distractions, updates, and Christmas pics

Well, I knew January was going to be a hard month for me emotionally, but I didn't really think it would be this hard. When will I ever realize that I must grieve? Anyway, today has been one year since my mom called me to come back to Little Rock because she was getting sick after her second stem cell transplant. I woke up on this day, and planned on having a good day. My dear friend Megan and her sweet family were going to come over the next day and we were on the phone when my mom called me. It was the last phone call I ever got from her. I am still so thankful that I was able to help as much as I could, even though I will never stop wishing the outcome was different...Enough about all that. I need a distraction, and I'm sure y'all are growing weary of my depressing posts.

I have been working and working and working. My part-time job is about 37 hours a week. Which is pretty much full-time, I think. Chris started his surgical rotation Monday. I am excited for him because being able to be in the OR makes him happy. It makes the last two and half years of madness seem not so bad. Also for the month of January, we have a house guest. Chris's friend Paul (who is a year ahead of Chris in med school) is also doing a surgical rotation in Tuscaloosa, so he is staying with us. I have been making hot chocolate and/or cider every night because of the cold weather. Speaking of cold, Paul will be traveling to the great land of Minnesota for his Mayo residency interview next week. He is going to make pictures for me. I can't wait to hear what he has to say about it. Ideally, Paul and Chris will both end up at Mayo, because it really is the best program in the nation. It would also be great to know someone when we move. What else is going on? Hmm, I am taking down Christmas decor today. I was off last weekend (my first weekend off since October) and I refused to do it then. Last week I bought one of those balance ball things at Dirt Cheap for $9. We also got a new PUR water filter for our sink (our other one broke) for $7. I love Dirt Cheap! I guess it's not for everyone though. I am working hard on toning up. I want to be able to buy a cute bikini and feel confident in it this summer. Yay for goals!

Of course I am not going to post an update and not talk about my dog child. He is spectacular, getting better with age. Brooks gets smarter every day. He brings his dish to the door when he's ready to eat (we keep the dog food in the garage), he fetches his leash when it's time to take a trip or go for a jog, and the newest thing I have taught him is to bring me laundry that I drop on my way to the laundry room. I love that dog! He always comes and nudges my leg if my phone rings or the oven timer beeps and I am in a different room. I didn't teach him those things, and I think he just gets annoyed with all the beeping/ringing.

Now for some Christmas pics. I really don't like making pictures much lately, but we got a few this Christmas. Enjoy!

That is a cinnamon stick from Chris's cider. Brooks LOVES cinnamon. It's bizarre.

the dreaded antlers

Momma & Brooksie

unwrapping his gift

Brooks and his weasel-duck. And Santa & Mrs. Claus.

my guys

The spacing and captions are driving me crazy so I give up! Argh!