As you know I went back to school full time in August. Things have gone well thus far just lots and lots and lots of studying. I never thought I could sit and focus on something for 12-14 hours in a day...but hey, I can! Due to the amount of studying, we didn't get to go anywhere for Thanksgiving because 5 tests were awaiting my return after the break. So luckily, Holly (Ben's oldest sister) lives really close with her family, and she fed us a fabulous meal and sent us home with enough food for us for a week!!! (Not joking, she rocks!)
and invited the Casmer clan out to join them. Ben and I went snowboarding & had a fun time with family. We left Red River early Christmas Eve and met up with my family out in west Texas for a WHITE CHRISTMAS! We spent some time with my family, celebrated the holiday, & headed back home Christmas day. I just have to throw in what a blessing it is to get to spend holidays with both sides of the family! I know that may not happen always, but I loved it. 
Ben and I had never really celebrated a New Year. The first NewYear we were together, we spent painting our kitchen cabinets in Arkansas. The 2nd, we were in the process of moving back to Texas. So 2012 was our year to actually celebrate! Armando & Bri came over (with their doggies of course) to bring in the new year with games & delicious food!
December 24, Ron & Bonnie celebrated 40 years of marriage. (Another incredible thing about our parents, the example they have set in marriage as mine will celebrate 38yrs this summer) So we had to celebrate!! All of their kids (and in-laws) got together to throw a surprise party at Justin and Heather's Coffee Shop, Bodega Bean in Belton, TX. We pulled off the surprise and I think they really enjoyed time with friends and family :) The kids went in on a vacation fund for the "newlyweds" and we're anxious to see where they decide to go!
After an amazing 5 week break, I started school again. Even though I feel like I am insanely busy with school, Ben has been just as busy at work. He's been putting in long hours & working so hard. Ben was over a LARGE expansion at the hospital (new patient tower, cath lab, CCU, and much more). This past weekend Ben helped move the patients into the new tower, so it's up and running! :) God has blessed me with a man that is true servant in all aspects of his life & I couldn't be more proud of him. 
We also celebrated our 2 year anniversary in January. :) Again, I can't believe how time has flown by! We went out to dinner the weekend before to Eddie V's... if you have never been there, GO! I was in class on our anniversary, Ben sent me beautiful flowers that morning. At lunch I got a phone call that basically said "walk outside" and he hung up. He was there to surprise me with Panera Bread (delicious!!!), he took me to the Water Gardens downtown Ft Worth for a picnic in the park! Then returned me back to class on time. ;) yay for anniversary surprises!
We have hit spring break, and we are headed to San Antonio to see Jarod, Jessica and Lacy. Wahooo! On the way down we are going to stop and spend some time with the in-laws! So excited to get a break with Ben, I feel it is much needed for both of us! :)
