New things

Well, ironically, I was just reliving yesterday what an insane month this has been for us as a family and for me, personally. We began the new year by celebrating with my dear friend Kari and her daughter Kayla. They only make it down about once per year and for the second year in a row, we have gotten to celebrate with them. It was pretty low-key, especially considering I had a hard time keeping my eyes open until midnight. I got to play "SAHM" for a couple weeks and I found this great indoor play place that has tons of blow-up jumping toys including an obstacle course and velcro wall. I thought what an awesome idea that is. I think if we move, I should open one and have play-groups, reading groups, craft times and simple "free from your kids" times for moms who need an hour or two off.
Valerie and her friend discovered "Guitar Hero" and it is, admittedly, an awesome game. Valerie asked her dad for it and now she has it at his house, needless to say, she likes going there a lot now.

Matt found out that his job may be in jeopardy, he finds out Friday if he gets to keep it. Please keep him and his accuracy at filing patent applications in your prayers. This is a pretty scary deal for us.

Valerie is doing well in school but she has taken an interest in boys already... sigh. She spends a lot of time on Webkinz if it is cold outside and if it is not, she is outside playing with the neighbors. I am really grateful for our neighborhood in that sense. It is really nice.

As for me, classes started in full-force, I even had to teach on MLK, Jr day, but that is ok. Valerie was in school too. Matt and my friend Eve came to class and got to learn about menstrual problems ;-) and that PMS is REAL (as if anyone had a doubt).

My grandfather died Friday, which is really hard to believe, I can not believe he is gone. It is so strange, so many things remind me of him. IT really has inspired me to do family history because as far as I know, none at all has been done for my family.

My little brother graduates from Marine Corps Recruit Training (boot camp) February 29 in San Diego. Right now, I am trying to figure out how to get Valerie and I there for him.

I have decided to possibly attend a school close to here to become a certified nurse midwife. I think I would love doing that every day and honestly, teaching as an adjunct does not pay well at all considering the pay rates of others in the department and whole school who teach less than I do. Starting salary for a CNM is close to $100K here and they are in great demand for low-risk pregnancies. I know I would love it. Of course, I am not so sure I want loan debt, etc., but in many ways I am frustrated by the pay at Mary Baldwin.

I have applied, but the acceptance deadline is already passed... it all depends on my motivation to plea my case (and the time to do it)and the school's motivation to take a very late applicant at this point...

INDUCTION SCHEDULED MARCH 7!

READ BEFORE ANSWERING POLL!!!!!! (to the left)
We can't decide which we like best, it's mostly between Lilia Elizabeth and Lilia Jo. We've liked Lilia Elizabeth since before we had Eva, but the more we think about it it seems too long, but Elizabeth is so elegant and goes so well with Lilia. Jo is the complete opposite! But she would be named after her aunt Becky and Jason's dad and his dad (both of their first names are Joe.) Now before you vote, say Lilia Jo out loud a few times. I didn't like it until I'd said it out loud 4 or 5 times. Kate isn't even really a contender. I love it and think it goes well with Lilia, but Jason doesn't like the name Kate. And we could always go with no middle name. Not that the winner will be the actual name, but I'd like to know what the family thinks. If you'd like to explain your vote, I'd love to hear it!

He's hams it up for the camera lately.

LOVE Eva's double chin in this one.

I probably wouldn't even post an update, because not much is happening with us. Actually, nothing is, but I have a few good pictures to put up and an idea for a poll. We still don't know where we're going. Jason's boss's boss said something about Southern California, but that doesn't mean anything. We thought Albuquerque for awhile (What are the chances, right?) but now we think that is out. It's all a mystery!

Jason had a busy couple months flying all over the country, but now traveling is done, thank goodness. He went to Utah twice, Albuquerque, Denver, Florida, Twin Falls, Rexburg. We thought St. George was on the list, but that didn't have to happen. He was training people on new collection software, you'd have to get the whole story from him. I think they were still using a DOS program before this upgrade, so it's not like this will be a usual occurence. Church ball started a couple weeks ago, watch out biggest loser competitors! :)

Colby is talking more and more every day, and I'm still trying to potty train him. My goal is to have him out of pull ups before Lilia comes, but I think that might take a miracle. He's got a good memory, he always remembers what I use to bribe him to make him stay in bed at naptime. As soon as he gets up he asks for his treat or the show I told him he could watch after his nap. He knows his baby is coming and is named Lilia, but I'm not sure he REALLY gets it. When I ask him who is in mommy's tummy he says "Baby Lilia."

