Update

Chris and I have been SUPER SUPER busy since I started the practical part of my program. I spent two semesters working in the Speech and Hearing Clinic at the University. One semester was spent working with children and the other spent working with adults with aphasia. Both semesters presented with their own challenges and things to learn. During my second clinical semester I also picked up a job working as a secretary in the clinic. I got to sit in the office, do my paperwork, and get paid! I am elated to be done with that part of the program because now I get to be in the real world at my internships. 

During the summer Chris and I tried to have some fun when we could between his busy work schedule and my 4-5 days a week at the clinic. Some highlights were the Detroit Science Center and picking apples this fall. We found a little mom and pop orchard that lets you drive your car between the trees and we ended up going 3 different times!

 

I made it through my first truly traumatic hair experience and had to experience having short hair all summer. It is finally long enough to put into a ponytail without the help of 8 bobby pins!  I am very much looking forward to growing it out.

In October I had to observe in a school setting for my School-Aged Language Disorders class. As I was speaking to the Speech Pathologist I kept feeling these little nudges that what she was saying was what I needed to hear. I was rather taken aback but when the SLP offered to take me on as a student intern. It suddenly hit me that I needed to be there. I instantly began to panic because the deadline for a school internship had passed in MAY! I was MONTHS overdue. I instantly drove over to the supervisor's office and with just a bit of sweet talking and flattery was able to convince her to let me do a school internship!!! It was such an answer to prayer and I could really feel Heavenly Father's hand helping me along this path.

I began my internship at a 4th and 5th grade school in January. I LOVE IT! My supervisor and I are like two peas in a pod. We have so much in common and work very well together. Even though I am faced with some challenging situations, I am reminded how much I love working with those kids everyday. A hug, a success, or a high five make it so worth it! I am trying not to get too attached because I know I probably won't end up working there, but its hard not to see myself there everyday! 

This internship has meant a lifestyle change for both Chris and I. Whereas bedtime used to be between 12 and 1am, I now start to get ready at 9:30. This is particularly difficult because I have night class until 8:30 twice a week. But such is the life of a soon-to-be professional SLP!

Chocolate Infusion

Tonight I made Pots de Creme. I saw the recipe on Pioneer Woman's Food Network show. I was so surprised at how well it turned out. Its almost as easy as opening the freezer and opening the ice cream and delivers a MUCH better hit of chocolate!  This dessert was gone so fast that I didn't get any pictures!

Here is Pioneer Woman's version with step by step pictures:
Pioneer Woman's Pots de Creme

Pots de Creme
Recipe adapted from Pioneer Woman
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1.5 ounces good quality dark chocolate (optional)
2 eggs at room temperature
dash of salt
1-2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa water
Whipped cream

Put everything but the cocoa water in a blender. A good way to get your eggs to room temperature without leaving them on the counter for an hour is to place them in a bowl of warm water. I used vanilla bean paste for the vanilla but normal extract would work just as well.  Before you begin blending get your cocoa water ready. Boil 1/2 cup water and whisk in 1 Tablespoon of cocoa. This will replace the coffee in the original recipe.

With your chocolate, eggs, salt, and vanilla in the blender and the lid ON, begin blending. Slowly pour in the cocoa water as it blends. This will melt the chocolate and your creme will expand. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into your desired containers. I used 2 mason jars to make 2 shared desserts :) Place in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours.

The result is a deliciously rich and thick chocolate creme. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!