Vacationing

I have needed to get some pictures up from our time in Utah/Idaho since we got home, especially with Jake's face having been the first thing people have seen on here for a while. Maybe a new post will keep Pakistani doctors from finding our blog and leaving comments about Jake's hairy face! So here they are finally.

We took a bunch of pictures right before and during Christmas, and then it's like I forgot I could actually use my camera. I would bring it places and then just forget I had it. I hate it when I do that.

We really enjoyed our time spent with family and friends. My only complaint was the cold. The snow was beautiful for a couple of days, and then my feet froze and would not unthaw the entire time we were there. We started out in Preston at my mom's, visited my dad's home in South Weber, then spent Christmas with the McBrides in Salt Lake. After Jake left, Tessa and I made the grandparent rounds again. We were also able to have several great friend visits. We missed some of you, though, so we're coming for you next time!

During the New Year holiday, I made some resolutions for myself, which I don't always do, so I'd like to share:
1. No more excuses or justifications (This one's a lifer). I don't want to explain away bad behavior. Being tired and hungry doesn't mean it's okay to be a jerk. I want to call it like it is for myself and then strive to do better.
2. Focus on a healthy lifestyle. (This was easier when it was part of my job.) I don't care about weight, I just want to feel good, feel fit, and be a good example for my family.
3. Make the most of time. I can procrastinate or waste time with the best of them. This is something I've been working on for a while and I think I've made some ground. Priorities, priorities, priorities. The constant question: Is there something more positive and productive I could be doing with my time? This one works with goal number two as well.

Okay. Thanks.

Ohhhhhhhhh. Tessa update. She has started quacking when she sees the rubber ducky. We have gotten her to stand on her own a little more each day, and we're not tricking her into it anymore. She knows she's standing. Today she clapped on her belly as I cheered her standing efforts. She laughs at her friend Hudson like he's a comedian. Sometimes she takes off her socks and uses them like pom poms. She's finally getting back into the swing of things at home as far as sleep goes. And lastly, that girl has an extremely expressive face. I think her poker face is going to be as good as her mom's.