permit to drive!

I took David to the DMV for his driver's permit and he passed his test the first time! I had simply given him the book a month ago and reminded him to study a few times. He also had taken driver's education (classroom) in school. I am proud of him for taking responsibility to study and do well in school and other tasks that he is assigned to do. Part of growing up, and I am excited he is meeting the challenge. The first thing we did was have him start the van-he had never even started a car before! When asked if he wanted to go to a parking lot and drive on the way home, his answer, "not right now". I don't know if that means he is nervous or that he would rather drive with his father, either way, we went home and chilled the rest of the morning.

-Nancy

Additions

Addendum: I decided to not do the lasik eye surgery so will get contact lenses (soft this time) and new updated glasses (with progressive lenses) tomorrow. My new eye insurance is great.

We have our tickets to London and Iceland for spring break-now to plan!

-Nancy

March Madness at the Fauths

We are not just talking about basketball. Having 4 kids is madness sometimes. Dave and I were just trying to hash out the logistics of how we were going to get 3 kids who are on 3 different soccer teams to their practices and games, Arianna to dance, 3 kids to Awana, all to youth and church, etc. We have to take it a week at a time! I am glad we have spring break.

I finished the hard course of psychopathology and started another integration (spirituality and theology in counseling) course. I am in my second week. 8 weeks of class, 7 books to read, 6 short papers, 5 weeks to be in the thick of it, 4 hours of homework, 3 discussion boards, 2 minutes of downtime and 1 personal theory paper/1 final exam (sung to the tune of 12 days of Christmas but this is the 8 weeks of class. BUT after this I will be officially half-way through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Praises: I received my tuition money back for these current 2 spring classes from my new job and some more will go toward my summer classes.

I had a nice break last weekend in NYC-4 days without family to hang with my brother, eat some amazing food, good art museum tours, meeting Jon's friends, and walk/run everywhere (I love Central Park). I did not do the subway by myself, but did walk by myself and of course, brought bagels home for all. I met an interesting college freshman woman on the way up and we talked about some deep things like death, family, God, etc. She is Jewish. I told her that Messiah was coming (again for me). I also missed the accident on HOV which would have caused me to miss my bus (I was on the Megabus-2nd level for only $40 round trip!)

Books: reading lots for class by Larry Crabb, Jay Adams, Bacchus. they are good-mostly on integrating psychology and Christianity and Christian counseling models. I am still plodding through Ivanhoe-hard to read.

Driving: David takes his driver's written test next week for his permit-then he will start practicing!!!!!!!

Cement: Our cement job is almost done and looks great so far-new driveway, walkway to the back and large patio. They will also do hardscape retaining walls in the front and sides. We got rid of the prickly hollies and other plants by the driveway and front. Now we are left with a big landscaping job. Any takers?

Sleep: Must get some-Nancy

New Stuff

School: I have less than a week and one more test and I am done with this hard, challenging class!

Elizabeth: our cute girl has turned 13-she is such a young lady. As you can see, she enjoyed her birthday for which I am glad. She is a joy to us.

David: Made the HS soccer team and is a starter for defense. We are all thrilled especially since there won't be much driving him around for me. On March 26th he is allowed to take the test to get his permit. We are doing this on time so he can get free drivers ed through school and not have to take PE next year. I can't believe my first baby will be driving soon! He is also a soccer referee now too so I told him to earn some of the car insurance money.

Heat pump is in and I am comfortable at 73 degrees so that is what it is on when I am home.

Europe: We are going to England and Iceland during spring break which is a dream come true for me (I have wanted to go to England since I was a little girl and read all those classic English novels by Dickens, Jane Austen, etc.) In Iceland, we will hang with the Garmans which is always a treat.

Concrete is coming in mid March.

Snow today-over 6 inches but I hurt my back somehow which figures because I love sledding but didn't dare risk it plus I am in pain just sitting. The kids all enjoyed it though.

Jewelry: my dear friend came over and we made necklaces which was great because we need to use up some of the thousands of beads we have here. Hopefully I can make some more.

Book: SexGod by Rob Bell. Interesting book. The author is so well read, he must have referenced at least 50 books at the end. So many books, so little time.

Facebook: I am still holding out and do not have one. Now I am really not sure after our Pastor's facebook was hacked into yesterday. Who needs that headache?

New Hospital/job: Stafford Hospital has opened and I am glad. We in SDS still do not have patients (no endo or OR schedule yet) but at least their are no more tours and open houses. I am enjoying my bosses and the leaders a lot so far.

Eyes: I am considering Lasik eye surgery but it will be a long haul since I have to get contacts to work first (especially one for reading and one for distance) and then be out of contacts for a while before I can get it, but I will at least think about it and evaluate it. It would be nice to see well all the time and not worry about contacts and especially glasses. Right now I am wearing my old glasses which are not "hip" so I feel ugly and out of style, like I did as a teen, but not for long.

Signing out for now, Nancy