Things have continued to be pretty crazy around here, so I haven't worried about posting. I thought I would update you on what's been happening since this post.
After LaVerne passed, my health took a turn for the worse. After talking with several people, we thought it may be an under-active thyroid. However, the blood test didn't 'specifically' say that was the problem. My levels were a little elevated, but not to the level of being considered hypothyroid. We haven't been able to get our health insurance yet, so I am just pressing on and ignoring most of the symptoms. Unfortunately, whatever the problem may be, it is affecting our success with conceiving. So we are still working on that... ;)
I am only a few weeks away from completing my Bachelors degree. In about seven weeks I will have a Bachelors in Social Science with a concentration in Education (BASS Ed) and a minor in child development. I'm excited, even though I am unable to attend the commencement. I have made the Dean's List every semester and it looks like I will have a final GPA of 3.87. It's been a long road, but the end is near.
This fall, both kids will be in school, so I wanted to find some way to keep myself occupied. I don't have enough financial aid left to get the other Bachelors degree I would like. I also don't want to pursue a job yet. I want to be able to take the kids to school, volunteer in their classes, and pick them up after school. So, after a lot of research and prayer, I figured out a different way to keep busy.
I have always loved animals. I especially love dogs. Since we decided to get a puppy this summer, I started looking into dog training. I loved working with the last two dogs we had and wanted to work with the new one we get. The more I read, the more interested I became in professional dog training. So this fall, while the kids are in school, I will be working towards becoming a certified professional dog trainer. There are different routes I can take once I am certified. I can work on my own - using my degree and my certification - to be a private trainer or to work for an obedience school. I can also get my state teaching certification and teach somewhere while training on the side. I can also use my knowledge to volunteer. I'm not sure what I want to do right now.
I am very interested in agility training and training therapy dogs. The puppy breed we are getting would make a good therapy dog, but it would depend on the dog's temperament and skills. I'm also interested in rehabilitating shelter dogs, but I need to do more research on that option.
I'm still crafting. I took my business offline, but I am still taking orders. Most of the crafting I have been doing lately has been for charity auctions. I love being able to use my skills to help others! With the kids' birthday parties this summer, I am sure I will have plenty of crafting to do.
I guess the biggest thing going on is our vacation. In just a few days, we are going to Montana for a week. I haven't been to Montana for over 5 years. I am very excited to see my mom again, even though she came down last year to visit us. I will also get to meet my 3 year old niece for the first time. I am also going to see other family and friends that I haven't seen for 5-8 years! After we get back, I will try to post about it.
See you soon!
