a real blog?

Obviously this blog has been dedicated to sharing our baby with anyone who enjoys chubby baby legs and smiles. After some discussion, Brian and I decided we could make this more than just a "baby baldwin" blog. After all she is becoming a toddler and sometimes even Brian and I have something to share other than our crazy cute baby. So consider this a family blog but don't worry it won't be much of a change - 99% pictures and videos of Ryanna and the occasional post to update the world on what Brian and I have been up to. So as a way to catch anyone up who may be lost I will now steal a portion of a recent email I sent my college roomies.

So here is our update. For any who had forgotten or never knew Brian works at the radio station on the morning show among other things and then teaches at the Jr. High from 11-3. The Jr High job is a rip off though because he isn't paid as a certified teacher. He is an "assistant" but it was a way to get his foot in the door.

3 months ago Brian's coworker was saying her daughter needed a reading tutor so he told her I could probably do it. We started the beginning of October and it has been wonderful! She is a 3rd grader who is convinced I am a genius when I point out things like "because you already know how to spell the words news and paper then you know how to spell newspaper." We meet twice a week for an hour each time. She got her first 100% on her spelling test and has done great every week.

About 5-6 weeks ago I heard that the newspaper needed writers. Actually it was during Saturday afternoon conference and Brian and I were talking about finances and I felt like maybe I could help...I wasn't sure how though. Then Brian mentioned how a guy in our ward covers the sports for the paper and how short staffed they were. I went in on Monday, submitted my first article on Friday and was hired the following Monday. I just work from home, email my articles to the editor, and send them a bill for my hours. I couldn't have a more flexible/easy job. I don't make a ton but everything makes a difference. Not to mention the people I have met and the fun it has been. I am currently working on a feature for Thanksgiving that should be on our website next week under the Expressions tab. www.vernal.com

Our big news today is Brian was offered a great job at the school district. He will be the CEPP Director. I don't know what CEPP stands for yet (Community Employement Placement Program)...but basically there is a program in the school district for the special needs students teaching them job skills and setting up jobs for them in the community. Brian will oversee the program, etc. That's all I know for now but we are soooo excited because he will make a lot more money and get great benefits - AND the radio station will work with his schedule so he'll still have that income.

We are feeling very blessed to say the least. Everything has worked out since we moved here and we feel at home! Something we never really felt in Provo as a married couple. Our greatest blessing of all is Ryanna. I have so much fun with her everyday and so does Brian. I am obsessed with taking pictures and videos. Just look at the blog-sheesh. I hope it's not like it was in my family - a million pics of the oldest and by the third.....zero. I think it is easier now than it was back then with digital cameras and all.

ANYWAY, I am making up for all the emails I haven't written in the last few months. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What are you all doing for the holidays? We are spending Thanksgiving at Brian's brother's home in Layton and going to Montana for Christmas. HOORAY!