Happy Holidays!

I can't believe 2010 is almost over! It is unreal. I still remember celebrating the 2010 New Year's, and I can't believe it's been another year. Although, I welcome the new year with open arms! Ringing in 2011 just makes graduation even more real -- class of 2011!
We had a wonderful but very hectic Thanksgiving this year. It was a joy to see both sides of the family for the holiday, but I don't think we will stretch ourselves that thin again next year!
Wyatt is growing big and strong, leveling off a little bit from his chunky ways, but still a big boy. He is still about 20lbs, and based on Stuart's tape measuring skills, he is about 28" long. He turned 5 months old today! He is well aware of the world around him and loves to grab everything.. and immediately insert it into his mouth. He has figured out that the bottle means food, so if he sees it at any time, he is instantly "hungry". He is also eating solids now, which has been an adventure. Teaching him how to "chew" and swallow rather than just sucking down a bottle has been more humorous than I ever could have imagined. He is finally figuring it out, thanks to some direction for me from other mom friends. We are both learning how all this works! He kicks ALL the time, and if it makes any sort of noise, he is content for 30 minutes to an hour, just banging and kicking and causing a racket. So far, we don't mind. He's in 9-12 month clothes now, and his Auntie Ashley bought him a Rasheed Wallace jersey (complete shorts/tank ones with 4 technical fouls included) and even a Santa suit! She took quite a few really great photos the weekend that she was here. She took the ones in this post. plus about 100 more!

Stuart is still working hard at all three jobs. Things have finally slowed down at one job, due to the break from OSU, so he's down to about 45 hours per week for the time being. This will be a very nice change of pace for everyone. He deserves a break!
I complete my LAST fall term at OSU on Friday, knocking out 18 credits with a 3.25 (yes, I'm bragging.) I worked hard for those grades, and I love to share my excitement over my success in school! Only two terms left, which much lighter credit loads, and I am home free. It's hard to believe the end is near!
I applied for work in Vancouver, WA, working with the USDA, but was offered a position in Richmond, VA (still with the USDA). Well, no way I'm moving there! So I turned it down, and they are supposed to contact me if anything opens up closer to home! Portland would be nice!
I will start working with Clackamas County Health Communities come January. We will do data collection and analyzing on the health of the community, then develop policies to improve it. It's great experience, and I'm really looking forward to it! Unfortunately, I have to drive to Clackamas County for the data collection, but we are reimbursed on gas, so I guess I can't complain!
As of December 1st, Stuart and I are engaged! I walked in the front door after class to balloons covering the ceiling, a rose petal walkway lit by tea candles, displays of tons of our photographs together and with Wyatt, our song playing in the background, and Stuart with Wyatt down on his knee at the end of the rose petal path. It took my breath away! We are planning a small, intimate wedding for August 2011.
Hmm.. what else? We will have our first family Christmas this year and look forward to waking up together Christmas day with no work, school, or responsibilities -- for just one day! We plan to have a very slow-paced day with no obligations, and let me tell you, we are looking forward to it!
Well, I think that's all I have for now! We love you all!
Until next time...