We planted a garden on our back porch. I has grown a lot since we planted this about a month ago. I need to put some updated photos up.

Anyway, we planted basil, rosemary, Italian parsley, elysium, zinnias, snapdragons, tarragon and lavender.

Here's our little porch with a creepy man in the window. Who is that weirdo?

About a month ago we stopped at Silver Creek Falls with our friend Shaun. We did a short loop and saw 4 beautiful waterfalls. It was one of the lovely Spring days that gets you really excited for Summer.

Shaun, Me, Jesse

This is Shaun and me going to visit the fairies and dragons who live behind the waterfalls. Obviously.

You want proof? See the rainbow? Fairies and dragons always live near waterfalls.

Obviously.

Shaun was really proud that he found the fairies and dragons. Jesse didn't see them, so he was disappointed.

We were talking to a fairy here.

Obviously.

Here's a video about where we lived when we first got back to the States from Azerbaijan. Talk about CULTURE SHOCK! My friend Susan lives in Vienna, Virginia and posted this on her blog.

Video

A year ago today we got on a plane in Baku and flew all the way around the world to Washington DC. I can't believe we've been back state-side for a whole year. The time has flown by, but so much has happened.

We got to have a paid 'vacation' (including, but not limited to museums, landmarks, memorials and free surgery - yay Peace Corps!) in DC for over a month. I have had one clean MRI and need to schedule the next one. We came back to Eugene and hunted for jobs. Jesse went back to his old bank, and I went back to my old pre-school. We decided that it was time for me to go back to school. We found out our friends were going to have another baby (who was born last Friday, by the way... check him out here). Now I'm doing my first student teaching at my old high school, International High School (although I'm at a different campus) and just found out about my second placement at my old middle school, Cal Young.

The year has been so full, but has gone so quickly.

It's good to be home.

But we do miss Azerbaijan...

By now, I'm sure you've heard the news.

We went to the aquarium with Kenton, Katrina, Stu, Jaque and Finley at the end of February. I had free passes to the place from work, so it saved us $86! Yikes!

I was also in my beginning stages of growing a beard (now gone). I know what you are thinking. "He reminds me of someone....who....is....it....." Well let me help you out a bit here:

Yup, Clive Owen. It was a bit awkward having women run up to me all the time and want to have their picture taken with me, but I managed somehow.

Finley looking through a window in the floor at the passing sharks. I have to say that going there with a child was way more fun than going with just grown-ups. The excitement about everything is just so great.

WE OWNED THAT PLACE...JUST LOOK AT US WALKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH!!!!!!!!!

No trip to the beach is complete without actually seeing the beach, so we made the trek down to play in the surf and sand.

Carolyn found some slime.

Carolyn really liked the slime. Weirdo.

Stu and Jacque. I think I'm going to turn this one into an inspirational poster. It will probably have a caption something like "FRIENDSHIP: I don't know how we made it out of that whale, but you made the whole trip worthwhile."

Stu is a huge fan of Rogue brews, so we had to stop and have lunch and pay tribute.

You wanna know something cool? We haven't bought a single loaf of sandwich bread in 2009! Sure, we've purchased a few buns and specialty loaves here and there, but for our everyday bread it's all been handmade by Carolyn (and one by me, but we won't go into that fiasco!) We have to say this is all thanks to Debbie Grable. She gave us some of her homemade bread and we fell in love with it, so she gave us her recipe and ever since we've been baking away! Thanks Debbie!

Oh, and I suppose we should also thank our good friends over at KitchenAid for inventing mixers.

Valentine's day weekend Carolyn's step sister's family Jen and Kyle and Drew and Logan all came down from Spokaloo to visit us. It was great to see them and their kids...they are growing up so fast!

The results of the boys v girls king of the hill contest.

Strangely I'm the only thing in focus here...maybe I should be in more photos because I make them so awesome!

Finley came over to meet Drew. Then we had a no-holds-bared-drag-down-knuckle-up-biting-scratch-yer-eyes-out toddler super wrestlemania for the title of strongest little kid. Actually no. That was all in my head and never happened. Not that I'd ever condone events like that. Why? Do you know of something like that?

Drew turned the candlestick into a trumpet! Silly boy...he never really caught on that with 20/10-65% Egyptian brass it could never be a trumpet...only a french horn. Silly boy.

