Okay, okay, okay

I've gotten a number of questions from you all about school, so I'll stop holding out and give an update. Bear in mind, today is only my 3rd day of class. Thursdays will be my longest day of the week, class-wise, but I think maybe my favorite days, because of the content. But don't quote me on that just yet.

Orientation was 4 days long last week and it was EXHAUSTING. We even had a case study competition, where we had to break into groups, prepare a case study, and present it. During orientation!! But there was lots of good information, and I had a chance to get to know my classmates. There is some serious diversity in my class and I love it! We have representation from India, Vietnam, Nepal, Dubai, Honduras, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and then some.

My theme so far seems to be, "I'm not at BYU anymore!" I keep getting hit with the culture shock of people taking smoke breaks after class, the ladies dressed scandalously, and the teachers randomly cursing in class. And the "cultural thursdays" where everyone goes to happy hour after class. Weird!! But that's all aside from the culture shock of being a student and not knowing what I'm doing. I used to be a pro at this! Not anymore. It's very disorienting.

All that being said, I'm very happy to be here. There's still a lot of transitioning I've yet to do, but I'm going to enjoy it. So far, it's not as ridiculously hard as everyone kept warning us it'd be, but I'm sure that will change. I can tell that I'm definitely going to enjoy the subjects, for the most part. I found out on the first day of my stats class that I could waive it since I'd already taken so much of it. This was unfortunate because I really liked the teacher and was looking forward to working with him. Then I found out that he's probably going to have me be his assistant for the class next year, so I'll get to work with him anyway! (Yay for employment!) I guess they don't get that many stats gurus around here.

One other cool thing that happened today is that the admissions guy (the one I called about a dozen times before I decided to go full-time) asked me to be an ambassador, which means I'd get to host visitors on campus and go to orientation sessions/dinners to give prospective students and other inquiring minds a perspective from a current student. Not a major time commitment, but I get $500 out of it each semester, which is a lot more money than it used to be!

That is all. I'm about to go check out the pool they've got here. Dad, I'm still not running, because of my ankle. It is making me insane.

The Light of Christ

So Jason and I were finally asked to speak in church, and it couldn't be more perfect timing because Leslie and Alex will be visiting us and can sit with the kids.
Anyway, our ward topic is "Enduring to the End," but I think every talk I've heard for the last 3 weeks has been about that, so he told us that the stake topic is "The Light of Christ."
I'm starting to get worried, like I always do about having to speak in church. I don't think it's as bad as it was last time, so that's good.
I was just reading an article called Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light by Elder Hales. There was something in there that just seemed so incredible to me, so I wanted to share.

When I was a boy, I used to ride my bicycle home from basketball practice at night. I would connect a small pear-shaped generator to my bicycle tire. Then as I pedaled, the tire would turn a tiny rotor, which produced electricity and emitted a single, welcome beam of light. It was a simple but effective mechanism. But I had to pedal to make it work! I learned quickly that if I stopped pedaling my bicycle, the light would go out. I also learned that when I was “anxiously engaged” 17 in pedaling, the light would become brighter and the darkness in front of me would be dispelled.

The generation of spiritual light comes from daily spiritual pedaling. It comes from praying, studying the scriptures, fasting, and serving—from living the gospel and obeying the commandments. “He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light,” 18 said the Lord, “and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” 19 My brothers and sisters, that perfect day will be when we will stand in the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Sometimes people ask, “Why do I have to go to sacrament meeting?” or “Why do I have to live the Word of Wisdom, pay tithing? Why can’t I have one foot in Babylon?” May I tell you why? Because spiritual pedaling takes both feet! Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel—living it with all of your “heart, might, mind and strength” 20—you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back the darkness.

