My Sassafras

I know, I've been terrible about updating my blog. And I have SO many pics to go through! I haven't even posted anything about Christmas! But I have to start somewhere, so I decided to post these pics from Bald Eagle Days (late January) out at the Shakespeare Festival theater. I took Addie just for something to do. We didn't actually get to see the bald eagle (couldn't find the show, and by the time we did it was full), but we did see some owls and falcons, and Addie just had a good time running around. With winter weather we hadn't been outside much.

She did get to color an owl mask.

I was having fun watching her run around, wondering where this "child" (not "baby") came from.

Could she be any cuter??

She was trying to hide from me and thought she was rather clever.

Once it was almost time to go I finally convinced her to get her face painted. She chose an owl, and was the very last kid painted. She promptly destroyed it when she insisted on "feeling" it. Oh well.

Then we grabbed a hot chocolate on the way out.

Look at that sassy little thing. I was just asking Loren where we got a 2-year-old that insists on putting on make-up with mom, wants body spray, is already picky about what she wears, and demands Lady Gaga in the car?

I think the nickname Sassafras is quite appropriate.

What Have I Been Up To?

Most of what I write about on here pertains to what I've been up to at home, with the kids -- our outings and events. But I'm putting together some information for my annual evaluation and find myself overwhelmed at having to recant my accomplishments in the past year. I've put together what I can think of and must say I'm damn proud of myself. Especially when you add that I had a baby in the middle of this! Just as a little boasting, these are some highlights:

• Taught 9 classes, including one during the first winter intersession (medical terminology, which I had only taught online before that)
  
• Took the lead as clinical coordinator, and found some new sites -- and coordinated the processing of background checks
• Accepted into a PhD program and took 3 classes
• Published a book, a book chapter, and 3 journal articles (with a number of co-authors)
• Gave 4 professional presentations and 2 poster presentations
• Served on the IRB and 2 college committees
• Supervised an independent study and 3 internships
• Served on the IdHIMA board
• Peer reviewed a textbook and journal article

This is in addition to helping with orientation sessions, doing tons of advising, and attending random department and college meetings. Hmm, no wonder I'm always exhausted! Damn, if I can do this pregnant and with a newborn, how am I going to step it up this year? I mean, I only have a toddler and infant now... ;)