Savelkoul 2010 in Review

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Savelkoul 2010 in Review

December 20, 2010 by RASavelkoul

It’s been forever since we visited…what have you been up to?

I have decided to kick off my new blogging routine by writing my digital Christmas letter. So, here is a recap of what the Savelkouls have been up to in 2010. Well, I guess I’m going to cheat a little and start with October, 2009. Hey, it’s my letter and I’ll do what I want!

Fall, 2009

I began work in another new position. Yes, I have more positions on my resume than most 60 year-olds right now! I started teaching completely online for the Missouri River Area Career & Technical Center. The center serves 22 high schools in the geographic area surrounding Bismarck and Mandan. I taught over 40 high school students at 10 different high schools. As many of you know, I had taught online before at the college level. Making the transition to high school proved to be very challenging, but gave me an opportunity to really appreciate the distinct differences between face-to-face instruction and online learning. For those of you really critiquing my writing…I used those descriptors intentionally as I believe they accurately depict the subtle difference in delivery.

Stuart continued his work with the North Dakota Public Employees Association. We continue to feel thankful that Stuart was able to find a position that blends his talents into a job he so thoroughly enjoys. He travels around the state a lot and defends the rights of the public employees and it is my opinion that they couldn’t have a better voice.

The fall brought news of our expanding family. On October 15th, our 5 year anniversary, Stuart and I found out that we would be expecting an addition. It wasn’t until 5 weeks later that we found out it would be not one but two beautiful babies. I can tell you that nothing really prepares you for the day that the ultrasound tech says, “Here is the heartbeat and here is the other one.” For a couple that makes their living talking, we were speechless for quite a long time.

Simon and Eleanor's First Picture Together

December, 2009

We were able to travel to Arizona to spend the holidays with Stuart’s family. It was great to be able to get away from the snow storm that hit Bismarck right after we left and enjoy warm weather, great food, and wonderful family.

Me, Kiara, Linda, Stuart

After visiting Stuart’s family, we met Ma Fischer, Pa Fischer, Brent, and Whitney in Las Vegas for a few days. I discovered a pregnant Rebecca truly loves the “All Day, All You Can Eat” buffet at the Excalibur. I’m pretty sure they lost money on my that day! While we were there, we went to a couple of shows (Defending the Caveman and Tournament of Kings), lost some money gambling, and did a lot of walking.

Winter, 2010

Stuart and I did a little traveling during the winter. He visited various members and institutions with what has now become known as his “work face.” I visited students while I could still move around.

In February we were able to have our ultrasound picture that finally allowed a “guess” about the gender of the buns in my proverbial oven.

It's A Boy!

It's a Girl - and she's waving at you

May, 2010

I was put on limited activity toward the end of the pregnancy, so life became very much about staying close to home. Stuart was super supportive and understanding when I could no longer reach my feet to put on my shoes and fell asleep on the couch while watching the latest LOST episode.

On May 18th I was feeling particularly uncomfortable and at 9:30 PM I got my “sign” that it was time to go to the hospital. We arrived there at 10:30 PM and found out that my doctor was on call. The nurses, doctors, Mom, and Stuart were all great and calm and at 12:30 AM on May 19th Simon and Ellie joined us.

Simon weighed in at a strapping 5 lbs 5 oz and charmed his way into all of our hearts.

Simon and his bunny

Ellie was a petite little lady tipping the scales at 3 lbs 13 oz. She may be little, but the nurses all called her “feisty.” She had to spend some time in the NICU, making Stuart and I so grateful to those awesome ladies who treated her and us like family.

Ellie sunbathing in her cube

Summer, 2010

OK, I have to be honest here. I don’t remember much of the details of May, June, and July. I know that we were on a rotation of feeding, feeding, pumping, sleeping, repeat. Everyone was so helpful about bringing food, taking turns holding, feeding, burping, changing diapers, getting spit up on, and general pitching in. Stuart’s Mom stayed with us through August and was incredibly helpful. I have many, many pictures that I took of the kiddos during the time so that I could have a record that they were ever that little.

During these hazy and crazy days I did make another major life decision. A position as a Marketing/Business Education teacher became available at Bismarck High School. On the last day of the job posting, I managed to put together a resume and submit my application. I interviewed and was offered the job in early August. I debated with myself about taking it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to make a major professional change just 3 months after having twins !? Teaching online meant teaching Information Technology and working from home. Teaching at BHS meant teaching in my area of interest, but being out of the house for a significant portion of the day. In the end, my passion beat my practicality and I took the job at BHS. I am teaching Accounting, Web Design, Marketing I, Sports Marketing. In addition, I run the school store and am the DECA advisor. It has been a whirlwind of activity and an avalanche of new things to learn, but I am very happy with the choice I made.

Fall, 2010

I had a big milestone this year. If you are reading this, then you are probably also familiar with my own personal holiday, National Becky Fischer Day. Well, National Becky Fischer Day celebrated its 30th year this year. It was a little hard for me, but most of you were very nice to me despite how incredibly ancient I am becoming

So here I am, back in school and loving it! I am continuing to teach for Dickinson State University and I also teach just one section of a marketing class for the MRACTC (see earlier in my post for details on what the heck those letters stand for). I am grateful to be interacting with students again and to be teaching in a content area I am passionate about.

Stuart has been very busy first with election details and support of candidates and now with gearing up for the legislative session. I have joked before about becoming a legislative widow during this time, but I am a little more nervous about it this year!

Thanks to Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Don, Stuart and I even get to “get out” once in a while. They are wonderful to have in town and I am not sure what we would do without them. Our most recent activity was Yuletyme in Dickinson. We had so much fun going back and visiting our old friends. I mean “old” as in “known them for a long time.” Not “old” as in “Wow, a lot of time has gone by.” Because if they are getting old, then so are we and I am currently refusing to accept that!

The Savelkouls take on Yuletyme

Simon and Ellie are doing just great and growing like crazy. I never really understood how parents could find clothing in their kids’ closet that had never been worn, but I get it now. I have included an image gallery below if you are interested in seeing their progression. For those of you who keep up with me and Stuart on Facebook, these will probably be mostly repetitive!