A good close up of the laddy.

So you don't have to get too close and mark up your monitor!

We actually went out to dinner the day before Valentines day. On the actual day itself we babysat Kenton and Katrina's baby boy Finley so they could have a nice dinner and movie out alone.

After about a week of constant nagging, I got what I always wanted for Valentines! A HEART SHAPED PIZZA!!!!!!!!!

I had to do it. But now I strangely know how Kanye Feels.

Valentine's Day 2009: Operation Lovahhhhhh

Main Objective: Facilitate feelings of mutual enjoyment and fulfillment through spending time together

Obstacles to Success: Wife has class until late late late (like bed time late...like dangerous late...like 7 PM late!)

Method of accomplishing objective: Dinner at Cafe Maroc, which is right next to school

Goal 1 accomplished

Goal 2 accomplished

Mission Results: Mixed

Quality of food: Mediocre

Service: Unfortunately fast

Belly Dancer: Yes

Smiles: Present

January 10th the Willamette River flooded Alton Baker park. It was insane! It was disastrous! It was life altering!!!! It's happened for the past 140 years!!! Anyhoo...we ate lunch at McMenamins and took a walk down to the park afterward and did some goofing around.

Get it? ...She's sitting on the flooded park bench! HAHHAHA! Like anyone would ever sit on a flooded bench! We are so clever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't let Carolyn get all the laughs! So clever....

Then we took a walk down the path...OH MY GAWD!!! THE PATH IS DROWNED!!!!!! HOW WILL WE EVER GET THROUGH!!!???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!! OH THE CARNAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clever, huh?

At the beginning of the year, Carolyn started back to grad school at Pacific University. They have a campus down here in Eugene and she's going back to get her masters and teaching certificate to be an English teacher for middle/high schoolers. We are both very excited about this new path she's chosen and I'm sure it will amount to a much more satisfying career for her.

Naturally we have the obligatory "first day of school picture." I was so proud of her! She didn't even cry!! (although she may have once she was on)

She got a new outfit and everything! The jacket is actually old. So really all you can see of her outfit is her new boots and skirt in the first picture. They look good from the front too!

"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."

I got this idea from Ali Edwards' blog. The idea is to choose a word that I will use in 2009 - as Ali wrote last year, "a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life." With all that will be changing for me in the coming year, I felt I needed a word that could help me be present at all times during my day, week, month, and year. I know I will need to spend time on studying and doing work for my masters, but I also don't want to ignore the time I have with Jesse, my family and my friends. I want to be able to give myself time to be creative and even time to be lazy. I want to live a more healthful life and change the way I see and treat my environment. I decided that the best word for this would be focus. I hope that I can truly focus on what I'm doing, whatever it is. If I'm studying, I don't want to be thinking about painting - I want to focus. When I'm with Jesse, I want to enjoy the time we have and not worry about homework - I want to focus. When I'm being creative I don't want to feel guilty for neglecting 'more important' things - I want to focus. Live in the moment. Be aware. Focus. Focus.

Goodbye, 2008!

I can't believe this year is coming to a close in mere hours! It has been quite an amazing year for us. These are some of the highlights:

- New Years in London.

-Istanbul in the snow.

- Azerbaijan and all that that has meant to us. Host family, PCV friends, Azeri friends. Quite incredible!

- Mom and Steve coming to visit us in Azerbaijan.

- Learning I had a tumor in my spinal column.

- Saying goodbye to Azerbaijan.

- The wonderfulness of Washington DC, Peace Corps HQ staff and potable water.

- My incredible surgeon, Dr. Art Kobrine.

- Mom coming to be with Jesse during my 7 hour surgery/ night in the ICU.

- Surprising Dad and Deena at the Reagan airport a week later!

- Surprising Kenton, Katrina and Finn when we were back in Eugene.

- A great summer of catching up with friends, family and meeting new nephews.

- Ben and Devon's wonderful wedding!

- Going back to work for EEP was a great experience. It's a great program.

- Jesse going back to work for Siuslaw Bank.

- Olympic Track trials.

- Thanksgiving in Sunriver with Dad, Deena and the Ambroses.

- Year end snow.

- Christmas celebrations in the good old US of A. Can't beat that!

