(Dusty's Mom's siblings)
(All the cousins & kids)
On the weekend, we went over to Aunt Mary's house and I got to eat some of the leftovers that I had missed. We also played games, and did puzzles. I also got to enjoy black Friday shopping with my Dad; a tradition that I love.
Also in November began our car trouble. Dusty's car was broken into during a YW stake leadership training at the stake center of all places. We had a bunch of stuff in the trunk that was stolen including a drill, our video camera, and Dusty's scriptures. We also lost our athletic clothing and shoes. We
reported it to the Federal Way police, and they said they couldn't do anything. We spent the next few days getting the lock on his door replaced and trying to figure out how to replace the things we lost. We then got a call from an unfamiliar number. Apparently, the offenders were caught in a stolen vehicle that night by the Kent Police, thank goodness they are doing their job. We went down to the station to see if they had any of our stuff. Fortunately, they had everything there, with the exception of some sweatpants, and a jacket. We felt like the Lord had really watched out for us. The door was fixed, and is functional, but not pretty.
Then in December, our trusty red Honda began to be not so trusty. The clutch was acting up, so we took it in to get it fixed. They fixed a cable and it seemed to work okay; however, the night we took it to the shop, it was broken through the window. Fortunately, nothing of significance was stolen, but we had to fix the window.
We finally decided that we had had enough of car thefts, and decided to buy a new car. So after Christmas, we purchased a Toyota Corolla, and we have had no problems so far, and we are thrilled to be driving a much more comfortable car.
During December we had the opportunity to host Christmas for my family. Sam, Melissa, and little Owen were our house guests for a couple weeks, and we had a surprise visit from my sister Becky, who came home early from Iraq due to the most exciting news of a pregnancy (she is due mid July with a little boy.) Mom, Dad, and David were also here for a couple days during Christmas. It was a little crowded in our small home, but we didn't mind.
With all the family, we were able to attend the Pike Place Market, which is a tradition since before I can remember, and participate in the family ornament exchange. We also had a Disneyland trip planned between Christmas and New Years, however, Dusty and I did not get to go as I was fairly ill and unable to travel.
(The Poe children on the pig at the market.
Mom promised this would be the last year)
Christmas day was filled with fun traditions including Egg McMuffin Sandwiches, pork chops, and fried rice. I think the family enjoyed it thoroughly, however, Dusty and I were in the emergency room. For me, the day was all kind of a blur between dehydration and the hospital. Although I was sick for the entire time my family was in town, I still enjoyed them being here and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
Once Christmas is over. I always look forward to busy season at work. Busy season typically entails working 60-70 hours a week and eating 3 meals a day at work. My typical busy season last from the beginning of January until mid February, however, this year was different. Due to my illness at Christmas time, I did not go back to work until the beginning of February. Also, I was assigned a new client, so I had my busy season from the beginning of February through mid April. It was a hard busy season, but I got through it and learned a lot.
Dusty has also been keeping very busy. In September, be was asked to be a seminary teacher. He accepted the assignment, and team teaches with another guy. They teach the freshmen and sophomores in our ward. He has been enjoying teaching, and it comes naturally to him; however, he tends to
be a little selfish, and sometimes wishes he was the only teacher. He also coached gymnastics at Thomas Jefferson High School for the second year which kept him busy through February. Then in March, he got the itch to coach track and started looking for
opportunities. He settled on Kentlake High School, and he is coaching long jump, triple jump, high jump, and his favorite pole vault. He is really enjoying the group of kids he has, and feels like he is really making a difference.
Another exciting piece of news is that finally, I was able to pass the CPA exam. I started studying in April, and took all four sections by October. I found out I had passed the last section just before Christmas, and now I am actually a CPA. (click here). That was such a relief for me.
Work has finally started slowing down a little, and I have plans to plant a garden. I have already started the tomatoes, and I plan to include zucchini, squash, beans, and carrots. I do not have much of a green thumb, so anything we get from the garden will be more than I expect. I just thought it would be a fun project. I will keep you posted with the garden.
That is about all I can think of to get started. Hopefully, I will be able to update more regularly.
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