Christmas Break 2007 Part 1

Jason finished school two weeks ago and celebrated by going surfing. That is his new thing. In fact, he has been going out to surf a couple of times a week since break began. He has so much fun and it is good exercise. He misses the exercise he used to get from ROTC. He especially likes Stinson Beach. He took Brendan and I with him once. Only once because Bubba TOTALLY freaked out when his dad got in the water and kept crying about sharks and saying, "I want my daddy!" Too much YouTube about shark attacks with his dad, I fear.

My in laws came to stay with us on the 17th. It has been fun to watch Brendan interact with them. He had so much fun and was our entertainment most of the time. It was also nice to have babysitters so that Jason and I could go out. We had a lovely evening of dinner and a movie without Bubba. That hasn't happened in a while.

We all traveled to my parents house for Christmas Eve and stayed 2 days. I haven't been home for Christmas in years. It was fun to be around the hustle and bustle again. Let me say that we are truly blessed with wonderful friends and family who sent us Christmas gifts. All were so thoughtful and appreciated. I loved all the Christmas cards we got as well. It is always nice to catch up with people.
It brought me especially great joy to see my parents and in laws open their gifts this year. I think I scored big time brownie points this year with my parents and the McDaniel parents. I love finding just the right gift! Nothing quite touches the feeling you get when you know someone really likes what you have given. I don't think they'd want me to post the pictures I have of them in their pajamas opening the presents, so you'll just have to trust me. :)
Brendan got a motorized train set from his dad, among other things. No other toy captivated his attention like that train. However, it is more for kids age three and up and he can't operate it very well. He became so frustrated with it that we had to hide the tracks and let him play with the engine and half the cars. The funniest thing was that when Daddy Jason and Grandpa Dave tried to set it up for him, they couldn't figure out how to get it to go forward at first. Brendan flipped out when he saw his train was only going backwards. It cracked me up! They fixed it though.

As far as pregnancy goes, I am really feeling it lately. Can I just let everyone know how much I loathe maternity pants? Arghhh! Anyway, everything is going well. She and I are healthy though the midwife told me that, given my fast delivery with Brendan, I did not need to wait the usual hour timing my contractions. She said, "When you think you are in labor, come in." She was concerned that this one might be really quick (yippee!) Jason and I got to tour the hospital this past week. The only other couple on the tour was a dentist who graduated from Pacific years ago and her husband. We spent about 45 minutes after the tour talking with them about dentistry. What a coincidence!
Well, I am sure I'll have more to write about the second half of our vacation later but for now I'll just say Happy New Year!

Christmas beginnings

We set up our Christmas tree this past Monday. This year we opted for a small 3 footer that sits on top of the entertainment center out of the reach of a certain agent of destruction. I think it is pretty cute. We just decorated it with some lights and a few sentimental ornaments. Every year we buy a new ornament that symbolizes the past year. This year our ornament has the Golden Gate Bridge on it.

Jason has been insanely busy this past week and next week is finals week so I only see him a couple of hours a day. As a result, I have all my Christmas shopping done, my cards sent out (except those that Jason is in charge of getting the addresses for), and I am almost completely ready for the baby's arrival. Amazing what you can do when you are bored and need a project, huh? The problem now is, I am out of projects for the next week when Jason has the car and my main source of adult conversation with him. :)

However, it feels pretty good to be done with these things so I can sit back and really watch the holidays unfold. This past Friday we went to Falkirk Mansion here in San Rafael for the Dickens Christmas program - Father Christmas, cookies and milk, carollers, Victorian costumes. Jason really liked "the ambiance", as he put it. Father Christmas rode up on a fire engine, which is the only thing that Brendan remembers about the evening. He talked about the fire engine for hours afterwards but has no idea who Santa is or what is the big deal. I guess that's not a bad thing, right?

Though this past week he has really let me see why parents love the idea of Santa's naughty and nice list. He has been the most naughty, most mischievous, most tiring little man ever this week. One day he ran outside and tossed things off the balcony, threw toys down the stairs, played in my makeup, broke his dad's stocking hanger, didn't take a nap, climbed into the crib (which is no longer his) and broke the changing table attached to it, pulled off the dangling stars from his sister's mobile, strew blocks and crayons behind him like he was Hansel and Gretel with breadcrumbs, turned on the dishwasher and a host of other things that I must be trying to block out right now. All in one day from one little man! Sigh. We have hit another testing phase. Part of me wonders if these behaviors will surface again when his sister gets here. I will have to make a special effort to have Brendan and Mommy time and to let him help with her as much as possible. He does love little babies, however, I am sure he'll be thinking, "Geez Mom, when is this one gonna go home to her mommy?" But I sure do love that little guy like crazy!!

