Dara and Ryan

Things I will be doing tomorrow

2012-01-26T18:43:00.000-08:00

In my previous post, I stated that I would work out agression during my 30-20-10 class...and I did...I can hardly walk today, but it is a good feeling. I am feeling more calm and more in control and Lillian is fine! I have yet to call a new pediatrician, which I will be doing tomorrow. Even though I know how it is with switching doctors (I have worked in Doctor's offices for years now people), I am nervous about switching because I feel 'bad.' I am going to do it tomorrow.

Know what else I am going to do tomorrow...see Miranda Lambert in concert!

hahahahhooohooo people, it'll be so awesome. I am going with my friend Trish-lady's night.

For now, Ryan is studying, Lillian is sleeping (and making squeaky noises in her sleep), and I am asking myself "why aren't I sleeping." Goodnight.

PUNCH, PUNCH, JAB, KICK, PUNCH

2012-01-25T14:32:00.001-08:00

Ughhhhh asdklj;cvn;lken;alkna;d,nac;andklgvnas;nae,rnma,dmn

That's how I feel today. I feel like a helpless mother. Lillian had to have an ultrasound on her hip because she was breached. Her left hip has mild muscle dysplasia. This means that her hip, when there is applied force (aka any movement), could come out of socket easily. The pediatricians office told me that "it is VERY important that we see a pediatric orthopedist right away, something bad developmentally could happen, yadda yadda."

When Lillian had trouble with gaining weight in the beginning, the Pediatrician told us that we HAD to come back for a weight check 3 days later (which would be right during our break at home) and I believed it...then I called and cancelled because I was NOT able to stay in Cville and had to go home.

Please know, this is MY blog and I am venting and I know that Lillian will be okay, but I feel helpless...although I am doing something by setting up the Orthapedic appointment...anyways...

I have felt like such a bad mom because I question the Pediatrician...and honestly, I AM THE MOTHER. I know what is best for my daughter because she is my pretty baby! I have maternal instincts and I know how to care for my child...I feel like I am 'bullied" in to doing things. People, I worked at an ONCOLOGY OFFICE...I know what it means to see the "walking dead." This is not a matter of life or death and I do not need to be bullied. We never "bullied" patients, we used compassion! I am feeling a lack of compassion and my find a new pediatrician. I just want to see a bit more compassion used and not so much "making me feel bad." Andddd, I am running on a little sleep every single day.

I will be attending a 30-20-10 class (30 min cardio, 20 min toning, and 10 min stretching) tonight to get some of this feeling of inadequacy off. I am going to do extra forceful kickbox punching in class. I would like to note, I could NOT do this whole parenthood thing without Ryan. He is so helpful...and without helpful friends and family who listen and help me.

Life with a Beautiful Baby

2012-01-12T05:25:00.001-08:00

Oh Lillian, how you have changed our lives. I must say that having a baby right around vacation time (aka the holidays) was a blessing...our families helped us so much! Lillian was born during finals week(s) for Ryan and I had baby blues and didn't think I'd be able to muster strength to care for our little itty bitty baby...My mom rescued me and came to Cville to pick me up after we had been home for a week. Ryan was going to finals and going to work-which left me alone and sad...poor Itty Bitty was so hungry because I wasn't able to give her enough milk-and the doctors, I felt, were letting me know that I needed to make a lot of changes and be a better mom...well, let's be honest, I was hormonally imbalanced! So, I got a head start to vacation and Ryan soon followed after finishing with exams and working.

Vacation was a lot of fun...we had so many great times with family-both of them-the Bairds and the Shrefflers. Lillian was held so much and loved by everybody in the family, especially her mom and dad.

Baby Beautiful had her photo shoot, done by the talented Laura Barnett (Ryan's Sister) and she did such a great job. She was extremely patient in getting some great shots of such a beautiful, naked baby:)

and we had some family pictures taken by a family friend...she did an awesome job!

Our growing family:)

Anyways, while on vacation, we did a lot of talking, eating, playing, walking, talking, reading, holding baby, waking up at odd hours of the night with baby, eating, talking, family time, improving our skills on the Kinect-especially dance central!, watching tv, staying up late, not starting a schedule, sleeping, talking, and eating. It was a great way to get help with my new role as a mother...I had great examples-my mom, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, my sister, Dorothy (on the phone), and of course our "mother in training," Lil d (she may not have kids of her own yet, but she knows how to be a mother!). And it was so fun being with all Lillian's Aunties and Uncles...they all were wonderful and helped me a lot!

We are back home in Charlottesville now and we are working on improving our schedules-so that we can be better prepared for our roles as mother, father, wife, husband, student, providers, fun seekers, and amazing people contributing to the whole of society.

The Arrival of Baby Beautiful

2011-12-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

This is the morning of the scheduled C-Section

a close up of her cute face

And the naked, screaming baby pic

12/6/11-Add this day to my favorite days ever

Lillian Gabriela Baird was born into our family at 9:36am on 12/6/11. She weighed in at 8lb 4 oz, 20.5 inches long, and beautiful as can be. We love her, she is perfect and the most beautiful child that I have ever laid eyes on.

At 32 weeks, I asked the OBGYN doctor to see if he could tell me her position-she was in a perfect position for delivery, but she fooled us! I was going into the Doctor's Office 2x/week because I was having swelling and my blood pressure was being monitored. At about 36 weeks, my stomach was measuring big (at 40cm) and the Nurse Practitioner wanted me to get an ultrasound. Within 2 miliseconds, the tech told us that Lillian was breeched, with her head around my right rib cage (which is why it was also difficult to breath walking anywhere). She was still measuring where she should be, but we were able to schedule a C-Section at 39 weeks. I was offered the opportunity to have version, but I quickly turned that down and thought the C-Section would be the best option. After speaking with the nurse, the date was set for 12/6/11 @ 9:15, arrival at 7:15 to Martha Jefferson Hospital, Dr Matthew Montgomery would be the delivering doctor.

Everything continued to go smoothly and we were able to get everything prepared at home (to the best of our ability). 12/6/11 is one of the happiest days of our lives. She was delivered butt first and started crying as soon as they were suctioning her off. Ryan was able to watch Lillian come out and was with her the entire morning, even helping with her first bath. The first bath took awhile because her body temperature was too low and she had to sit under the lamp.

During the procedure, my blood pressure was dropping and I was throwing up...I felt extremely nauseous. I had been pumped with fluids for such an occasion, I felt like I was floating. The spinal block was painful and at one point, I thought I was going to shoot off the table with pain as the medication was put in. Ryan was dressed as a smurf and he couldn't come in until after they had started cutting me. He held my right hand behind the drape and I was situated leaning slightly to the left. Ryan asked when he could take pictures and the doctor responded as soon as she was pulled out...within minutes (it felt like seconds because I was going in and out of it), Lillian was pulled out and Ryan was leaving my side to be with her:). The anesthesiologist told me to look to my right and I could see my baby-and low and behold, there she was, looking at me...with a look of question "that's my mom?" and I was thinking "that's my baby?" She was so wide eyed and looking around and then started screaming. I was sewed up and went into the recovery room. The anesthesiologist (Dr Stadler) asked if I wanted medication to help me sleep and all I could think of was "no, I want to hold my baby and breastfeed." So, I wasn't given much of the medication and waited for Ryan to come back. He came to my side with Lillian and I tried holding her, but hadn't regained my strength. Ryan talked to me and the nurse was trying to monitor my blood pressure and body temperature which was going crazy. I again asked to hold my baby and she was placed in my arms and mouthed her way to my breast and started sucking away-knowing exactly what to do. Ryan then took Lillian to the nursery to be bathed and I went to our room and rested.

I could not stand being stuck in the bed-at 5am the next morning, I asked to my have urine catheter removed and the leg pumps that help blood circulation, so that I could stand up and take a shower. It was difficult, but with Ryan's help (and help from the nurse), it was accomplished and I felt so much better. I got up every day and walked around the floor to gain my strength back. I was not allowed to pick the baby out of her basinet by myself, so I asked Ryan to hand her to me often. She liked sleeping on my chest and sleeping in my arms. She was such a cute bundle of baby. I feel like such a happy mommy to have such a wonderful, healthy baby. She has an awesome daddy that loves to sing to her and hold her. It is nice to be home and have so much help from both our families...She has 2 sets of grandparents, a couple of uncles, and LOTS of aunts that love her and enjoy taking care of her.

More Baby Update

2011-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

Baby time is right around the corner. I'm not sure who is more excited, Ryan or I?! My baby is big...I'm not exaggerating-of course there are always bigger babies out there, but Lillian is gonna be a big one! 2 weeks ago at her ultrasound, she was 7lb 7oz....that's my girl:) At her ultrasound, she also showed us that she is breeched...more specifically "Frank Breeched." That's my favorite breech position that we learned about in Child Birth Class-she is pretty much in a 'v' position holding up her legs. She is probably using my rib as a pull up bar because she used to be low and now she is really high. At 32 weeks, she was head down and right in a good position, getting lower each day-well between 32 and 36 weeks she changed position and is now riding high. Already with a mind and might of her own...

So what can you do-you schedule a C-Section-and I'm okay with that. Right now, with planning involved, she will come December 6th (hopefully in a wooden shoe, set out by St Nick-that's St Nick day ya know, put out your shoes)...Obviously she'll be precious and beautiful-and BIG. Oh I can't wait to hold my baby burrito and to see Ryan as she gets wrapped around his little finger-or does he get wrapped around her finger? Either way, he's going to be such a happy daddy-and so proud too.

