Back to school...

Tuesday was the official first day of the Spring semester. My classes this spring include:

Facilitating Learning in Nursing

Research in Nursing

and my elective...

Advanced Community Nursing Concepts

Remember the days when electives were blow off classes? Like Criminal Justice, Art, or Bowling? Well, those days are long gone. Although, I did read through the syllabus of the Advanced Community Course and it seems like it will be pretty interesting. We're actually going to work together on the onlin community to develop a prenatal teaching education program for uneducated mothers in other countries where AIDS are of particular concern.

I think it's going to be really interesting. I just finished reading Three Cups of Tea and it's really put some international crises into perspective. It is a really inspiring book about a man who drops everything (literally, his whole life) to build schools for children in Pakistan. It's an amazing story! Although I won't be able to make as big of an impact as Greg Mortenson (who also happens to be a RN), I can hopefully do something outside of my normal realm! Nursing is such a great career and it really is all about helping others. There are so many ways to accomplish that and I really am proud to be a RN!

Now, just 3 more semesters of school and I'll have a Master's degree...here goes nothing!

2009 Year in Review

Well, it's hard to believe it's over, but I think it's been one of the best years yet. I really love my life right now. Just me, the hubby and the puppy living comfortably, feeling somewhat financial stable, and just enjoying being an old married couple! Here are some of the highlights of 2009:

JANUARY

We had a belated Christmas with the Finchers and Strouds in Fort Worth. It was low key, but it's always nice to spend time with family!

I guess I don't have any pictures, but we traveled to Amarillo in January as well for Brett's grandpa's 80th Birthday. He's a wonderful man with a great heart.

FEBRUARY

There was quite a large tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City and left some evidence in our yard while we were working. Luckily, we didn't sustain any damage to the house!

I spent the majority of February preparing for our upcoming European vacation. Also, I was working on my application to OU's graduate school.

MARCH

We traveled to Amarillo to celebrate Emma's 4th Birthday (Brett's niece). She had a Disney Princess theme for her party.

It was nice to spend some quality time with friends and family before our big trip at the end of the month...

Paris...London...Rome. They were all equally amazing. It seems surreal that we were actually there and saw these amazing, historical structure. Yet, I can still remember every detail so vividly and it's definitely something I will never forget. Brett and I worked as a team to navigate the streets of these large cities on our own...with some help, of course! Thanks Mindi!

APRIL

We returned from Rome on April 2nd; Brett got in a car wreck on the 16th. Sadly, that's the only thing I can really remember about this month!

In the end, the Altima was totaled and Brett had a new car by May. Unfortunately, the settlement wasn't final for several grueling months of deliberation with the insurance company.

MAY

We were in Amarillo for Brett's sister, Karley's, bridal shower.

From left to right: Lisa (Karley's new sis-in-law), Keelie (Brett's sister), Karley (Brett's sister and bride-to-be), Yours Truly, and Tyanne (Brett's sister).

We also went the the I-44 Speedway to watch my boss' son drive his car. He had some amazing races under the fireworks and we had a blast watching him! For more info...read here.

JUNE

Karley's wedding was beautiful and we gladly welcome Steven into the family!

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Reeves - June 27, 2009

JULY

Christine & David came to visit for the 4th of July. We celebrated David's 30th Birthday at the Melting Pot and got to meet their new addition, Finn. It rained, and rained, and rained. So, the dogs entertained us with their constant brawling. My favorite action shot of the weekend:

Finn eating Lexi's head

Christine & David at the Melting Pot...we met Mindi and Jonathan there for dinner.

AUGUST

August started with Bootcamp, then...

We had a Fincher/Felder/Stroud family gathering in Fort Worth again:

We went to watch the Rangers play the Red Sox in the HOT August sun.

Later in the month, we went to Las Vegas with Brett's mom and step-dad.

After Vegas, a quick return to reality to start my first semester of graduate studies at OU.

SEPTEMBER

I went to Scottsdale, AZ with April and Amy for a conference.

We attended our very first OSU football game thanks to Brett's boss.

OCTOBER

Kings of Leon concert

U2 & Black Eyed Peas

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving with Broken Bow, OK with the Finchers and Strouds

DECEMBER

Company Christmas Parties and...

Christmas in Amarillo and Colorado...

No pictures yet, but I'm working on it!

I thought this little montage of our year would be pretty easy, but it seems a lot happened over the last 12 months. 2009 was wonderful and we're sad to see it go, but we look forward to a spectacular 2010!!!