A Jarrod and I Update

Just to let you all know what is going on with our lives as well (and, I promise, a Vincent update soon).

So, first off, a Happy New Year's to everyone. I hope you can enjoy the moments you had in 2008 and, if not, then I hope 2009 is off to a better start. We've had quite a few things happen to us this year, including the new baby, moving in (and out of) our own place, getting married, and more. It's been a good year though. I hope the next is a good year for us as well.

Secondly, I've actually had a few people ask me about my camera - so I am just going to answer it here on my blog because it's easier. I use a Canon 40D. I usually just use a portrait lens, which is difficult to shoot with but makes for a gorgeous picture. I still do photo shoots from time to time for my company (CJ Photography), but lately being a stay-at-home mom has consumed a lot of my time. I have a photo shoot coming up on the 11th for some co-workers of Alice and another for my friend's newborn baby, but I don't have the motivation or the time to promote - so I simply don't. It's more of a hobby anyway, as we don't need the money. I have my focus set on other things now.

I am currently training and studying to become a doula, certified by DONA. I've been planning to go to school to become a CNM (certified nurse midwife), but I honestly don't have the time for that much school. You do not have to be a registered nurse to become a midwife, but I'd prefer to segway into that when the kids are older. So, I am becoming a doula. I'm pretty excited about it and should be finished with my final seminar sometime in March. I hope to be able to work with the midwife on the AFB.

Oh - and anyone in Minnesota - I am flying out there with Vincent on January 8th and leaving on the 11th. I'll be staying in Shakopee and I'd love to see some of you...

As for Jarrod, he is officially an Airman of the United States Air Force. He will be leaving on January 20th to go to Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio, Texas) for his basic training. That will last for 9 weeks. After that, he goes to Sheppard Air Force Base (in Wichita Falls, Texas - about 2 hours north of San Antonio) for job training. He is going to be a load master. Don't ask me what they do, because I still don't fully understand. I know he'll be flying a lot and makes sure the planes not too heavy... After that, we figure out where he gets stationed. The kids and I are going to stay here in Glendale until we get housing on base, then we'll move to be with him. It's exciting, but a little bittersweet as we have never been away from each other for that amount of time before.

Jarrod hopes to get in some classes while we're living on base. He hasn't decided what he wants to do yet, but hopes it somehow involves physics.

I'm going to go get a start on Vincent's updates now =)