed lots of fun with the Palmer family. Both girls had birthday celebrations. We found time for a neighborhood Easter egg hunt, dyed a few eggs ourselves and played with the neighbors. It was a terrific weekend for sure!
Ryan and I even got away to Bloomington, IN. It was his first interview for a "real job" and we were so excited to finally have the process started. It is a great opportunity and we will just wait and see where we end up in another year. Lots of unknowns ahead, but so exciting as well!
Audrey turned 1 on April 12. We had a special day, enjoyed lots of time as a family, and just reminisced about how much had changed in the year. Audrey is a happy kiddo, smiles all of the time and doesn't seem to know many/any strangers. She's a fan of her milk and graham crackers seem to be her favorite! Slowly she's trying new foods and expanding her world of baby gourmet. : )
Lots of Erie friends joined us to celebrate her birthday. She had a bird themed party complete with matching cake from her invitations - thanks Heather! She didn't do too much damage to the cake, but that was a perk for us - we got to enjoy it the rest of the week. Our home was filled with kiddos - the posse of 4 year olds playing dress up was most amusing. The birthday girl definitely enjoyed being sung to and that seemed to be the highlight of her day!
We traveled to Fishers, IN for Easter and enjoyed lots of fun with the Palmer family. Both girls had birthday celebrations. We found time for a neighborhood Easter egg hunt, dyed a few eggs ourselves and played with the neighbors. It was a terrific weekend for sure!
Ryan and I even got away to Bloomington, IN. It was his first interview for a "real job" and we were so excited to finally have the process started. It is a great opportunity and we will just wait and see where we end up in another year. Lots of unknowns ahead, but so exciting as well!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Where are the pictures?
This is taking an incredibly long time to load the pictures today... let's see if this will work!
The Big 0-4!
We have been in full birthday mode for the last week around here. Caroline hit her 4th birthday on March 26. She had 12 friends join her at the Erie Zoo for some roarin' good fun. It was a rainy and cold day but the kids still managed to have a great time. Her party was indoors - except for a quick run outside to the carousel. They had a bunny and dove visit plus Jeremiah the bullfrog! Caroline had requested a penguin cake and it was quite a creation by Miss Heather in Erie.
On her birthday, we visited Millcreek Library for story hour. Followed by a lunch feast at Chick-Fil-A (her favorite restaurant) Dad even managed to join us for lunch. Then later that afternoon she smiled her beautiful 4 year old smile at JC Penny for her official 4 year picture.
It was a complete success and we all had a great time. So many family and friends remembered her with calls, emails and cards. We appreciate them all! Happy Birthday Miss Caroline!
On her birthday, we visited Millcreek Library for story hour. Followed by a lunch feast at Chick-Fil-A (her favorite restaurant) Dad even managed to join us for lunch. Then later that afternoon she smiled her beautiful 4 year old smile at JC Penny for her official 4 year picture.
It was a complete success and we all had a great time. So many family and friends remembered her with calls, emails and cards. We appreciate them all! Happy Birthday Miss Caroline!
Monday, February 20, 2012
A Simple Lunch Time Conversation
This is what took place at today's lunch table. I just love the sweet innocence of the three year old mind... enjoy.
"Mom, do you know what I'm going to be when I grow up?"
"No Caroline, what are you going to be?"
"A butterfly, so that I can fly back to Erie."
"That's a great idea Caroline, but I will miss you."
"I'm a butterfly Mom, that means I can come visit you wherever you are!"
"Mom, do you know what I'm going to be when I grow up?"
"No Caroline, what are you going to be?"
"A butterfly, so that I can fly back to Erie."
"That's a great idea Caroline, but I will miss you."
"I'm a butterfly Mom, that means I can come visit you wherever you are!"
Monday, February 6, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Happy New Year
Loving the new Mega Blocks - our tower to the ceiling
Abigail and Audrey BFF
Henry and Caroline at a perfect table for two!
Audrey is non-stop action these days, either crawling or pulling up on something. She's quite proud of her new talent as you can see!
Big girl car seat!
Okay my resolution was on blog entry per month... January 31 and I'm still good! We have welcomed in a very non-snowy January up here in Erie, no one seems to be complaining. Our driveway was only plowed once by the neighbor, in 2008 when we moved here it was being plowed multiple times a week - sometimes twice a day. I'm loving it!
I celebrated New Year's in KC with Big Al for his 65th birthday. Unfortunately, Allison was sick so she wasn't able to join us, but we did manage a terrific brunch at Grand St. Cafe followed with dinner at 5644. It was great to see all kinds of friends, celebrate Dad, and travel/live kid-free for a couple of days. Thanks to Kathy and John for hanging with the girls while Ryan took call.
Our family road tripped to Chicago to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Little Man Wierbicki. We had a terrific shower for Anne and Paul, plus the kids all got to play together. Henry and Abigail seem to be perfect life long friends. One of the highlights for Caroline on this trip was to ride the "L" train in Chicago. She's a fan of the big city!
Caroline is currently into tap dancing and pig tails. She had her first ballet/tap class this weekend and loved every moment. I wasn't able to see the class, but the smile she had when exiting the room proved she's a fan. We had a tap dance session in our kitchen on Sunday afternoon. With all of the tapping and pounding, we managed to shatter a lightbulb in the basement just under the kitchen. She's got some strong feet! She's also embraced pig tails and getting herself dressed in the morning. So far the outfits have been above average. I just can't believe she's able to do that for herself, she's growing up!
That's the latest. Get ready for the February installment. : ) Happy Days!
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