We have been to 4 countries, 3 continents, spoken 2 languages, all in 1 year. And what a wonderful, crazy, scary, fulfilling year it has been!

We are looking forward to next year and all the challenges and excitements it will be bringing!

Bring it on, 2009!

happy birthday, jesse. you're finally as old as i.

we celebrated jesse's 27th birthday (on the 27th!) by going to sushi at one of our favorite restaurants. jesse's wish was to be able to order whatever he wanted, no matter the cost. so, this is what he got...

man, can that boy eat some sushi!

yum!

i got to put my new kitchenaid to work. it was fun, but i think i need some practice.

i could only find 24 candles...

luckily deena had 3 more the next night!

tonight kenton and katrina took us out to celebrate jesse's big golden birthday. they took us to happy hour at el torito (an old pre-baby favorite of ours) and to australia (the movie, not the country, although it would be fun to go visit my brother!). it was a great night out with our favorite friends! thanks, guys!

We had such a great Christmas season this year! Boy is it great to be in a country that has Christmas! Don't get me wrong, I loved last Christmas - singing carols with friends in Baku is a memory I will always love. :) I miss all my Peace Corps friends, for sure!!This Christmas I felt so blessed.

Jesse and I went to The Nutcracker done by the Eugene Ballet. It is a childhood tradition I always adored. It was fun to share it with Jesse!

We went to Albany to spend time with Jesse's parents and grandparents.

The day before Christmas Eve, I had my Grandma over to make her famous sugar cookies. It was great to have her over to my house to do this- when we were little my brother and I always went to her house to help her.

We had a wonderful time at Dad and Deena's house for Christmas Eve with Grandma, Adam, Trisha, Brady and Nicole. Dad and Deena gave us a fantastic new laptop- it should help with grad school next month (ack!!). My lovely husband surprised me with a KitchenAid! Like I said, I was blessed.

On Christmas we went up to Willamette Pass with Mom and Steve.

It was one of the best days I've ever seen at Willamette. There was about 8 inches of fresh power, clear skies, no crowds and not a breath of wind. It was a great way to spend Christmas (and burn off some of the cookies!).

We also sneaked in time with Kenton, Katrina and Finn, went to a Christmas Eve service at our church, a couple movies with friends, and lots of fun times together.

I hope your Christmas was filled with many blessings!

For Thanksgiving we went to Sunriver with Carolyn's dad and Deena and we met Deena's relatives there who came up from California! Unfortunately there wasn't any snow for skiing but we found many other ways to keep ourselves occupied.

The whole gang!

This is in the lodge, it's a lovely building.

There are many things to be thankful for in life...including Tiger Woods Golf on Wii...Which I rock at!

We went on a 5 mile bike ride around the resort one sunny day...no skiing, but it was amazing weather, that's for sure!

The night before we left Carolyn and I went ice skating. It was the first time she'd been in years and only my second time ever! Despite this picture, neither of us fell!

It was an amazing time and we had lots of fun hanging out with the fam, we can't wait for next time!!

For our anniversary we went to the coast (Yachats) and stayed the weekend. It was stormy, it was sunny, it was wonderful.

The misses got some new rain boots and I busted out the AZ shoes.

It was exactly the kind of weather we were hoping for. Carolyn put her new boots to the test.

The wind was blowing the sand like crazy and I just couldn't resist.

We had lunch at a lovely new place in Newport...Local Ocean Seafoods

Carolyn had the fish and chips and I had steamer clams and oyster shooters. Oh my, what a wonderful lunch. It was great to get away from the city. I read an entire book (albeit it was only 175 pages long) and Carolyn got lots of studying done. Fun!

In October we went up to Spokane to visit Jen and Kyle's new baby, Logan.

Here I am, trying to establish early in Logan's life that I am the cool/magical uncle.

There was a lot of free time for us to keep ourselves entertained...

He's really a lot smarter than you'd think...and then there's Steve.

(with baby Antonio, Heather and Erik came up as well!)

We stayed at George and Debbie Grabel's house, it was amazing the whole time we were there. The leaves were just beginning to turn and it was so quiet!

Carolyn's long lost high school senior photo...

I should probably not post this picture online for fear that Nigerian scammers will think I'm hunky and steal it to use in their scams.

