2009 in Review

This year I did not get the opportunity to mail out Christmas cards. Seems I'm still trying to find the balance between family, work, and life, and sometimes I'm unable to do all the little things I'd love to do. I know that in time this balance will come as I strive to be the best wife and mom I can be while working. I had hoped to mail out cards and send out an update letter, so here's what I would've included in my letter had I actually written one =)

Donald continues to work for the Town of Holly Springs. We feel so incredibly blessed for God's hand of provision in our life that has remained constant for our years together. We're so thankful not only that Donald has a job, but it's a job he enjoys. Donald is such a special man, and a wonderful daddy and husband. Donald and Jackson are best friends, and spend lots of time together cuddling or playing.

Kelly graduated from graduate school in May, and began working in August at a nursing home. Being a speech-language pathologist is so incredibly fulfilling. I love my job, and love the girls that I work with! I love that we are so close! We work, cry, laugh, and pray together. We are very close knit and feel more like sisters than co-workers. I prayed for many months for God to open the door for His will because more than anything I long to be right in His will because I know that's where I'll be happiest ultimately, and looking back I'm so amazed at all the doors He shut only to open a door I never imagined I'd be happy in. Now, I can see how His hand was at work in my life, and I'm so thankful that His timing is always right!

Jackson began preschool part-time this past fall, and has thoroughly enjoyed it. He has learned so much and come so far academically and socially. I'm constantly amazed at the concepts his little mind can grasp. There's nothing I enjoy more than hearing his voice singing songs about our Lord and Savior as we drive to Rocky Mount. I'm proud to be called "Mommy" of such a special little boy who was formed perfectly by God's hands.

2009 has been an exciting year for our family, and we're excited as about what 2010 holds as we look forward to a new year.

Merry Christmas from the Irwins!

What a precious day we have had celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior! From our home to yours...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Reminiscing....

Since I've been feeling a bit nostalgic...I mean my little baby boy is quickly growing into an independent little boy who LOVES all things boy, and all things he can do with his daddy. Amazing how much fun a daddy and his little boy can have...I thought I'd share a few pics I came across when he was just a small little guy.

He was 11 months here...Just a reminder to cherish every moment because they grow up so fast. My how I miss when he was just a little guy, but I'm ever so thankful for the special little boy he is becoming.

Catching up...

Boy am I ever behind on blogging! Life happens, and the craziness of life has kept us on the go. I started my new job 2 weeks ago, and have really enjoyed it. I work wiht a wonderful group of people, who really care about the patients. I have enjoyed getting back in the swing of working and helping others. It is so gratifying to help others, and give of yourself to others.

We have been busy gearing up for Pirate Football season! If you know us, you know how much we enjoy football season. We're anxiously awaiting our season tickets, but they have yet to come in the mail yet, but anticipate them anyday. Only a few more weeks til football season begins!

I'll try to add updated pictures of Jackson very soon. He's at such a fun age, and we are so thankful that God blessed us with him. He continues to amaze me each day, and brightens each and every day. What a blessing he is!

I'm Employed!

As of last week, I accepted a position at a nursing home in my home town as a Speech-Language Pathologist. WHOO HOO! I start in just a little over a week, so I'm a bit sad that this is the last week of being a stay at home mom with Jackson, but feel so thankful for this opportunity, and have really enjoyed this time with Jackson and watching him grow.
This job offers me a lot of flexibility in my schedule so that I am able to first and foremost be a wife and mother. Yes I will still be at work 30 hours a week, but they allow me to come early/late if need be so that I can be the wife and mother I am called to be. During the interview, one of the first things they told me is that they are a family-oriented company who encourages family involvement because they know that is important in my role as a clinician. The other day I stopped in just to pick up some more paperwork for my licensure (who knew there could be so much paperwork to obtain this little piece of important paper?!?), and the staff made me feel like family in just the few minutes I was there. As the rehab manager walked around and introduced me as the new speech-language pathologist, I thought I would cry with excitement because it has been such a long road to get here, and I couldn't be happier! I'm so thankful for this opportunity, and pray that God uses me in this role someway somehow.

July 4th

We had such a wonderful time on July 4th celebrating our freedom with close friends! Jackson enjoyed all the inflatables. This was the perfect kid-friendly celebration, and was a wonderful evening with friends. I didn't catch many pics while there, but here's a pic of Jackson sliding down the huge slide. I think his facial expression says it all! He had a wonderful time!

