Future employment

So the verdict is in. 6,000 applications less then a hundred employed, ten left for permanent positions. I am one of the ten. It doesn't pay well yet but there are a lot of benefits. Such as no out of pocket expense for health insurance which is huge. With many discounts at many different stores. With future advances in employment. I like being apart of UPS. I feel very lucky to be picked and employed at such a hard time of the economy.
On a side note we are doing well. We had a good Christmas with the visit of Taeya's mother. A good break for Taeya from school. To be together, because school is not easy for anybody and for our family. I have to admit I like Taeya not being in school, but it awesome to see her excited about school and enjoying it. In that madness of school, I find happiness as well knowing that she is enjoying it. I think It would of only worked in Austin. Why? You say, I really like Austin and it is a great town. Lots of things to do(for free). It is nice to live down by the water. So, signing out Jason.

Dazed and confused

It has been crazy in my life, well not too crazy. UPS has been a great job and I have appreciated the job. The dazed part is from going to bed at 8:00 pmish and waking up at 1:15 am and working until 9:00 am. I know many of you get less sleep and do well, I do not. The confused part comes when you have stared at the millionth box and dose while standing. Then looking around to see where I am in the building. I am seasonal so I don't find out until the last day whether I stay or go. I hope to stay they have great benefits. I have lost about 20 pounds, and now worry if I don't get the exercise it well all come back. I think I want the job just to stay more fit.
Other than that my life is boring other then having two cute girls that make life enjoyable. I could use a hobby thought. I sold all my hobbies in Sandpoint.
I like Austin and see my self living here for a really long time. The weather has been great, and the Sun doesn't set at 3:45 pm either in the winter. Well I guess that is enough, now I am just randomly writing.

3 Down--Semester's Over!!!

The last paper is in, and my semester is officially over. I cannot believe that it has gone so quickly. And in many ways, I cannot believe that I actually made it! I have definitely been challenged this semester, and I am glad to have it behind me. I have learned a lot. As one of my professors says, I will be smarter tomorrow than I am today...and I tell myself that every single day!
I definitely could not have made it through this semester without Jason. He has been such a great support, always listening when I didn't think that I could do it. In a lot of ways, Jason made it happen.

Two Down, One to Go!!!!!

Just turned in my paper for Research Methods...no feeling of relief yet...just thoughts of whether I should have taken more time to fix more things. Oh well, I have pressed the send button. Now on to the next paper...I think that I will go get a cookie first though ;)

One Down, Two to Go!

I have just handed in my final draft for my Strategy Paper! I doubt that it is an excellent piece of scholarship, but it is complete and it is out of my hands!!!!
Now on to the next 2. I have a Methods paper due Wednesday, and an Organizational Behavior paper due next Monday. Writing is FUN!!!

We're not in Sandpoint anymore!

It actually "snowed" today in Austin. I say "snowed" because this a picture of the "snow" storm:

All week, the news has been talking about the snow and the "hard freeze." Now, you say hard freeze to someone who has lived in North Idaho for a few years, and it means a week with temperatures well below 0 degrees, filled with the joys of freezing pipes and cars that won't start.

In Austin, "hard freeze" means that it may actually get below freezing, i.e. 32 degrees, tonight. They have been talking about the cold temperatures and the city is now on a level 3 alert...Don't worry though, we are snug and warm in our apartment and well prepared for the "hard freeze."

Now back to those papers...

Christmas Came a Little Early

Christmas has started a little early this year. Gigi ordered a present for Aliza, and since she was in desperate need of something to do,

we (i.e., Jason) busted it out of the box and put it together.

Aliza loves it,

and so does Amelia.

But this picture reminded me, of this one...I guess Amelia has always had the same use for exersaucers!

I personally cannot wait for Christmas this year!!! I have three big papers due over the next two weeks, and I have started a countdown. I don't know how much my family will see me over the next two weeks, but after that, I have 5 weeks without school!

bad habit

Just a thought, I realized the other day it had been two years since the purchase of our last car. The Honda Pilot, it was a good car there were some things that I did not like about it, but it was still a good car. I realized that this is the longest stretch with out buying a vehicle and for the first time it feels good. This is a big for me. Before I was fifteen I had bought and sold four cars. I have almost had a different car for every year of my life. It totals 21 so far. I wish I could take some of it back, all that money would be good. Some I would not, it is amazing life's lessons.

I have now had the Dodge Magnum for three years. Not quite passing the Jetta wagon that we had for fours years. I am hoping to finish school with it. It is too bad I have a wandering eye for cars. Hopefully one day I can contain my addiction.

