Jumping on the bandwagon!

Hey everyone! Well, we've finally jumped on the blog bandwagon. Let's hope I keep it up! =) How about a little update since there are a lot of people that we aren't in touch with regularly. We'll start with Ben. He is still working at one of the hospitals here in Springfield and really enjoys it. He is a psych tech on the adult psych floor so he gets to see lots of fun stuff! He is also attending school in Harrison, Arkansas which is an hour and fifteen minute drive from where we live. He's in the nursing program there and also does his clinicals in Branson which is about forty five minutes away. Yes, we spend a fortune on gas! But it's a great program and he'll be graduating in May of 2009. He works with the young men at church and LOVES his calling! We just got him his own puppy because he and my dog have a mutually hateful relationship. His new puppy is a gorgeous chocolate miniature pinscher. She'll grow to be about 17 pounds and her name is Lexie. Right now she is making lovely messes all over our house because she is only 3 months old but we love her nonetheless. Now for me. I still stay at home with Maddie but am able to bring in some extra money by watching our friend's little boy. I practically love him like he's my own and he and Maddie get along great! He's 18 months old and the funniest kid I've ever known! He is so fun to have around! I'm also taking a couple online classes at one of the local colleges. People think I'm a little crazy because I'm not working toward a degree but rather taking classes just for fun. I love to learn and it really helps me to keep my days productive and organized if I have something I have to do. This semester I'm taking child psychology and creative writing and so far am really enjoying both. Now onto the most important member of the family - Maddie! She is now 3 1/2! Can you believe it?!? She is getting so big and so smart. She'll say words every now and then that I didn't even know she knew! She loves to play her v-smile (an educational video game system), and she loves to paint. She just started sunbeams at church and although it takes her a few minutes to warm up each week she is so excited to be there. She is also in a dance class right now that she absolutely LOVES! I think that's the basics. I'll keep everyone updated as things come up! xoxo