However, if she decides she will be coming between now and 12/6/11...I would most likely start labor and go in for an "emergency" c-section...the only reason it would be emergency is because it wouldn't be planned and my OBGYN's office policy is not to deliver a breeched baby vaginally-and realy that is OKAY with me. I'll take Lillian whenever she is ready, so will Ryan, I'm sure of it!

In other Baird news, Ryan is finishing up classes...guess when his last day is!? It is 12/6/11 and he is scheduled to miss it, but he doesn't mind. He is really smart and I know he'll have amazing grades. He is also working hard at CustomInk and loves it. And to top that all off, he is doing very well in the Air Force ROTC. He looks really good in his uniform, it doesn't matter if it is his blue uniform, khaki and tshirt uniform, or pt uniform...he is looking mighty fine. I am working, and yes, full-time...I'd get bored at home sitting around waiting...let's be honest, the house isn't getting any cleaner whenever I am home (and Ryan puts up with me). I am taking naps when I get home from work which help me feel wonderful and able to stay up and talk with Ryan a little after he is done with work. I am not teaching Exercise Classes for the rest of the semester and will start back up mid January. My feet are BigFoot Feet because they are swollen and 3x the normal size-I feel like they could burst open at any time! I wear the same smelly flip flops every day...and Ryan has been instructed that if I wear them home from the hospital, they must be thrown away the VERY first thing we do when we enter the house.

And there is a quick update on Baby and the Baird's in Charlottesville:)

The growth of Gummy Baird

2011-09-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hello, we are all still alive and doing well. For those of you who are unaware...we are going to have a baby. I am 28 weeks pregnant with Gummy Baird-real name to be Lillian Gabriela Baird, and yes, she is a girl. Here are pictures of the growth of baby and of me...

Here is where Gummy got her name...she looks like a floating gummy bear holding a balloon. Here, I was about 6.5 weeks.

Here is Lillian in her ever growing form. Really just a cranial picture...from another view she seemed to have my Bjarnason honker nose and Ryan's double jointed fingers and toes. She gave us thumbs up, hand laid back on her forehead...she uses the placenta as a pillow and kicks her legs around all the time. The other night, her foot was poking out of my tummy about 3 inches above my belly button.

Here I am at 12 weeks...and I was illiterate on the day because it was Sunday may 29, not 30th.

Here I am at Ryan's half sister, Leslie's wedding in Macon, Ga. I am 16 weeks pregnant (June 24th, 2011)

And here I am, today- 9/18/11 at 28 weeks. Same tee as 6 weeks...Things are going well for the most part. I am losing feeling in my hands at random times and my feet are getting huge because they are so swollen...but somehow, Ryan helps me manage. I couldn't be living the pregnant life without him (well literally, it is true)...but he helps me so much and takes care of me when I randomly start crying or can't even function to get into bed. Who knew that growing a baby was so EXHAUSTING. I am teaching classes at the Fitness Center, Aquatone, WalkFit, and a 30 min Spin class...as you can see, it helps me keep my slim figure. Lillian moves all the time and does NOT like when I lay on my left side..I always get a good, hard kick when I try to do it. Ryan and I have spent a little bit of time getting the nursery together...it has been fun. Even with Ryan being so busy, he is always available to help me and to listen. He always talks about holding Lillian and all the things that he will do with her so that I can rest. I appreciate him and I am glad that he is my best friend, husband, and soon to be father!

a long time coming...

2011-05-13T23:40:00.001-07:00

oh goodness me, it's 245 in the morning and i just cannot sleep. i'm not sure why i'm awake so early, but here i am. lil d is participating in a half ironman so i'll have to be up in about 1.5 hours anyways...i suppose i'm getting a head start.

ryan got accepted to uva!! we are so excited:) he will start in the fall. he is working on getting financial aid, being accepted to the air force rotc...and we are working on finding new/cheaper/safer housing. it is all very exciting. work for both of us is going.

back in the day, when i would pick lil'd up from highschool, she was very embarrassed by me. i would get my friends to come with me to her basketball games or golf tournaments and i always made signs and screamed for her and routed for her. i would also go pick her up after practice in the crown vic and yell and honk out the window that i was here to get her. to me it was funny and today, to us, it is funny. well for the half ironman today-ryan made tshirts, lil'd and i made cardboard signs (who care if they get wet), we painted our car, and we have 2 cowbells to scream and route for her. i'm excited...i love this stuff. my children should prepare themselves because i am totally on their side and i'll be in the stand routing for them-band, sports, drama club...it doesn't matter, i'll be there (and most likely, ryan will too). get excited lil'd, today is all about you. you got it girl...woot woot...GOOOO LIL'd!!!

Moving Forward

2011-01-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

It sure has been a long time, huh? Well we are both still alive and moving forward with life and the many things that are bumps along the way. A new year, brings new beginnings and many wonderful memories of what the old year had for us. We are looking forward to this new beginning in the new year. New beginning? Everyday is a new beginning...

Ryan will not be starting school yet. He is hoping to find a full-time job, possibly at a screen printing shop. I am still working at the Cancer Center as a receptionist. I am hoping to start as a Group Exercise Instructor at the UVA campus Fitness and Aquatics Center...I have heard there is a Aqua Instructor opening...I hope it becomes mine...I will be a fast Aqua class learner, not having much experience, but having the desire to learn and do it.

We are still participants in a running club-it's fun, I'm glad we do it to atleast run sometimes...I do hope to be better at running (especially in the winter). And that is life as of now.

Slammin' Tim Tams

2010-12-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas season has officially arrived! Tim Tam cookies (from Pepperidge Farms, available at Target) have officially been stocked on the shelves. Nothing says Christmas time more than slamming Tim Tams. Tonight we had our first official slam of the season.

First, you take the cookie and bite a hole in 2 opposite corners...

Then you suck Hot Chocolate through the opposite corners until you feel the cookie become moist with goodness...

IT'S TIME TO SLAM- put it in your mouth and feel the good chocolaty taste of the cookie melt in your mouth

It really is that easy...You can become a pro on your first attempt. The Baird's taught me, the Lewis' taught them...really it's a loved, handed down tradition.

Now excuse me, Ryan is setting a mouse trap...

Our Accomplishment

2010-11-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

Coming down the escalator as we waited for the train to take us to the starting line.

OMGosh-I was really nervous...not gonna lie.

We made it through the race and even found each other at the end.

So, as you have seen from the previous post, Ryan and I have been running. Well, we started training in June for a half marathon-and the 10 miler happened to be training:) On 10/16/2010, we ran the Balitmore Half Marathon and it was great, awesome, worth it, incredible, an accomplishment. Ryan and I stayed in a hotel for the weekend and made a vacation out of it.

10/09/2010

2010-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful picture, no? And look who had to be pictured with us...see right there, between Ryan and I? Ryan and I signed up to run a 10 mile race in Manassas-it was called "General Ridge's Challenge." I didn't notice the challenge part of it until after we paid...it was 5 miles on the hilley, extremely hilley, golf course-the rest of the 10 miler was on the street through neighborhoods. Dorothy and Denise ran in a 5k and Nas watched the girlies-Chloe and Scarlett. Nas would have run, but she was out of commission for this particular run. We had a great time. See that medal I am wearing? Well, Ryan won 2nd place in his age group and he gave it to me because I am his motivation. It was an awesome run and I was grateful Ryan stayed with me on the golf course.

As of Late...

2010-10-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

I've been missing from the blog scene. I asked Ryan if he would please post because I did not care to. It was the honest truth; however I am once again feeling back into the posting phase. Although there are no pictures, here are my words.

We have been loving the Charlottesville life. It has been so fun being on our own and getting to know each other again. We are in love. We have made some great friends-Sam and Sara and we spend a lot of time with them. We have 'Survivor' parties, eat dinner together, go on hikes, apple picking, to ikea and visiting mine and Ryan's parents, to highschool football games (where there is a real lion and fireworks at every touchdown!!!-really, I kid you not), to Sara's family farm, long drives, Yoders-a Mennonite store, eating at Charlottesville Buffalo Wings, trying new recipes, meals with the missionaries...really the list goes on. They are our friends and we feel grateful.

Ryan has been doing a great job at cooking meals, cleaning, and going to work. He has been looking into possible scholarships, working on puzzles, studying Russian, trying new recipes, and lots of reading. I love seeing him when I come home because we hardly saw each other the first 8 months of our marriage because of work/school schedules when we were on our own. We have been preparing for our half marathon in 2 weeks. We will make it to the end!!! We will be running a 10 Miler next weekend...a first for us on both of those occasions. I have been enjoying my job and decorating our home. Life is good, Ryan is cute, and I'm in love. We are well.

Atop Old Rag Mountain and floating down the lazzy James River

2010-09-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend for us was all about the great out doors. We wanted to make the most of our weekend together so we decided on a couple of things to do. On Saturday we hiked Old Rag Mountain and on Monday prefering a shorter drive to scottsville than to Virginia Beach decided to go tubing down the James river.

Last Year Dara and I and mom and Kara tried hiking Old Rag Mountain but the weather took a turn for the worse and the rain and the cold made for icy conditions at the summit and so we sadly turned around. On Saturday Dara and I drove to Old Rag Mountain and met up with my mom. Together the three of us hiked and seriously climbed about 3 miles up to the summit (3,291 ft). It was one of the highlights of our summer. We all had a good time going through rock crevises and climbing over bolders. Climbing a mountain no matter the height or level of difficulty is a fullfilling journey. When we got to the top we felt like we had challenged ourselves and found the strength and determination to meet those challenges head on.