And in this world, the darkness is never far away. In fact, it is always just around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to come in. “If thou doest not well,” the Lord said, “sin lieth at the door.” 21

It is as predictable as any physical law: if we let the light of the Spirit flicker or fade by failing to keep the commandments or by not partaking of the sacrament or praying or studying the scriptures, the darkness of the adversary will surely come in. “That wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience.” 22

In the scriptures we read that some individuals “grope in the dark without light” and “stagger like a drunken man.” 23 Stumbling along, we may become accustomed to the dimness of our surroundings and forget how glorious it is to walk in the light.

(I added the bold.)

Like I said, pretty incredible, huh? Very applicable to our lives.
Also...if anyone happens to have any stories about the Light of Christ that they'd like to share, I would be very appreciative. :)

spa night

look at my blog for fuuny spa night pictures of matt and me

Happy Birthday to My Brown Eyed Girl

To be completely honest her eyes aren't really brown. They're more of a hazel but nobody wrote a song called My Hazel Eyed Girl. Believe me if I had the soul of a song writer it would the first song I'd write.

Sometimes it feels like when I want to write something really special about someone really special the words escape me. In this case I guess the reason is that I don't feel like there are any words sufficient to fully explain how amazing Crystal really is. She's been through more tough times than anybody I know and yet she maintains a faith, hope and positive outlook the likes of which I've never seen. I am truly the lucky one because she really is my brown eyed girl.

Happy Birthday Crystal. I hope you have many happy birthday's to come.

By the way the top picture is of her belly at 32 weeks pregnant. The funny thing is it was taken on her 32nd birthday;-)

More baby updates - Cole

Cole went to the doctor today and he has gained 1 pound and 2 ounces already and has grown an inch. He will be chubby in no time at this rate! We are having a good time with Mom here. Wish Dad would have been able to come too. Here are a few pictures from the Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals game today. It has been so great to have Mom here with us. I am already getting nervous for her to leave.

It's a Girl!!

Well, there is going to be a lot of estrogen flowing at our house...we went to the ultrasound today and found out that we are having another girl!! I was really hoping for a boy so Elliot could have a brother, but now I am wondering how I could've ever not wanted a girl! When I told Grace, she said, "not again!". I think she was a little confused because she said, "can I sit by my new baby sister in the car?". I must be superwoman, having a baby and being back to pick her up in 1 hour!! But we are really excited, I'm going to have to shop for all new girl clothes, I'm really sad about that :) (Grace and Maggie were born in the spring). Ray and Elliot will get to spend lots of father-son time together. I was thinking about it and I decided that there need to be more girls born in this world with dads like Ray, so it is just fine that we are having 3 girls :)

She was not shy at all, her gender was discovered in the first 3 seconds!!

This is her profile, she has her hand in her mouth :)

This is a shot of her alien baby face :)

I think we have a name figured out, but any suggestions?  First and middle?!

Weekly Poll Question - The olympics

I thought this week I would bring my poll question to the Family Blog. Seeing as we are in the middle of the olympics, My poll question has to do with your most favorite off the beaten path event in the olympics. We have like 8 different channels that have olympics on them. Including a couple chinese stations. Where I have been able to watch hours of my two favorite abstract olympic sports, Badmitton and Ping Pong, I mean Table Tennis. It is a toss up to me which is my favorite. But the furvor of the chinese womens ping pong team pushed them in the lead. Every time Zhang Yining scores a point she raises her fist and yells as she goes to get the ping pong ball. Awesome. So share your favorite abstract sport.
Jason

Centathalon!

This is a great Schrutism.

How much is gas where you are?

Don't you wish you were in Texas?

It can't come fast enough!

I just saw this on another blog and stole it. (He he he.)

Happy Birthday Lori

Happy --st birthday Lori. I'm stuck at the hospital all day until tomorrow morning. How's that for a birthday celebration--Happy Birthday, see you tomorrow when it's not your birthday anymore. I feel like such a terrible husband. I'll make up for it though.
Here are the only pictures of Lori I have access to right now. Enjoy.

