Here comes May!

Here in Arizona!

So far I've learned several valuable lessons: 1) When oil gets hot enough it can set off smoke alarms. 2) Our hotel has really loud smoke alarms though Greg has proven that our condo's alarm system is just as deafening. 3) Broken ceramics are dangerous but don't guarantee cuts...at least not ones that need stitches. 4) Victoria doesn't seem to mind staying inside all day after a few days. 5) I'm not as adventurous as I used to be.

We're going to get settled soon. I'm allergic to the backyard in which the guesthouse resides so we've moved out of it and into an extended stay hotel. I bet we could do much good in the ward here in Tucson (more so than Sahuarita where the demographics would suggest less temporal needs.) Greg is looking forward to studying during the bus ride to work, which he wouldn't have if we were further south in the suburb of Sahuarita. But I would like a bigger freezer/fridge and an oven; I've already decided I can live without a pool if I have to. Marshall and Jani have some more friend's with a rental property Vicky and I visited. While it's in the district of the clubhouse, we won't have access to it (pools, fitness center, etc.) because we're renting for less than 4 months. But it would have an oven and full-sized fridge/freezer...We've been living off fast food for a few days and Greg especially hates it. Vicky doesn't seem to mind a daily ice cream or dose of french fries.

Wednesday night to celebrate Greg's completion of "jumping through the hoops" at work, we went to a local grocery store and bought ourselves a family meal in addition to some basic necessities. It was a wonderful idea of Greg's and now we have leftovers. Unfortunately the Fry's in Tucson is not too nice so if we do stay we'll have to find a better grocery store arrangement (and remember to go before Victoria's bedtime so she's happier.) We're mostly adjusted to the time zone change; because Arizona doesn't observe day light savings we are in the Pacific time zone & currently two hours ahead of IL! Victoria has been taking regular naps at the prescribed time and I'm praying it continues, because we both need a daily break from waiting to settle in.

Speaking of Victoria...

I must tell you about Victoria's newest word—it seems like there's a least one everyday now—little. initially I thought she was saying yellow ("yeh-oh") yesterday in the parking lot but she corrected me by repeating herself while pointing and then "tar (for car)." Last night it became as elaborate as "I little...car... something about see it." I've been telling her that she has to stay with Mom or Dad in parking lots because she is too little for the cars to see her, so she shouldn't run all over the place. She's also started learning that she has to sit in her car seat "because she is little." Who knew that size could be such a motivating factor?

Here's the month of May so far

In addition to house hunting we're wrapping up the details of our UT vacation at the end of June. Details are forthcoming.

Less than a week later...

In the spirit of Master Oogway: "There is only news." 1) Victoria seems cured of the chicken pox. 2) We've gotten to use the washer and dryer in our new condo twice thanks to her throwing up two to three times every twelve hours, and they work great. 3) I am done being sick and can eat more than crackers and water today: yea! 4) God created amazing bodies for each of His spirit children, and even at less than full strength, we can still do awesome things. 5) Jani Hart was inspired to lend us a waterproof mattress pad for the queen-sized bed we're borrowing from her and Marshall.

Last night Vicky said hungry and hot dog! The hot dog was not a good idea, but we all enjoyed watching "Wreck-it Ralph!" and eating pancakes made by Greg. It was a low-key family night and surprisingly rejuvenating. Vicky even tried to read about Alma and Ammon from the Book of Mormon. As much as she loves to read, she is excited to have ridiculously fast internet (25 megabits and at an affordable price, which makes Mom and Dad happy) so she can watch he beloved "Baby Newton: Discovering Shapes" and "Baby Einstein Numbers Nursery."