One of the only pictures of Carolyn with her siblings...Jen. I don't know how it happened, but Jen, Kyle, Heather and Erik were there too and we didn't get any pictures of them. I guess Jen is the lucky one.

He actually really loved this, despite what the picture looks like

...until she dropped him...

then he wasn't so amused.

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends; though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

It's been a LONG time since I've blogged. It's been so long that I figured it would be better to just to a photo journal type thing. Here goes:

Here's the local Peace Corps group at the Eugene Celebration Parade... no Azeri flag yet.. maybe we'll be with them next year!

Me and Finn watching the parade with my Dad in the background. We had a huge group this year! Dad, Deena, Kenton, Katrina and most of Katrina's extended family! It's always a fun parade full of funky people, even better when shared with friends and family!

2006 with Finn in Katrina's belly and 2008 with Finn almost 2 years old!

We got to see N.E.R.D and Common in concert with my old Wells Fargo friends Rick and John.

N.E.R.D.

Common pulled my old friend Echo on stage with him for almost his whole set. Crazy!

We drove up to Albany to have dinner with Jesse's grandparents and this was on the drive home.

So was this.

We have a new nephew!!! What a sweet little guy! We are going to Spokane this weekend to meet him and to spend time with our other two nephews! Can't WAIT!!

Mom and I had tea and talked about all the baby boys in our lives.

We took the annual Fall trip out to Deterings for pumpkins and cider. This year with took the Henrys along with us and lucked out - Deterings was offering wagon rides through their orchards! Fun stuff!

I love this picture of the little Henry family. I love the looks on all three of their faces.

The horses worked hard in the rain and mud.

Last week we went to see Cara Luft and Bill Staines. We got to have dinner with them before the concert and they are awesome people!

Here's a video of Bill singing my favorite song of his, "River."

And a video of my music club back in Azerbaijan singing "River." I love, LOVE, LOVE these girls!

Our great, wonderful, fantastic friend Rayne was here on Monday night for dinner and a sleep-over! He was on his way to a wolf sanctuary where he will live and work for a while. I love how Ranye has totally embraced LIFE and is doing so many cool, adventurous things!

We knew Ranye in college when he lived in our dorm for two terms. Ever since then he and Jesse have kept in great contact and whenever we see him, it feels so natural and easy. He was the best man in our wedding (and did a great job at the toast, by the way!) and he is truly a GREAT man. We love him and are always so happy to spend time with him.

It's so funny to think of the things we do with our lives, the directions we go, the adventures we have. It looks like Jesse and Rayne have chosen two distinct paths, but their connection is greater for it. It has made all the difference.

I'm glad I get to spend time with these two men, who I love so much.

Jesse made a new website for us. He's awesome. I love him.

The season opener for the Ducks turned out to be a great game! The ducks looked pretty good most of the time and the fans (as usual) were amazing. There's really nothing like going to a football at Autzen Stadium. It gets so LOUD in there!!

Jesse played a joke on Dad by showing up painted purple. It was pretty funny, except the face paint kind of dyed Jesse's chest hot pink. :)

There were some neat clouds as the sun was setting. The weather was great, but it got kind of chilly near the end. I'm so excited for Autumn!!

We spent some time down at the seats Dad has had for my whole life - right on the 50 yard line 18 rows up. Pretty much perfect. We also got to spend time in the Wells Fargo suite.

You gotta love Autzen!! Go Ducks!!!

Our trusty laptop has died. It was sort of expected. It's what happens to laptops that live in Azerbaijan. I have a great photo of Jesse and our site-mate Nate fixing Nate's and Mike's computers. But, of course it's on our broken laptop. But, fear not! The nice computer men have told us that our hard drive is fine and will give it to us soon. All is not lost... all can be regained. (edit: I got the hard drive this afternoon!! Don't you just love this picture? Nothing like fixing computers, drinking vodka pomegranate juice with head lamps on!)

Until we get our handy little hard drive back, we are without photos or a way to upload photos. It's a huge bummer, but not the end of the world. It will just make for some boring blogs in the meantime. Sorry about that.

We are still house sitting. It's nice to be able to spread out and cook for ourselves. It's been cold and rainy here lately so I've been making lots of yummy soups from this book. Yummy!

