Rat's Nest

Behind the entertainment center in our office, the TV, DVD player, TiVo, cable modem and wireless router all come together.

Sadly, this is what it looked like after I tried to organize all those cables while installing a new router this afternoon:

*** ooh, I almost forgot, there's also a TV antenna back there for the times that we want to watch broadcast TV in HD since we don't have HD cable.

the Mormon Channel

The LDS church has its own radio station now. I've recently been listening to a lot of their podcasts as I commute to/from work, but you can also listen online, on your iPhone, on HD radio or by podcast. They have a lot of really good programming- music, news, interviews, panel discussions and devotionals. You can link to the site by clicking below:

In related news, our blog now features its first widget (all the way down on the right), which you can also use to listen to the Mormon Channel right here on our website. It's basically your dream come true: You can now read about all the cute things Rachel is doing and how many times a day Tori has thrown up from hyperemisis gravidarum all while listening to an interview with the president of the Russia Samara mission or the latest song from Hillary Weeks. I generally dislike websites being cluttered with widgets and buttons and such, so there's no guarantee as to how long it actually lasts here. Enjoy it while you can!

So Sick-Already

What? I chose to do this? Why? The first trimester for me is sooo hard. I'm just starting week 6 of being prego, and I am already sick. I still have about 9-11 weeks of this upset stomach. I don't want to complain too much, because so far, I am not as sick this time around as I was with Rachel. Still, I feel like death, I have to give a huge THANKS to Tyler who is such a support and so understanding. He is mister Mom now along with all his other duties. He is so great to be patient and willing to help.
Any ideas on how to lessen morning/all day sickness. FYI-GINGER DOES NOT WORK!

Last Long Run for a While

A few weeks ago, my friend Melissa and I ran in the Legacy Highway Hess Cancer Foundation Half Marathon. I did about 13 minutes slower than my best time, but I didn't really train for this one. I sort of just showed up and ran. Also, as we now know, I was pregnant (just barely). My pose is so dumb. It is a habit from the mission, I guess. Melissa ran awesome. She came in 4th for her age group. She is so great! I hope she keeps running. Running Rocks!

Tomatoes

We spent hours last night slaving over pots and pans and bottles.
The result: 12 quarts of bottled tomatoes.

Hopefully, we're cultivating far more than the few vegtables that we've harvested as we try and live more providently by gardening and canning.

My Sister

I have older three sisters and one older brother, and they are all very awesome people in different ways. But my sister Dawn who lives in Arkansas just called to let me know that she was called as her ward's early morning seminary teacher (scripture class). At first, I thought, "What a lot of work!" Then, I thought, "Wow, she'll really get to learn a lot." Finally, I thought, "This is perfect for her." I wish I had a picture of her. She is just incredible. She is one of those people who has and enjoys a full calendar and seems to keep it all together. She works hard to be successful at all her challenges and appears to accomplish whatever she wants. This endeavor, I think, will be a little different than any other, however. This morning, I was comparing this new calling for her as a missionary calling. She did not serve a full-time mission, but her testimony is mighty strong. Recently, however, I've really noticed her desire to become closer to her Savior and to truly live His words. As a seminary teacher she will have to prayer and prepare everyday to teach the Lord's gospel. When I served as a missionary, I did the same thing. Depending on who my companion and I intended to teach that day, we prayed and studies accordingly, and I remember what growth, trials, and joys I experienced while serving full-time. I long for those same feelings, but day to day life is completely different than living life as a missionary. I simply do not have the same experiences as I did as a missionary. My sister Dawn will get a taste of those same magnificent feelings and experiences as she studies daily to prepare her lessons and herself to teach not only the words in the scriptures but also share her testimony and watch the testimony of her teenage students grow. It is an incredible opportunity for her. I wish her luck. I love you!

Hatch, UT

On the way to Arizona last weekend, we stopped and spent the night with my Grandparents at their cabin in Hatch.

Rachel was excited to feed the horse and pony until it came time to put a carrot in the mouth of a creature whose head was nearly as big as her entire body:

Arizona by the numbers

Total miles driven:
1,443

High temp. in Phoenix:
103°

Total hours spent in AZ:
38

Average fuel economy:
35.9 MPG

Hours spent in the car:

22.5

Potty breaks:
7

Bags of cheese curd from the cheese factory in Beaver, UT eaten along the way:
3

Bags of ice used to keep cheese and water cold:
2

Babies blessed:
1