{my social butterfly}

This is to my 5 year old daughter Katelyn Farney, soon to be a big 6!

This morning, on the way to your first day of school at a new elementary-Robinson, I thought I'd ask you questions from the "get to know me" form from Miss Garten, your teacher. 

I asked, "What upsets you?" expecting to hear about Chad, but instead you answered, "Not much. Well, maybe if someone tells me to go stick my face in the mud, or something like that..."

I thought I'd try, "What are your weaknesses?" After a short pause, "I'm good at most things, but pretty bad at climbing walls, standing on my head, and maybe picking up a couch." Daddy and I suppressed giggles. 

Your strengths? You answered, "Picking up my shoes, remembering to shut the door, and folding my clothes." I think that was more of a wish list, my dear ;)
Your favorite things were dress up tea parties, ice cream, fancy clothes, and new shoes.

I'm so glad you're my daughter, not afraid to be your own personality, displaying strong character qualities and tenderness toward others, imaginative, spunky, and creative. You are strong, beautiful, and important. I am praying for you to have a good year in first grade, make friends, and continue spreading your sunshine. I love you!

{raindrops}

Raindrops in the storms of life...Only a few days after that triathlon, my world fell apart. Packing for the 2 required weeks of class and lab in Fort Worth, TX, I was also faced with the possibility of not passing my 6 credit physiology course. Once I got to TX, I knew I needed to be in the classroom, instead of trying distance learning any more. Karen, also assigned to Colton, CA offered me a place to stay. I got into a good study group. My grades improved. I was closer to my teachers. I studied every waking moment it seemed. May 10, I took my last exam, flew back to CA and my little family, and packed my sweet kids up for a summer in Indiana with Nana, Papa, and Megan. A few days later, I walked heartbroken through a Dallas airport, gearing up for a summer in the classroom. I knew I had much to be thankful for, but when someone asked if I was glad I went back to school, I responded with "right now, I f-ing hate my life."

Jonathan joined me a few days later, and we lived with Jamie and Ben Casmer. Jamie is a fellow student, and we were able to ride together to class. We became good friends, and spent hours studying in adjoining couch recliners, dog snuggled in each lap. The first week, Karen, Taylor, and I were talking about residency, and Karen randomly suggested Taylor and I switch. Taylor wanted to go to CA, Karen was looking for a roommate, and we have family in Wichita. As soon as Jonathan and I decided to switch, he flew to Redlands, packed up our things, and said goodbye to some wonderful friends. Although it was the logical decision, in my heart, I long for palm trees and mountains again. We loved our experience in California. 

We did get to see a little of the mountains in Denver and South Fork, after my final. We started vacation there for my brother Darren's wedding.

As I write, we are moved into Mary's basement, its raining for the first time in months, the kids are at their first day of school at Robinson elementary in Augusta, and I am preparing for clinicals to start next Monday. Last Monday at the dentist (Jon's dentist when he was a kid), I met one of the hygienists whose husband graduated from TWU and did residency at Wesley in Wichita. She said the first year was definitely the worst. I agree. It's been hell. But now, we're all together again, and I get to see my husband and sweet kids every day. I'm in a better place emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. God is faithful to continue demonstrating his presence. Graduate school has required many sacrifices, but I am blessed with the opportunity, and look forward to the day when I can say it was worth it. Thank you Jonathan every day for your patience, encouragement, and partnership.