Early Christmas Gifts

Instead of lugging Christmas gifts up to CT for each other and then bringing them back to FL, we decided to give one another our presents early. What was originally a plan for efficiency and simplicity became a really fun occasion for the two of us. It was so special to have a little gift celebration in our home, just the two of us. It still had the same excitement of Christmas morning from when we were kids. It was followed by a breakfast in our PJ's made together and a nice walk with Teddy. We cannot wait to spend time with family and friends this holiday!


(Josh enjoying his fuzzy sweatshirt)

(who thought someone could ever be so excited over a steam mop?)

(Christmas pup)



Jesus is the reason for the season!

Let it snow!

While Teddy was not so sure about the snow on our drive up to CT, as you can see he is warming up to it rather quickly (no pun intended ;)).

He has been a little confused about where to potty with all of the grass gone, but he's learning! Teddy has very much enjoyed playing in the snow and staring out at the snow from the french doors at the Albrights. Now he just can't wait to meet Higgins and Eliza tomorrow at the Gropps!

Travels up North and Job Acceptance

It has been an eventful 48 hours. Saturday morning we left for our supposed 15 hour car ride up north to CT, which turned into a 25 hour ride. We have never seen snow on a highway like we did this trip. We were in park on I-95 at 3 am for 2 hours and unable to get off an exit or stop in a hotel for the night because cars and trucks were literally stuck in the snow everywhere! The most strange part was that the snow was much worse in Virginia than all the other states north of it! We praise God for safe travels and a warm car to travel in.

In other news, we have been enjoying some time with the Albrights and will spend a few days with the Gropps as well before the holiday.

Today Whitney accepted a job in Jacksonville! After interviewing all last week and receiving 3 job offers, she has decided to work 4 days a week at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville. Shands is a 600 bed, level 1 Trauma Hospital associated with the University of Florida. It is, therefore, a teaching hospital and boasts many opportunities and resources for learning and mentoring. Whitney will be given the opportunity to rotate every 3 months to various different areas (e.g. inpatient neuro, cardiac, trauma, pediatrics, outpatient, sub-acute rehab, etc). While the other jobs of interest were equally interesting (after a lot of prayer and discussion together as a couple) it was clear that this is the job God has in store for Whitney right now (benefits, experience, opportunities, benefits, commute time, flexibility to work 4 days vs. 5 days). Whitney will begin paperwork processing on January 4 and then have the rest of the week to continue settling into the new home before orientation begins on Monday, January 11. It is very clear that God has perfectly orchestrated the timing of all things related to the move, spending time with our families, and beginning a new job.