Sorry it's been so long... It's hard to even know where to begin now.

Nick has been doing really well with school. He's really worked hard and gotten wonderful grades (all A's) so far and tests, quizzes, and projects. I'm very proud of him. The stress started to catch up with him last week and he got a terrible flu/cold bug. He was bed-ridden during most of the weekend. Not that it's every timely to get sick, but he was fortunate that of all times to get sick, it was when he didn't have to be at school or work. He's started to recoup these past couple days and is back in full swing. His job is still proving stressful... we've been worried because an additional assistant manager came on board. She was not needed, but she transferred and takes forty hours a week, so that's left other employees on a short of hours. There has also been talk of hiring two more employees. We both fear we could lose insurance if his hours are depleted anymore than they are. It's been a bit stressful to say the least!

My job has been a real blessing. I continue to like the stability of hours and the type of work. Clerical is a ton better than retail!

I've been in a Bible study for the past month called Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering at CCO. It's been a good study and there are two weeks left. Nick and I have also really enjoyed our adult Sunday school class there as well. We'd been hoping to get in a small group, but with Nick's schedule, it's been rather difficult. Hopefully, we'll be able to get in one this summer or fall.

I started taking violin lessons and playing in MSSU's orchestra this semester. It was rough getting back into the groove, after an almost eight month hiatus from playing. I've practiced almost every day and it's starting to get exciting to play again. I'm really glad I'm taking lessons again. The orchestra here is a step up from MWSU yet not quite the level of the St. Joseph Symphony... it's been a real healthy challenge being in it. I'm excited that we have two concerts this semester- one of which is a pops concert. I'm thankful just to be in it, but flattered that I was promoted to principle second after three weeks. I feel some pressure to work my hardest and I'm enjoying it.

A few weeks ago Nick had his birthday celebration. His mom came down and we went to see End of the Spear and ate at Cheddars. His aunt made an incredible looking cake that Julie brought down, too(of course, anything by Robin is nothing short of amazing!). He got the complete collection of Lord of the Rings Extended/Special Edition, four seasons of Smallville, a 6-in-one Chiefs sports jacket, a Mark Schultz piano book, and money. We're trying to save up a little more to add up to what he got and buy a R.O. water filtration system.

These upcoming months will be full of concerts. We got tickets to see Thoroughly Modern Millie in KC at the Music Hall in March and then I'll have an orchestra concert, along with a concert at OCC (I'm playing for a seniors practicum) in March/April.

Just so all you ladies know... I'm not doing Mary Kay for business anymore, but I'm still going to buy each quarter just to maintain my discount. I'm letting family and friends buy for cost (50% off of retail price). I'll be putting in an order, so if you need anything, let me know.

Hope all is well and I promise, I'll try to update more frequently.