I added some links of blogs that I enjoy. I also wanted to mention a website my mom told me about. It's called Eugene Local Foods and it's a lot of fun! We've talked about doing a CSA program for a few years, but never felt like we could eat all the food in the box. This is a great alternative because you just pick what you want and go pick it up at Hideaway Bakery. Good stuff!!

Next week I start working for the Early Education Program. I worked here a few years ago and I'm excited to go back to teaching.

We love driving our new Civic! We've been getting about 30 miles/ gallon, which is so wonderful!!

That's it. Thanks for reading. Leave a comment.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We're still alive....

After Ben's wedding we came home and bought a car! This is a car just like our cute little Petunia! We love it. :)

That's about all that's been happening, I guess. We've been house sitting for a few people. It's kind of fun because we get to "test drive" neighborhoods and different parts of town. We've already been in Santa Clara (so so) and College Hill (aMAZing) and now we're back in Ferry Street Bridge area (too much traffic). We're in a new house until the end of September, so that will be nice to be a little more settled somewhere.

We're watching the Olympics a lot and thinking a lot about Georgia and our friends over in Azerbaijan. We really hope things get straightened out soon. We are also looking forward to all our AZ4 friends coming back to the states!!! Yay!!!

We had lots of fun preparing for my brother Ben's wedding to Devon! We flew down to California on Thursday and went right out to Devon's wonderful parents' house. They made a wonderful meal for us including the best chicken I have even eaten in my life - no joke! It was great to spend some calm time getting to know them and with Ben and Devon before their big weekend!

On Friday Devon's dad's business partner's wife hosted a beautiful bridal luncheon. Then we had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. It's always so great to spend time with our family! Especially with the kiddos! We really missed Dan and Nina, though! :(

Jen, Heather, me and Devon at the bridal luncheon. Jen's pregnant! She looks so beautiful! The silly baby was always shy around me and never let me feel him kick!

Drew wanted to get in on the rehearsing. Both his parents were in the wedding, so he was stuck with me and Jesse.

He didn't seem to mind being stuck with us too much.

Jesse and Antonio. So cute and sweet!

Devon's gown was so beautiful. She looked amazing. She wore the bracelet that Jen and Heather gave me for my wedding. It was her 'something borrowed' and it looked great with her ensemble. :)

Ben and Devon's wedding was so wonderful. The location was one of the most beautiful houses I've even been in. It's called the Kohl Mansion and it's in Burlingame, California. In the Bay Area. It was exquisite! Jesse and I got to babysit my two sisters' kids during the ceremony. They are the sweetest boys and did so well for us! The only problem was that Drew (15 months) was too happy! He kept laughing and stuff. :) Antonio (4 1/2 months) was happy chilling out on Jesse's lap, sucking on Jesse's hand.

Here's Ben with the priest and his guys. He looked very nice and calm.

Dum, dum da-dum!

This is a lovely shot of the beautiful Kohl Mansion and Devon and her dad John walking up to Ben. It was such a pretty wedding. The weather was perfect and Devon looked stunning!

Devon and her bride's maids. Jen and Heather are on the end on the right. Devon had all the maids pick their own dresses in the same color. It looked great and each girl looked amazing.

Me and Ben before the wedding. My hair is a bit wind-blown.

Jesse, Steve and three of my brothers. What a group of good looking fellas!

This past week we got to do lots of fun things!

We got to attend concerts at the wonderful Oregon Bach Festival.......and go to the US Track and Field Olympic Trials!

On Monday night Deena and I went to see the OBF chorus, orchestra and Youth Choral Academy perform with Garrison Keillor. It was a lot of fun. He's a funny, funny man, I tell you what!While we were watching Keillor, Jesse and my dad went to the trials and did a more manly event. They watched lots of runners and stuff. Jesse and I got to go to the opening day the previous Friday where we saw lots of qualifying races, but on Monday Jesse got to see some actual final races. It's pretty cool how Eugene is becoming Track City, USA once again!

Tuesday was a rest day at the trials so the Bach Fest did a special concert honoring Bill Bowerman. It was a nice tribute to one of the founders of Nike - a true Man of Oregon.