The beautiful vista at the summit overlooking the countryside and the Shenandoah National Park was spectacular. We felt like we were sitting on the top of the world, well at least from our vantage point at the top Virginia. We sat at the top for a while and just took it all in as we snacked on some food that we packed and made phone calls to family. The hike over all was amazing It was an enjoyable trip up the mountain and going down. Dara remarked as she was in a tough spot on the acsent that inorder to climb up and over a rock you have have to wrap your leg around it like you're pole dancing. Getting back down was far easier and we walked gracefully back down a few more miles. We came, we saw, we conquered. Another day lived and one mountained conquered.

So on Monday we had planned on going to the beach but we were feeling lazy in the morning and did not want to wake up and drive 3 hours or more to Virginia Beach. Instead we decided to go to Scottsville, VA where we outfitted ourselves with innertubes. One for each of us and one for our cooler full of food. I have to admit that it was a little risky going when we did becasue the river was low in several spots exposing pleanty of rocks to get in our way. For the most part we enjoyed floating along the river where we could enjoy just being in the water and out in the sun. I forgot how peaceful a river can be and it was nice to share in this tranquil experience with the woman I love.

At home in Charlottesville

2010-09-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

Its almost been a month since we have moved and our house feels more and more like home each day. We've enjoyed having family come and visit and Dara is really good about inviting people over for dinner either from church or from the neigborhood. We live about a 15 minute walk to central UVA grounds which will be nice when I start school and Dara doesn't have a long commute to her job at Martha Jefferson Hospital at the Hope Cancer Center. Our place has two floors, two bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms and it has a nice living room and kitchen/dining area. Before Dara started her job we both did a lot of reading now that we're wired to the internet we waste pleanty of time keeping up on TV shows, the blogging world, and facebook.

We have started up our training program again in preparation for our half marathon in October. We run just about every day of the week and we enjoy it a lot. Dara is having a great time at her new job and I just started working part time a Jimmy Johns, a fast and fun sub/sandwich shop.

On Friday Dara and I walked from our house to Charlottesville's downtown mall. Its an out door mall of shops, and resterants, a movie theater, ice skating rink, and a concert pavilion. We arrived and got dinner a little place called the Nook. We had a nice run in with my old Boss from Varsity Graphics Jack Raymond. We happened to be sitting right next to them and had a good time talking with them over good food. As the evening progressed we walked around more and listened to a live beatles tribute band. Around 8:00 the UVA marching band strolled through the town heading up their anual paint the town orange, pep rally raising excitment and support for the Football team's first game of the season. It sure was a lot of fun.

Success in C-ville

2010-08-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Dara and I are pleased to announce that she was offered a job at the Hope Cancer Center here in Charlottesville. We feel grateful that everything is comming together. I'm still working out everything for getting into school in January and finding employment. One thing we're enjoying is time off and time to ourselves. After going non-stop for a while a vacation in our newly established home was long overdue. Thanks to both of our parents we were able to get settled in our new home and what I enjoy about it is that it really does have the feeling of home a place just for Dara and I and our family to be. We love it down here so far. We have already made aquaintance with some nice people in the neigborhood and the ward down here. One thing that we would like to do is see the natural bridge. Its on Dara's list of things to see.

Sleeping

2010-08-09T14:41:00.001-07:00

hahahahaha my heart is tickled....remember this post? Well here is my other half...

A Project

2010-08-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I spent a couple of hours about 3 Saturdays ago working on a rocking chair. My parents had given us a rough looking chair and we thought it would be a good idea to refinish it. It was fun working with Ryan because he is a hard worker. We sanded the chair, stained it, and put on a shiny coat. It will be a nice addition to our new home:)

THE BEFORE PICTURE

IN THE PROCESS...

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

We definitely have skill in our family:)

Excitement is in the air!

2010-08-05T08:25:00.001-07:00

We are getting ready to move. We couldn't be more excited. Ryan has one final left to finish today...I have 12 hours of work left (and counting down)...not that we are counting down. We are not sure what to expect as life moves forward, but we are excited to move forward together:) We have furniture for our duplex and are looking forward to decorating and adding our own flavorrr to the place. We have many adventures ahead of us and we are grateful that we still be near our families. I just had to write about our excitement:)

Changes...

2010-07-29T03:41:00.001-07:00

Around here, there are a lot of changes going on. You may call us crazy, but we are moving forward with faith:) After one full year of being blessed to live with our parents in their houses, we have signed a lease for our very own 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 2 level, side by side duplex...not here, but in....

Charlottesville.

We are moving!!!!!!!! There is a lot of excitement over here. We are moving in about 2 weeks. Our letters of resignations to our jobs are in and Ryan is QUICKLY finishing his last semester of his Associates Degree. Can you believe he has completed 35 credits in 2 semesters? I am very proud of him, as are so many more people:) We are moving, with a moving truck!!! You better believe it. I mean, we have been, are, and will be very blessed. My parent's garage is FULL to the brim of furniture, given to us, but kind and caring people. Our official move out date:

August 11, 2010

Now, our next order of business- Get accepted to UVa and the Airforce ROTC and find jobs...This may possibly be very backwards, but what faith would you need if everything was prepared and falling into your lap??

My dear friend's blog post...a must read!

2010-07-19T04:04:00.001-07:00

A little itty while ago, my dear friend (her name is in my name-dara/cami) wrote a blog post about our time together. She was my first high school friend in college. We had many great memories and she posted about a lot of them. Please read here!

Gramma Billie

2010-07-17T15:19:00.001-07:00

My only living Grandparent (from either side) is Gramma Billie (my father's mother)...we have called her Gramma Billie our entire lives (and we have always spelled gramma just like that for her). She was our gramma who lived "far away" in Florida and we only go to see every other summertime-ish. She was a fashionable lady and always had the neatest jewelry (she would buy us play jewelry). When she was around, you always painted nails and went on walks, but you HAD to remember your stick...because we would find LOTS of bugs and dirt along the road. We would count the ants in the ant hole and push the leaves away from the road. She loved candy corn and the color pink. For my first grade picture, she fluffed my bangs up (early 90s style) and I was rockin' it in my onzie outfit that zipped up the front and had those stirrup loops on the bottom (and you all wore those same kind of pants/suits, so don't hate). She liked taking us to our elementary school play ground and we would ride around in her white oldsmobile with a huge tire on the back with a silver hupcap and blue top-windows were always down.

These are all memories-my dear gramma has Alzheimer's Disease and lives in a nursing home. When I go to visit her, she doesn't even know who I am (and I remind her several times). She is a great listener and will always comment on what you tell her (even if it is just "uh hmmm" and "whatever makes you happy"). She still loves to go on walks and moves her arms a lot like a power walker. She is 89 and on July 14th met her 2 great grand daughters for the first time. She loved Scarlett (the baby) and cooed at her the whole time. She tried speaking to Chloe, but Chloe was a little shy at the nursing home.

I love him...

2010-06-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

When I look at him, I feel happy and grateful. I am excited to move forward in the adventures we have faced and have yet to face. He is kind and loving. I love to hold his hand and give him kisses. I am a lucky girl. He is my best friend and my eternal companion.

A tribute to my wife

2010-06-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

she rises with the sun.
and like a solar presence,
just by being who she is,
brightens my life each day.
she smiles and life is sweeter.
dreams no longer thrill me,
because her beauty takes my breath away.
she's every dream of mine come true,
and in every way, my life is better,
Because she is by my side.

P.S. I love you Dara

Sometimes...

2010-06-03T18:57:00.001-07:00

you just have one of those moments (or a lot of those moments) when you wonder why so many doors are closing in your life...and then of course you know that saying "when one door closes another one opens..." I suppose it just seems difficult to wait for the other doors to open. They will always open...sometimes it takes a little bit longer than you were hoping for. I think, it's times like these when all those doors seem to be closing, that you realize how many things you have to be grateful for...did you know that my people of Guatemala are suffering?? A sink hole, a hurricane, and a volcano!!?? The volcano erupted in my mission and in contact I have had with people there...things are not going very well. They rarely having running water and when it comes, it's contaminated with all the ash and debris from the volcano. Now believe me bloggy people, my people of Guatemala have hard times and live harder lives than we could imagine-but they are the happiest, wonderfuliest, greatest, bestest people alive (in my opinion of course). There is happiness to be found in all things- even when it feels as though the doors keep closing and no doors are opening. Hold to the rod, walk slower on the straight and narrow path...and the doors will slowly begin to open-one door at a time-until you don't have enough room to store all the blessings coming from all of the open doors. It's a promise.from the Lord.you would feel better if you trust in Him.promise.

Somos locos (and don't mind my crazy eyes)

JALONNNNNN

En serio, somos locos

See, I have walked in another's shoes ya know!

La Sociedad de Socorro

The Celebration of Beautiful Nas' Birthday

2010-05-31T07:59:00.001-07:00

I would have to say we are a lucky family-Not everybody has a beautiful Nas...although she has "adopted" lots of children over the years who will always call her "Nas." Ryan and I put together some flowers and candy on Friday and he dropped them off to her at work, making a big deal about her birthday in front of all her friends. Ryan said it was fun and Nas really enjoyed the little show she got and all the candy she could share with her friends at work. We had a wonderful time celebrating her birthday, May 29th. She requested a BBQ-catered by QT and Jen. She had a great time opening presents and blowing out candles on the cake made by the one and only-Ryan. He has become a great cake maker-he has great potential to go far in cake making!

