Christmas memories.

This will be the 1st Christmas without Peppes.

I know it's going to be a day filled with varying emotions for each of us.

We miss her so much, so much more than I can say.

I think of her on a daily basis.

Like when I...

*put on my Clinique makeup every morning

(Clinique was the only makeup she wore)

*make a banana sandwich

(it's because of her that I love them so much)

*fry an egg

(she taught me how to fry them the "Peppes" way)

*finish a good book and want to tell someone about it

(we shared a love of reading)

*see anything with a lighthouse on it

(another love we shared)

*drive past a library

*open my mailbox knowing that there won't be a "Peppes letter"

*sing her favorite hymns in church

*cook her Spanish rice

(it never tastes quite as good as hers did)

*play the piano

(a love for music-something else we had in common)

I will miss her presence at Christmas but am glad that we have memories of Christmas' past with her to reflect on...

*Christmas mornings with Peppes & Pop coming over to see what Santa brought

* her unique way of wrapping gifts

*the "big bulb" Christmas lights she strung on the fence outside

*Peppes' annual "memory gift"

More than ever, this Christmas will be about being with family, sharing Christmas memories, creating new Christmas traditions, and remembering the real reason for the season.

Christmas card

Our 2009 Christmas card...

I love it!

great giveaways.

There are more wonderful giveaways going on at PinkNothings blog!

I've won 2 great things from here so far (Skin MD lotion (it's great!) & a set of Days Ago timers (love them too!)).

Right now you can win several things from here, but my favorites are the Sleepyhead pajamas and the Crabtree Handbag giveaways.

What's better to a girl than a new pair of pj's & a new purse?

Check out all of the entry rules and deadlines at PinkNothings.

Thanks ladies for more great giveaway items!

exciting!

I can finally share my exciting news!

(NO, it's NOT about BABIES YET...)

I have officially accepted a position as a Clinical Instructor (C.I.) for the

Duke School of Nursing in the spring semester!!!

This is the "opportunity" that I mentioned a few weeks ago.

If you recall, I had applied for this position last fall and again last spring and both times never heard anything after submitting my application.

Needless to say, I gave up!

A few weeks ago, I was in the breakroom at work doing some work on policies and procedures and in walks a friend of mine (Penni) who's a C.I. for the school and her boss (Kathy).

Penni introduced me to Kathy who on the spot offerred me a job for the spring.

I let her know that we were moving and I could only fulfill the role for 1 semester.

I think I was in shock for the next few days...

This spring is going to be so busy for us with Chris & I both preparing to graduate and move to Nashville.

I had so many doubts and insecurities about taking on another thing.

Chris & I talked about it,

Chris encouraged me,

I prayed about it,

all the while knowing God had this in store for me all along.

This opportunity will only be possible because I have the most wonderfully supportive boss in the world.

She is willing to let me drop my status to 2 days/week so I can continue working for her while taking on my new role!

There aren't many bosses like her...thanks Joey!

I sent Kathy my resume soon after and that set the ball rolling...

I got the official offer earlier this week,

accepted it,

sent in my payroll papers today,

and will officially sign my name on the dotted line next week!

What a crazy semester it's going to be...

Mondays- 10 hours of preceptorship for my final class

Tuesdays- C.I. duties or preceptorship

Wednesdays- C.I. duties

Thursdays- work

Friday- work

weekend- try to relax, catch-up on things

whew!

I'm so excited about my new position and the opportunity to try something new!

December!

Where November went I don't know, but December is here meaning it's only 22 days until Christmas!

Time sure does fly!

We have our tree up and the majority of the decorations out.

We had hoped to put up our icicle lights on Saturday, but with highs in the 40s & a prediction of rain turning to snow (that's right...SNOW), I don't think that's going to happen.
No sweat...that's my motto for myself this holiday season!

If it doesn't get done, it doesn't get done and that's OK.

We are hoping to finish up our Christmas shopping this weekend despite the weather.

Then I can start wrapping gifts with my beautiful papers thanks to Hobby Lobby (had to make a trip there over Thanksgiving to get some)!

Bring on more Christmas fun!