Thanksgiving

Well it wasn't much, it started out with Taeya studying. I don't care who your are that is fun for all right there. With a trip out west to Fredericksburg, TX. With some family and ended up like this.I was actually happy, I thought I would make a funny face, but ah, I guess it didn't turn out that way. Cute kid though. We spent it with my aunt her family including my cousins. It was very nice the boiled eggs and warm water really hit the spot. I'm kidding it was a nice dinner. One of the few times the turkey was moist, now I see why people like turkey. Everything was awesome. Go Texas, I'm not sure what happened to the defense.

confession

I have to admit I have a confession. I have my comfy, red flannel blanket. So yes I have a blankie alright. I affectionately call it "The Red Blanket of Love." But I'm sure that you will be jealous by the end. Some time ago my blanket was made with love by my mother. If I had to guess, it is about 14 years old. She made it for me(and others were made for my other brothers, I am just not sure who got them) a queen size dark red flannel with a dark blue bottom, or what ever it is called. I have cherished this blanket from It's creation. First because my mother made for me for the sole fact that I know that she loves me.

This gift from my mother has done more than just keep me warm. As I think back, I took it to Washington from High School. It went with me on my mission and served as my pillow for many months, even thou it took up most of my bag. It was with me when I got married. Now the love has been shared with whom I care dearly for, my children.

This morning when I got home from work, tired and sick from a cold and not from work. Feeling that cruddy feeling I pulled out my blanket and thought of my mother as you so often do when you say to yourself, "I wish my mother was here."

Mother, thank you for the blanket and being there even when you couldn't be. Your warmth has been there for me and now for my own family. love Jason

Same ol' same ol'

So nothing is new, no projects, or events. Oh well I guess we did go to the local zoo last week. We just aren't sure where the camera is.
Since we are now college student, and family we are of course short on the fundage. For extra events and activities. Which is fine because all of our needs our met and we are in good health, and happy. Besides, Taeya is so busy that we can't do much any way. Our high light probably is going to Costco once a week. It's boring I know. It doesn't help that I go to bed at 8:00 pm so that I can get up early. On that note, don't buy any weight loss products just get a job at UPS. I suppose I have lost about 12 pounds I would say maybe more, I haven't checked so that I don't get caught up in it. So thanks weight loss system UPS.

Halloween Fun

For Halloween, Amelia was a fairy, princess ballerina. Aliza was a cute little pumpkin (she did have a pumpkin costume, but I can't figure out how to get the picture to turn around).

Last night was our ward halloween party. The whole party was outside...no chance of snow, just 70 degree weather at night!!!! Did not have to worry about covering the costumes with the winter coats! Amelia has a little admirer as well, Davon. Davon refused to put his costume on until Amelia showed up, and then he was more than happy to dress up.

I'm in love

Thank you Cassi!!!!

For all of you that are wondering about this picture. This is sweet, sweet goodness in a bottle. Cooked down apples in their own juices. Adding Brown sugar, cinnamon, and yes more sugar. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Now I think a little, okay a large helping of vanilla ice cream, and as I have been told some Carmel goes quite nicely.

Good ol' stroller

First I would like to thank all the ladies that chipped in to purchase the stroller. It has been well used. Let us recap on it's life. It has been rolling for close to four years. In those years I would say easily it was used at least 180 days of the year, each time was a two mile trip. Any way I estimate that it has about or more than a thousand miles on it. The tires are no longer round, and have developed a flatness to them. The brake has been broken for some time. As of recent it has been used for the grocery run to the store down the street. But, alas it is time to retire it I feel. You tell me what you think.
Well at this point I thought that I had a picture of Amelia, and Aliza squished in it together, but I realized it is on my phone. I will take a picture and post it later.
So I can't decide on a double stroller or a pull behind cart. I have found that both are not cheap.

What do you think?

Here you go!

Come on Colt!

Jason has always enjoyed watching college football, and since we have moved to Austin, we have all started watching the University of Texas Longhorns.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the UT game against UT El Paso (even saw that Mike Price, former WSU Cougar coach, is still coaching...at UTEP). It was at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on a 90 degree day. Amelia enjoyed the game for a little while, but we didn't make it to half time. It was a little hot...

We taught her that day to do the Hook 'em Horns sign. Now, she walks around saying "Hook 'em Horns!"

She also loves to point out when anyone is wearing a longhorn T-shirt.

Well, yesterday was the big rivalry game. Jason was watching UT play Oklahoma. The first half was not going well. Amelia walks over to the TV and yells, "C'mon Colt!" Colt McKoy is the quarterback, and it was pretty darn cute to hear Amelia actively watching football.

