Here we are

Wondering what has happened to the Ammon Dahls? Well, wonder no more. We are alive and well. We are all settled down in our little apartment in Helena, Montana. It is truly beautiful here. We miss our home and we miss our puppies, but we are happy to be having a new adventure. Ammon is extremely and painfully busy these days. I'm am extremely and painfully not busy, which may be worse. At least in Provo I had a yard to take care of. Up until today we have not had internet either, so I finished reading the Anne of Green Gables series and have been doing reading on pregnancy. It helps to fill in the time.

But we haven't spent too much time here in Helena. Ammon spent last week in Kansas City doing a big training. And I spent the week up in Helmer, Idaho with my family. I think Ammon had a good time and learned a lot from his training. I had a wonderful time with my family. It makes a big difference when you have someone to socialize with during the day. At the end of the week Ammon flew to my parents and we all got to see my brother graduate. There are few things better than a Troy graduation as far as graduations go. It was a whole 30 minutes. Not bad. Half of that was a slide show.

We are now back to Helena and looking forward to going on a few fishing expeditions and exploring the various trails that they have around here. My morning sickness is easing up some, though I still feel far from perfect, and so that is making life easier. I'm showing now. I'm in that awkward "Is she fat, or is she pregnant?" stage, which is sort of fun, sort of not. We will find out in 2 weeks what we are having (if all goes well with the ultra sound). We hope to have my anemia under control soon too so that I'll have a bit more energy.

That's the update on us. We are enjoying our little stay in Montana. I'll be excited to get back to Utah though, which is something I never thought I'd say.

I have a question

So, since the first day I knew I was pregnant and began looking up baby stuff I have been bombarded with ads and other such things telling me that I need to get registered as soon as possible. Now, I understand that when you get engaged you get registered. But is registering for baby the thing to do? I am honestly not sure. If it would be useful for people then I'll register, but it seems a bit presumptuous. What are all of your thoughts.

Anne the Optimistic

I have been reading the Anne of Green Gables series lately. It is a fun, quick, easy, enchanting little read. I have always been a big fan of the movies. Something that I have noticed in the books is how Anne's character is completely optimistic. This is a character that never sees bad in people until they have proven that there is nothing else to see. She is endlessly happy, cheerful, and delighted in all the people and situations that she is put in. Because of this, Anne is able to influence people for good. I respect that. I am naturally a pessimist. I think I always have been. I am lucky to have married an optimist. But I think I would like to be more like Anne. Maybe in just a few ways. I think seeing good in people and situations could be a lot of fun. So, I'm going to start right now. I'm going to be thankful that I have a home. I'm going to not worry about if it sells or not. Instead, I'm just going to rejoice in the fact that either way, I will have a wonderful place to live. It's a very lofty goal. But, as long as I have books in the Anne series to read, I'll have plenty of motivation.

Hard Things

It is strange how things can be hard at one stage in your life, but then they later become easy and vice versa. For example, when I was young it was very difficult for me to read. I hated reading and had a horrible time learning how to read. Today, reading is one of the easier and more pleasurable things that I do.

It seems to me that many things in life can be hard, but they stay that way for only a while. This is not a rule, but seems to be a pattern that life takes. But, I have discovered that some things are always hard. They have been hard since the first time I did them, and they are still hard today. The thing I am thinking of, is how hard it is to spend time away from my husband. I had a crush on Ammon the first time I met him and all of our separations throughout the years were difficult. We didn't live in the same town until we were married. Since being married we have become very clingy to each other. I used to cry when Ammon would be away for a weekend to go to a track meet. It has always been hard for me to part with him.

Ammon is up in Montana this week. He is getting things ready for the job to start there. He is also finding us a suitable place to live. These are worthy goals and I'm so thankful that he was able to go to get things moving. But I hate having him gone. I miss him. No matter how short the period is, I simply do better with my Ammon close by. Being apart will always be a hard thing.

Now We Know

The question has been asked several times, "now that your house is for sale, where are you going?" But the problem was that we had no clue. Up until today. It looks like we are heading to Montana, at least for a few months. Ammon is managing a job up there and it has been decided that it would be easier for him to manage it while he is actually up there. So, around the first of May we will be packing up and heading to the great city of Helena, Montana. I've never lived in Montana, so this should be a fun adventure. We have no idea how long we will be there. But we should be back in Utah before this baby is due (on October 31st). When we return we will either move back into our current home if it has not sold, or we will purchase a new place. We don't know where that is going to be either. But I don't think it will be Provo if I can have my way. Hopefully we will be able to find the right place closer to Ammon's office, but we shall see. The future is full of surprises for us right now. But we are looking forward to a change of scene.

For Sale

Lawn ornaments are very popular among some groups. Recently Ammon and I have decided that we should get one. This is what we came up with. For Sale. That's right, we are officially selling our home. We love our home and will hate to leave it, but new things await and we are ready to greet them. So, if you know of anyone looking for a home in Provo, send them our way.

The Picture of Domestic Bliss

While it may not seem like a big deal to most accomplished women I know, it is a big deal when I make bread. I do cookies, candy, pie (occasionally), and brownies. I do not do bread products very often. It is a big deal when I do. I made bread today. Take that morning sickness; I'll show you who is going to rule the day.

As I was making bread my thoughts have been with another great bread baker. My dear Mother-in-law. This is a woman who does it all. Not only does she make delicious bread often, but she manages to be the most incredible mother, grandmother, and wife. All while keeping a career as an accountant. Today is her birthday. I find myself thinking of her today and hoping that I can someday learn to "do it all," like she does. I'm thankful for strong women in my life who show me a way that I can be. Maybe someday I'll bake bread regularly, but in the meantime, I'm glad that I know where fresh bread is always in abundance and know that I'm always welcome to it. Happy Birthday Coralee, you are an amazing person. I hope you have an amazing day.