Some more photos (and a bit more to say)

Now that I've mostly caught up with where life is now I'll try to write in complete sentences. The end of summer came earlier for me than officially defined by the calendar. Mostly, Neal went back to school and I suddenly had lots of time on my hands. Until I didn't. At the last minute, I was offered two sections on English 2010 online at Utah State and several piano students. Although I'm still nervous about balancing work and motherhood, it's been a grand adventure so far. I love being able to teach even it isn't in a face to face classroom. I also love being able to teach without feeling guilty for neglecting my schoolwork. This is the first fall away from school and it is strange to the umpteenth degree. In some ways I just go on with life, but in other ways I deeply miss the structure and social network and clearly defined goals of school.

But with so much to do, I am adjusting quickly.

Most days I send Neal off and take a walk. I don't know if I mentioned earlier, but moving to the suburbs has been a bit difficult for me. I love the people and we have the nicest place to live ever, but I miss the mountains, trees, water, smell, feel of Cache Valley. We have wonderful air conditioning, but I miss hearing the birds in the morning. I've begun sneakily opening the window while it's cool to let in the breeze and the birdsong. When I began taking walks it was disheartening to have only houses to look at. Luckily, we live next to a trail just a block or so away. It's surprisingly beautiful. I just had to learn to see the beauty even if it's different than Logan.

Here are a few photos that may or may not capture the essence.

There is some kind of plant which is probably parasitic to the cottonwoods, but it is breathtaking. It just drapes over everything.

You probably can't tell, but all along the trail there are these little hollows that look just like doors to the Secret Garden. I want to find the key!

Even the supposed weeds have brilliant splashes of color which brighten my day.

One major complaint we've had is that our area is lacking tall trees. I realized that I wasn't always looking up at the right time. 

So the short version of the story is that I am adjusting to life, even though it will soon change all over again. Baby is due in a month. I feel a far cry from actually being ready, but am simultaneously so excited to meet our little one. We still haven't found out the gender so I love being able to decorate and shop without feeling swayed toward blue or pink. Soon enough we'll know (and let you know, I promise!). In the meantime, we'll just keep plugging along in life, enjoying the small moments.