Welcome Baby Asher

Dear Baby Asher,
I'm sorry I'm a month late writing you a welcome note.  I was able to come visit you when you were about 2 weeks old.  That was so special.  You were precious and peacefully sleeping on your mom when I arrived in Kansas City. And you were pretty much sweet and peaceful the entire time I was visiting.

Asher, I want you to know how much you are loved. You have two AMAZING parents, and you have a pretty cool big brother, too.  Having a big sibling is fun... I'm sure you're going to love it. Most of the time. (At least that's how I felt about having your mom for a big sister :))

You are so special and unique and God has such good plans for your life.  We pray that you will always know him in such an intimate, special way and that you'll look to Him for wisdom, for guidance, for joy, and for peace.

I can't wait to watch you grow up and develop your personality and your interests and your future.  We're so happy you've joined the family!!

Love,
Aunt Stephie, Uncle Charlie (and the dogs)

1 month of classes to go

Let's see.

 5 more Papers. (including finishing my Master's Project. It's 63 pages including appendices right now. WHAAAT!)

 4 more Presentations (including my Master's Project).

 3 more assignments.

 AND THEN I'M FINISHED WITH THE CLASSES PART OF SCHOOL!

 Not tooooo bad, my friends. Not too bad.

 ALSO.. a little happy birthday shout-out to my Louisiana mama. Happy birthday!
 

Maple syrup

I forgot to blog yesterday.

Sad.  I was close to completing the challenge.  Oh well.  I kind of like blogging every day despite the challenge.  I love to look back on past years and remember the silly little things.

The other day I spoke on the phone with a girl who was trying to decide where to go to grad school.  She had just found out she was accepted into Minnesota, and had some questions for me to sort through making such a huge decision about the next 2 years of her life.  She asked questions about lodging and transportation and field experiences and relationship dynamics within the program and financial aid and the atmosphere of the program.

I took me back to 2011 when I was accepted into the program and had all the same questions and was excited and nervous and ohmygoodnessOURentireworldwasabouttochange.

And now, 2 years later I'm getting ready to graduate and I've made great friends and had such a great experience and connected with AMAZING professors and leaders in the field and God has provided the money and means we've needed at EVERY step of the way and somehow moving to the cold North has taught Charlie a ton of things he'll be able to use down south.

It's been such an incredible journey.

One I wouldn't give up for anything.

GIVE ME A BABY!

I must be starting my period soon.

time management

Lately, I have really enjoyed staying on top of (ahead of) my work.  It's been an amazing feeling since last semester I thought I was going to drown.

I've already finished the research and powerpoint for a presentation I have NEXT Wednesday. And started the research for a paper I have to write due on May 8th. WHAAAAAAT!

I think it's my Masters Project that's doing it to me. It's just so nice when you are actually able to stay on top of things.

Nooooow... if only I could integrate this into my cleaning schedule...

Farewell

I think the loud upstairs neighbor is back. (She's been out of the state since Charlie and I got back from our amazing winter vacation).

I can tell because I hear:

1) a dog running around

2) stomping like an elephant

3) and LOUD MUSIC.

Byebye peace and quiet.  I will miss you.