May 2009

May was a busy month! Finishing up grad school and my placement, anticipating the birth of my beautiful niece, organizing a 5yr class reunion, more trips to see Matthew, continuing with wedding planning, high school graduations, and much more!

The last month of grad school was pretty easy but not so much painless- my friends and I struggled to get through the worthless classes with instructors that couldn't care less but with the help of each other we did it! Our favorite past time in our 3 hour break between classes was to go out for lunch, people watch, and then indulge in ice cream treats. This routine is what helped us get through and also what brought us all very close! They were great girls and I miss them already!

My little niece Jessa Lynn of course arrived on May 15th! She's just beautiful and I am one proud aunt! And Matthew is one proud uncle! We are so blessed!

Brookie Nichole graduated from high school- along with Daniel, Joey, Michael, Desirae, Kelsey--that might be all as far as relatives. We had a combined celebration for Brooke, Daniel and Joey and I enjoyed time with family as always!!! I've learned to appreciate all the time I get to spend with extended family more than I ever did before as I have quickly become aware that it isn't as common as I had once thought for extended family to get together and spend time together on a regular basis as we all do.

Was a little sad that we didn't get to have a Memorial Day cookout/get together with extended family but was able to spend it with Matthew so that was a plus!! :)

The month of May quickly flew by...

back dating to the end of april

End of April was the end of BOLC II (Basic Officer Leaders Course) for Matthew. He then headed up north a bit to Ft. Knox Kentucky for his BOLC III training which will go until August 28th--ending just in time for our wedding!!

The weekend Matthew had between BOLC II & III was spent visiting with family and celebrating Brittany and Mom's birthdays. We also had round 1 of engagement pictures this weekend. Engagement pictures will be added to our wedding website as soon as I have access to them!

my apologies for slacking

so it's been quite a while since i've last updated my blog page...my apologies!!! i will now try to go back and touch on some of the main topics of the past two months or so. after this i will try to increase my efforts as a blogger. "Try" is the keyword here, no promises! As I do have a wedding and a big move quickly approaching...an overwhelming thought that almost brings tears to my eyes. All at once I'm happy, sad, anxious, nervous, stressed, etc. etc.

New and Improved

Matthew and I now have a new and improved wedding website at: www.theknot.com/ourwedding/taraspaeth&matthewstrohman
The password is the same- if you don't have it already please email me at spaeth.tara@gmail.com and I'll give it to you :)

Together at last- but only for the Weekend

Matthew & I were finally able to see each other and spend the weekend together, meeting up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It had only been a little over a month since he had left but it felt like an eternity since we'd seen each other last. The weekend flew by all too quickly and I had to watch the love of my life drive off in the opposite direction once again. But...I cried much less this time- so that's good, right? Only a few tears trickled down my face and I've been doing okay since.

And although I talk about the sadness of leaving again I am so very thankful for the time we did get to be together. We stayed at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. We visited the Tennessee Aquarium, Friday- the first day we were there and spent Saturday during the day driving around and sight seeing, then went to dinner and a music show that evening. Sunday came and Matthew stuffed his bag with some of the Easter goodies I brought us for our first Easter together away from home, we had a quick lunch at Wendy's, and then headed off- him to Georgia and me to Ohio.

Ten Weeks & Im Done!!!

One last and final quarter to go of my graduate program-meaning 10 weeks and then it's graduation time and I'm finished!! :) Masters of Social Work here I come!! The quarter started March 30th- so at this point...1 week down...9 weeks to go!! I haven't broken it down into days yet but I'm sure I will get to that point soon.

I'm on the home stretch and could only be more excited if it was June 14th (graduation day)- haha! I will send out an email to family and friends soon letting you all know when my evening of recognition is and the details of graduation day. Any and all are welcome to attend, but surely don't feel obligated.

Let's just hope for those that do decide to attend this year that it's not quite as hot and miserable as last year's 90 degrees and the sunshine beating down heavily on everyone!! A big thank you to my family for braving that one :) And a thank you for those of you that attending my evening of recognition the first time around :) Lots of love to you all!!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice...

...that's what my little nieces are made of. Matthew and I found out about a week or so ago that we will be the proud Aunt and Uncle of a little niece on each side of our family. His brother and sister in-law were excited to share their news of a little girl- due end of July/beginning of August. I guess that means Aunt Tara will have to start buying double of everything and stocking up on packaging to send lots of gifts to the little ones!