I know you all like Niall's posts better but it's me here. :) I am impressed that Niall has done the last two considering how busy he has been. These last couple of weeks have by far been the worst in terms of stress and studying. But, he is pushing through, and I have been doing my best to leave him be!
It's close to 9 am and Niall has his last final exam at 9:30. We have been up for a few hours (Niall studying, me puttering around the apartment!). We're spending the last 45 minutes having a coffee downstairs:
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| I'm just as excited for him to be DONE! |
All in all, if studying is the worst thing lately, our lives our pretty good. A little update from my point of view... I have been staying very busy working 4-5 days a week at the cafe and running our side business-- airbnb. :) We have had several guests this month from all over the world! I particularly enjoyed chatting with 2 young couples from Sweden (represent!) who stayed at our place while we were away last weekend. In July, I am doing 4 weeks of teaching through the language school where I got my CELTA certificate. I am looking forward to getting some experience and hoping it will open up some doors for me in the fall-- we'll see! It's tough being patient with job opportunities over here, but God's been teaching me to be grateful and to not worry. Makes day to day life much more enjoyable!
We very much enjoy our homegroup and still meet every Tuesday evening. Even though most 'connect groups' take a break during the summer months, I think ours is going to continue because we all really love it. Our summer softball league has started, we have games on Sunday afternoons-- we say it's 'just for fun' but there's really no such thing. :) Games are quite competitive! I still play on my tag rugby team Thursday nights as well.
I can't remember if Niall talked too much about our most recent trip to California-- needless to say it was lovely being home! I enjoyed every minute and of course the Stephen wedding was a big highlight (Heather... I am still waiting for you to email me some photos!).
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| I wish they all could be California girls... |
One thing I always realize when I go home is how much I love my old friends! I have met some wonderful girls here and I don't ever feel lonely, but there's something about my Santa Barbara friendships that seems irreplaceable. With that said, I am SO excited for Cindy and Nick to get here in just over a week! A couple of weeks after that Heidi and Seth are coming too-- we will be so happy to have these friends here.
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| another highlight-- meeting Rhett! |
It didn't take long for me to love this little guy... he's the cutest! Niall and I are hoping his hair keeps that ginger color. :) I really, really miss being an Aunt who can be there for my niece and nephews, but that doesn't mean I love them any less. They are hilarious and I hope someday seeing them will be a little more convenient. :)
We've had some really nice weekends with Niall's family and we always feel grateful to have them just a couple of hours away. Some of these photos are from awhile ago but thought I'd share anyway...
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| can't remember what this place was called but it was a beautiful walk! |
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| the infamous Madden family hug (I'm usually in there) |
A couple of weekends ago I drove down to Bruff for Ben's communion. I was so happy to see the Noonans and chat with some of their extended family who I hadn't seen in years. It was a very special day!
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| mass was held at the local church in Bruff |
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| smile Ben! :) |
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| Ben's twin cousins were part of the ceremony as well |
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| Irish kids are hard core-- it was a freezing day and raining, but that never stops them! |
Well, now it's after 9:30 so Niall has begun his exam... I better wrap this up because I'm headed to work soon. All in all, things are going really well over here. Of course I am looking forward to having my happy husband back next week! The weather isn't great but we have sunny moments here and there and when it's clear, it is BEAUTIFUL. Everything is so green now that the summer months have arrived. I'm praying for sunny days while friends are here so that they can see how amazing Ireland is when the weather cooperates!
I love and miss you all.
xxx
erin
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