All Things Chinese

You may have already seen this. I remember seeing it a long time ago, but I saw it mentioned on TV and was reminded of how great it is. The first time I saw it, I remember reading the story about them-- they're 2 college students in a dorm room at some university in China. Look for their guy in the background who's on the computer. It makes it even better. Web cams are powerful! Turn up the volume and click here for a good show.

my life

this is me jumping look at my hair lol!!! under this is me and my best friend cole but it is sorta hard to see me!


this is my awesomely kool desk my mom and matt put in my room Saturday. i love it alot it gives me alot of space again I LOVE IT!!!!!!! I moved my small bed in so now I can walk in my room!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

This month is such a special one, it's birthday time for you!

I can hardly believe that it was 33 years ago today that you were born. I can remember so clearly swimming at my neighbor's pool (in a suit I made myself), thinking I might be in labor, and taking a picture in the back yard before we left for the hospital, then going to the hospital. You arrived in just a few hours. It has been a wild, crazy ride with you, but what a wonderful woman, wife and mother you have become. We are blessed to have you as a member of our family. Have a wonderful birthday. xoxoxo mom and dad

Newer Cole Pix

Here are some of the newer pix.

Update

Colin said Dana mentioned something about an update from us so here goes. I hope it makes sense through my groggy headache which I can't seem to get rid of completely unless I am sleeping.
Cole is great!! He is a hungry guy and eats every 2-3 hours. I haven't minded feeding him so often just because he is a pro at nursing. I was very worried about how long it would take for him to catch on but he knows just what to do. He will even nurse in bed. Thank you Cole!! I can sleep and nurse and that makes me happy. He is just too sweet and of course loves to be held but also will lay in the bassinett or crib or swing and just be content. I love to just hold him. Mia loves to hold him and tries to get away as much as she can with walking around with him. He is little enough, she is big enough just not as careful as I would like. Today she was holding him then laid him in a laundry basket with a pillow for him to lay on then put him on the baby bean bag bed then held him again. She is so eager to "play house" with him. It really is quiet cute but I have to keep on top of her playing. I love to listen to her talk to him. She currently likes the little bit of extra responsibility. I am sure it will get old but until then I am going to take advantage of her willingness to help. I try and give lots of praise to both kids when they help out.
Jack likes Cole more and more and even wanted to hold him today. It was very cute. He likes to kiss Cole on the head. He is adjusting, as we all are, but if he takes even a 5 minute nap he is up until 9 or 10 and I am so done by then. Yesterday we ran to Walmart and in he fell asleep in the 10 minutes it takes to drive home. Colin got him out of the car and wanted him to wake up, got him out of the car, stood him up and then laid down in the driveway and fell back to sleep. How I wanted a picture but we didn't get one. If he would just stay in his room and even play I would be fine but he is out of his room and bugging Mia and into things. Today he fell asleep on the way to church, lucky Colin, and we ended up just closing his door. He cried for a while but eventually fell asleep. It would be great if he wouldn't wake up at 6:30am. I hate getting up before 7am.
Colin has been busy, busy, busy helping me out. I think he may be a little happy to go to work tomorrow. Unfortunatly he will be on call so wish me luck. Last night he hung the curtains in the living room and the big picture frame I wrote about on my blog. Our pictures are not in it but it still looks nice above the mantle.
Me, well, I am tired but am doing pretty well. I do have a headache that seems to be hanging around a bit too long and sometimes I just have to lay down. I think it is a combination of fatigue and hormones. I do get some relief with lots of water so I have been trying that. I was worried that it was a spinal headache from the GREAT epidural I had but it is a bit inconsistent with those symptoms. The Motrin combined with Tylenol seem to help. I do feel a bit overwhelmed but that comes with the territory. The swelling in my hands and feet are going down and I can now bend. That makes me very happy!! I am feeling pretty good overall. We have lots of help with meals from church. Thank you everyone! While Colin went to church I gave Cole a little bath. It was nice to have the time with just him. I fed him and we watched to olympics, well, we actually slept through them. I got to sleep for about 2 hours and even though that headache was still there I felt a bit better.
Cole has a weight check on Tuesday and we will see what they say about his peeps. The OB, not my own, was nervous about doing the circumcision becasue his is pretty small. We might wait a few weeks and just take him to the pediatric urologist. I love our insurance! I can take him and not worry. Thank you Colin!
Well, Cole wants to eat, again and it is almost 11pm. Here are a few pictures. More will be coming.