The Birthday Girl

Go Marines-opening some gifts from her loved ones

She believed we really gave her a pink hair dryer-it was the only box I could find to pack her workout clothes! We had a great laugh over that!

The party people

Blowing out the candles on the beautiful cake!

It was a fun day-We love you, Nas. Thank you for being so wonderful. We enjoyed celebrating your birthday.

We've got your back...

2010-05-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

a 5K: 3.1 miles! Today, May 22, 2010- Ryan, Mom B., Nas, Sharon (Shreffler Family friend), Penny, Carly (Baird family friends), and I ran this 5k, raising money for Spinal Research. It was so fun. We are all very proud of ourselves and each other. We all finished and it was everybody's first race (except Ryan and I). It was fun to do it all together.

This was taken before the race...we were excited and nervous...

This was taken after the race. Our smiles are bigger and we are so proud of ourselves. We made a friend-Zebra pants man. He high-fived me on the race course and looked totally awesome in his outfit. We had to include him in our picture.

Gourmet Meal

2010-05-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ryan made us a gourmet meal last week! It was very yummy and had a lot of thought and preparation was put into it...Ryan really is a great chef/cooking extraordinaire

He was really into it...

Yummy chicken south western burgers

potato sides

The yummy chicken burger: ground chicken and seasonings (including crunched doritos), mayo, avocado, salsa, pepperjack cheese

My party...

2010-05-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

was so fun. I totally enjoyed it and loved my party people...the people can make the party the bomb.com. They were my family-some of them: Shannon is practically family, Jen, Aaron, Mom, Dad, Mom B., Dad B., Natalie, and of course Ryan. We had dinner (2 different nights) and opened gifts and talked about me...so of course it was awesome. My cake was beautiful and yummy. Thank you for my wonderful birthday celebrations to my parents, family, and friends!

Cupcakes from my sis-in-law...so nice!

My party people!

More party people...

and even more party people...

And now, my birthday post number 1-the Silver Star cake

2010-05-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

My husband wasn't jokin when he said he WOULD make me a silver star cake (silver because it's my 25th 'silver' year on this earth and a star because that is my favorite shape). Shoo, he should be working for Ace of Cakes. He bought fondant, silver dust, lemon extract, a star cake pan, etc and did such a beautiful job. The cake was really good too. He put so much time and love into it! I am grateful for his hard work.

Laying and molding the fondant...

He looked really cute and serious making the cake (see how his glasses are sliding down?).

painting the silver dust (mixed with lemon extract). 2 coats did the trick.

Oh my goodness, it is truly a masterpiece made with a lot of time and LOVE. I am so happy for my beautiful cake and my handsome husband who took the time to make it.

Oh 25 candles...I blew them all out (hopefully my wish will come true)...one day you may learn my wish, but i can't spoil it now!

And I would love to note that my husband has great culinary skills and he got those from his parents. They are always experimenting with foods and spices; it is a great treat to eat with them and enjoy their flava's!

My best friend's visit (and I am talking about the best friend since 8th grade kinda best friend)...

2010-05-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is my dear friend Caitlin (Call) Wheeler. She came to visit her parents this past week and I was able to spend a couple hours on different days with her. We never run out of things to talk about...seriously, our conversations on the phone are about 1 hour long, and together, we don't stop talking. Ryan even mentioned, after our first reunion this past week, how it amazes him that we will be together for hours and there is never a quiet moment. Oh, we had fun, ate lots of ice cream, tied a quilt, drove around, sat in dark parking lots (mom, we were fine), sang to the radio, got gas, had dinner, enjoyed being with our families, and enjoyed being together (in no particular order)...I miss her. I love Caitlin! Thanks for coming to visit.

This is her beautiful daughter Makenna...she loves Ryan. Steven was unable to make this trip (but I know he missed us).

We are best friends...I suppose we should have asked this random lady in the van across the street to take our picture...she was sitting in her van (probably watching us, but we weren't scared).

She is due with "Nate" towards the end of July...I am posting this picture for her:)

And here we are again!

Our day, April 17th

2010-05-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

This morning, Ryan and I were getting ready to go to Maryland to visit the LDS Temple and we received a call from Dad Baird...It was about Cody, and he was going to be put to sleep that morning. We went right over...

This is Cody. We love him and he went to Heaven today.

Aren't these pictures so beautiful? We went to the Church bookstore and then stopped by a Russian Bookstore and came around the Beltway from the opposite direction and saw this!

My friend (who is not a member of the LDS Church), once described this place as a piece of Heaven on Earth...That is what it truly is!

oh so beautiful!

How was your day...?

2010-05-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

Often, upon returning home, I am asked the question-"how was your day?" Now I definitely don't mean to sound too pessimistic, but lately my days have been stinky...and by days, I mean my "day" job. I used to think it would be totally fun working a 9-5 job and let's just say-it's not fun, when you're not in the "job" you were meant to be at. I really realize that there are many steps on the ladder of life to finding your dream job (and yes, on occassion people have it right from the start), however, I am grateful that I have an ok job. I work as a scheduler for an Oncology/Hematology Office and now I am working out of Gainesville. I enjoy talking to people, to a point...but sometimes people are just totally strange, totally wacko, or just totally out of line. Obviously, I haven't been understanding to who these people are that I am talking to...do you know how many times I have heard "don't you know who I am?" or something along those same lines on the phone? Unfortunately, I do not know who you are because I have never even seen a limo pull up with paparazzi outside snapping photos (or maybe I never got the memo of the importance of these people that need to be seen RIGHT NOW).

Mind you-the calaber of many people's situations is not fun, happy, exciting, or anything to that sort...so compassion is needed, and compassion I do use...i do feel sorry with these people. I have learned with great understanding...

1. the importance of family support
2. the importance to be a compliant patient-following doctor's orders
3. the importance of preparation
4. the importance of good health
5. the importance of a smile
6. the importance of a listening ear
7. the importance of laughing often
8. the importance of God's true and everlasting Plan of Salvation

and for now I will stop at 8 (it's my favorite number, you know). So, although I feel bombarded with the stresses of answering the phone and being in the job I am at...I am grateful that I can come to the office with muchos suprises waiting only a phone call away...

And in other great day news

1. my evenings have been funfilled with seeing my best friend Caitlin
2. my birthday is tomorrow:)

Please help...

2010-04-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I find a great financial planner in the NoVa area...Is anybody out there able to suggest a great financial planner??? Please suggest who you use, your parents use, your neighbors, your grandparents, your grandparents friend's uncle's sister's best friend...we are making a list and searching for one to help us out for the future!

I have another job:)...

2010-04-24T13:27:00.001-07:00

But this time it's more awesome than the first! I am now an official ZUMBA instructor! I teach 2 classes a week at the Chinn Center and I am so excited. I taught my very own first class last Wednesday night and LOVVVEEEDDDD it. What is ZUMBA you may ask...well it is a dance fitness class that combines Latin American and Indian style dance moves to make fitness fun and exciting...woot woot...love it:)

Good Night

2010-04-18T17:29:00.001-07:00

This is what I look like when I sleep. I am proud of this picture because I have always wanted to know what I look like...and Ryan captured it on camera...

These are the people I got to see...all...week...long

2010-04-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Look how beautiful they are...It was so fun being with these kids, my nieces. They were well behaved and enjoyed being pulled around and playing different activities!! While my sister and her husband were away for a break, Mom and I stayed in NY to take care of the girlies. Chloe is 2.5 yrs old and really enjoys being a big girl...whereas baby sissy Scarlett is 7 months and enjoys being cooed over and held and loved.

Yummy chocolate chip cookies

Dewey (aka Chloe)...this is how we ride!

Scarrrrrlett

Grandma Nas and the Girls

Me and the girls

It was a much needed break from work!!

A Week Away...

2010-04-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

This week I am in New York taking care of Chloe and Scarlett (my nieces). My mom is here too and it has been a great week so far. It is actually my first time away from Ryan! I have seen him every single day for 15 months and we have made it 2 days without seeing each other...we are still alive! I know...anyways, so Dorothy and Trevor are on a cruise and we are taking care of the little girls and having a great time. I have watched more Dora than I have even ever desired...i know the songs and answers to all the questions now! We are having a great time playing at the park, playing in the yard, going to the gym and the kid care, and going shopping. I sure miss Ryan, but I am grateful that we can help out my sister and her family.

In other news, I have started a job as a Substitute Group Exercise Instructor with the Chinn Center and Dale City Rec Center...some extra money, with some added gym benefits is fun!

What were we thinking...

2010-04-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

when we signed up to run this...

I get sweaty just thinking about it. I am working on getting a good pace for 1 mile...yes i really meant 1 mile and pretty soon (sooner than we think) it'll be october and time to run 13.2 miles. I feel nervous because it's my first half marathon (hopefully not my last)...

Pound for Pound Challenge

2010-03-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

I have done something great! I have pledged to lose 20 lbs by June 30, 2010...Will I do it? YES! I will do it! I have pledged through the 'Pound for Pound Challenge' that donates 14 cents for every pound pledged and lost to a local food bank. It was advertised with the Biggest Loser. I am going to make it happen!!

Ticket to Ride

2010-03-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

I would just like everybody to know that I am the champion of this game...I have won 2 times...I even beat my dad!!! I feel so great. It always seems as though dad wins, but this time I creamed him and Ryan. I am feelin' lucky tonight!

