Looking back, 2017 was
another exciting year for the Martin family, which went by way too fast. We are
so thankful that we are healthy, have plenty of work and a new roof over our
heads.
Every year again...the
Martin’s are moving. But this year we
purchased a house in March and will now settle down in the suburb of Nashville,
TN for a few years. After so many moves in recent years, we are delighted to
finally put down roots and make this house a home. In the first month, there
was plenty to renovate and even after 6 months of living in the new house, we
are still not quite finished yet. But the most important thing is that we feel
very comfortable here and already have met some friends in the area too.
In addition to the home
purchase and the renovations, I also received a job offer at the same time and
since April I’m back in the workforce. I work for a local company as a European
Business Development Specialist and help to increase their market shares in
Europe. This part-time position is perfect for our family because I can still
be there for the kids in the afternoons when they come home from school. I
really enjoy my job and all the challenges and opportunities it provides me.
However, it definitely was an adjustment for all of us and some days are easier
than others.
Amelia celebrated her 6th
birthday in August and is now attending 1st grade. She loves going
to school and learning. Elliot, who just celebrated his 4th
birthday, is now attending preschool and is thriving there. He has no problems
fitting in and making friends and loves learning, crafting, and playing. I’m
beyond happy that he likes going to preschool as it made the transition from being
a stay-at-home mom to working mom much easier.
The advantage of my new
job is that I get to travel to Europe 2-3 times a year to attend trade shows
and other events and to visit our distributors. Thus, in May I was already for
a week in Stuttgart, Germany for a trade show, with a weekend visit to Berlin,
and then again in September for 3 weeks. Since I was staying in Europe for a
few weeks, it was best to take Amelia and Elliot with me. The two children had
a wonderful time with their grandparents and relatives while I was traveling
for business to Prague, Finland, and Dortmund. The few off days I had, I spend visiting
family and friends. It was the best of both worlds. And while we world travelers
were busy overseas, Derrick managed the house, took care of the cat and worked
on several home improvement projects.
Due to my new job, we were
not able to take a family vacation this year but instead went for a couple of
days to Chattanooga in the beginning of July. There, we celebrated the
Independence Day with a picnic, fireworks and a classical concert in the park.
After that we went for 3 days to Charleston to visit Derrick’s family. Our
daily beach visits and picnics by the sea were undoubtedly a highlight of this
summer. In August, we experienced our first total solar eclipse and got
together with friends from near and far to watch this amazing and unforgettable
astronomical event. Otherwise, we are spending lots of time in either the local
parks or working and playing in the garden/ around the house. Both children
enjoy the freedom and are our big helpers when it comes to chores around the
house.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours!
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