Asher's Nursery

It's almost one in the morning now and we just finished Asher's nursery about half an hour ago. From my stance I wouldn't have expected this project to come together so fast. However, thanks to Crystal insisting on it getting done ASAP we finished it in three days. All of the brilliant ideas (no pun intended) were hers. When it comes to decorating that should be no great surprise since it is one of her great talents. It's a talent which I was not given (for a man that isn't such a bad thing right?).

I'm glad she was so insistent that we get this project started and finished right away. More than anything I wanted Asher to come into the world feeling comfort and love from his family. I hope his nursery is one way of conveying those desires to him. I also hope that when he does come into the world my work situation is better so that the feelings of comfort and love aren't merely superficial.

Happy Happy Birthday Colin Dear

How great to have two birthdays in a row. We love you Colin and want to take you all on a little trip down Colin's memory lane. What a happy baby and child you were.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

Baby Cole

Sorry it took so long, but here are some pix of the new one. He's going to be a lot of fun. And he made it just in time for the Olympics too. We will add some video later.
Enjoy

I will call him.....Mini-Me

We have baby #3! He was born at 7:50 this morning. He's the smallest one at 6#11oz and 19 1/2 inches. Lori pushed through 3 contractions and he came right out. I'm at the hospital now, so I can't post any pictures yet, but I'm sure there will be plenty to come. Lori and Cole are both doing great. More later.

my new shoes

These brown ones were my first vans shoes.

I got these last year, but I still like them.  They aer getting too small :0(

These are my shoes we found at the outlet.  I love them and they arent too small.

Drool or Die

So on the way home from Colin and Lori's we stopped at a outlet mall as mentioned in Crystal's blog. As we were walking around I noticed a Vans outlet and remembered hearing about baby Vans I felt like we should at least look for some Vans for Asher. So after we completed our shopping I insisting that we take the long walk back the way we came in search of the Vans outlet. Upon entering the store and inquiring about whether or not they had baby Vans I was happy to find out that they did have them.

After looking through the options I settled on the flaming shoes. At the checkout counter I was informed that it was buy one pair get the second pair half off. So Valerie got two and Asher got two. Needless to say our baby boy is going to be styling when he learns to walk. Maybe we should get him a t-shirt to go with them that says "Born to Behave".

Oh yeah, then I found the Osh Kosh 'bgosh outlet. I found a lion onesie and a matching hat which conveniently go with some of the gymborie clothes Crystal bought. Good times despite taking the scenic route through Pennsylvania.

Moving along baby!

Well, thanks to some great and much needed help, Matt, Crystal and Valerie, helped us get into our house. We are happy to be here but still have some things left at the old house and still need to clean it. We have been making trips here and there and actually need to go over again tonight. Crystal packed my whole kitchen with help from Matt here and there, Valeried entertained Jack and Mia pretty much the whole day and Matt's braun helped Colin and 2 other guys move the big stuff.
I had my doctors appointment this morning and am scheduled to be induced late Wed. night. We go to the hospital Wed. night at 11pm. The kids are going to stay with our very good friends. Colin will have Thursday off, he will work Friday so the kids are off to another friends house and then I will come home Saturday. We are just trying to get most of everything in order before then. It has been an interesting day and I feel very productive but very tired.
The kids are adjusting well to being here and I am so glad for that!!
We are really looking forward to having Mom here and then Abby sometime after that. We will keep everyone posted on what happens. Love you all and thanks again Matt, Crystal and Valerie.