New Job!!!

I finally am headed back into the world of pediatrics!! I am beyond thrilled. I accepted a position last weekend at a clinic over on the East Beltline. They use the acronym BRAINS (it stands for Behavioral Resources and the Institute for Neuropsychological Services- now you know why they use the acronym). It's an outpatient pediatrics clinic with a hugely multidisciplinary approach. They have neuropsychologists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, neurofeedback specialist, speech language pathologist, physical therapist, and now me! The staff I've met so far are all phenomenal, and I'm really excited to be a part of the amazing work they are doing there. I'll be an independent contractor, which basically means I have to build my caseload... but I'll have a source for referrals built in. It'll be uniquely challenging, but comes with some flexibility, and most of all- I get to work with KIDS again!!!!!!!!

If you are interested, here's a picture of the clinic, and the link to the website.

http://www.brainspotential.com/

Thanks to those of you who sent thoughts and prayers my way as I interviewed. I really appreciate it. I've had some wonderful experiences at Hope Network, but I'm so very excited about returning to the pediatrics realm and working directly with people again.

As the girls and I used to say in college, "Yeah, God!"

~Heather Jane

A Herrick-Year in Pictures

We just celebrated our first anniversary! In some ways, it seems we've been married ever-so-much longer than that, and in other ways I can't believe it's been a whole year. But it has been a wonderful year. To celebrate, Ben adapted the song "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz and sang it to me, accompanying himself on guitar (which he learned to play specifically for this occassion). It was great. Such a romantic! Who wouldn't love it?

So, here's a recap of our first year... including some newer events I haven't yet blogged about.

The last photo we took on our Maui honeymoon. What a way to kick off a marriage!

In August we brought home our puppy, Crescendo (named for our mutual love of music). This is the most recent picture of him. He's almost done with obedience classes and doing GREAT!

First Halloween handing out candy to the tykes from home- as Pippi and Darth.

The annual pilgrimage to the Purdue vs. MSU football game- this year at Purdue.

Our first Christmas (in Florida with the Herricks) and New Year's (in Lakeview).

Then a trip in January to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry for the Star Wars exhibit. We went with Joe & Stacey and Bob & Helen. Great fun.

Our first trip to the Pinestead, a time-share resort in Traverse City. I (Heather) have been going there with my family since age 2. Ben and I now own a week and took a trip up there over Ben's spring break. It was great!

The view down the beach at the Pinestead. It's right on the East Bay of Grand Traverse.

A self-shot taken by the river in downtown Traverse City.

We did a fundraising walk for the great work done by Hope Network- and took Crescendo with us. We thought this pic of Crescendo with Scooby Doo was priceless! Matching tongues and all!

The view from our room at the Bavariann Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth- where we spent a few days to celebrate our anniversary! Really a neat place to stay.

How many husbands??? Ben in the Mirror Maze in Frankenmuth.

Bavariann Inn has indoor putt-putt and miniature Bavariann houses. For those of you who know Ben and I- no more need be said. =)

Thanks for joining me in recapping the first year for this particular unit of the Herrick family. We are so very blessed to have one another, wonderful families, and fantastic friends. Thank you to all of you who have supported us this year, and who we know will support us in the years to come.

Blessings on you all!
Love,
Ben and Heather Herrick