Merry Christmas!
March 11, 2016, we were married 15 years. Since we didn't have a honeymoon, a trip seemed to be in order. For you who know non-traveler Doug, this was quite an accomplishment. I didn't ask him if he wanted to go on a trip, I simply asked him if he preferred a cruise or a train trip. He said, "Well, I guess we've already been on a ship." I booked an Amtrak train trip to the Grand Canyon the next day.
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| Even on a honeymoon trip, Doug has to examine the farm equipment. This is a donkey trailer. |
Once in Arizona, we took the restored Grand Canyon Railway to the park. The Bright Angel Trail was still ice-y but the days were warm and we hiked along the south rim. Next time we'll take along walking sticks and crampons and walk to the bottom! You heard that right: "next time!"
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| We had a nice dinner at the historic lodge at the South Rim, complete with a lone diner man on my head. |
Work
I continue working as a family navigator for the University of Iowa Hospital division of Pediatrics, helping families of kids with special needs find support and the resources they need for a good life.
This past year, I was the family representative for a LEND fellowship (Leadership Development in Neurological Development) with grad students preparing to be doctors for children with special needs. The culmination of our year was a trip to Washington, D.C., to speak with Congress legislators about laws that benefit children.
I also was one of 10 winners of a government sponsored contest to bridge the word gap in young children. Children of low income families are likely to hear 3 million less words before kindergarten than their peers. My idea to create a story-telling app where families tell the baby about their lives won $10,000. I'm not an entrepreneur, however, and although the app got made, it didn't win the second round and likely won't be mass produced unless I can convince Story Corps to do something like it.
Farm
Doug continues with the 2400 head of hogs, 100 cow/calf pairs and fat cattle he finishes out. With both kids at home, there's usually help for his tendency to move animals from one farm to another. Both helped us with the harvest, which brought in record yields. The prices, sadly, are NOT setting any records.
Doug continues with the 2400 head of hogs, 100 cow/calf pairs and fat cattle he finishes out. With both kids at home, there's usually help for his tendency to move animals from one farm to another. Both helped us with the harvest, which brought in record yields. The prices, sadly, are NOT setting any records.
The Kids
Our empty nest days were short-lived. Maureen moved back home after college (she's all about saving money!) and took a job at Wellman Farm Center as an Agronomist. She likes her job. Her first sales visit was to her dad and then to our friend and neighbor Donovan!
Brent continues his second year at Muscatine Community College in agricultural studies. During classes he stays with a friend's family nearby. During his internships he lives at home. And yes, actually, he sometimes does dishes under duress!
Mo's boyfriend Troy Slaubaugh can also been seen at our table often. Come to think of it, I have yet to see him do dishes, however!
This little wash house finally got renovated! It got a lot of use this year. I tutored 3 kiddos on Wednesdays through the school year and into the summer, and hosted faith exploration class for our church in the fall. The shed is so cozy, complete with heat and air conditioning!
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