February 1, 2015

Hey Chris!

How's my favorite missionary?  I hope all is going well!! I thought of sending you a package (just because or maybe for valentine's day) but not sure where you want me to send it?  Also, if I am sending you a package, is there anything in particular that you would want?

Well, school is in full swing!  I feel like I am going a million miles an hour.  I enjoyed my first day at the state hospital.  They ended up putting me in with the adolescent unit--their age range is 12 - 18.  There were only 2 girls in there and they were pretty much off limits to us.  There were a couple of boys that we were told to stay away from because they have a tendency to be violent.  The boy I worked with was wonderful.  I was not sure why he was even there…of course, he has been there since October.  That is all I am really able to say.  I am learning how to do "therapeutic communication."  It is like doing the open ended questions in the "find out" process of missionary work.  I am doing pretty good, but sometimes, I mess up….it's all good though.  I have a friend coming over later today so that we can study.  I prefer not doing it on Sunday, but it is the only day she is available.  My first test is Thursday (extra prayers are always appreciated).

We have had 2 quizzes in class so far--we have 1 once a week in our "lab".  The first one I got 10/10 and the second one I got 9/10.  It's all good. :)  I just hope I will do as well on the test…it is over SEVERAL chapters, I am not going to count because it stresses me out.

We have been learning about schizophrenia.  I am more convinced that your Aunt Becky and Uncle Ben both struggle with this mental illness.  They think it is because they have too much dopamine in the brain…although there is no 1 think that is a concrete link to it.  I am sure it is very scary for them.

So, Jenni had a baby this last week.  It is a boy.  His name is Corbin.  They ended up inducing her because her blood pressure sky rocketed.  She still has an elevated BP and will have to go back to the Dr. tomorrow.  I am sure she would appreciate any prayers.

Here are the pictures of the week.  This first one shows how Jessica's tummy fluxuates.  It is significantly smaller in the morning and bigger at night!

This next one speaks for itself!

She is so adorable!  She has been having some back problems. It has been causing her lots of pain when she stands up.  It shoots down her leg.  She sais that it feels like her left joint is out of place.  Poor thing…so, once again, please add her to you prayers. :)  Don't worry too much because it is sort of a normal/ common thing in pregnancy.

Ryan is still trying to figure school out.  Time management is a tough thing!  He sounds happy though.  He is doing so well in Anatomy that they want him to help tudor other students.  His last big exam, he got the 2nd highest grade in the class!  So happy for him!

Tiffany is doing good.  She has finally started driving herself to and from school.  Her accident did a number on her.  She still hates driving, but she really has no choice.  Poor thing!  She seems to be doing good in school.  You should see some of the stuff she has drawn lately.  I should have her scan them before I send you a box so you can see them.  I am so impressed with her talent!

Well, I am not sure what else to write.  I sure love you and I am very proud of you! Keep up the fight (it's worth it)

Love Always

Mom