I still say he looks more like his dad

That goofy, serious, Nibley-reading, pen-twirling, skateboarding, Army Ranger, dental student man of mine

My friend, Heather, tagged me again. This time the tag is about Jason, my husband.
What is his name? Jason (Scott) McDaniel (Due to a momentary space-out, his middle name was never put on the birth certificate. I made sure to tease him about it when he was sent to fill out Brendan's. "Honey, don't forget he has a middle name. The one you were supposed to have.")
How long have you been married? 4 years this Valentine's Day
How long did you date? A little over 4 months (including 6 week engagement - yep, we work fast!)
How old is he? A young'un - 28
Who eats more? Even though I am pregnant I think it is a toss-up. Dental school will do that to you.
Who said I love you first? He did, though it was during the visit to my parents where he told me that he was going to ask my dad for my hand in marriage. Kinda backwards that those three words weren't mentioned before, huh?
Who is taller? He is and yea for that!
Who sings better? I think I do but not by much. At least I know the lyrics to what I sing.
Who is smarter? Jason is the king of gathering facts, (I challenge anyone to beat him), however, as far as "people smart" goes, I take the cake. It is nice to have him ask my advice about that since I can't help him much with biochemistry, filleting a cadaver or carving a tooth.
Whose temper is worse? We don't fight, we have a cold war.
Who does the laundry? Me and I hate it! He does help with the folding part occasionally, if we put on Lord of the Rings while we do it. He calls it "Lord of the Laundry."
Who does the dishes? Me again. He is not home enough to do them.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Since Jason sleeps on my side too thus squooshing his pregnant wife into almost falling off the bed, I'd say him. Seriously, he moves a lot while he's asleep. He also talks, kisses and mimics cleaning weapons in his sleep too. Nighttime is always an adventure.
Who pays the bills? Me.
Who mows the lawn? No lawn but Jason adamantly says he'll pay someone to do it.
Who cooks dinner? Mostly me, unless we have breakfast for dinner. Then Jason makes a great omelet.
Who drives when you are together? Jason and I like it that way. I get us lost way too much.
Who is more stubborn? Me. Silently stubborn.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Jason. I married well.
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine, now that we are in CA.
Who proposed? Jason. Funny story I'll tell you sometime.
Who has more friends? Me but he is more likable. He just doesn't keep in touch.
Who has more siblings? I do.
Who wears the pants in the family? Me. Actually it is an art to do so without him knowing. He thinks he does. (ha ha ha - scoffing laughter)

Questions that Heather (the Tagger) added on:
Who can do more push-ups? Jason. And sit-ups, and pull-ups and just about anything else that requires stamina. That is what happens when you marry an Army man. He actually likes that kind of thing - I know, he's weird.
Who is older? Me. Jason used to joke I was his "suga' mama". He was a student when we married and he moved into my apartment with about two suitcases of stuff. That's it.
What is your favorite ballet? (Incredulous look from husband like I have gone mental)

Question I added:
His biggest quirk? He cannot stand the sound of people chewing. Seriously, he goes nuts!
Does he collect anything? Yes. He collects Hugh Nibley books (he even had a picture of Dr. Nibley in his dorm room) and vintage, fat, wide polyester ties. He loves that he has to wear a shirt and tie to class every day at Pacific.

Picture he will complain about me posting but he is just so dang cute:



I tag Kristin Anderson, Danica McDaniel and Raynie Hawes, who are free to add their own questions too.

