Happy Birthday to ME... the big 4-0!

Nothing quite like announcing your age to the world as a first blog posting on Loads of Love from Russia, eh? But I couldn't resist sharing my birthday story. Friday morning arrives, and my darling older boys both wish me a Happy Birthday before my feet even hit the floor. Aren't they gems? I was hoping to get a card, flowers or something from Greg in the morning (as has become our usual tradition), but was left disappointed. I wasn't happy that he hadn't even remembered to buy a card, particularly since it was such a birthday milestone. Of course, the icing on the cake was when he said, "I've put a lot of effort into this weekend." Yeah, right! A phone call to make a dinner reservation. I even did the hotel booking on PriceLine!

We dropped the kids off at Eric & Terri's for the night, and Greg wants to check in at the hotel before dinner so we could just park the car there and walk a few blocks to dinner. One of the reasons I chose the Melting Pot was that it is so relaxing and you are forced to take your time eating. Dip your bread and apples in the Spinach Artichoke cheese appetizer, salad, cook your individual bites of meat, dip the strawberries in chocolate - YUM! Well, throughout dinner, Greg kept look at the clock, like he was anxious to be done. And of course, I kept telling him, "Relax. Just enjoy dinner. We don't have a plane to catch, or a babysitter to pay, or any plans for the rest of the night. Maybe we can even hit a movie and head straight to the Gateway." No, he HAD to go to the hotel room first. So, being the accommodating and understanding wife that I am, I agreed. Imagine my surprise when I open the door to the hotel room and heard a loud SURPRISE! Yes, Greg pulled off a surprise party! Thank you darling!

Thanks to ALL of you. Those that were able to make it (Janelle, Ed & Eleanor, Greg & Theresa, Mitch & Beckie, Mindy & Sam) enjoyed a yummy cheesecake and quite a few laughs, especially about my feelings earlier in the day. And those that couldn't attend - thanks for the thoughtful cards, emails, gifts, and phone calls. You certainly made this birthday special. I love you all!

Welcome to Russia

We were so happy to hear that you made it save and sound to Russia. We are so glad you got an apartment that is in a safe area. Sounds like you are really busy so far. That is great!
Deonne thought of this great idea to make a blog so we can share with you letters, pictures, videos and such from all of us. This way we can also see how each other are doing. I have invited all the siblings to be authors on the blog. Let me know if you want to add grandchildren as well. That may be fun for them. Right now the blog looks really plain. I think everyone can edit the format and add to make it more exciting. Feel free to add pictures, and gadgets that you think would be nice to have on this blog. Let make it our own.
This weekend was such a relief because we had hardly anything planned. I stayed home almost all day Saturday and cleaned the house. I got the swine flu last week and was so sick I couldn't clean the house for days. I'm doing much better and don't even have a cough anymore. Devin went camping with the scouts right in our own ward boundaries since they didn't want to be shot in the canyon (it's hunting season). He woke up at 3:30 am to a rooster who thought the sun was almost up. He contemplated having chicken for breakfast. Traeden wanted to share that he is taking a social class and he loves getting prizes. He is learning about how to interact with others and how to deal with anger and disappointment. He is also starting to learn how to play the easy reader hymns on the piano. Conrad got such a great report from his 1st grade teacher at parent teacher conferences. He is getting all A's and she says he is so polite and a friend to everyone. Samantha wanted to tell you she is just about done with thumb sucking. She gets a treat in the morning and after naps if she still has her band aids on her thumbs. Abigail is talking up a storm. Most of it we can't understand but it's pretty cute. We have new pictures of her that we want to mail to you so let us know when you get a mailing address.