Baby birds

Wow! This summer is really flying by! We have been busy catching up on projects, and enjoying family time together. Jackson and I have spent quite a bit of time working in the yard, and Jackson has enjoyed all the crickets, worms, lizards and other creatures that we have caught this summer. The past few weeks, Jackson and his friends from the neighborhood have enjoyed watching this the bird's nest that is on our front porch in our ferns. Just a few days ago, 2 of the birds hatched, and Jackson was so excited and has enjoyed checking on them daily to see them grow. Here's a picture of his new winged friends.

Marbles

One morning last week, Jackson and I set out to visit Marbles Children's Museum. We've planned to go on several occasions; however, something else has come up that has always kept us from going. Jackson loved it and really enjoyed himself. He's already talking about going back, so maybe we will before the summer is over. Here's a few pics of his adventure at Marbles.

After leaving Marbles, we made a trip to the Farmer's Market and checked out the fresh produce and had lunch. Jackson was excited about the various samples he got to try. He especially liked the Muscadine Grape Slushie. I thought it was interesting tasting...He's asked for daddy to go back with us to visit these places soon, so we'll plan another adventure with daddy real soon.

Mercy Me

Last Friday at the last minute, we won tickets to hear Mercy Me in Edenton, NC from the local Christian radio station. We were ecstatic as we never seem to win anything, and we enjoy listening to their music. We decided to make an adventure of it, as neither of us had ever been to Edenton before, and it was a 2 hour road trip from here. We loaded up as soon as Donald got off work, and the 3 of us headed out for a night of worship. We knew there was a possibility it was going to storm, but decided we had just got back from Florida where it rained almost the entire trip, so we packed out ponchos and decided to brave the storm. It stormed most of the ride there, and once we got there it was clear for about 5-10 minutes before the bottom fell out. Luckily, there was a nice covered shelter where we were able to stay dry, and the concert was postponed as the band's bus had broken down in SC so they were late arriving. We ended up bumping into a guy that Donald went to ECU with 7 years ago, and talked with him for a while until the concert started. The band didn't begin to play until around 9:30, and the concert didn't end until around 11.
It was such an encouraging evening, and exactly what I needed at the moment. The past month has been a bit trying as I've really missed my dad, and often wonder how different life might be if he were still here. That evening proved to be a wonderful encouragement that life is but a vapor, and the impact we make for eternity is the only thing that really matters in the end, so no matter the hurt, the pain, the disease...it's all used for God's glory and to impact eternity.
We didn't capture many pictures from the evening due to the rain, but it was a lot of fun, and we look forward to many more family outings such as this!

Disney World

Jackson's First Glimpse of Mickey Mouse

Last month we decided we had so many things to celebrate, that we'd celebrate by having a family vacation to Disney World. We celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary, my graduation from ECU, and Donald's 30th birthday. It was a fitting vacation for lots of family memories, and lots of fun to be had together!

We spent 7 nights in Disney World, and were able to stay in a Disney World resort, and visit all of the Disney parks at least once. It rained over 10 inches in the week we were there, but it made for an interesting vacation, and we made the best of it, and still had a fabulous time. We were willing to brave the rain, and dance the puddles, so the crowds and waits were less than they could've been. Here's a few pictures from our vacation. Jackson is already saving his pennies in his bank to go see Mickey again. He loved it! Several times he has said, "Mommy, Mickey misses me. I need to go see him in Disney World." Ha ha ha! The laughter we shared!

Jackson has just reached the 40" mark, so he was big enough to ride most roller coasters there. He loved the roller coasters and many times made us ride 5-6 times in a row. Here's a picture of us on one of his favorite roller coasters there.

Graduation Day

In an attempt to catch up on my blog somewhat, I'll be posting a little of what happened last month...

First off, on May 9, 2009, I officially graduated from ECU with my Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. YYYYEEEESSSS!!!! I'm not sure who was happier, me or Donald. Donald has been such a huge support throughout this entire process, and said he was so happy to have his wife back. He's thrilled that I accomplished this, but also thrilled that I have more time to spend with our family. Here's a few pictures from the day. I'm so thankful for all of the love and support from my family and friends throughout this process. I definitely didn't do this alone, but rather did it by God's grace and strength, and with the support of my family and friends.

