Moving On

It was time to move on and retire our old car.  It had served us well during this millennium...and the last millennium!

The car shook badly, required a refill on antifreeze every few days, had duct tape keeping the mirror on, major emission issues, a cracked windshield, a major dent in the side, and the list goes on. 

The timing and price were right, so we bought us a new car.  I don't think this one will last until the next millennium, but we plan it will last a long time.

The Family Song

Emma wrote a song.  It is great.  There is no music yet.

My Valentine

I've been married to my Valentine for almost eleven years.  It began earlier when her cute smile caught my attention as a quirky college student.



I owe her a great debt for so much goodness that she has brought into my life. She had brought 4 children into our family and has selflessly given her all for them. She has supported me in my job.  She has listened to me complain and has been a comforting voice and a listening ear. She entertains my hiking desires and my running addiction. She takes care of everything and everyone at home so I can serve in my church responsibilities. She suffers with complaining children when I travel for work.  She has always been supportive of me despite my quirks, which are many.

How does she do it?

The better question might be:  Why does she do it?

Upon reflection of this question, I discovered the primary motivation is genuine love.  Her love for me and the kids is manifest in everything she does.  There is nothing greater that I could ever ask for or hope for in my eternal companion than love.



Thanks for being an awesome mom!  Thanks for being a thoughtful and selfless wife!  Thanks for being my valentine!

I love you honey for being my sweetheart and best friend!  I love you for loving as you do so well!

Ice Skating

One of our activities over Christmas break was ice skating with the family.  Being from upstate New York, ice skating is a required skill one learns from an early age.  I'm not great, but I do enjoy being on the ice.

The kids were initially pretty scared of the ice, but with the help of some very patient and helpful cousins, they picked up some skills pretty quick!









Here is everyone waiting to get back on the rink.

Big Naomi

"Big" Naomi came to visit us for the week.

Background: Our kids have two cousins named Naomi from both my side and Rachel's side of the family.  "Big" Naomi is the bigger of the two (I'm sure she appreciates us calling her "big").

She is working on a project and her grant comes out of the same place where I work.  So Naomi and two coworkers came out for the week.  Due to BYU rules, Naomi needed to stay with a host family.  We were very happy to play host!

Anyways, after work Naomi was my running buddy this week.  It was nice to have someone to run with.



Naomi was concerned she would slow me down too much.  She did, but she made up for it by teaching me some good abs workouts.

Naomi made us dinner one evening.  It was super yummy!





Unfortunately, Naomi got the stomach bug at one point while visiting us.  It didn't take her down too long but she ended up missing some work.



The kids enjoyed making cake balls with Naomi as well.



We miss having her around already!  Hopefully she can come again sometime to visit!