I would like to blog/journal more in the next year as it gives me a feeling of accomplishment to see what I have done, but also to keep in touch with family and friends that live far away and want to know what is going on. I am not sure the rate in which I want to update, but I do commit to doing it more often.
An update since August:
I started my second year of teaching at St. Edward school in Mackville, WI. I am teaching public 4K in the morning and Catholic 5k in the afternoon (math, science, and social studies). I am loving the challenge and the excitement of both the grades and the two groups of children. Conferences are a little tricky as well as navigating my supplies to two classrooms, but so far it has been going well. I am learning more every day and becoming more and more organized as a go so next year should be much easier.
We added an adorable family member to the Gloudemans clan, Badger. Badger is a Bichon-shih tzu, also known as a "Teddy Bear" puppy. He was 6 months when we got him and he is quickly becoming a member of the family. Don't you fret, already has his Packer Jersey, Badger Jersey, stocking and more!
Alex has been floating to the Walgreens in the district, some days driving as far as Marinette, over an hour away. It has been rough working with a varying locations, schedules, and such, but we are happy he has a job. Since he has been working, we have been able to purchase a new car for him to drive to work, ensuring his safety as he drives these longs drives. It is a little crazy going from a 2003 2 door Chevy Cavalier to a 2013 4 door 6 cylinder Ford Taurus.
Thanksgiving was interesting as my mom worked 8-3 and Alex worked 3-9, it made the holiday season a little different. We all didnt get to be together all at the same place at the same time. It was also interesting to have snow on Thanksgiving this year. We have come to expect colder weather andpossibly even snow, but this is the first year in a while we have seen the snow.
I have taken up arts and crafts to keep my busy for all the late nights Alex isn't home. My most recent project was to take a dresser I found at ReStore that was ugly brown and fake wood and change it to a white dresser with antique paint. Pretty proud of how it turned out. I will post a step my step of that soon.
We have decorated our house and gotten ready for the holidays, my favorite time of the year. Though I love sitting in the sun and relaxing at the lake, there is just something special about spending time with family, showing them how much you love them, listening to beautiful music, surrounded by beautiful lights, and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
As the new year begins and more adventures are brought our way, we will keep the blog updated with photos and stories to keep in touch with everyone.
Until then, Merry Christmas!
Love, Alex, Siraya, Pudge, and Badger!