Saturday Morning Donuts

After we moved to Pullman when I was a kid, Saturday mornings were donut mornings (except when we did the paper route...I think we had a few more donut mornings then). I have always had a soft spot for donuts, and every once in a while, I'll give in on a Saturday morning. Well, this Saturday, Jason woke up and told me he had had a dream about donuts. So, I got on to yelp.com and found Ken's Donuts. They were pretty tasty!

So if you wake up some Saturday, and feel like this...

Just try a donut!

2 weeks

Well, it has been two weeks at work. It is going well, all I do is unload trailers in the morning. Time moves right along, I have small little victories when I'm done with a trailer or a giant pile of boxes it's, well okay I guess. I like the physical labor, and fast paced work. I have been assigned my own door, so most of the time I am by my self. Some have said that it is a good sign to be by myself. The other workers have said they "alika my a style". That remains to be seen.
This morning was not my best. I had two small boxes seemingly not a problem. Well the tape must have been dried spit or something. One I just had to look at. Anyway I grabbed one, poof hundreds of fliers. Yea, I saw the other one, poof hundreds of fliers what a mess. That is how this morning went. I recovered and finished.
The mid morning nod offs haven't been as bad as the first week. Amelia is a good kid when I am "resting my eyes" I usually find a blanket on me courtesy of my daughter. The other morning when I was um, grumpy. Amelia was aware of it and said "daddy it's okay Jesus still loves you". I love that kid. Go Texas, Hook'em Jason

Our Little Sweet Pea

It is hard to believe that Aliza is more than 5 months old. She continues to be a delightful little baby. She is so pleasant during the day that it almost makes up for the 3 a.m. feedings!

So, what has she been up to this last month? Riding in laundry baskets, of course!

Helping me study in the evenings. No, really, she does. Jason takes Amelia out to play at the playground, and Aliza hangs out with me. Okay, so I am not sure how much studying I get done during that time, but she sure is good company.

And, of course, she loves her big sister. She is thoroughly entertained by Amelia, and smiles at her all the time.

Aliza also loves bath time, and I think that she looks super cute in her bunny rabbit bathrobe.

Today, we also took a big step and introduced rice cereal. Here are the before and after photos:

We have delayed giving her rice cereal because she has such a sensitive stomach. (Note to self, Indian food is a bad idea, unless you like to change a blow out diaper at 1 a.m.) Aliza was loving the rice cereal though! I only gave her a little bit just to test it out, but she let out a whine when the food was all gone just to let me know that she would have liked a little bit more. She is such a happy little girl, and so darn cute!!!

For the most part, everything is going well down here in Austin. Amelia seems to like it here, and Jason is really liking his new job. I enjoy school, and I keep reminding myself that I came here for the challenge. However, it is definitely not easy!!!

update:workforce

One of my favorite things about working here is. I wake up in the morning(3:15 am), thinking that is fall and putting a pull over sweater on in habit. Coming from Sandpoint, ID I'm sure it is already a little chilly. Then grabbed all of the necessities like keys, wallet, etc. Step out side and it is 85 degrees. Instant sweat just to the car. I do like the warm nights thought it is nice. All doing well. Jason
Lindsay, everybody has a dirty kitchen now and again.

workforce

Well it is official I have joined the work force. I am going to check it out, hopefully it will allow me to work and Taeya to go to school. You may ask what is it. Well it is UPS I applied before we left for Texas in the middle of July. I am only working in the mornings, loading and unloading. It should be different, but I could use the manual labor. Were was I going with that thought is I don't get a cool brown suit. Oh well only the drivers do, it looks like from the other workers I get basketball shorts and a T-shirt, and work boots.
Before we left our home in Sandpoint, ID Ameila would call the drivers PS's. We weren't sure what she was talking about at first. We inquired a little more and then she called the driver "the brown dude". Oh Amelia you make me laugh every day. I guess in a round about way I am now a PS's.

Our little cookie girl

For a quick treat I gave Amelia a, single, one, uno cookie. It was a Oreo golden with chocolate center. Come to think I know two girls that like those, anyway beside the point. I handed the cookie to her and went and picked up Aliza from a nap. I came back and found that she had consumed the the cookie and smeared it on her shirt, all over her face, and arms. In amazement of that feat I asked how she did it. "Um I just ate it" gave her a kiss, and pointed out the mess and she told me she would wash it off. It was very cute. I didn't have time to take a picture, she is just too fast.
It reminds me of when I was younger about eighteen or so. I was at a activity at a lake with friends, and smeared a normal Oreo all over my mouth and proceed to tell everyone how sociable Oreo's are in crowds, because they turn your teeth black. I did have a picture of it but can't find it (wink, wink). Anyway, nothing huge happening so hope all is well. Jason