Our Thanksgiving

Wow, what a weekend! We went to my parents' house for Thanksgiving Day after Jason played some football in our ward's Turkey Bowl (his team lost). We got stuck in traffic but made it there for the meal. My younger sister and her boys were there too, plus my brother. It was so nice to see family that I don't get to visit with very much. Mom made a great turkey and mashed potatoes. My sister made the green bean casserole (a favorite of mine) and these are the things I ate the most of. The pies were yummy too. But the best part is always the visiting. To me, that's what the holidays are all about. Brendan LOVED playing with his cousin, Canyon. They are two peas in a pod. These two are crazy and had a blast together. Brendan pushed him around the house in the walker (which they are both too big for), running into whoever got in the way. Poor Canny hit his head a couple of times due to my son's zest for going fast but not steering well.

We spent the night at my parents' house and Brendan woke us up at 5am - yippee! The next morning came back to San Rafael for the Winter Wonderland. Amanda and her boys came too. The town had blocked off one of the streets, imported snow and made a sled run for the kids. We didn't think Brendan was brave enough to do it by himself but after watching other kids go, he was begging for it. We let the boys go down twice and then took them home to nap. They ended up playing in the room upstairs instead of napping, so there was super-crankiness and we opted to skip the light parade that night. Bummer! But I loved playing with baby Dane. He is two months old and has the CUTEST smile!
On Saturday we went to San Jose for my oldest nephew, Camden's, baptism. He was so excited to be baptized! It was great to see Shiloh and her family too since they moved to Utah right before we came to California. My sister is pregnant too and due ten days before me so it was extra fun to see her. I led the music for the service. It was a special experience to be a part of.
My brother, Thomas, came home with us and we stayed up late talking. He sure is fun to have a conversation with. He left for Idaho the next morning. After church, the Winns came to see us. I don't think my nephew, Elijah, knew what to think of his cousin Brendan. They have different senses of humor, I suppose. He didn't think it was funny when Brendan licked him instead of a goodbye kiss. I wouldn't either!!
I had a nice visit with my sister, Shiloh, and we got a great belly picture. The husbands decided that a hairline shot would be funny for them. Silly guys! Now that the holiday weekend is over, things are settling back to normal. Brendan is actually taking a nap on time for the first time in four days. Oh blessed naptime! But I wouldn't that time of reconnecting with family for a few hours of lost sleep. I can't wait until Christmas!!

Belly shot

Here is the long awaited picture of my pregnant belly. I am seven months pregnant in this picture. I don't think I look that big but today I got my first "rude-though-it-was-meant-to-be-funny" comment about my pregnant shape. Don't you hate those? What do you say when someone hears you have three more months and gawks at you, saying, "Are you sure you're not having twins?" or "You look like you are about to pop!" Pregnancy is a time to be kinder to a woman. Regardless, I have gained less weight and am eating better than I did with Brendan so I consider that a victory. This time I think pregnancy is cute on me. :)

Big Boy Bed story

Jason here. I have to add a story about "the big boy bed" (refer to the post below). After a long day at school I came home and was in the process of putting Brendan to bed (that's my job). Brendan's new bed is a full size twin and I wanted to see how soft it was so I laid down and found that it was indeed a fine bed. No sooner had I laid down than Brendan stopped playing, looked over, and began praying. "Hebanly Fadder.... babble babble babble . . . Big Boy Bed . . .babble babble babble . . . Daddy Big Boy Bed . . . babble babble . . . Jesy Cry, Amen." Then he looked at me sternly and said, "Bye." Apparently, I was encroaching on his territory and got the boot.

Big boy bed

We recently got Brendan's big boy bed set up in his room. I set it up last week. I figured we'd let him get used to it in his room before we made him sleep in it. As soon as he saw it he was fascinated. Naptime came that day and we went through the routine. It was time to put him down and I lifted him into the crib. He wriggled and cried and yelled, "Big boy bed!!!" So I decided to try it. He kissed me goodnight and laid down. He slept three hours. Phew! I was not looking forward to a battle over where he sleeps and it looks like we won't have any. I am so glad. I am hoping we don't have any jealous feelings when his little sister gets to sleep in the crib. The one problem we have now is the blinds. They are close enough to the bed that he plays with the when he is supposed to be sleeping. I guess they make a very satisfying sound as they are kicked against the window.


Brendan in front of his big boy bed after a nap today.