Guatemala

2010-03-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been thinking about Guatemala. The reason being that it is now starting to rain more often and the sun is out longer and it is beautiful here in Virginia, but not as beautiful as the "Land of Eternal Spring." I mean look at it...that is a real picture! Isn't it beautiful? It is a lot of fun to talk about mission experiences with Ryan, and believe me, we do spend considerable time saying "One time, on my mission..." Isn't that love? I am working on a book of mission pictures and it brings back so many great memories. My two year mark of being home is fast approaching (April 8) and the memories always seem to explode around these times that important dates are in my head regarding mission experiences. What a joy it is to know in the gospel that one day I will see all my faithful family from Guatemala and live in eternal happiness with them.

We walked off of the beaten path and were up to our eyeballs in mosquitoes and ferns!

This is how we rolled...actually, we walked, but this is how the people rolled by...go green and take a friend (often times 3 people were on that bike-somebody can sit on those handlebars)

The "Waters of Mormon"...beautiful site!

Everything was carried on your head. Beautiful family, beautiful house, beautiful laundry line...just beautiful everything!!

And times goes on...

2010-03-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

Oh the days have flown by since that jam session...and now the house feels totally empty. The girls and Dorothy are gone and we ALL miss them. There were no sweet kisses this morning...or chunks to snuggle against. My older sister, best friend, compadre, partner in crime has become a mother! I always knew she would be a great mother...she did my hair in up-do's every.single day in the 4th grade. She got us ready to go to school. She carried me around on her back. She always let me sit on her when we watched tv as young kids. Sometimes, she let me sleep in her big bed and would lay her arm over me like a floppy fish so I couldn't move and was stuck and would scream! She was my dance partner at the young single adult dances. She also made sure we had fun things to do together so that we were busy on the weekends when she returned from her mission. She let me be on the "hang-outs" with her and Trevor...I mean seriously, she was bound to be a good mother and IS a great mother! And now she isn't here...but I will be there (in NY) within 3 weeks to cuidar the little ninas while she goes on a cruise to Bermuda (Bahama, come on pretty momma) with her beau, Trevor for the 5 year anniversary!

Mom is no longer sick...Ryan has caught up on rest...and dad is still kickin it...and I am doing well. This whole working full-time thing isn't as much fun as I thought it would be...it brings home the bacon, but takes a lot of time and energy out of your day. Obviously, so does taking 20 credits!...I wouldn't trade places with Ryan right now...been to school and done it and glad I did it, but even happier that it's over! Oh life is good...and moving forward...but let me tell you, there is a lot of faith that has been required lately (well always). It's alright though, the Lord is with us.always.forever.

Jam Session

2010-03-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Well Hello fellow bloggers- We have been having a few jam sessions here in this house this past week. The kids have been having a great time with Uncle Ryan, looking like jammers and jamming with him. Here is Scarrrrlett ready for an evening out! She is sitting in her bumpie, ok bumbo...

And now we have the Jammers together...giving a thumbs up to the cool shades and awesome music time...

And now we have an ultimate jammer...she is ready to jam on the street!

In the midst of jamming! Uncle Ryan even has a guitar for Chloe...it's called a mandolin.

Let's just say our house has been rocking this week. There have been some great songs: ABC's, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Once there was a Snowman...and many others that Uncle Ryan has been teaching and singing to Chloe.

Who do you blog for?

2010-03-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

We have arrived at the end of 2009 and the 3rd month of 2010...I have been thinking to myself lately about the importance of a blog. Who do I blog for? Why do I do it? 15 years ago, I wrote in my journal about all of the important things going on in my life (regarding who I loved and who my best friend of the day was)...and any picture I had would wait until I had 27 exposures so that I could drop the camera off to be developed. Most of those pictures have ended up in the trash due to the fact that it was a picture of my mom's sofa from 1995!

I have read that many of my friends have made their blogs into books...capturing the last year of their life. I will be honest with you bloggy friends, I won't be making a book of my blog this year. I am working on a book of mission pictures though and that is work enough in itself. If I could ever just choose the pictures I should put into my book without having to call my husband so that he can come downstairs and see this picture of this story when one time...and you get the idea.

Anyways, so I have been thinking who I blog for. My sister, Dorothy has said that she puts out pictures/blogs for her "9 followers." I haven't checked how many followers I have. I have spoken recently with my friend Caitlin who has said that she has found cute ideas from other people's blogs and I admit that I do look at random people's blogs to see what they do and how they present who they are...and it made me start thinking about the person I portray in my blog and if people think I am crazy or boring. Ryan and I do not have any children. We live with my parents. I work 40 hours a week and Ryan attends school 20 credits a week. When it comes down to going out to do something "fun," we end up on the couch watching tv because we are too pooped to go anywhere...it made me think of all the things I am not or all of the things I do not have that other people seem to enjoy so much.

Then it hit me...I just realized that I blog, when I can, about what we (as a family) do...whether it be carrying all we can to stay over a Friday the 13th weekend in a cabin on a rainy lake shore, or baking phenomenons, weddings, thoughts, or just ideas. I blog for my sanity and to let my friends know that I am still around. I also blog for my family (more often than lil' d thinks) because it's like a "hey, we are having fun, but we wish we were having fun with you" type of post.

So know that leaves me with the question:
WHO DO YOU BLOG FOR?? (And/Or) WHY DO YOU DO IT?

Growing Up

2010-03-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

Often times, I sit at work and think of things that need to get done. I am really working...when the phone rings, when an emergency prevails, when patients are standing at the window in front of me...I enjoy working as a member of the front office staff. It is a great job for the time being, but I do look forward to the day when I will have the opportunity to become a mother.

Anyways, Ryan is working hard at school. Did you know that he is doing exceptionally well at taking 20 credits!? He is receiving wonderful grades, keeping up with readings, becoming a leader in group projects. I am so proud of him and appreciate his desire to work hard so that one day I can stay home. Not only is he working hard, but he is also thinking about the future.

I have been accomplishing the task of going to the gym. The half marathon is coming up in October and as far away as it seems...it will be here before we know it. 13.1 miles should not be run without training. Ryan has been inspiring me to go the gym and encourages me to go each day, whether first thing in the morning or right after work. I am working 40 hours a week...and guess what? Our benefits, real life benefits are starting this week! We have many doctor's appointments planned for next week so we can get things underway. We are truly growing up...

Growing up is not as much fun as I thought it was going to be...(Yoga in 10 minutes everyone...). I suppose I thought it would be more fun in different ways. I thought budgeting would be fun and that you would have so much money that it would be easy. I enjoyed it in the 4th grade...However, I would like to mention that it is more fun than I thought in other ways. Having Ryan for a best friend, is pretty awesome. He is really cute and always patient and nice to me...what more could you ask for in a friend. You should see him dance, he is really good!! You realize, as you grow up, that you have more imagination than you thought...without an imagination, how could you make $10 go such a long way?? How else could you make trash such a treasure. These years are helping us be the best that we can be! So it actually is amazing to grow up and is a blessing. Oh, there is much joy in the years to come...(and there is much joy in the years that have passed).

Smooch your Spouse

2010-02-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

There sure has been a week of snow...and no school for my family! Ryan got an entire week off and my mom didn't have to go to school either, but my brother did have to do some practical work for school. He is working hard on his EMT career choice and loves it! I actually got a day off because my company was closed for the day due to bad weather...loved it! We all wonder how long it will be before the snow melts...it is so crazy to see how much snow we got.

I took my AFAA test on Friday to *hopefully* receive my Group Exercise Certification. It was in Richmond (they have very little snow compared to here) and I drove down that morning and drove home that evening. There was a practical part and a written test and I feel that I received passing scores in both...but I will not know for about 6 weeks! I am glad that test is over, I have been waiting for it for about 3 months.

Ryan and I went shopping yesterday and then made dinner for my parents. It was a lot of fun being together because while he has been home, I have been working. He has been addicted to the Wii all week with Aaron. We all had fun playing the Wii...and even got new games for Aaron because his birthday was last Sunday. We even have fun on the Wii with Ryan's family! Love it.

Happy Valentine's Day everybody! Enjoy being with the ones you love and do not be afraid to tell them you love them. Smooch your spouse!

Wedding Day

2010-02-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2010-The Ian Robertson family was established. It snowed that day...but believe me...it was a great and happy day. Lil'd and Ian were married for time and all eternity in the Washington D.C. Temple. I just wanted to start you all out with a little picture of Ryan and I...

I love Ryan...what more can I say...

This is the only picture Ryan got of all the sisters...Qt came into that picture and you can hardly see him...Lil d was fixing her veil...It is the best one I have...Yes, we planned on wearing the same outfits!

Beautiful Nas and Lil'd...this was such a pretty picture.

Qt and Jen...

This was supposed to be a professional shot that Qt and I got into. And look, there is mom Call in the background.

Hey Ian, welcome to the family. Love this beautiful picture. Not many pictures were taken outside this day because of the snow. Denise and Ian looked really happy and seemed to enjoy their big day. I am really proud of them and grateful that Ian is worthy to take my baby sister to the temple (and that she was worthy herself).

Love it

2010-02-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, it has been months since Ryan or I have blogged. Well today it is snowing and it is a perfect time to catch up a bit. It is really snowing buckets out there...or feet...probably about 2 feet are on the ground. I do not dare go outside. Ryan informed me I am not allowed to go outside to shovel. I have watched my brother shovel the driveway for sometime...Now Ryan is going to help him. He looks really strong and sexy in his Russian snow shoveling gear...

I really love his hat...even I, myself, have worn that hat and it sure keeps your head cozy warm...because of my big brain, we have to slam it down on my head...same thing goes for Ryan...that hat is slammed down. I have not gone out in this snow...maybe I will go tomorrow, but I am happy inside cleaning up and relaxing.

