Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It’s true what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” 2010 offered up man new experiences and travels for me from cruising to Key West and Cozumel to visiting an old friend in the grand city of Cincinnati, flying to Connecticut and skiing in North Carolina. A year full of many laughs and smiles is what 2010 granted me; memories etched in my mind and carved on my heart forever.
I graduated from Austin Peay State University after four long years of study and of golf. It is hard to believe that those years are now behind me. The memories I have of those years and the people that I met because of them will forever be a part of me. Upon graduation, I began work at a State Farm Agency only to find the job did not fit leading me to want to pursue a second degree. I have chosen Nursing and look to begin my new adventure in 2011.
The family has been keeping busy with their many activities. Jimmy entered his junior year at Martin continuing to run for the cross country team. He won both the Soybean Festival and Chi Omega races while also qualifying for NCAA Regionals. This feat places him as the fourth fastest runner in Martin history. To top off his most successful season, he met a beautiful, sweet girl named Morgan. They started dating after their first date bicycling through the city got her hit by a car—yes, what better way to begin a relationship, right? He continues to work for a catering service while at school and is working hard to be just as successful in the classroom as he is on the track.
Kaci is in her sophomore year at Austin Peay contemplating now a career in Physical Therapy. She and her boyfriend, Lucian, are still together and going strong after eleven months. It’s been a real treat and privilege to watch her fall in love over the past year. She continues to work at the Clarksville Country Club and be an active leader in her sorority.
Mara is in her senior year at Rossview while Kalli is halfway through her junior. Mara recently had her braces removed and is loving her brand new look. Kalli will have a brand new smile of her own to sport soon enough. Both are still in the process of learning how to drive as their teacher, I must say the future holds a great deal of more practice. Beware to those on the road; just warning you! With time and commitment, I have faith they will get their licenses some time in the year 2011.
The most exciting piece of news I have to share for those that are not already aware is the fact I will become Aunt Staci in March 2011. My older sister, Brianne, and her husband, Michael are expecting their first child, a boy, in the Spring. You know I am going to spoil that little boy like there is no tomorrow! Thank you for the thoughts and prayers that were said for Michael this past year as he was deployed. His safe return was a much-welcomed gift and blessing.
Mom and I had a very memorable trip over the summer cruising to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico with wonderful friends. She continues to keep busy at work entertaining residents and their families. They are truly blessed to have her working there.
Dad started a new job overseeing foster care families. I was able to see first hand this year what he deals with on a daily basic and God bless him and others like him for their patience in such a job. However, he is much happier where is at as the stress level is much less. For this, I am glad.
I hope all is well with you and yours this holiday season. May God bless you in the coming year with happiness and joy.