Notice the smattering of toys that have somehow made their way into the bed. Hmmmmm. :)

Just for fun

My Alias'
I found this on another blog and I was bored so here goes:

YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
-Hondo Accord (funny that is really is like the car but we did have a Great Dane when I was a kid named Hondo)
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
-Macadamia Pumpkin (a very wimpy gangsta I guess)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
-CMcD (kind of cool)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
-Blue Cat
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
-Marie Edmonds
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
-McDch (how would you even say that??!!)
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
-The Pink Smoothie (Sure that would strike fear into the hearts of many)
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
-James Morris
9. ENTERTAINER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
-Hawaii Reeses
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
-Ruth Bruce
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
-Dobbs Dover (just for fun the top picture is me in fifth grade. Mom let me wear lip gloss, and don't you love the rhinestones?)
12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
-Spring Tulip (how cute!)
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
-Pineapple Jeanie
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
-Kix Almond
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
-The Digital Rain Tour (Hey, I'd go to that. Sounds cool)

Enjoy!

Karate baby

I swear I am going to give birth to a ninja warrior! Eva is the wiggliest, punching-est, kicking-est baby ever. Brendan was quite the mover too but I don't remember feeling him this fierce this early. I was at 25 weeks this Tuesday. She likes to be especially awake when I am trying to fall asleep. But this is Jason's favorite time of the pregnancy - when he can bug the baby. He loves to push on my belly and see if she reacts. Silly.
More news - I was released from Cub Scouts and am now the new Young Women's first counselor. I wonder if they know what they got themselves into calling me. Where I go, Brendan has to go also. :) At least I know that young women generally love little kids and probably won't mind so much. It was kind of hard to keep up with him AND the 9 year old Scouts. In fact, here's a story about my lovely son and what he was doing while I was being set apart. We were in the bishop's office and it was my turn to be set apart. While heads were bowed and eyes closed, Brendan wriggled away from his dad and made his way to the bishop's desk. He grabbed the phone and said, "Hewo? Hewo? (Babble, babble, babbble) train. Bye-bye". The others in the room were trying to be reverent but most were laughing. I was. Jason snatched him up and had to take him out of the room.

Things that make you go hmmmm . . .

Last night Jason and I witnessed something Brendan did that makes me wonder. I watched him open the silverware drawer, get a spoon, use it in his smoothie, lick it really good and put it back in the drawer. Now I wonder just how many times that has happened before and I never saw?!

Happy Halloween a little early

San Rafael has this super fun thing they do every year at Halloween. They hold Trick or Treat on 4th Street. The main road in downtown is 4th Street which has a ton of shops and restaurants. The Saturday before Halloween these businesses decorate for the occasion and hand out candy to little trick or treaters. It was SO much fun! There were tons of kids out in the cutest (and scariest) costumes ever. Brendan was a knight this year.

He didn't quite get the "Trick or treat" part until the very end. It came out more like "Geekoo treat" but he was pretty good about saying "Thank you". We walked for about an hour, visiting more than half the participating businesses and then Jason and I were pooped. Brendan could have kept on going though. Later that day, there was trick or treating at the church party. Now the trick is to parcel out the candy to Bubbs. Already he keeps asking for "Geekoo treat".
This last shot was taken on the way home from the event. We all decided that this will be an annual McDaniel event while we are here in the Bay Area.

I've been tagged!

I'm IT! I have been tagged by my bloggin' friend, Heather. Here are the rules: 1. Each person list 6 facts/habits about themselves. 2. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, and then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog for the rules.
Let's see . . .
1. I really like to go to the demolition derby. You wouldn't think of it to look at me. I think I have a secret aggressive side. It is really fun to watch all those crazily decorated cars crash into each other. I guess I like it because nobody gets hurt but there is an element of danger.
2. I have never had a cavity and never broken a bone. Chalk it up to good dental genes - guess it makes up for my awful eyesight and stick-straight hair. I think I am just lucky (or too careful) about the broken bones thing.
3. I am really anal about spelling and grammar. It drives my husband crazy because I am always pointing out mistakes in newspapers, on signs, in his reports . . .
4. I have been in jail.
5. I have always wanted to write a children's book. Maybe some day . . .
I also think a really great job would be an elementary school librarian. Yes, I am a nerd and I am okay with that.
6. I hate to make the bed. Seriously, it is my least favorite chore. I think I'd rather do dishes, fold laundry or even scrub the toilet.
Sheesh! It is hard to think of six interesting things about yourself. Why is that?
Well, most of my blogging friends have already been tagged so I can't choose 6 but I will tag Kristin Anderson, Raynie Hawes and Jessica Curtis. You're it!

