Bill's New/Old Job!

At LaTasca, celebrating Bill's New Job!!

This weekend we celebrated Bill's decision to return to his previous job at Siemens. He worked there for close to 4 years before making a move to Grainger in Lake Forest last January. After spending a year at Grainger, he realized that his interests and career goals are better served at Siemens. We're thankful that he was given the opportunity to return, particularly during this tight job market. Hopefully great things will come!

January 5th, I began my third quarter of grad school. I'm in the middle of a 2 year program to earn my early childhood teaching certification and masters at DePaul. I'm fortunate to already be working in the field at Lincoln Park Preschool in a 2 and 3 year old classroom, which I can't believe I actually get paid for. I'd do it for free. I love the little ones!

Bill loves taking a picture of me with my backpack on my first day of school :)

Hello 2009!

Bill's and my major goal of 2009 is to run the Chicago Marathon in October. A year ago, I didn't think I could run more than a mile, let alone run 26. I'm still in disbelief! When people say they couldn't do it because they're not "a runner" ... well neither am I, and that's exactly what I would have said last year. Anyone can do it if they really want to!

Our last minute 2008 goal was to run the 5 mile Shamrock Shuffle in March, and we had a great experience doing so. You don't even notice that you're running for the first 2 miles because you're just looking around at the city and thinking, "wow, I'm running down the middle of the street between all these huge beautiful buildings!" It's a powerful feeling.

After the Shamrock Shuffle, we decided to run the half marathon this past September. We trained all summer, and though it was hard work, and more so, a big time committment, the triumph and pride we felt finishing the 13th mile was euphoric.

As we move on to the marathon, we're hoping to join the Children's Memorial Hospital marathon team and raise money for the hospital. We'll have many more details to share soon!

Christmas 2008

Our 2008 Christmas was great! We narrowed down our typical "Four Christmases" to only two this year, and we really enjoyed being able to spend more time at each of our family parties. We again had our immediate families over to our place for Christmas Eve dinner and shared a delicious dinner of beef tenderloin, enjoyed the amazing cookies my parents make for Christmas, and had a wonderful time. A lot of beautiful stained glass ornaments were given, by Jami, Bob and my mom, along with gift card galore. Now that Christmas is over, we have a bit of the post-Christmas blues. The hole where our Christmas tree was is staring us down. Christmas is always a great way to end a wonderful year. Hopefully 2009 will be as great as 2008!

Christmas Eve

Jami and I on Christmas Day!

New slippers!

Cooper couldn't wait to ride the worm

The Jack man

Jack, Ryan, and Princess Grace

Stefan and Josh with Jack and Ryan

Taryn!!!

Christmas at my grandparents'

Jacob's winter snowsuit is so cute!