This and that

I've been wanting to post all kinds of pictures, but there are always so many other things that need to be done and so little free time (case in point that Jamie JUST woke up from his nap and started crying, so I'm speed-typing this), that I've put it off.

On the fridge: I took careful note of what we lost and the price of each item, typed it up in Excel, made copies of receipts, etc. The manager told us that unfortunately the owners' policy is "this is what renters' insurance is for." But since we reported the problem so many times, she went to bat for us and got us $175 reimbursement. The food cost around $250-275, but she said usually people get nothing when something like that happens. So that will come off our rent next month.

Jamie turns 2 on FRIDAY! We're having a little party for him with our friends on Saturday, which should be fun.

And here's a pic of him with an early birthday present:

I don't like that you can't see his eyes, but otherwise adorable :)

I've been reading Fire of the Covenant by Gerald N. Lund, who wrote the Work and the Glory books. It's about the Martin and Willie handcart companies, and holy moley, it's so, so good. Another instance of never really thinking much about a "story" you hear a lot, and then realizing those were real people who had incredible faith and courage--not only those emigrants who went through the disaster coming over the plains, but those already in Utah who bravely and selflessly went out to save them and bring them in.

Sigh. So hard to describe, especially with a crying toddler in the background. You'll have to read it yourself. :)

One more thing:

Happy Birthday, Sam!!! :D