On Wednesday we got to take Kenton and Katrina to see the 5 Browns. They are a group of siblings in their 20s who all studied piano at Julliard. They were a lot of fun to watch, very talented and had great personalities. It was fun to have a fancy night on the town with our friends!Thursday I got to go see the Youth Choral Academy. This is the 11th year of the Academy and it holds a very special place in my heart. I was a member of the Academy the 1st and 2nd year of its run, and a chaperone the 3rd year. It's such an amazing experience for the high schoolers involved. I learned so much about music in the few weeks I spent with Dr. Anton Armstrong and his crew. This year I got to go with my step brother Adam who's a professional singer, so that was cool!

Besides all that, we spent lots of time with Kenton, Katrina and Finn. I had lunch with Mom and Becky, we watched fireworks at Alton Baker Park with KK&F, went swimming with the Ruddicks, Chases and Henrys...

I'm still looking for a job. There are resumes out there and other things in the works, so send your happy thoughts towards all of that!

Jesse had his first day at his new job last Monday! He was offered a position at his old bank, Siuslaw Bank. He's doing more interesting things than he was doing before, so that's fun! It's sad to have him back at work and me still looking for a job. I miss him. :(

I decided to take pictures of Jesse on his way to his first day of work.He's such a big boy!! He can tie his own tie!Just a little tantrum when I dropped him off with donuts for his co-workers.He was really brave and walked in all by himself!!

Now hopefully I can find a job so I can help contribute to our family! Prayers are appreciated. :)

A couple weeks ago we had a family weekend up in Portland with my mom and Steve, and *most* of my siblings on that side. It was great to get together so soon after coming home from Azerbaijan. We stayed at the Vintage Plaza downtown and had lots of good times.

We took some special time out of the weekend to celebrate Jen and Kyle's new baby boy coming this September and Ben and Devon's wedding next month! We are all so happy that our family is growing so quickly and missed everyone who wasn't here this year.

We of course had breakfast at Sckavones.

We got to meet our lovely new nephew Antonio.

And catch up with our other nephew Drew.

We went to the Japanese Gardens which was totally beautiful. Here's all the girls (#1 baby boy).

Devon, Mom, Jen, Me, Nio and Heather.

Here's our lovely parents who generously plan these weekends and bring us all together!

Thanks, guys!

We love being back in Oregon where everything is green and beautiful!

On Saturday night we went to a fancy dinner at Pazzo's at the Vintage Plaza. It's fun to get all dressed up and have yummy drinks and food!The boys.

Kyle, Drew, Steve, Jesse, Ben, Erik and Antonio

The Girls.

Devon, Mom, Carolyn, Heather and Jen

Jesse just loves falling water!!! YAY!!!

We've been back in Eugene for two weeks now. Yesterday was my 1 month mark since my surgery. Things sure seem to be happening fast!

When we got into town we went to Papa's Pizza to surprise our great friends Kenton, Katrina and Finley. We got to hang out with all Katrina's sisters and their families while we waited. They were totally surprised and it was wonderful to see them again!

Finn and his cousins playing at Papa's.

It was great to catch up and it felt like hadn't been away at all, except that Finn is a little boy now instead of a baby!

Brave Finn going down the BIG slide

In the two weeks we've been home, I think we've seen Katrina and Finn (and sometimes Kenton) at least 9 days! We went to the Riverplay park, fed the ducks, played games, scrapbooked... we've done it all!

Here's Jesse with some friends he made at the park. They were digging for bones.

Finley with a friend he made at the park. They were digging for moles.

A couple nights ago we tried to make an Azeri dinner for Dad and Deena. The plov (pictured below with my parents) turned out pretty well and the dolma didn't turn out quite so well. It was fun to try and now we have some ideas of how to make it better and more authentic!

Finley being followed by geese. He loves animals!

He's such a big kid!

Sitting on the sun!

It's good to be back!!

Hi all, I just wanted to let everyone know that we're still alive and I've updated the Peace Corps Azerbaijan FAQ and we've got another blog in the works. And if anyone knows of any really good job openings, let us know!!!

Hey all!

Carolyn here! I'm back in the world of the living after spending a week and a half sequestered to my hotel room!! Yahoo!!

Last Thursday we went back to see my amazing, wonderul, talented neurosurgeon and he reassured us that everything went perfectly and that I'm healing just right. He took out the 25 stitches (phew!) and we were off! We headed to the Peace Corps Headquarters where we talked to our nurse about what will happen next. We still have some medical stuff and paperwork, but we should be heading back to Eugene pretty soon!

