Bagpipes

I finally did it!! I played through an entire tune (Amazing Grace) without stopping or cutting out!!!!!! I did it!!!! YESSSSSS!!!!!

New ward = speaking in church...

SO, we've been in WA for a month now and they finally asked us a couple weeks ago to speak in church, which we did this past Sunday. Not only did they ask us to speak, but speak for 15 minutes each on "Abstaining from Evil"!! Great... We equally could have given identical talks (you know, rattling off all the the do's and don't's, and should's and shouldn't's, how's and how not to's) but I think we did pretty good at splitting it up. I chose to talk on abstaining from the spirit of evil (meaning the disposition in which we conduct our lives) and Jared spoke more about the process of abstaining from evil.

You know, I'm always amazed how much you learn every time you open the scriptures because inevitably there is always something different going on in your thoughts and life every time you open them. Especially when you look at things from a different perspective. Jared got more laughs than I did, but I didn't have to speak for quite as long because I got to "introduce us" to everyone first. I think it was a win-win situation. :)

Well, I'm happy to say all went well and WE'RE DONE! Whew! No more talks until we move again... hopefully. Although, I am glad we had the opportunity. I really did learn a lot, despite being nervous about the talk. I really am happy that I'm a part of this gospel and have such a wonderful family in all of you to share that with. :)

Finally an ultrasound is scheduled!

So we had our first appointment with my OB here in Yakima. What a relief not only to finally get in somewhere, but also because he seems like a great doctor talking not only to me but also to Jared and seeming genuinely interesting in us. And not to mention reassuring and experienced.

He said that everything looked great. My "size" is just where I should be and the best part, Jared got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time! He just smiled and winked. I think he was more excited than he was showing, because after the appointment he kept talking about the instrument the dr. used and what he was listening for, etc. Such a dr. at heart, huh...

SO, my ultrasound is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5th and we should find out what we're having then. The dr. won't be there and he won't get the reports until the following Monday, but he said we would have a pretty good idea what it is even before he has a chance to look at the charts and give us a call. I'm REALLY excited not only to find out what it is, but also to just see what has been kicking me!

We'll give you all a call when we find out next week. :)

Our new place

Here it is! As promised, pictures and all!! We’re really liking it so far. The space itself feels HUGE to us after coming from student apartments at the U! Yakima is great so far! It's kind of strange how it reminds me of the Conejo Valley (where I grew up), but also comforting. Our new ward is great! Apparently our records have been there for a few weeks so they've been expecting us! We’re still unpacking so you'll see the baby's room still has boxes and stuff everywhere (not to mention laundry drying) and we’re still waiting on the managers to come get the dishwasher working, but we’re getting there. Enjoy!

REALLY belated birthday wishes...

We know this is a month overdue, but we hope you had wonderful birthday!

love Jared and Lauren