2010, Year of Wonders

As I sit in my comfy little therapy room, waiting for my client to come, I can't help but think of everything that has happened in 2010. Sometimes changes happened quickly, like moving from Colorado to Arizona (if you consider a 17-hour drive quick), or receiving our degrees (again, quick is relative - my ceremony was like 3 hours). Other changes happened more slowly, like the ticking of the clock during my oral exam, or my 6-month internship that led to a job, or looking for a house. But seriously, everything is so relative, and looking back, it seems like a blur.

So let's recap.
1) Survived Extremely Snowy Colorado Christmas (still counts in my mind as 2010)
2) Rachel's written and oral exams (nailbiting a definite understatement)
3) Charlie's job search and job offers
4) Graduation in all its glory
5) Packing. Moving.
6) Trips to San Antonio and North Carolina
7) Starting internship and Charlie's first day as a vet!
8) Househunting and housefinding :-)
9) Our 3rd Anniversary!
10) Finishing internship, interviewing, and starting Rachel's job.

Hopefully, 2011 has lots of more adventures to come. Can anyone say "Japan??"

Merry Christmas

Words can't describe the level of fun and happiness we shared with our friends Melissa, Amanda, and Eric the day before Christmas Eve. So here are some pictures!












"You hef to shmesh de meat."








Merry Christmas!! More to come....

The 6 Degrees of Veterinary Association

For several years now, Charlie has been the delighted and grateful recipient of telephone calls from family whenever they have questions about their pets. He has learned alot from the questions and problems these phone calls pose. He has a heart for animals, especially when he has met them or is in some way related to (or friends with) their owners.

Now that he is a vet, some of those calls turn into actual visits to see Dr. Charlie and get all fixed up. But he still gets the occasional call, especially when friends or family live far away. Which he gladly receives. He's a vet. It's what he enjoys!

The funniest call so far came this week, when we were out watching the movie "Tangled" (soo laugh-out-loud funny - we both loved it).

The call was what Charlie called "the 6 degrees of veterinary association." It regarded the health of his brother's friend's sister's friend's dog. Not even joking. The thing is, when it takes 5 separate phone calls to reach a veterinarian, you're probably better just calling your local clinic and asking advice. Especially when time is of the essence. Just saying.

Parties & Caroling

The weekend is not over yet but it feels like we have already packed so much in!
Friday night was my work Christmas party, so fun and classy and festive, with delicious Italian food. Then last night was caroling at Zoolights and Charlie's work Christmas party. I absolutely love this time of year.




Us at Zoolights




The host of Charlie's work party decorated his house for 2 full weeks to get ready. Everything inside was completely Christmas. I don't know any other way to describe it, but it was as if every picture on the wall, every houshold item (rug, towel, plate, shower curtain, etc.) had been touched by a Christmas elf or something, ha. The buffet was silver platters full of food and real homemade egg nog and cider. Their backyard was decked out in Christmas lights and displays, and they backed up to a lake, so we could see other boats and houses decorated as well. They had at least 3 full-sized trees - this is one of them.



Here are some of our Christmas decorations in our own house!



Another exciting development was that we finally hung the curtain panels I finished. It really motivates me to finish the other valences because I love the way it totally changed the room. It already feels so much more homey.

Over the river and through the woods

To Grandmother's house we go! I flew to Amarillo, then drove with my cousin and her two little girls to Abilene to see my grandma. It was a good, productive visit and so good to see my cousin!! I wished we lived closer, but I admit it was nice to come back to nice warm weather.

What can be done on a short trip with 2 toddlers? Trips out to lunch, making 2 batches of fruitcakes, grocery shopping, Walmart shopping, picking up pecans, mulching front and back yards, making meals, and setting up Christmas decorations!Here are some pictures.


Ava



Lila



Grandma showing us how to mulch the lawn. Don't worry, I made her stop after this little bit!



me and Lora - we did it!!



Tomorrow I take my MT-BC exam (Board Certified Music Therapist) and start my first day of work - provided that I pass, of course!! Wish me luck.

Thanksgiving!

My curtain project is going along very well, thanks to the help of my mom!! Sewing is fun. At least sewing in a straight line. :-)



Charlie has been sick this whole week and seemed to be getting better, then yesterday at Thanksgiving dinner, he could barely eat anything and had a high temperature. This morning he seemed better.

Yesterday we went to his parents' house - along with about 20 other people - and had some good food and visiting time. I have never seen their house so full. The had to set up 3 long tables in the family room to fit everyone. All of Charlie's cousins were there. I loved getting to play with the little ones!

Then last night after we got home, we put the lights, ribbon, and one ornament on the tree. I think it looks pretty so far.

"I have a friendly feeling"

I got this email today and enjoyed a nice laugh. I get these things all the time through my school mail and while I know they are a scam of some sort, I just don't understand how anyone would respond in the first place. :-) Hope this brightens your day! Ha!

Hello My Friend,

My name is jennifer, I have a friendly feeling, As I saw your contact today And decide to leave a message for you, I know you're many miles away. separated by such distance, But yet your letters will bring you near to me; Through the mails we will share in future if it touches you to be a friend to me and if you feel to know more about me you can reach me on my via e-mail (jennifergab@gmx.com) bye and have a nice day.

Kisses,
jennifer gabriel.