Settling In

Hello all! We arrived safely in Washington last Monday. We've been pretty busy unpacking and getting settled in, but it is slowing down now and feeling like home. This area is just so amazingly beautiful, and the house is perfect! My parents and Tyson's dad were such a huge help in getting us unpacked and settled in last week. It would have been pretty difficult without them. Anyway, I'll update more later!

See Ya Later!

Sometime today we are disconnecting the internet in this house. I don't know when we'll be online in the new house, probably sometime in the next week and a half. I'll see you then!

Pet Peeve

Okay, I know I am not a particularly good writer. That's why I have this blog, out here in the middle of Internet nowhere. I do not have my own space in a newspaper. Seriously, when did the Mountain Home News decide it was okay to let any Joe Shmoe have a blog on their site? As a newspaper, wouldn't it make sense to choose people who can use proper grammar and spelling in articles and blogs? It makes this community, and the newspaper, seem stupid. If you want to read what I'm referring to, click here: http://www.mountainhomenews.com/blogs/1361/entry/24976/

Sadie

Who Needs a Reason?

Mercy and I just had ourselves a giggle session, for no apparent reason. As long as I kept giggling, she kept giggling, so we sat here giggling away. I can't imagine a better mommy/daughter activity! Oh how I love my girl!

5 Months Old

Mercy turned five months old on Friday. She is getting to be such a big girl! She weighed in at almost 14 1/2 pounds last week. Mercy is grabbing at things, especially my hair, and likes to taste everything she gets her hands on. She reaches for toys and has a few favorites. She is able to sit up with support now, and is even trying to sit up on her own, though it will be some time before she can do that. Mercy likes being on her tummy now and will push all the way up on her arms. She tries to get one knee under her sometimes, but isn't coordinated enough for that yet. Our girl is quite the eater too! She especially likes prunes and sweet potatoes right now. These pictures were taken yesterday, courtesy of my parents.

Grammy Update

Subtitle: Cold Play Declares War on the Letter ‘R’

So my family did not win either of their Grammy nominations this year, but they lost to Brad Paisley in one category and Ricky Skaggs in the other, so I suppose that if you have to lose out to someone those aren’t two slouches. This makes the 4th Grammy nomination for them in three years and I couldn’t be more proud.

While I am on the subject, I have to mention something that is like one of those itches under the skin that drives you crazy. Cold Play’s song “Viva La Vida” won Song of the Year. It is unfortunate that a song can win such an award when the lead singer could not bring himself to pronounce the letter ‘R’ the whole time. Give it a listen sometime and notice how often ‘rule the world’ becomes ‘woo da woohl’.

I’ve enjoyed some of Cold Play’s earlier stuff, but c’mon guys… learn to enunciate!

Tyson

A Case of the Giggles

Until yesterday, we'd only heard Mercy give a couple of small little giggles. That was before she discovered Moose, our chocolate lab. We have a toy for Moose, really it is more like torture for him, but he loves it. It is a kangaroo that punches and kicks when you turn it on. Moose goes nuts for it, trying to grab it and shake it before it punches or kicks him. He gets punched a lot, and it makes him grunt and growl and do all sort of acrobatics to get at it. Anyway, Mercy got to watch Moose playing with the kangaroo for the first time last night, and boy did she get a kick out of it! She laughed and laughed through the whole thing. It was so stinkin' cute! Now every time she sees Moose she breaks into a huge smile. I'm sure they'll be the best of friends in a couple of years.

Fingers Crossed

We're keeping our fingers crossed today in the Bryant household. Tyson's family, the Cherryholmes, are up for 2 Grammy awards- Best Bluegrass Album and Country Instrumental. SO exciting!!

Looking Forward

Is it strange that this whole moving to another state thing doesn't have me stressed out? It doesn't seem like a big deal. We're packing boxes everyday and smoothing out the details. Maybe I'll be stressed in two weeks.

Anyway, there are several things I am looking forward to when we get settled in Washington. Here's my list:

1. Churches- We already have a list of churches we would like to look into. It seems that there are lots of great churches in the area, which is encouraging. We'll have lots of opportunities for fellowship! I am excited to see where the Lord leads us and the ministry opportunities He has for us.

2. Pierce County Library System- The county library system is awesome. I can't wait to get my hands on some books I've been wanting to read. The Mountain Home library has a really poor selection, and even though they had a huge bond passed, have discontinued the use of the inter library loan, due to postal costs. Anyway, the local libraries in Washington don't just offer lots of great books, they also have weekly and monthly family activities for free. Once we're settled in I plan on taking Mercy to the library for their weekly Baby Adventures for 0-24 months. They read stories, sing songs, and do other age appropriate activities. I figure it is a good way to meet other moms. Also, they offer monthly book clubs. I'll definitely be thinking about getting involved in a book club too.

3. Moms Groups- There are dozens of Moms clubs and groups in the area. I have already contacted one, and I intend to get involved in another when we get there. Another great way to meet people.

4. YMCA- The local YMCA is wonderful. I've been scoping them out online. They are huge, and offer so many classes to members. And not just exercise classes, though there are lots and lots of those too- lots of different aerobics classes, pilates, swim classes, and drop in sports (like Tyson's favorite, racquetball). They also offer adult dance classes and activities, as well as a whole host of dance, exercise, and sports programs for kids. Plus, they have a really nice nursery. Once we join I'm sure I'll be there at least a few times per week.

5. Weather- We are both looking forward to a more temperate climate. And though everyone immediately tries to tell us how much we'll hate the rain, I know we'll enjoy it. We're so tired of living in such a dry area, and we always love rainy days. I remember telling a friend in high school that I preferred cloudy days over sunny ones and she immediately assumed I must be depressed. It's not that at all, I just enjoy it. Plus, it makes for better outdoor photos :)

6. Landscape- I think this is one of most beautiful areas I've ever seen.

Anyway....there is so much more we are both looking forward to. These are just the ones I was thinking about right now.

Random Pictures and Updates

Another adorable dress from Grandma! I just love these head bands....too cute!
Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit a few weeks ago. Mercy loves hanging out with her grandparents! Grandpa sure can make her squirm and smile!

We bought Mercy an exersaucer a couple of weeks ago. She loves 'standing' in it and playing with her toys. We like that it keeps her occupied independently for a few minutes!

Mercy has now started to scoot on her tummy. She'll pull her bottom up and scoot her body a little, kind of like a worm. I get the feeling it won't be long before she is crawling. I guess we'll have to baby proof the new house not too long after moving in!

Speaking of moving, our garage is filling up with moving boxes, and I don't think poor Moose knows what to think. I heard him out in the garage this morning whining. I went to check on him and he was just standing there looking at all the boxes. I hope he adjusts well to the move. But come on, he will have over five acres to roam on....so I'm sure he'll learn to like it!

I am so grateful that we have such a wonderful family. My parents are going to make the drive to Washington with us to help us move in, and Tyson's dad is flying over to help too. We feel very blessed!