We're Not Dead.

Based on the lack of recent posts you might think we had died or something but only our internet has. I'm writing from work right now. We use Saratoga Cable at home and the internet has been almost completely out for over a MONTH now. It's totally ridiculous. Every day when we call to complain they say "Oh, did it just go out?", as if this is a recent development. Then they tell us everyday that it will be working tomorrow. They've said that for 32 days now. There's a little bit of bandwidth in the wee hours of the night on occasion so once in a while we'll get an email or two but that's about it. We've reached our patience limit so Katrina signed us up for Qwest and we'll see if that's any better. It's got to be better than this.
School has started and I'm going full time, so that's a barrel of fun. I'm only gone four nights a week so it's not like I miss my family or anything- I mean, I still get almost 2.25 days to spend with them (and get everything else in life done). Katrina's not loving this schedule but she's one tough mama so she's hanging in there. I graduate next spring, in my 12th year of college. OK, so I went on a mission and took a couple of semesters off, too.
My neighbor, Rob, and I have been getting up at 5 for the last two weeks to go running. We only run about two miles- half downhill and half uphill. I'm pathetically weak and slow but Rob's not much faster so it works out well. It's great to get an early start on the day but it really slows me down around 11 or 12 PM, when I'm usually doing websites or homework. Oh well. I'll adjust.

That's it for now. We should have the internet hooked up in the next week or so.
Rock On. -Nils

Wallet Update

Some man called me on Friday and told me he found my wallet. He works for Geneva Rock and was working on the freeway picking up the orange construction barrels. He said the contents of my wallet were scattered all over the freeway. He found my phone number on a Home Depot receipt! When I realized I had lost my wallet, I said a prayer that someone honest would find it. Not only did someone honest find it, but he really went out of his way to find everything he could. So how do you thank someone like that? Well, I made a batch of Holly's cookies (with milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and butterscotch chips), so tomorrow when I go to pick it up, I'll leave some cookies and a note saying thanks.

And thank you, Holly Lesue, for helping cure me of crappy-chocolate-chip-cookie syndrome. Your recipe and method really are the best. Props to you. And to Wallet Man.

Good Times!

I gained 5 pounds. In 5 days. That means I would've had to have consumed 17,500 calories. Is that even possible? That baby weight is just melting off! Sheesh!

Also, I was pumping gas the other day and left my wallet on top of the van. Then I drove away. We canceled our credit and debit cards, so now we literally have no access to money. Well, I could go to the bank to get cash...oh wait! I have no ID! I bought eggs last night with quarters from our "emergency coin tin". Thank goodness for the wee little tin. It's gotten us through many an emergency.

Go Nilsy, It's Your Birthday

Nils is 29 today. Without getting too gag-a-riffic, I'd just like to let him know that I love him, and I'm very grateful to have him as my husband and best friend.
Cute kid, huh?

This was when we lived in CT- he tried to catch the attic door pull-down string with his teeth. Why, you ask? We shall never know. He lost a tooth in the process and it cost $1400 for a new tooth. He looked like a totally sweet hillbilly, though.

And of course, my favorite. This picture was taken by Nils himself. This is one of the reasons I love him so much- he cracks me up!

Happy Birthday, Nils!

Ahh, Guilt.

Yesterday we sent Anders to his room for time out. While there, he created this little masterpiece. When we let him out, he presented us with it. He said, "This is for you, Mommy. You can keep it." He's laying it on pretty thick, don't you think?

Blessing Day

Today was Aani's blessing day. We're so thankful for this sweet little girl. She's going to be our little peacemaker. Her disposition is so calm and happy. We're all in love with her. I heard it put nicely the other day: "They come with love." I'm very thankful for the blessing of my three beautiful children.

Timpanogos: 5th Time's a Charm

Last weekend was my fifth venture up the most hiked trail in Utah- Mount Timpanogos. Aside from last year when we had to stop because the snow was past our knees, I've been able to reach the top of Timp for the last four years. Katrina and I first hiked it ten years ago and I love going up every time. Coming down makes me want to swear because it always feels like it's three times longer than on the way up, but that's another story. This was probably the most breath-taking year yet. The flowers were in full bloom, the wildlife was out and about, the sunrise was spectacular and I have a great camera that actually captures it well. So here are some of the 200 photos I shot during my hike this year.

The sunrise lit up the flowers and grasses, turning them into their most vibrant colors.Like a true dork, the second I saw this Mountain Goat, I grabbed my camera and literally went running after it like a crazed stalker. It was worth it because as I came near it, it didn't seem to mind and even crossed the path in front of me, coming within about 4 feet of me. Very cool.
I thought I'd employ Photoshop's Cutout filter on this one.We had finally made it to the top after six hours of hiking. It normally takes about four and a half but we had a couple of extra people with us that weren't really ready for the hike. After about 1/3 of the way they turned back and headed home. All in all it was yet another fantastic hike- one that I look forward to doing again next year.