The man who made it so I won't end up paralyzed (right). Kind of amazing, huh?

That afternoon we were really lucky because Dad and Deena were coming into DC to see my step-brother was singing with his group Cantus at the Kennedy Center! They had planned their trip even before they knew we would be here! We had planned that Dad, Deena and Adam would come to our hotel for dinner, but I was feeling so good we decided to surprise them at the airport! We thought they were coming in at about 5 so we got to the airport super early - about 3:55. We sat down at a TGI Fridays that was right where everyone from domestic flights comes through. We ordered drinks and were waiting for them when I saw Deena and Dad walking up!! Deena's jaw dropped and Dad looked confused then happy to see us! Good thing we got there so early since their flight actually got there at 4! It was so much fun! We had some drinks and headed to their hotel where we met up with Adam and his friend Tim for dinner.

On Saturday morning Dad and Deena came over to Arlington and we walked down to the Iwo Jima Marine memorial on our way to Arlington National Cemetary. What an amazing place. It's astonishing to see all the white headstones lined up so perfectly. Being in Washington has really impacted my life. America might not be the best country in the world, but the foundations of our government are so beautiful - reading Jefferson's words at this monument and FDR's inspriring words at his memorial - it makes me really happy and proud to be from a country based on freedom, equality and democracy. I feel that everyone coming home from the military or Peace Corps should be given a paid weekend in DC to reconnect with the roots of our country. It's impressive. But I digress - Arlington - It's very humbling to see the rows and rows honoring the men and women who sacrificed so much for the things that Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln and FDR were so passionate about. It's realy very touching.

We went up to the Kennedy grave again, then went on to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We were there for the Changing of the Guard which was a beautiful ceremony. I really love how the Old Guard is there to protect the nameless soldiers instead of Kennedy, Taft or any of the other famous leaders burried there. It shows so much respect to the vetrans, families and soldiers who died in American wars.Notice in the photo above how dark the clouds are.... right as we got on the shuttle that goes around the cemetary the skies literally opened up and dropped buckets of water along with lightening right above us! It was almost perfect timing since we were already heading back to the hotel. Almost perfect timing because the shuttle doesn't have very efficient window system and we managed to get soaked!We dried off, Dad and Deena went off to a museum and we met up later for dinner at a restaurant my good friend Bonnie (she's still in Azerbaijan) recommended. Jaleo was a fun Spanish tapas place with good sangria and mojitos and even better paella. Yumm, yumm and yummm! We had a great time with Dad and Deena and we were all so happy I was feeling well enough to spend some time with them! Thanks, Dad and Deena for visiting!

I also want to thank my mom for coming out, spending some time with me and Jesse before my surgery and lots of time with Jesse during and after my surgery! Thanks mamsie!Me and Mom at the World War II memorial. Note: all the bronze at this memorial was forged in Oregon. Rock on, Oregon!

Hi all! Sorry it's been so long since our last update. Carolyn's surgery went well, we got home from the hospital on Wednesday and have been hanging out in the hotel room since. So since there isn't really too much new stuff happening, I'll catch you up on some of the stuff that we got to do before her surgery.

Carolyn doing her best "America's Next Top Model" impression in front of the Jefferson Memorial. It was a beautiful day and we learned a lot about Mr. Jefferson. It's really amazing to be back in a country that was built on freedom as a cornerstone.

Carolyn sitting on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. From here we went to the FDR Memorial, but didn't take any pictures there.

In honor of JFK's birthday the Peace Corps had a small ceremony to celebrate the creation of the Peace Corps. It was really nice and quiet. The director even came to speak.

Carolyn's mom came the day before her surgery to help out, so we took advantage of it and got out to see the monuments.

Carolyn and her mom at the WWII Memorial. We were both very thankful to have her here to help out.Today (Memorial Day) I walked down to Arlington Cemetary for a ceremony. I got there about an hour early and they weren't letting any more people in. Turns out it is because the president was giving a speech, so I waited around and got to see him has he drove by. It's funny, no matter how many times you see someone on TV, it's always weird to see them in person.

So that's whats new today. We are both very thankful for the sacrifices that men and women have made to protect our country, hopefully they will not be forgotten.