Chunky Bling

2009-12-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody, I have been entered into a contest and would love to have your vote! Vote for my name: tins, swirls, and twirls!! Thank you...Please go now!

http://chunkybling.com/contests/name-that-bling/vote-on-names

No Pictures Post

2009-12-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

Today Ryan is putting up the Christmas tree for the family. I feel sad for him because he broke his headphones while in the process of making the tree stand straight. He won't throw them away because they have sentimental value and it made me giggle(not in a mean way, but because he looked EXTREMELY sad). Guess what he put on his Christmas list...headphones. I believe that he is putting the lights on the tree. He keeps running in and out of the room. He bought new songs on I-tunes today (Weezer) and he has been listening non-stop. Oh and a really great thing he did today, was run to meet me at the car when I got home from work.

Guess what!? You are reading the blog of a seminary couple...meaning, Ryan and I are teaching EARLY MORNING seminary this week. We are the substitutes...guess what we do before we leave for seminary? We kneel and pray together (just like you did before you left your house for the day as a missionary with your companion). The only difference is I get to give him a big, fat smooch when the prayer is over. I NEVER gave my companions big, fat smooches...just tiny ones on the cheek. We are teaching for the Lake Ridge 2nd ward and they start at 6am. It has really been fun. Ryan looks really cute teaching. Today I got to hold his hand during the movie we showed about the Atonement. I love teaching with my husband...especially today as we talked on the Atonement. I really love hearing his testimony and seeing his eyes light up as he teaches because he feels that what he is saying is so true. I appreciate that about a testimony. It is something you feel and not anything that anybody forces on you. It's a personal thing that enlightens your view on this wonderful life we have and the Eternal Plan of our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful that I will live with Ryan forever. I am always going to smooch him after prayers...

P.S. TLC has a billion shows about little people. I do not mind...I watch the shows sometimes...but how many shows do we need to see about little people? When will there be a show about big people? I mean bigger and taller than you and me put together! That is REALLY tall, kinds of big people.

Alone..In a cabin...It was Friday the 13...It was fun.

2009-11-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

In celebration of Dara's new job and as an early 1 year anniversary trip we drove to Heathsville, VA to stay for the weekend at our Uncle Paul's cabin along the Rappahannock River. When Dara and I make plans we are not easily swayed by a weather report to stay home. We ignored the stormy weather and Thursday morning made our way south. We arrived in the afternoon and spent all day Friday, and Saturday morning there. We spent time reading (Dara got hooked on the Twilight series), playing card games and watching movies. I have to say that when we arrived we were a bit discouraged. Before us on the muddy dirt road to the secluded cabin was a tree that had fallen over. The weather was still rather miserable and although it wasn't a downpour, it was still raining. We parked our car at a neighbors home and climbed over the tree carrying a suitcase and a couple of bags with food for the weekend. It suddenly dawned on us about then that it was the weekend of Friday the 13. From where we parked it was about a quarter of a mile to the cabin. We were hoping that we wouldn't run into anyone wearing a hockey mask. No one would've heard scream had it turned out like a scary movie. Fortunately for us we felt rather safe and at home. It was even a little romantic. It was nice to get away from home for a little bit and enjoy being just us. The road block made our trip more adventurous than we planned on but I got to show off some muscle and carry our bags. Dara was impressed. It was a great weekend.

The tree that blocked the road

I promised Dara that I wouldn't drop the bag.

Internship

2009-11-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

I just completed the last day of my internship this past Friday November 06, 2009. I had such a great time working with such great people and learning the hands-on of my field, Exercise and Wellness Management. I mailed the forms back to BYU that same day and I have completed all requirements to graduate this upcoming December...oh it feels great to have accomplished such a huge task! I was an intern at the Prince William Hospital Fitness Center.

Jenn, Justin, Me, Tanaya, and Lauren...the PWH Fitness Center Staff...that's how we do!

Robin, from the Wellness Center, and me.

Lisa, from the Wellness Center, and me.

The light within the tunnel...

2009-11-07T16:56:00.000-08:00

All too often the tunnel of life narrows in on you and you feel as though there is no light and no way out! Ryan and I have been blessed to find a full-time job opportunity for me...this is truly a light at the end of the tunnel! I have been offered a job at an Oral Surgery Center in Annandale, Va doing Scheduling for the Oral Surgeons. It is a full-time, benefits, good pay job opportunity and I start November 16, 2009. We are able to see the light much brighter now. I found out that I received the job November 02, 2009 and let's just say, I want to call Ryan every day and tell him I received a full-time job after what I came home to that evening:)...

The plop of ketchup on the meat is in the shape of a heart!

Soft music was playing from the computer and there were rose petals everywhere

Oh how I love him!

South Carolina

2009-11-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

This last weekend, we had the opportunity to go down with my mom to Goose Creek, South Carolina to visit the Elison's. It was so much fun seeing my nieces, spending time with Dorothy (my sister), Trevor, and the other Elison's (Trevor's parents). It was a special weekend in which we were visiting for Scarlett's blessing day, November 01, 2009. It is great living closer to Dorothy and her family. Aaron and Jen even came down to visit for one night. We sure had a great time.

Ryan feel asleep on the way...

"What?" oooohhhh nooooo cute Chloe

Chloe was a cow...padded butt and stomach...tooooo cute (moo)

Grandma Nas and Scarlett the Cheetah

Fo'Real, Dewey chose these classes out of the winnings for the Bean Bag toss...too cool!

The cute baby to be blessed, Scarlett Rose in a beautiful dress that Grandma Elison made

The family picture after the blessing!

For the love of the East Coast

2009-10-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, the beautiful Skyline Dr. We had a wonderful opportunity Oct. 24, 2009 to drive and hike up along Skyline Dr. We went with mom and Kara and had a great morning/afternoon. Skyline Dr. is situated in the Shenandoah Mts. and is oh so beautiful.We really enjoyed the colors. My favorite colors to see as we drove through the trees, were the reds. It was amazing got see the goodness of God evident in nature. We hiked down to the bottom of a waterfall and back up...it was a steep, but short hike and very beautiful.We hiked down to the bottom of a waterfall and back up...it was a steep, but short hike and very beautiful.

my other blog

2009-10-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

Check out my other blog if you are interested. Its devoted to my love of Russian. I won't be offended if you don't like it. but here is a link to it:

Baltimore, Books, and More

2009-10-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

I feel that I have dropped off the face of the world wide web. My presence seems to be limited to merely checking my email. Dara is encouraging me to post more on our blog. Last week end we went to Baltimore to help celebrate Denise's successful run in the Baltimore marathon. We arrived after she had finished the run, but went down to spend an evening along the harbor. We went out to eat at The Cheesecake Factory. We had some great food there. I was satisfied. Afterwards we took a look at the two-story Barns and Noble book store located next to the Hard Rock Cafe. I spent some birthday money on two Russian history books. I am slowly building up a library of what I love to study most, that is, Russian and and all things related. I am a bit of a Russophile I guess. That is a subject for another post or another blog entirely. We left Baltimore happy and full from dinner. Dara even gave her marathon exhausted sister a piggyback ride.

Dara giving Denise a piggyback ride (Camden Yards is in the background)

Dara chowing down a shrimp sandwich at The Cheesecake Factory

2009-09-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the post about the Nina Dandy:

Thursday night, September 24, 2009, my mom invited us to go on the Nina Dandy...A large boat that cruises the Potomac River at night. It was so much fun and very beautiful and romantic. I had on a new dress and was accompanied by a cute boy:)

It was a beautiful night. The ship left from the pier in Old Town Alexandria and made a stop at the National Harbor and then down the Potomac to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Kennedy Center, and other lights of D.C. by moonlight. The food was gourmet and tasted wonderful...

It is shrimp stuffed with crab! We have never had a gourmet meal like that and it was fun being served like 5 different dishes. There was dancing...Ryan and I were the only ones on the floor and all they were playing were slow, love songs. I asked if they would spice it up and put on Meringue music and they did! 3 long, fun songs that got another couple out of their seats. It was so fun dancing. Then you could stand up top and see all the sights...

We loved the evening and we were so grateful to have the opportunity to cruise down the Potomac by moonlight. Thanks mom and dad!

Oh the things to write about...

2009-09-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

Home is where ever we have each other.
And we have come home to Virginia.

There are many things that have gone on and many changes that have been taking place in our lives over the last 2 months that we have lived in Virginia...Ryan is currently working 2 jobs: screen printer and substitute teacher for the county. He seems to enjoy subbing, although he has only subbed at 2 different schools and he usually works a lot of hours at Varsity Graphics screen printing. I am working about 40 hours every week for my internship. It is a lot of fun and I enjoy working with the people I work with. We have some health fairs coming up this week and I enjoy getting out of the workplace and meeting people! I have 6 weeks left and then I turn in all the paperwork and I will be a BYU graduate!! Ryan is ready to start school this upcoming January!

Virginia

2009-09-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

We are back in Virginia. Sadly, we have no blogged for about 2 months...I do not know what is wrong with us. I did add a shelfari in honor of my sister Dorothy. We are moved back into the Bairds house and loving life. We have set up our room and we are really enjoying being home. We visit my family every so often and just enjoy being with our parents and siblings. Ryan is set up to begin substitute teaching for the county and is preparing to start school in January. I have started my internship with L&T Health and Fitness here at the Prince William Hospital Fitness Center and it is a lot of fun. I have a lot to learn and I am so ready to be working a job that will be enjoyable and not just "to get by." Ryan feels the same way...no more early jobs or hamburger smells coming off of us!! woohoo...well atleast for a while, you just never know! Goodbye Utah and hello Virginia...Home is where the heart is (and where your sweetheart is).

