I Haven't Seen My Husband in Three Weeks . . .

because he works, is very sick this week, has had soccer tryouts, debate tournaments, parent/teacher conference, young men's, and more church meetings. Needless to say, we miss him. However, this week I did learn how to turn off the toilet water. I haven't mopped in a while, so I was avoiding eye and direct foot contact with our floors. It's too bad our downstairs neighbors noticed the leakage first. Anyway, enjoy the pictures below featuring our little lady earlier this month.

This cute momma-belly belongs to Hannah, Ammon's sister. Our nephew, Asher, was born on February 13th. India insists on holding "Ashes" all by herself and likes to give him kisses.

My mom and McKenna have introduced the world, adventure, and mess of playdough to India. She's very good at making cookies and mashing all the colors into one ball. She discovered early on that these cookies do not taste good. Playdough is one of the games I really enjoy doing with India. But why do I get mad at her when she messes up my playdough creations?

India raking the snow and keeping our yard lookin' nice.

How Is This Any Different?

Ten Years Ago:

The date was February 13, 2008. The place was Galesburg, Illinois. I was just beginning my last semester as a senior in high school. I didn't keep a journal and blogs weren't invented yet. So, what I was doing specifically wasn't documented -- probably a good thing.

Five things on my to do list today:

You may be suprised, despite my aversion to lists, that I actually have a to-do list. I use Outlook as my email program, and there is a list function that is very nice to help me keep organized.

1. Finish planning tryouts (for soccer -- they begin Feb 25, and I hope the snow is gone)
2. Call Amex (I've heard that if you call and bug them for long enough they will lower your interest rate -- it's worth a shot)
3. Call the U of U about financial Aid
4. Email faculty about using their rooms for the Debate Tournament
5. Catch up on grading (This is always on my list, because I've never done it.)

Things I would do if I was suddenly made a billionaire:

Honestly, life right now is pretty good. I'd definitely cut back on hours at work -- go to part time. Consequently, I would enjoy the increased time afforded to me at home with Erin and India. We would probably add a new member or two to that mix. Erin could stop working, so we could be together at night. Sara Circle is great, but we would probably move into a different neighborhood. The new neighborhood might not have as many four plexes. I'm thinking houses. I would go to graduate school still and pursue all of the goals I currently have. The extra money wouldn't change my goals in life. It would simply take away the stress of affording them.

Two of my bad habits:

1. Impatience
2. Overlooking the little things

Five places I have lived:

1. Orem, Utah
2. San Joaquin Valley in California. (Fresno Mission)
3. Galesburg, Illinois
4. Hull, Sioux Center, and Osceola, Iowa
5. Ames, Iowa (the maternity ward -- it was only really a visit)

Five jobs I have had:

1. High school English teacher
2. Head boys' soccer coach
3. Debate coach
4. Assistant girls' soccer coach
5. Assistant manager at a Sinclair Gas Station

Five things people don't know about me:

1. I'm not completely cold hearted -- though it may be two sizes too small
2. I'm very shy
3. I read incredibly slowly
4. I've never been skiing or snowboarding because I'm afraid
5. I'm a terrible swimmer

Our Little Darling is Two

Not quite a newborn, but you get the picture. She's all grown up! Daddy and his Princess. And yes, her hair always looks like this. Even when I fix it.
She LOVES Ammon. He was the first one invited to try on her new "princess hat" and jewels.
Being 2 comes with more responsibilites in life. India is now old enough to choose her own outfits. And look, she's smiling!