Graduation

Well, the day has finally come where I graduate from college! Tomorrow is the big day! I don't know if I really ever knew this day would come, but I am thrilled that it has! I've been the student for so long, that it can be a bit overwhelming to actually be the clinician and be the one making the decisions, but I've had great mentors along the way, and am confident in the things that I have learned so far.
This day is such a special day for me because it means I can give back in such a special way. A way that a Speech-Language Pathologist impacted my family years ago, and there is such a significant meaning behind that for me! I am passionate about the profession, the patients, and the families that this profession touches every single day. I am encouraged because I know that I can make an impact! I don't feel like I am simply going to work each day because I really enjoy what I do, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others. Don't get me wrong...there are some depressing days. Days where you wonder why individuals and families are experiencing the grief that they are experiencing; however, I know that ultimately medicine, medical professionals, nor anyone else on this Earth are the giver or taker of life, and I am also reminded that all things can be used for His glory if we only allow them to. So while there are depressing days, they are far outnumbered.
I plan to enjoy some time off for a little while so that I can spend this time with Donald and Jackson. Donald has been the most supportive husband that I could've ever asked for. I feel truly blessed to be married to such a selfless individual who constantly prays for me and has encouraged me every step of the way. This degree really belongs to him as well because he has sacrificed and worked very hard right along side me to make this a reality. I love that man more than words could ever say!
We leave next week for a 9 day vacation, and I couldn't be more ready! We are thrilled to be taking some time off to enjoy some family time.
Thank you all for being a part of this journey!

April...Where did it go?

No, we haven't fallen off the face of the planet; however, April was an extremely busy month for us (photos to come soon I promise). We celebrated Jackson's 3rd birthday with a small get-together because of how chaotic and hectic everything has been. We feel so extremely blessed to be this sweet little boy's parents, and can't imagine life without him. He adds so much to our family, and are so grateful that God blessed us with him! Donald had to go out of town for work 2 weekends this month. Jackson and I tagged along for one of those weekends in Charlotte, and had a nice time exploring and shopping =) I also had to complete everything for graduation during the month of April. There were a lot of loose ends to tie up and paperwork to be completed, but I'm happy to say that it's all finished!
I will be posting pictures of our events for the month of April soon as I'm trying to catch up on everything now that things have slowed down a bit.

Roller Skating

Today we celebrated birthdays for 2 special little people in our life! At 1 of the parties, Jackson got to try out skating for the first time. He enjoyed it, but after falling numerous times became a little discouraged, and figured it was more fun for daddy to skate and carry him than it was to keep falling. Here's a few pics of our time today. We'll definitely do this again soon! Thanks Nicole for the opportunity to try something new, and for allowing us to celebrate this special day with Sophie!

Bedtime prayers

Donald is out of town this week for work, so Jackson and I are on our own. Boy, do we ever miss him after just 1 night!
Last night I was putting Jackson in bed after his bathtime and storytime. I asked him what he wanted mommy to pray about tonight, and he listed off: Daddy, Mommy, Mimi, Granny, Papa, Giz, me, and Daddy. He made sure to put daddy in there twice since daddy is gone, and I thought it was cute he asked me to pray for him. So, we closed our eyes and said our prayer, and when I was finished, I asked if he wanted to say a prayer. So we closed our eyes and this was his prayer:
Dear God, watch over me, Daddy, Mommy, Mimi, Granny, Papa, Giz. Protect us. We sat there for a minute and I peeked and he still had his eyes closed, so I asked if he was finished, and he nodded his head yes, so I rounded it out by saying Amen.
Oh it was precious! I love that child that God has so richly blessed me with! Parenting isn't always easy, but there's just some moments that make up for the difficult moments to encourage you to stick with it, because it's all worth it!

FEES Certification

What a weekend it has been! I went this weekend to a course to enable me to get my FEES certification. FEES stands for fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. It's a swallowing evaluation we do on patients who may have difficulty swallowing. I have to get a special certificate that allows me to perform these evaluations because it is in invasive procedure. I've completed the first part of certification now which was the course I took this weekend, and so far I've performed 17 evaluations. I will have to complete the other swallowing evaluations in the presence of an ENT or a priveledged endoscopist, which I hope to have completed in the next month and a half.
WOW! Everything is really falling in place for graduation and the job search. This is all becoming so real as I anticipate graduation in only 5 short weeks. It'll be here before I know it, and I only have 2 more papers to write before grad school is over! YES =)

It's Official!