The end of a chapter...

2009-07-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Our time in Utah is coming to an end. We are so excited to go home to Virginia, where we can move on with life. I'll be completing a 10 week internship with L&T Health and Fitness (a company based out of Falls Church; I will be at Prince William Hospital) and Ryan will be working and going to school as soon as possible. We have had a great time living in Utah and being on our own, but we could never live here because it just doesn't feel like home. Ryan and I have been able to spend more time together. I actually get to see him for more than 1 hour a day. We have a lot of fun together and lately we have been running together. It is really fun to run with Ryan because he encourages me to keep going and I encourage him to pick a pace. Life is great when you are married to your best friend. And by the way, we only have 6 more days at our jobs! Hallelujah because I am sick of waking up at 4am and coming home to be alone ALL day.

Qt's wedding and the 6 monther!

2009-07-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

We went home to Virginia for my brother's wedding...I now have a cool new sister in law, Jen. She is Ryan's cousin...we gotta stay within the family, my brother QT loves me too much to leave me...Aaron and Jen got married June 26, 2009 in the Washington DC Temple...where eternity is made!

(Qt and Jen walking out of the temple)

(They are so cute)

(My sisters, Dars and Lil d)

(It is June 26th, our 6 month wedding anniversary...we did NOT want our cake to taste stank after one year...Happy Anniversary)

(I love this photo because Ryan says I look like white trash...I have missing teef!)

Goodbye Shannon and hello vacation...

2009-07-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I went on a "half off appetizers" date the night before we flew home to Virginia! Ryan changed my smile with the camera...it's cool....

Shannon is one of my best friends. We were Resident Assistants together 05-06 at BYU. She is a 6th grade teacher from California. She is going to start a job in Virginia and I am so excited because we'll be close. This was actually a farewell party for her!

We had the opportunity to go home!! We love Virginia. We were home for a week and did lots of fun things with our parents and siblings. We are grateful that our families live so close to one another. We got to see my cute niece Chloe:

My sister "lil d" is a great griller...she was doin her thang on the grill...

St. Jorge and the Kusileks

2009-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

(It is Ryan and I, then Ali and Perris, and our dear friend Carrie)

(Oh I love Ryan and I am so excited about our tandem ride...sorry no pic of Ryan driving)

(Many of the Ali Girlfriends)

Really, it has been a LONG time. I would like to take this time to add some updates and a couple of posts so that all may know what Ryan and I have been up to. We have had lots of fun adventures this past monthish. I will first write about our trip to St. George. We went to SG for our friends Ali and Perris Kusileks wedding and it was simply wonderful. We had the opportunity to ride a tandem bike for our first time...that was scary because Ryan started peddling and I was holding on for dear life. It is a lot of team work. One day, Ryan and I will own a tandem bike so that we may go on bike rides together. I look forward to that day. Ali and Perris both looked wonderful on their wedding day. We had the opportunity to see the whole Whicker family (Ali's family) and it was just so fun. We were grateful that we could be there for their wedding.

Oops! Did I do that?

2009-05-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I tried helping Dara around the house. I admit I have my moments but this weekend was rough. Friday after work I felt bad that hadn't been doing enough around the house and after working it out with Dara we decided to get ready to go out on a date. After getting out of the shower I thought I'd clean up our spare bedroom while Dara was getting ready in the bathroom. I folded blankets and put them away and then I turned to the nice paper shredder we bought. I fed some old documents into the machine and realized that something was getting caught in the teeth. A plastic trash that had been used to catch the paper was bunched up inside and the teeth caught a hold of it and wrapping it around and around. I sat frantically trying to pick out the plastic. Dara soon discovered what I had done and it wasn't easy for her to set aside or ignore my stupidity. I still feel bad about the shredder even though it works to an extent. It is mangled.

It that wasn't enough icing on the cake, On Monday we went to see Dorthy, Trever and Chloe (Dara's Sister and Brother-in-law and their little girl)in Salt Lake City. Again while Dara was getting ready I decided against Dara's request (SO VERY FOOLISH!) to turn the vacuum on. I thought I was doing some good. The result of this disobedience caused an overload in the circuit that Dara's blow dryer was also plugged into. Now not only are three power outlets out but so is the dishwasher and the garbage disposal which apparently share that same circuit. Dara is so kind to me and she tries so hard to be patient with me. I don't blame her at all for getting a little upset. I am grateful for her forgiving nature. I wonder if I'll ever learn that rushing in to do something quick rarely ever works out according to plan. I should just listen to my wife and stop doing things that might blow up in my face. Will I ever learn? (The electrician should be coming soon to look at the problem.)I have an amazing wife who recognizes everything that I do that is right and will let me know if I'm doing it wrong. I have become a far better man than I have ever been in these last five months with Dara. She is inspiring to me and I love her so much.

2009-05-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

I love my family and I love my friends, but most of all I love my dear husband. Lately I have been feeling stressed...okay always I am feeling stressed and Ryan is always willing to listen to me...even at 11pm when I have to be to work at 430am. I miss Ryan all day when I am at school/home and he is gone at work with the car. I need to get a project so that I will not waste away my last couple weeks in Utah. I am excited to leave Utah and go home to family, but these years of being a college student have taugh me so much! I have learned to be independent and realize that I can make things work on my own. I can get my homework done, work a job, and socialize and not be too bad off. I miss being near any family for many years, but my friends have helped me get through...and now that I am married, I have actual family near and it is fun to be together. I realized that I cannot remember (or do not understand) how I made it through life for 23 years without Ryan. I knew him for many years and always had a secret crush, but my life is so much better and happier with him in it. He is my best friend. I love his hedgehog hair and i just love him.

Inspiring

2009-05-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

Revisiting a moment of our lives

2009-05-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Oh Thanksgiving Point. I had never been there until Laura invited me to go "with her and the kids"...lil lie...we DID go together, but there was my cute Ryan waiting for me and Laura was in on it! I have a great new family and I was so excited to say "yes" to Ryan. Why was I excited? Although we don't have everything figured out, we have the same goals and as we work together the Lord blesses us and we are growing happier every day. I love to see Ryan after a long day at work/school. I know that he puts up with a lot going to work for 12 hours a day, driving me to work at 430am, and seeing me when I am crabby after my 12 hour day. He loves me no matter what. When we visited Thanksgiving Point, it was beautiful with all of the flowers in bloom and the huge waterfall, but the best feeling was knowing that I said "yes" to a proposal from Ryan that has increased my happiness in life every moment of every day since Ryan and I have been more than "just" friends.

This was our bench! Ryan was sitting here when he suprised me!

The last first day of school

2009-05-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Seriously, it was a big day for me. This picture was taken at 415 AM and I didn't even care about my outfit. I was just thinking, get me through this day of school and I will be happy. I won't have a first day of school for a while because this is my last semester of classes before I graduate!!! Oh the many great things you can accomplish in 24 years!

My birthday was the best!

2009-05-10T10:51:00.001-07:00

My birthday was so banging! It was my first birthday (besides one in Guatemala, which was just different all together) that I was not with my Shreffler family! I was however, with my Baird/Barnett family and it was so fun! Ryan made me breakfast and we got a yummy cake. He got me everything I wanted and held my hand all day! It was fun being with Laura and Kart and having dinner together and watching LOST. I have the coolest families everrrr!!! I felt so lucky and special this day! (However, I feel lucky and special everyday). Thank you for making my birthday so great and fun!

My breakfast in bed

Isn't it cute? All homemade with love by Ryan<3

My scrumptuous cake

Of course I blew them all out!

Oh it was banging!

I can bake

2009-05-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

I surprise myself with my cooking skills and I surprise my family! It is fun trying new recipes and new foods!

I made this crust!!

I baked this bread homemade from scratch!

2009-05-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky I am in love with my best friend!

When I came home from school today, I had a snack waiting in the fridge. Ryan prepared it this morning after he went to the store and bought some fruit. I am grateful to have a husband like Ryan who serves me so much. It makes me grateful to have someone that I can serve and appreciates it. Ryan does so much for me every day. He constantly seeks to find little things to show me that he loves me and cares for me even when I cannot see him. now that our schedules are different, we see each other about an hour every week day and then we usually have more time together on the weekend. It can be hard not seeing Ryan, but I am grateful for the hard work he does at home and at work. I am grateful that he will choose to make the house look nice because he knows it is important to me. I loved my snack today. Most of all, I love my dear Ryan and his kind heart.

PENGUINS!

2009-05-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

This post is a tribute to Dara's love of penguins. Pop your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the movie.

The struggles of life are worth it to have these moments with my Love.

2009-04-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is one of those self-taken photos that comes out just right. Dara I walked around Bridal Veil Falls. It was a little overcast and breezy, and near the end of our walk the rain started up a little.

Our best moments together are when we go out and enjoy the outside, when we go on walks or go running. Seeing a museum or visiting a park are places we like to go. Its nice just to hold each other by the hand and observe the world around us. We have some of our deepest conversations when we go out together. I love dreaming about and planning for our future.

This picture is funny because its so typical of a picture of me and Dara. She is always looking into the camera and for some reason I'm always looking off into the distance (as if I am looking into the future.) I remember finishing my mission in Ukraine and wondering what the rest of my life would be like. I couldn't imagine the course my life has gone, but its been wonderful.

