The Last Semester

So I start my last semester of school on Monday, and it can't happen at a better time. We are tired of school, and living like students. I will graduate on December 20th with a undergrad degree in Construction Management. Everyone keeps telling me that I'm going to be rich, but I don't think that's true, so I do plan on going back to school to get a Master's degree in either Business, or Construction. Basically, my life for the next 4 months will be school, work, and preparing for interviews. Jamie would like it if we stayed in Nebraska, or at least within a couple of hours from Nebraska, but I don't think we'll end up that close. The market for construction isn't great period right now, but especially in the midwest. I'm thinking we'll end up in Phoenix, AZ, or Houston, TX. Phoenix would be a last choice, because we haven't had great luck with that city.

This past summer, I was given the 0pportunity to do an internship with a very good contractor in Phoenix, named Sundt Construction. I was on the surveying team. It sucked for the three weeks I worked there. It's hot, and I basically pounded stakes into the ground, and held a rod for 8-10 hours a day in the summer heat. The heat was better than Nebraska heat mixed with high humidity, but it was still hot. I think one day I drank 16 20 oz bottles of water, and never pee'd once. That's how much I sweated. Well, my internship was cut very short. Jamie and the girls didn't come out with me at first, Jamie had a friend who was getting married, and our oldest daughter Ella was in the wedding, so they stayed back, to then fly out later. This also allowed Jamie to take our youngest daughter Lola for a doctor's appointment. At the appointment, the doctor informed Jamie that Lola's head was realllllyy flat on one side, and that is was growig towards her ear, and could possbly pinch off her hearing, causing her to lose it. The solution to this problem was for Lola to get a special, clear plastic helmet to help mold her head back into place. After lots of different options, and considerations of me staying in Phoenix still, Jamie and I both decided that I should come home and end my internship with Sundt. I spoke with Sundt, and they were very understanding, and infact insistant that I go and take care of my family. I am still in the running with them for a full time job after I graduate, so that is great. Since I've been home, Lola's head is much, much better, and she should be helmetless in about three weeks. The one thing that sucked about the helmet, is that insurance considers it a cosmetic thing, so they wouldn't cover it. So it's an out of pocket expense for us. Oh well, it's for a good reason. The rest of my summer has been back at my old company Judds Brothers Construction Company, and spending time with my girls. Now it's time to get ready for fall semester. I know this post has gotten to be a little long, but it's been awhile since I've posted anything. I'll try to be better at keeping this thing updated, since it will probably be me who does it. Jamie really doesn't like to do this kindof thing. I'll also post some new pictures of the family in the next week or so. Hope everyone is doing well, and I pray that Heavenly Father will bless you all with many blessings. Have a great weekend all.

The Barrera Family 2008

This is our first time blogging, so bare with us as we experience the thrill of the unknown. To introduce our family, Michael and I are the parents, and we are both students. Michael is finishing up his undergrad degree in Construction Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Jamie is on a short break and focusing on being a stay at home mom. I am going to school for nutrition and fitness, but I am thinking about changing to nursing. I can't make up my mind. Michael right now works as an intern at a local construction company here in Lincoln. It is a very interesting company, and hopefully Michael won't have to work there much longer. But for right now, he is doing his best in school and work.

We have two beautiful kids in our family. Ella Lynn is 2 and 1/2, and Lola Grace is 1 month. Needless to say, they keep us very busy. Ella is into everything. She loves construction like her daddy, and loves looking at "big diggers" at daddy's work. She is also her mothers girl, because her favorite thing to do is sing and dance, and her favorite movies are "Hairspray", and "Highschool Musical 2". I think it's wonderful. Lola really doesn't do much, she is only 1 month. She has started smiling lately and we love it. Our kids our so wonderful.

Some other new about us is that in May of this year, we will be moving to sunny Phoenix, AZ for Michael's summer internship with Sundt Construction. He is very excited to make some real money for once. Needless to say, I am also very happy to make some real money. I really can't wait to go see some of the sites in Arizona, and we are planning on going to Disneyland this summer as well. Hopefully this was an ok intro to our little family, and hopefully in the future, I'll do better with this whole blog thing.