Sunday, November 30, 2008

March


So our silly news of the month is that I found out I'm allergic to ferrets. Randall found two young males with their cage and supplies really cheap online. He has been dying to have ferrets for as long as I can remember and is always looking for someone giving them away. I finally broke down and said we could try them out--provided they live outside on our balcony. The girls were crazy about the ferrets. They loved chasing them around the apartment and picking up their long, floppy bodies. They named the dark one "Ratatouille" and the light one "Mr. Moon." They were really cute and playful and it melted my heart to watch the girls with them. Well, anytime they came in the house I would have sneeze attacks, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. We promptly reposted them on craigslist and found a new home for them quickly. It was actually pretty convenient for me that I was allergic because for being so small and cute, they sure have a lot of stink! I would have wanted to get rid of them pretty soon anyway :)

The first real signs of spring were out at the botanical garden--daffodils and dogwoods. Wow it was gorgeous! I'm glad we get at least one more Virginia spring next year.

February

The Norfolk Botanical Garden recently called for entries for a photography exhibit "children in the garden." I wanted to submit this cute portrait of Noel in the Renaissance garden, but true to form I missed the deadline. My kids love playing tag and balancing on the walls. This was a particularly mild day for February, but we love going throughout the year in all kinds of weather.

I bet these cookies are making your mouth water. Don't let looks deceive you--these are not chewy, double chocolate cookies! These are regular old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies that Randall forgot about and cooked for almost three hours while we were out of the house...Mmmmmm.

One of the most special experiences of this year was going to the Washington D.C. Temple with Fred, Casey, Sarah, and Samuel Hafer. We love this wonderful family and were so pleased they invited us to escort them for the first time and witness their sealing. I will never forget the incredible peace and joy I felt when Sarah and Samuel walked into the sealing room all dressed in white to join their parents. They looked like angels in one of the most beautiful places on this earth. Thank you for sharing this moment with us, Hafers. We love you!

I got spring fever when I saw these gerbera daisies at the store and couldn't resist bringing one home. Is it just me or does it make you smile, too?

Friday, February 1, 2008

Student Physician

One of the best things about the 3rd year of medical school is getting to see Randall come and go looking so sharp every day. Now that he is assigned real patients on his rotations, the school wants him looking professional. I wanted to capture what I get to appreciate every day. Do you detect that defiance in his eyes? He posed for me against his will--Randall must really love me to put up with such humiliation :)