This week has been rather stressful for both Dara and I, but this weekend has been a reminder to me that marrying Dara was the best decision that I have made in my life. Being married is more than a honeymoon and playing house. It involves so much more like working hard and providing and planing and communicating well, and respecting each other and being patient as we grow and mature. I appreciate the moments that she and I have shared this weekend that have reminded me of how much I love Dara and want to be with her forever. We get frustrated and impatient with each other but we come back around and momentary frustration and doubt is replaced with a calm sweet assurance that the woman I am holding tight is the woman that I will be with every day of my life.

Movie trailers are the best!

2009-04-19T17:55:00.001-07:00

The movie Previews are the best part of movie going experience and since discovering the collection of trailers for up and coming movies on apple.com I have been in the habit of watching movie Trailers. Here are a few of my favorite.

Homeward Bound: Our Incredible Journey Home

2009-04-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

This is our proposed route home across the great American continent. It'll be like the Louis and Clark Expedition but better or like homeward bound with out the animals, oh and we'll be driving so it won't take as long either. In just a few short months we'll be coming home to Virginia.

View Larger Map

Life gets better, and brighter everyday.

2009-04-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Well this week has come to an end. And its refreshing to know that the school semester is over. Dara is more relieved having completed all of the classes for her major. She only has two more classes next semester. Dara is almost done here at BYU. She finally got officially accepted into the internship that she wanted and we're making plans for moving back to Virginia. We can't wait for the next chapter in our lives to begin. The months ahead will be challenging as Dara finishes school and I continue to work full-time. I am already starting to look for a job in Virginia and preparing to go back to school. We have our ups and downs but we have each other for support. One of the goals that Dara and I are working on is our personal prayers and scripture study. Both of us are doing more to increase our faith. President Thomas S Monson in the last General Conference said the the future is as bright as your faith. This week has brought us a little closer together and strengthened our faith and our resolve to do what is right. I am happy to say that we are optimistic about the future. It looks brighter every day.

Wedding Weekend

2009-04-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

What's up? Well we have returned from a long happy weekend of family! about 2 weeks ago, my mom came to visit and it was so fun having her around. She filled up our fridge and freezer and made sure we were happy and that our house was clean. Mom had a good time seeing friends from Virginia and we even got to see some elders that she was "mom" over! Then we headed down to Vegas for Beth's wedding and had even more fun with the whole Baird family. I got to meet family members from both sides of the family that I hadn't met and the family just gets cooler! I feel really lucky to have awesome in-laws; when I am around them I feel like I am with my own family. I have tons more family and I love having lots of family. I feel so happy in my heart <3 to be around our family. Ryan and I are so excited to move back to Virginia so that we can see our family more often and feel like we are home again. We are a lucky and happy couple...I love Ryan, plus he has an amazing family.

2009-04-07T13:59:00.001-07:00

Well here you go!! This was a regular bus view on the roads of Guatemala. This bus is traveling from my last area to the main bus terminal and the cobradors (the bus attendants...they take your money for the passage and make sure your luggage is secure up on top of the bus). were always climbing in and out checking on the things on top. The roads were EXTREMELY windy and this particular path was coming from the top of the mountain down. My dream job is to become a cobradora (female version) when we go back one day.

2009-04-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

When good music surfaces I have to share it with everyone. These two albums are simply amazing and I would love to own them. I've listened to some of the tracks on line and the songs are great. I have followed the Musical group Nickel creek since their debut album and I try keep up with each of their solo albums. Chris Thile is amazing and I have just about all of his solo albums and his latest album with his band, Punch Brothers. Sean Watkins recently came out with an Album with Jon Foreman from Switchfoot called fiction family. and Sara Watkins this April is making her debut as a solo artist with her self titled album. These albums showcase great acoustic songs; nothing short of amazing.
-Ryan

Our song

2009-03-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is a song that Dara and I listened to frequently while we were Dating. We danced to it at our wedding reception. Jason Mraz and colbie Caillat sound amazing together.

Что за одержимость c русскoм языкoм? (What is my obsession with the Russian language?)

2009-03-21T23:34:00.001-07:00

It has been over two years since I completed my service as a full-time missionary in Ukraine. Since than I have occupied many free hours of my time studying, reviewing and practicing Russian. I felt a great desire, after coming home, to keep up with and master the language. I still am continuing that goal, spending time reading from the many resources I have collected, most of which Mom and Dad have given to me as gifts for Christmas and Birthdays. Some I have have bought on my own. My efforts to consistently and diligently study have waxed and waned over the last two years but lately I have made a great effort to store up in my mind the grammar principles and words and phrases that one day I know I may use. Poor Dara has to compete with the Russian language for my time. I do put the books down from time to time. I admit my obsession is a little strange but its not with out reason.

I believe firmly in the gift of tongues. I experienced it on my mission, when at times, I needed to speak the language well and things I had studied just briefly a few days before were brought to my mind. I uttered words and phrases that to those I taught were clear and understandable. To me it was a miracle. One day the Lord may need to use my Russian again and I only desire to keep my mind as polished and sharp as ever when it comes to using the language. It would be great to have a native proficiency. -Ryan

These are just a few of the books I own that contribute to my progress at mastering the Russian language. My collection is far more than this small stack of books.

A great all around summary of grammar principles. It includes a variety vocabulary lists of Russian words from all different registers of the language.

This is a really neat, thorough and quite possibly definitive guide to Russian culture and living. The text is in English but it intersperses essential russian words for each topic covered.

Lately I have been carefully reading and doing the exercises in this book. It is authored by the head Russian Studies department at George Mason University, which is where I am planing on studing when Dara and I come back to live in Virginia.

The Best Russian-English/English Russian dictionary ever Kenneth Katzner is a linguistic genius. He's probobly on my top 10 list of Heroes.

THE MONSTER!

2009-03-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been having so much trouble drying our clothes. We have a stackable washer/dryer and it's small. We can wash regular loads, but the clothes never get dry. 3 shirts were taking 2 hours to dry and they still came out damp. Today, our upstairs neighbor happened to stop by and we told him our dilemma...we followed him to the bathroom where our washer/dryer is located. This is the part where we discovered THE MONSTER from the lint trap sucking up all of our heat. He pulled out the lint trap and it was atleast 3 inches thick and about 6 inches wide: incredibly HUGE. We have included a picture. The problem was solved! It brought us back to the moments when our mom's would say:"don't forget to clean out the lint trap" and we would reluctantly say we are doing it. -Dara

From the darkness of the lint trap it crawled...

It was the LINT MONSTER!!

What it do?

2009-03-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

So, Ryan and I are both writing on this blog and it's our first time. It's fun to read blogs, but seems like so much work to keep them up. As my friends and us are spreading across the country, it really seems like the best way to keep in touch. Ryan and I are working awfully early and it just seems to get earlier every single day. I could hardly get out of bed this morning...and every morning Ryan and I both have to be like "get up and get out of bed."

We ran a 10k race on Saturday, like Ryan mentioned and it was tough. We had not trained, which was a mistake, but we both finished and we were so proud of ourselves for finishing that 6.2 mile race in about an hour's time. My right foot hurts right now, I may have a small fracture or it may just be a pulled tendon, but hopefully it will heal. I am trying not to walk on it more than I need to. Ryan and I have been using a foam roller to help our sore muscle recoop! Those things are amazing and they are fun. Ryan got me a pink one for Valentine's Day!

Everyday I love Ryan more and more and I learn a lot about myself. I have realized being married is much different from being on a mission and having a companion! In many ways it is so much better and more fun. You wake up next to your best friend every day and you give stinky breath kisses to each other and then go about your business usually different ways. However, you always return to your best friend at night grateful that you are together again.

We are making it through school. I can smell my diploma in the air...if I can only find an internship!

Working and racing and longing for home.

2009-03-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I admit that my first attempt a establishing a blog was anything but spectacular. Visually it was little embarrassing and I'm hoping that I will lay aside any visual prejudice that have for the templates to choose from and publish on our blog things about Dara and I and what we are up to since getting married on December 27, 2008. Maybe one day I'll learn how to more expertly manipulate the visual layout of the blog, but for now I'll stick with the only thing I can do, and thats to write an entry.

As the new year quickly progresses we are our busy going to school, working. Dara and I are early birds, getting up as early as 4:00 to go to work. Dara works on the BYU campus with a custodial crew in one of the buildings. I work every other morning at Great Harvest Bread making cookies and sweets and baking all other breads. After work at the Bakery and every other day I work at Burger Supreme which is in the same shopping center as Great Harvest. Between the two jobs I take two classes at BYU. Dara is taking about 15 credits of courses for her exercise science major. She will be finished with classes after spring sememseter. We planning on moving home to Virginia where Dara is working on securing an internship for her Major. By that time I hope to be going to school full-time again eventually at George Mason University.

This is one of those times in our lives that we wish would pass by quickly. We love being near family, and although we would like to leave Utah we are gald to have some family near. Its wonderful to be living so close to the Barnetts. We spend alot of time with Laura and Kart and their two adorable kids Aiden and Emma. Most of the time we eat dinner together and watch TV like Lost. When we move back to Virginia in August we will miss them. Beth's wedding in April is just around the corner and it will wonderful to see everyone together again. Ever since Natalie's accident we have been anxious to see everyone. Its been difficult not being able to be with the family and see them more often.

One thing that is worth mentioning aside from our homesickness is that we both ran in the anual Rex Lee Run here in Provo. We both finished our first 10k. It has been a goal for the both of us for a long time. It was a challenging experience for the both of us but rewarding one none the less. We already planning to train for our next race as soon as we recover from this last one.