Salt Lake City of Wonders

We moved down from hot Idaho to hotter Utah in July.  We loved it there in Rexburg and will always remember it with fondness (if any of my Kirtland people read this blog they would recognize that as (an inadvertent) Kirtland reference).  But we really will.  We loved so many things about being there.  And now we are back in Utah and continue to love so many things about being here.  There is joy all around!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf-56tqGEnc

(I am really singing Brent's version in my head but that is not for the public yet!)

We stayed with Ryan's gracious parents for about a month and a half while (almost) all of my awesome family was in town which was the best thing ever.  Then we were able to move into my famous Aunt Vanja Watkins' basement.  What a treat!  She is so gracious and treats us as just another one of the family.  We meet celebrities almost every day.  ;)  Ok, kind of celebrities and maybe more like once a week.  But it is cool to hear about the amazing things that are done here by members of our ward and others of Aunt Vanja's friends.

Ryan began his student teaching experience at Cypress High School in Magna, Utah in August while we were still in West Haven.  Now that we are in Salt Lake City he is taking on more responsibilities with that role and we are thankfully closer to where he is teaching.

I decided not to straighten his tie, for effect.

This picture just says "Mr. Sonognini" all over it.  Look at his official tag!

He is doing as well as can be expected--situations can seldom be as perfect as we would like them but he is adjusting well and learning how to make the most of things.  He sure loves the kids and has such a sensitivity to understanding their needs it amazes me.  The hard part is figuring out what to do about it, especially with so many constraints!  He really is learning a lot that I think will be very helpful to his future.  He also teaches me a lot.  Hopefully he teaches me to be a good parent--and SOON!

I had a cute experience happen at the Brigham City temple dedication I would like to insert here.  At the beginning of the broadcast there were Mormon Tabernacle Choir recordings playing.  "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" was among the songs and as it is one of Ryan's favorites, he began to tap his heel along with it.  The baby had been kicking here and there but began to kick along with the beat!  There were 3 to 4 beats right on!  We've got a musical one!  (But baby, if you end up not being musical, it's ok.  We can interpret this as just wanting to be like your dad.)

I have not yet posted any pictures of me anywhere since I have been pregnant and I know everyone loves those.  So here it is:

What?  You can't see my belly?  Yeah, I still haven't taken one of those pictures yet.  I will soon.  It just never crosses my mind.  This is actually my new haircut--a lot less exciting than a new baby-to-be.

Speaking of hair...

I gave Ryan a much-needed haircut.  All was going well until he had to put some more oil on the razor.  Neither of us noticed that he forgot to put the clip back on and ZIP!  I immediately began laughing hysterically, turned off the razor, and fell to the floor.  I am not sure what his reactions were at first but he started laughing pretty hard as well.  Soon my laughing was mingled with crying, but the laughing never stopped.  What a memorable experience that one was!  I will never forget his face when he looked in the mirror.

When it comes down to it though, I'd like to say that it was an inspired accident.  Ryan has been telling me how boring he is being as a teacher (with a little exaggeration perhaps) and I have thought how it would be great if he could somehow show his personality better.  This gave the students a good laugh which encouraged him to tell his jokes.  Although some of his family members may not agree, I believe this to be a good move.  His jokes may not be funny by nature, but it sure is funny how funny he thinks they are.  I think it loosened him up and endeared him to his students a little bit better.  So yay!  Mistakes can be turned to good!

I have been called to be in the nursery (with a whopping two children!)  I haven't started yet but am excited.  Also we will find out if we are having a boy or girl on October 9th.  Woohoo!

I guess this is all for now.  Over and out!