Hello from Portland.....

Hi there - It's the middle of the week and I'm in the middle for Farmers training in Portland. It's raining today (go figure) but has been nice the rest of the time. This is basic training, especially for me since I have done this job before, but some things have changed, and I have been away long enough that a refresher is helpful.

I am missing my family though. I talk to Jake everyday to say goodnight and try to get him to tell me something about his day. I think that I miss Tanner most of all, he can't talk on the phone obviously, so all of your interaction with him has to be in person. Since I'm not with him, it's like he's out of my life totally. I am really looking forward to getting home this weekend.

I drove home over the last weekend to see Marisa and the boys (about 7 hours each way). I also got to see Lisa and John and the girls for a day. I had a very nice visit with everyone. Jake is in love with both of his cousins. He followed Quincy around like a little puppy while I was there. He did everything that she did and did a great job playing with both her and Jessa. Jake skipped school yesterday and Aunt Lisa and Uncle John took him to the Boise Zoo with his cousins. He had a great time and was apparently very sad that they all had to leave today.

Cori leaves Friday morning. It has been a godsend having her to help Marisa through all of the past two weeks. Marisa is feeling better, is sick less and seems to have more energy, but she has also started working full time, so what little energy she has gained back from the pregnancy has been expended in trying to get set up for the kids to come and the school year to start. I think Cori has enjoyed her time in Boise, and we are looking forward to having her come back during the holidays and next March when the baby gets here. Next up on the schedule, my mom and Auntie Sue are visiting over our anniversary weekend on the 22nd of September.

Lastly, Marisa had her first ultrasound appointment yesterday. Everything is ship shape so far and looks good. There is only one baby in there, which is a relief. Both Marisa and Cori specifically made the ultrasound tech look for more, so I feel that we are in pretty good shape planning on just one more baby. Both Marisa and Cori enjoyed the ultrasound process. I wish I could have been there, but this surprise caught us all off guard and I couldn't get out of this training. Once this week is done, I am home for the long weekend and then things should settle into a rhythm.