Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

From Our Home To Yours

DTCC Pinning Ceremony - December 2014

What’s been going on. . .

Since it’s been a couple years since I’ve actually gotten my Christmas letter out, thought I’d give you a few updates since then. The last letter I sent, I was getting ready to start the clinical part of my nursing degree. It was a difficult two years, but in December 2014, I completed my nursing program, was pinned in front of family and friends (photo above is from my Pinning Ceremony). While in nursing school, my employer closed his office and I was able to get my ‘foot in the door’ at THE major hospital in the area. This gave me wonderful experience while I completed nursing school.

In June 2014, Dale & I traveled on the Disney Wonder to Alaska. It was breath-taking, the sights were absolutely magnificent. We truly would love to do that itinerary again. (this is the actual color of the water, not a backdrop).

Endicott Arm, Alaska

I took the NCLEX in February and passed!!! I was finally an RN! I was offered a part time position on the unit I was currently working on, to start the end of March. 

I started working as a nurse on March 29th. In May, I graduated from Delaware Technical Community College with my ADN (Associate Degree Nursing). I truly never thought I would be a college graduate. I could not have done this without the support of Dale and our kids. I decorated my cap for the occasion!

Early in May, Aubre, her friend Megan and I participated in the Broad Street Run. It was a very difficult run for myself as training was nonexistence with working so much during my orientation period. Aubre & Megan did amazing of course!

In May, Dale was told that Mar-Stans (his employer of 30 years) would be closing. The building had been sold. We knew this could happen one day but we truly didn’t think about it as it sat for sale for years. He was told they’d be closing the end of August. As the summer went on, they sale was extended and they finally closed mid-September. 

In May, Dale & I participated in an Honor Ride escorting five busses of World War II Veterans from the Pennsylvania State line to a celebration in Springfield, PA. There were bikes as far as you could see.

In June when I finished orientation, Dale & I were able to take day trips to Ocean City, NJ. We love to walk the board walk, have lunch, do a little shopping and when time permits, visit with friends who are in the area.

In June, the kids attended Firefly Music Festival (for those not familiar, think of Woodstock); they had a blast. Tyler and his girlfriend, Alexa, made it into Paul McCartney’s official video of his Firefly appearance.

In August, Tyler drove a Ferrari F430; a race-car driving experience that Alexa gave him.

In August, Dale, Aubre & I traveled to Disney for a quick weekend trip before Dale & I continued onto the Disney Dream for a Disney Vacation Club Members Cruise. Tyler stayed home, caring for the fur-babies and house.

In September, Dale’s employer finally closed their doors and he found himself unemployed for the very first time. Thankfully, the Lord’s timing is always perfect as I was offered a full time position the exact same time! 

In October, Dale & I participated in the Philadelphia 3-Day for the Cure. Dale crewed on the food service team and I put my new nursing degree to use by working with the medical team. We had a great time but I certainly missed walking. I am working on raising the necessary funds to walk this coming year.

2015 Lunch Medical Crew

Later in October, Dale, Aubre & I took Bella & Cullen to the Great Pumpkin Carve (held annually in Chadds Ford PA). The kids love Aunt Aubre!

In November, Dale started a brand new career at the new Wegmans grocery store. He was hired as a ‘chef’; this is an entirely new field and he’s really enjoying learning so much. He is working in the ‘Wokery’ (Asian food prep area) and really loving it! 

So, here we are in December. Dale & I just spent a few busy days at Disney. We have missed getting to see Disney at Christmas time due to my school schedule. We truly enjoyed the few days and seeing all the sights.

Aubre just completed her third semester in the nursing program at the same college I attended. She will be graduating in May! Tyler just finished his last two classes for his Automotive Technician degree. He is now a college graduate also! He and Aubre will both walk in May for graduation.

I’ll be starting back to school next month, working on my BSN. I truly enjoyed no school for the past year, but now that I am full time, I need to continue on. I hope to keep this newsletter tradition going, now that life is ‘calming down’. 

We wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas. 

Love, 

Patty & Dale

Aubre & Tyler