Catchin!g up...

Well, I keep putting off making another entry because I don't have a picture to post, but that isn't much fun for anyone who tries to check my blog... (If there is even anyone out there who hasn't already given up on it. Post a comment so I know if I still have readers! Otherwise, I'll have to send out an e-mail indicate I'm back.)

So, I decided I better put something here so I don't lose momentum. Previously my posts have mostly been about activities with Brynna... so I thought I'd mention a few things about what is going on with me...

Back in December I received a promotion of sorts... I was made a section manager at work. What that means is that I have a group of about 8-10 engineers over whom I am responsible for writing their yearly reviews, giving "permission" for time off, etc. I also now help with staff planning and stuff in my department. It isn't very glamorous, but it's not bad. I wrote my first three reviews this last week. It was an interesting experience, and I didn't mind it at all.

I've been trying to get in better exercising habits for the last few years, and this January I decided to try running. I've always hated running, but it is good aerobic exercise, and it seems like runners are always thin. I'd like that side benefit :) So I started running with the goal of completing a 5K. Because life is so busy, I haven't been able to work in a run more than once a week, usually, but I am making progress. I can't run for the whole distance yet, but at the gym I can usually do it with only walking 5 or 6 of my 31 laps around the track. Currently my fastest gym time is about 29 minutes, 30 seconds. I was thinking of waiting until I could run the whole thing before entering a race, but I decided to try it anyway. So, on April 28th I ran in a 5K race at Thanksgiving Point. It was probably about 50 degrees outside, so it was pretty cold. My time was a little slower (probably around 34 minutes -- the race timer thing didn't work quite right so I don't have an exact time), but it was a good experience. I've already been checking out other race opportunities throughout the upcoming summer, so I will keep working on it. I have a few pictures from this event, and I will post them later.

Some other random things I can think of to mention at this time:
1. Over the last year I've developed an intense liking for fish tacos. I'm always looking for good ones. I've liked fish for years, but it always seemed odd to me to eat them in a taco, but now I love them!
2. I recently started listening to Pandora (pandora.com). It is a web "radio station". You start by picking a band or song that you like, then it tries to find similar music or more music by the same artists. You can "vote" on the songs for your own stations and tailor it to your likes and dislikes. I've found it pretty fun and like to have it on while I'm at work.
3. Last fall I finally got around to plantings some spring bulbs... I was going to try and get some "fancy" ones, but I finally just picked some (about 90) at Home Depot. I've enjoyed seeing them come up this year. I got crocuses, daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips. My tulips said they were just plain pink, but when they came up some were light pink with ruffled/jagged edges, some were ivory with the same ruffled/jagged edges, some were dark pink stripes on ivory. Some still haven't opened, so I'll see soon.

Well, I'll post this and then try to add some pictures.

Halloween

Brynna's school requests that the student dress up as historical or literary characters. Brynna came home and said she was supposed to be "somebody real." She said that she wanted to be Sacagawea.





After looking for a pre-made costume and finding nothing that suited what we wanted. I decided to resurrect those old jr. high sewing skills and make the costume myself. I sewed the dress and added on the beads at the neck and the bead flower on the front. We did buy the slippers and then just used staples to make her baby carrier. (I can't remember the official name of it at the moment...)


The Friday before Halloween, Dirk and I attended a How to Host a Murder party. We are supposed to be dressed like Cleopatra and Ceasar. Be sure to check out our awesome rings that Dirk found for us while costume shopping.

First snow

In Mid October we got our first snow. Brynna was so excited to build a snowman. I think she used all the snow we had accumulated on the deck and a lot from the yard to make this snowman.

Note the beautiful eyelashes fashioned from little twigs, the classic carrot nose, pinecone eyes, and flashy purple vampire teeth.

She was very pleased with the result.

Celebration VII

On Saturday, Brynna participated in the Suzuki Association of Utah's "Celebration VII" concert. More than a thousand children from ages 3 and up performed in the LDS Conference Center. All of the instruments combined to perform the opening number and the closing number. During the concert, each of the instruments had their own performing section. The instruments taught by Suzuki method included: violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, harp, flute, piano, organ, and voice. As a parent volunteer, I sat with the musicians and and a great view. It was a wonderful concert.

Goal!!!

At last week's game Brynna was able to score her first goal of the season. She has been making great progress. This is only her second time playing soccer and the first time with so many players and positions. Her group is composed of 1st and 2nd graders. I was down watching the goal and received much harrassment for being so excited that I didn't actually get a picture of her kicking the goal. (Oops!) The picture I took later as Brynna was bringing the ball down the field again was a little later in the game.

First Day of School

Here's Brynna on her first day of First Grade! I'm normally opposed "character" wear, excepting a few circumstances. So, it was with hesitancy that I agreed to the Barbie lunch box, but she is so pleased with it.
The lunchbox somewhat covers up her school uniform, but you can get the idea. The black tie is only required on Mondays, but I have found that she actually likes the tie! So that is good, so we don't have to fight to get it on. I'm not sure if I would have been that thrilled about it when I was her age. I still remember hating that I had to wear a dress everyday in Kindergarten.
She is enjoying school and is showing great improvement week to week in her reading. She also comes home with fun stories about learning about Egypt or some other ancient culture.

Summer Vacation

Brynna and I went to Oregon to visit my family in July. Dirk was unable to come because he wasn't feeling well. It was beautiful weather while we were there and we had fun visiting with family, going to the beach and visiting Silver Creek Falls state park.

The picture is of the day we went to the beach. We visited Oswald State Park. From the parking area you walk through a nice trail through the trees. Just before coming out to the ocean you cross a bridge over a stream that flows out to the ocean. The beach runs the width of a cove, so the hills come down to the ocean on both sides. It is a beautiful place. Brynna is playing in the stream that flows out into the ocean.