We had all weekend off, so we decided to take advantage of it. Washington DC has tons of free museums, which is really nice since we are on a bit of a budget. Friday we went to the National Art Museum and the Capitol building. Saturday we went to the Holocaust Memorial and yesterday we went to the Air and Space Museum and the National Archives.

Spitting image, don't you think? Outside the National Archives.

Oh my little pilgrim! Carolyn in front of the Wright Brother's Flyer.

I knew they pretty much owned Eugene, but I guess they are expanding! Looking up at the dome in the Capitol building.

And Carolyn got the first non-self haircut she's had in a long time. Looks good, huh?And finally some things we are amazed by:Landscaping: You mean people actually want to keep things green?Inside bathrooms: No more putting on your rain jacket to go to the bathrooms!Pizza delivery: We still can't believe how fast it comes!Dishwashers: Actually we've only used it once. Turns out washing by hand isn't all that bad!Thanks for everyone's well wishes, we'll keep everyone up to date on the developments.

Yesterday between appointments we took the metro out to the amazing Prince George's Plaza (or as we like to call it Prince George's Banana Boat). You aren't going to believe this, but it was a magical place where you could buy practically anything you want! They had a Target, Old Navy, Gap and even a Cinabon! Wahoo! We went to town and were actually a bit overwhelmed. We have a friend who gets a bit overwhelmed at the selection in the cereal asile in grocery stores, now we can totally relate. We went from having a 10 ft by 10 ft clothing selection to target's insane selection. Woo!

So, for yesterday here are the things we are amazed by:Cosi Sandwiches: Now, we might not be the best judges since we just got back, but these are the best sandwiches in the universe.Two words: Tar-Get. Nuff said.Sushi: Last night we went to dinner at Cafe Asia. A-Maz-Ing. But sushi still amazes me how I could literally eat my self into abject poverty and still not be full. At least I would be happy :)

Hi everyone! We are enjoying our time here in DC and thought I'd try to update pretty frequently since we have good internet. Since a blog is a very public thing, we won't be posting updates to Carolyn's medical situation on here. She will send out periodic e-mail updates on her situation to friends, family and other interested parties. She sent out an e-mail this morning, so if you did not receive it and would like to be added to the list, please e-mail her at the address to the right. So, with that out of the way, let's talk about fun stuff!

Since our appointments are made with respect to the doctor's availability, it has allowed us some free time to explore the city. Yesterday we were able to go see the White House, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Memorial. The Peace Corps office is close to the National Mall, so we were able to walk to all those places.

It's amazing to be in such a historic city to be reintroduced to America. We both realized that living overseas really makes you aware of how great America really is. It also makes you really appreciate the sacrifice that the generations before us and all the soldiers right now are giving to protect our way of life. So, I'd like to thank all of my friends and family who have served and are currently serving in the military.

Secondly, I want to try and keep a list of the little things that make America great and things that we never noticed before we didn't have them. So, here goes the first installation: Transportation: Paved, quiet roads, no honking, yielding to pedestrians, stop lights, clean efficient metro, TAXI METERS, crosswalks, sidewalks.Grocery Stores: What do you mean I don't have to go to 5 different stores to get dinner?Food Delivery: Yeah, I can get used to this.Hot running water whenever you want it. No waiting for the water to heat up to take a shower. And you can drink it to boot!Toilet paper and flush toliets...EVERYWHERE!Friendly strangers (not that they weren't in AZ, it's just different)

Well, that's about it for now, I can't wait to have more to write about today!

That's right, folks! I am currently drinking a glass of water I got straight from a tap! I didn't boil it! I didn't run the boiled water through a filter! I'm drinking it straight!

Why - you may ask. Well, about 25 hours ago we got on a plane in Baku and about 1 hour ago we landed in Washington DC. I (Carolyn) have been having some back trouble and the Peace Corps medical office decided it would be a good idea to send me (and my dear husband) to DC to have it checked out. We will go see the doctors tomorrow morning, and won't really know much until then. Tonight we're going to go to Safeway (!!!!), do laundry (!!!!!!!!), take baths (!!!!!!!!!!!) and go to bed early - a really nice bed (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). We are excited about these plans. :)

I've never been to DC and I think we'll get a lot of time between meetings and appointments to do some sight seeing. That will be fun!!

If it isn't obvious, we are really positive and I'm feeling pretty good! So, don't worry about us, but keep us in your prayers! We will keep you updated!