P.S. Just had to keep you in suspense about my incarceration. Actually, my father works in the county jail and I have visited his work a few times. So technically I have been in jail. :)

Bath with Bubba

How do you get your child to understand that they aren't supposed to eat the bubbles in the bathtub? Or drink the bathwater?

The Bridge

Last weekend we did the most touristy of touristy things here in San Francisco - we walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. Okay, so it was only halfway across and back but it was getting dark. Brendan LOVES the bridge. He gets so excited every time we go into town. If we are driving anywhere he asks us, "Bridge?" He freaks out every time he sees it.

Jason had had enough of studying that evening and so he told me to load up, we were going to walk the bridge. We put Brendan in the backpack but we let him out to walk on his own later. He ran ahead of us for most of the walk, stopping to peer over the side between the railings every so often. He was heartbroken when we had to turn back and head to the car.



It was a little windy and chilly but I enjoyed the walk. I was exhausted when we reached the car. My OB would be so proud of the exercise I got, but I was sore the next day. As you can imagine, we had to walk at a pretty good clip to keep up with Bubba.
Jason insisted that we get some pictures of me too since there are hardly any. I am always the one taking the pictures. This one is not bad considering I am almost six months pregnant. Should have taken off the camera case so you could see my burgeoning belly.

The picture below strikes me as funny. It is a crisis counseling phone on the bridge. I wonder how many calls they get.

As we drove home we took a side road and wound through Sausalito. What a beautiful town, especially at night. Upon reaching home we went to a pizza place we have been wanting to try. It was very tasty and Brendan ate more than I could believe. He must be growing through another growth spurt; he is always hungry.

I am grateful for spontaneous family times like this, especially during dental school. Just taking walks as a family has been some of the most fun we've had here in the Bay Area.

1st Quarter

This is Jason. So we just finished our first quarter. I got my grades back and I did ok, all B's and a C. I also recieved the coveted invitation to the Operative Dentistry Remedial class on Saturday mornings. I asked my instructor to put me in it. This quarter is already starting to ramp up, but I am not too worried. Things will work out; they always do.
Today is Conference Sunday and we are just lounging around the house in our pj's watching the sessions on our computer. I was surprised and happy to hear that Elder Eyring was put into the Presidency. He has always been a great speaker and now we get to hear him talk even more. I liked what he had to say about keeping a book of remembrance. In years past I used to keep a journal but I have stopped and I think it is time to start again.
Things are going well here in California. I wish that we had more friends like we did in Arizona. School is fun and busy, but I worry about Christine and wish she had some good pals to hang out with. I am sure that the Lord will send some friends our way soon though.
The break was lots of fun. We went to Yosemite as a kind of trial run to see if we wanted to go back later (I do). The trip there lasted all of 24 hours because we have learned the hard way that one night camping is about all we can handle enjoyably with Bubs (Brendan). Right now we are just looking forward to Thanksgiving.

Is anybody out there?

Seriously, sometimes I wonder if I am writing this blog just for myself (which is not so bad really since I like to journal) but I am curious who reads this. So, if you are a friend or family member who reads my blog, please comment. It makes this so much more fun when I know what you all think. Plus I don't get to talk to many of you as often as I'd like and your musings make me happy.

Vacation

I am now getting around to posting vacation pictures. We jammed a lot into the week of Jason's break. First we went to Oregon to visit my sister who had just had a new baby. It was so beautiful and we had a lot of fun. Our gracious hosts have an amazing house set back in the woods which are so peaceful. I was a little sad to leave.

Here are some pictures of us on their property.

Notice my nephew's boots. He loves to wear his galoshes anywhere!

The boys got to feed the horses!
Born free!

The next few days we went with some friends to Yosemite. Jason had never been and my father took us a lot when we were little kids. Jason wanted to see what it was like. He loved it. We only stayed two days because camping with Brendan is anything but relaxing. :) The Raders (friends that met us up there) brought their little girl and their dog. Turns out dogs are allowed in the park but not on most of the trails. Bummer! But I enjoyed getting to know Justin and Nicole better - they are super nice people.