Eva is jabbering almost as much as Colby. She's going on the potty some too, maybe she'll be potty trained before Colby. She's so sweet, most of the time. She's figured out if she cries hard enough Colby will get in trouble for whatever he did to her. We're trying to stop babying her so much. She's just too hard to resist most of the time.

So now to me, I'm hoping to be induced March 7th, I'll keep you updated. That means it's only 31 days away. CRAZY! I'm ready for her to be here, but Jason says he's not ready for sleepless nights. My sleepless nights have already started, so it can't be much worse when she's here. I was up for over 2 hours last night. I played a little spider solitare, but mostly laid in bed staring at the ceiling. It hasn't been too bad yet, but at least once a week.

We've been in the nursery for a few months, but that will have to end when the baby comes. It's been fun being in there with Colby and Eva. Anyway...long post for not much to say, huh? And I really tried to get a picture of my stomach so you could get the idea, but it's not so easy! Especially with a digital SLR. Love you all! (And I changed the template, thought it would be fun.)

News from DC

Alright, update…the last couple weeks have been exhausting. I’ve been playing host at my house for a couple friends who are interviewing/looking for places to live. It’s been challenging but rewarding, trying to juggle work/church activities/Justin/guests. I don’t think I’ve been very balanced in my juggling. Good thing my roommates don’t mind. I got a new calling this month, so now I’m a Visiting Teaching supervisor - always an interesting calling in a transient singles ward, but I love visiting teaching, so I’m excited. For MLK weekend, I spent it with a bunch of friends in a cabin in Massanutten, VA. While I was there, I finally tried east-coast skiing. It was actually pretty decent and exceeded all my low, low expectations. We liked it so much that we went back later in the day for some night skiing! Things are still good with Justin, we’re just trying to adjust to his work schedule at his new job (which he loves!). I was definitely spoiled before, when he used to work four floors down from me. Not much else has gone on this month, just been very busy! I am mostly healthy and happy. :o)

News of the Week

Hi Everyone,
It has been a busy week, month actually, and I was just thinking that it would be great if we could have an update from every family on what has been going on with you for the past week/month. Here is Pocatello we have had mostly snow for the last month. We went to Cascade, and I think most of you got a little photo showing some of the snow. I need to get copies from Renae Bernt's camera, and I'll post some more showing how much snow there really was. Earlier this month we had one of our two yearly RS Stake activities. It was focused on the Temple. We had a counselor and his wife from the Idaho Falls Temple presidency. It was quite good. I am beginning to do a few little changes in the kitchen. It will probably take a while. I am still working 2-4 hours a week at L & K. Dad and I are both feeling good. We love the temple. Have you all been to the temple to see the changes in the ceremony? Not actually in the ceremony, but the mechanics of the ceremony? We hope you are all healthy and happy. Love, Mom

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Reason 1288726 why to eat meat sparingly

A human tongue has been served up in a hospital canteen's chicken risotto — and bosses reckon it was accidentally dropped into the food by a doctor.

Slovenian officials are investigating after a doctor complained about a strange piece of meat on his plate.

Ananova.com revealed the doctor insisted it was not chicken and after some intense bickering it was sent away for tests — and found to be part of a human tongue.

Inspectors have closed the canteen in Izola, southern Slovenia, to review hygiene standards.

Bosses believe a doctor could have unwittingly dropped the tongue in the food after treating a patient.

A hospital spokesman insisted: "I can say clearly that we have never used patients' parts in any of our dishes."

No more binki

A historical day for Jackson, I took his BB away and he has hardly noticed, completely opposite of what I figured would happen. He cried a bit for his first nap without it but I cut them and said they were broken and to throw them away and he did. Way to go Jackson!!!

Your Input Please

I was just curious about others' thoughts on the movie Hot Rod. I want to get any input from anyone who has seen the movie and what you thought (Ray, Jason, Matt). I just need to know if my thoughts on the movie are justified, because Lori and I had very different opinions on the movie.
Colin

We're Global

Either word is out that we have a great blog, or we're being spied on. If you check the map below, you will see all the locations from which people have visited our blog today. Usually, there are dots on the North America map, specifically in Idaho, Oklahoma, Mexico, Ohio, and 2 in Virginia, all expected. Last week though, I noticed a dot down in the Northern Carribean and wondered if Leslie had put one of her D R friends onto us. I talked to her yesterday as she was on her way to SF, and she told me she had been in Haiti last week on business. So, mystery solved, it was her dot I had seen. But then today, I noticed dots in both India and Austrailia. New mystery, new conspiracy. Ideas anyone?
Dad

President Hinckley

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