Coooool

Amazingly the last couple of days it has cooled down. During the day, it has only reached mid 60's. It has rained those days but we will take it, since we are in a terrible drought. After living nearly sixty days here most of those were 100+, so sixties feels very cool. It will return to the high 90's this week, but oddly enough it feels bearable from 100+.
On another note this morning I had a Hostess Zinger, that I bought last night on sale(curse you Zinger) . It made me miss Sandpoint, ID. When Amelia was younger about eighteen months I'd say. Every so often I would go to the dump in the truck, and with my trusty dog Ella. I would stop at the Pack River store. To buy a drink, or a treat. I bought A Zinger to help me keep Amelia awake, so that she didn't fall asleep in the car seat, If she even did for a half second she would not lay down again any where else. She was a big fan ever since.
Now every thing has changed, for a moment It made me very home sick. In fact this does not help writing about it.
During my motorcycle rides I would try to cherish every moment, take in every sight and smell, as if I would not see it again. I do miss very much my time there. I am grateful for my friends and some times family that I miss the most. I haven't missed the snow yet.
I am enjoying my experience here in Austin, meeting new people and places. Renewing relationships with my family. For Taeya to be able to follow her dreams. I am proud, yes I said proud, of her accomplishments.
For all those friends, that I consider family of Sandpoint, ID I say thank you for the memories. Jason

Amelia at 3 1/2 Years Old

Amelia will be three and a half years old this week, and it is amazing to think how grown up she has become.

She has grown from this...............to this, but so many things are still the same.

Amelia has had a busy 6 months. First, she became a big Sister!

Amelia seems to enjoy being a big sister, and likes to have some one to keep her company in the backseat of the car. She sometimes makes up songs to sing to Aliza, and she tries to keep her entertained.

While we were in Sandpoint, she spent lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa Howell when they came to visit, and with her friends, Nora and Jenna.

She also passed some pretty big milestones...getting a new bike and water tubing for the first time!

She also got to spend some time this summer with her cousins. Amelia absolutely loves her cousins and asks Grandma and Grandpa about them all the time.

Amelia has adjusted really well to living in Austin. She doesn't seem to mind the small apartment, mainly because there is a playground close to the building and a really big park nearby. She also still seems to find plenty of room to play with her sister and her new legos.

We sure love you Amelia!! Thanks for being such a great kid!

"Super Cool"

I have to put this in before I forget. While driving around doing errands Amelia noticed a parking garage, and asked me if it was an Airport. or maybe asked me where the planes were at. I am already forgetting. I told her it was for a Hospital. "Ohhh" She says, "do they help get babies out". Yes, Amelia. She responded, "that is super cool". love you Amelia

Quick note

Today while I was "discussing" with Amelia about spreading her sandwich all over the table, and on her at lunch time. I had gotten to a point of the "discussion" where there was a pause, and which I heard a little girl say. "If Jesus loves me will He be yelling too". I informed her that I was not yelling, but felt significantly smaller by that moment. It is amazing how a little brain works. I always tell her that I love her after I try to change her course. I love you Amelia, Dad

Aliza--4 Months

Aliza has passed her four month mark, shots and all!! She weighed in at 13 lbs, 10 oz (55th percentile), measured in at 23 1/4" long (50th percentile), and her head measured in at 16 3/4" long (75th percentile).

So what is Aliza like these days? Well, she loves to get her clothes changed.

She loves to talk to Mom and Dad and to stick out her tongue. We love her great blue eyes, and we think that they may be turning green.

She loves to suck on her fingers, and yes, watch TV. When we turn her the other way so that she can't see the screen, she will wiggle her way around so that she can see it.

She loves to suck on her blanket, and just recently, her binky.

She loves to hang out and try to stay cool.

And of course, she loves her big Sister!
All and all, she is such a great baby. She is trying to roll over, and she is very close to making it! She cries when she is tired, but most of the time, she is pretty happy. She is still working on sleeping through the night, and we all pray that she will figure that one out soon! We love you Aliza!

Hook'em horns

Tonight we went to a University of Texas at Austin football game. Incredible, we had a bit of trouble getting in because of a backpack. Thankfully Taeya's office was close and walked over there and back. I told Taeya it would be okay nothing happens anyway in the first few minutes. Shortly after saying those words a loud boom went off and roar of the crowd, so I guess I was wrong. It was a lot of fun every body was having fun except one, try to guess.

The Sea of burnt orange.

That is the other side of the stadium. Where the picture is taken Is 47 rows up, great seats. I wish I could take a panoramic picture This place is huge. It was fun followed by some BBQ you can't go wrong.