I officially began the job search today! I submitted my first application for a position that I am interested in as a staff acute care Speech Language Pathologist at a local hospital. I'm excited about what the next few months may bring in our life. I've been praying for months and months about this decision...Seems like such a daunting task to look for a job, to figure out exactly what arena I wanted to use my degree in...did I want to go work in a hospital, school system, inpatient rehab center, outpatient rehab, home health, etc...the list goes on. The great thing about this profession is there's so many possibilities, and I'm not limited by 1 arena or 1 population. I can work in acute care primarily with adults now, and could later begin working in the school systems with pediatrics. In my heart of hearts, I know why I went into this profession, I know why I love this profession, and I know where I can make the biggest impact; however, with so many choices, the way is not always clear. I have been prayerfully considering my options for some time, and have been quite reserved in my choices and job search; however, I'm finally ready to begin this job search, and pray that God opens the right door for me. I think I know what I want to do, but I pray that if that is not God's desire that He will close those doors, and open only the door He intends for me to pursue. So, please be in prayer for us as we embarq on this adventure!
**What a rambling post! That's how all this seems in my mind right now too =)

Work, work, work...

Just checking in...we haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but rather, I have been inundated with work trying to finish up graduate school! Between working 4 days in clinic, completing all of the licensing paperwork, writing reports, and completing tests, I am exhausted right now! I've been going to bed around 9 every night which is unusual for me, but I've been so tired that I just want to sleep. I'm enjoying the weekends doing fun things with the family, and playing catch-up.
I started a second internship this semester working with at-risk preschoolers who need services in their home largely due to transportation issues, or simply the convenience of in-home services. All I can say is that this week I have felt an overwhelming sense of how truly blessed I am! I feel incredibly blessed, as it breaks my heart to see some of the situations these children are faced with as a preschooler. What a humbling experience this is going be.
Well, off to enjoy my Saturday with my sweethearts. Only 2 more months of work! I should finish most graduate school requirementsby April 27, so everything will be in place for graduation.

Buried Treasure

Being a mom and being a Speech Pathologist, I'm always on the look out for great games that I can use in therapy, will encourage language development, or provide entertainment for younger children. I was tickled when a fellow therapist introduced me to the Cranium Cariboo game this semester. It's a cute game where you use a special key to pop open the doors on the game board, and you are in search of colorful balls. Once, you find all 6 balls and place them in the special tunnel, your buried treasure open. It's a simple concept that you can make more difficult with the included game cards, or you can play without the cards, and simply enjoy depending on the age group.

This game has proved very effective in therapy with small children as it keeps their attention for longer, and allows the 45 minute sessions with a 3 year old to pass much more quickly. I often use this game and adapt it by cutting out pictures with my target sounds on them, and placing them in the top of the doors you open. I love how the kids know the treasure is always going to be a purple gem with gold sparkly glitter, but each time they open the treasure chest, we still have to ahhhh over how neat the treasure is. This is how it's perfect in therapy...now let me tell you how it's perfect for my 3 year old.

Today, I came across this game, and bought it for our house. Jackson has spent much of his afternoon playing and replaying this game. When Donald came home from work, he was tickled to teach daddy how to play his game, and drug Donald into the living room to sit on the floor with him while he explained the game, the key, the pictures on top of the doors, the tunnel you place the balls in, and of course the ever-so-popular buried treasure! Jackson adores this game, and has enjoyed playing the game so much. He told the waitress at TGI Fridays tonight that he got a buried treasure game. (That was right after he winked at her while she stood by our table.) HA HA HA! Before bed tonight, Jackson kissed the game, and found a special spot to place his game until he can play it again tomorrow. Guess you know what we'll be doing tomorrow...searching for buried treasure, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Oh Happy Day! I Passed the PRAXIS!

Well, I haven't wrote much about the PRAXIS (the licensing exam for our profession) since I took it on Jan. 10. It was a difficult exam which was challenging because the information presented spans over the course of the past 9 years. I have been nervous about my scores, as I know how much weighs on this exam...graduation, job offers, and state licensing. I'm happy to report that I received my results today and I PASSED! Thank you Jesus! I'm so thankful to have passed on the first try, and not to worry about taking this test ever again!
Now it's on to May 9, when I graduate! I'm crossing things off my to-do list for graduation, and will begin applying for jobs now that I know I passed. Keep us in your prayers as I begin the job search. I am in prayer that God will open the door for the perfect job for me. I love this profession, and all that I'm able to give by working with others. I've found that as I work to help others, I find that I'm getting so much more than I'm giving. I'm laughing with them, crying with them at times, and celebrating their victories as they regain independence, the ability to communicate, and the ability to eat as they please. What a rewarding career choice!