Notice the sign.
Wilderness boys!

The next day we had the ultrasound and found out about our daughter. We also got a killer bassinet from craigslist. Sweet!

On Friday, Jason went to the ADA conference in SF and I later met up with him at the Raders for a BBQ. Saturday was the day to lounge around. My hubby read Harry Potter most of the day. He did, however, pick up the twin bed we got from craigslist (did I mention that I love that site) and make me dinner. It was the fourth anniversary of our first date and we try to do something to remember it each year.

On Sunday we went to my parents to join in the blessing of my sister's new baby. It was so fun to be with family again. My sisters are also very good at sharing maternity clothes so I am nearly outfitted for the next four months. Yea!

Jason is holding baby Dane.
All the kids had ice cream cones after dinner on Sunday. They were a mess! It was so cute!

Oh baby!

Okay, so I haven't written in a while and I promise to catch you up on our vacation later. But right now there is news that is so exciting, it is bursting out to be told. We are having a little girl! It is pretty definite. The radiologist was able to show us three different times. She was in there crosslegged, with the hiccups. It was weird to see AND feel her. I mostly feel her in my lower abdomen so I guess she likes to head butt rather than kick (should make her daddy and brother happy). It was estimated that she is about 1 lb 1 oz. Wish that was all I had gained so far. :) Her name will be Eva Christine - Eva after Jason's sister who passed away at a young age and Christine after me (not my idea, it was Jason's). Fun stuff!

Tests, tests, and more tests

Jason here. Dental school is crazy, but in a good way. At church I ran into someone who is going to another Dental school across town. He mentioned that they don't start until next month. NEXT MONTH! UCSF (the school across town) has long summer breaks and is a four year program. They also get (I hear anyways) two half days a week. Slackers... actually they have a highly respected program and I have nothing bad to say about it. I am just happy with being at Pacific. I love it. Like I said, it is wild in all its hectic glory but the time flies. Quarterly finals are next week and I really just don't want to think about it. Perhaps that is why I am writing on the blog.

Perhaps you are wondering how I am doing. Well, not great to be honest but I am passing. I often say it is like standing in the ocean while waves come crashing in. You have no time to look too far out because there is another wave right on top of you and another one after that. So we take it day by day because there is some project due or some quiz or test everyday just about. But I am happy to report that I keeping my head above water.

For the first time I am proud to say that I am average. My classmates are, without exception, extremely talented and bright individuals. There are certifiable geniuses in this class (I think). I have to make a conscious effort not to compare myself with those people. The other day I went to the School office and asked them to blot out my class rank on my report card. Part of me would like to know where I stand, but another part of me knows that I would just eat my heart out if I found out someones else's rank. I know that I would either a) feel proud and superior to them or b) feel inferior and less than the other person. Of course no one would say anything (I hope), but suppressing the inner jerk is harder to do that dealing with the curiosity so I opted for the black out. Currently I am trying to sell this idea to some classmates with limited success.

I have a good buddy that I ride into school with everyday and we always talk about tests and stuff. The oddest thing is that we seem to have virtually the same grade on everything. We both suck at Biochem and operative dentistry (sorry Chad). We both pull the same grades in Anatomy and other classes. It is nice because there is really no competition going on and we can just enjoy being pals.

Family time is another area that Dental school has made me focus on. Christine and I have made the choice that Sunday will not be a study day, but will be family time. This has been a fabulous choice, and the Sabbath is becoming my favorite day. I love being with Christine, she helps out SO much and she is my best friend. Brendan is my comic relief. I love coming home and playing with him and taking him to the playground. I also put him down every night, a job I love.

So that is what is going on with Jason. Laters.

I just had to!

When I took Brendan shopping the other day I ran across a rack of toddler clothes on sale. I found this shirt and I HAD to get it for him. He can be a real pill. Today he almost put his crayon in the boiling water I had going for dinner. Yummy. Purple mashed potatoes. I guess I should count my blessings that he only colors on paper (for now).
I also got one that says, "I Do All My Own Stunts", which describes Brendan perfectly.



I had my first Cub Scout meeting tonight and I think it went pretty well. We just played games and reviewed the Cub Scout motto, promise and handshake. I have some different personalities in the group, but it is nice to see how they mesh. They are active but sweet. We had lots of fun.