Bastian tried out what we like to call "Preschool" the other day. It's really daycare, but he did learn a song and played with kids his own age for three hours. He really liked it and will be going back tomorrow to hear a guest dentist come in with his clown buddy to learn about brushing his teeth. Halelujah.
He's been sitting on the little toilet lately trying to push something out, but hasn't quite been successful yet. It's just nice to have him thinking about it man. I'm sick of changing poopy diapers that are so full they could be mine.
Lately he's taken to kissing our visible backs showing between our shirts and pants when we're bent over doing something. It's usually a full on slimy lick that has chunks of leftover chips or cereal. It's amazing how much less germ-a-phobic you become as you have kids and deal with puke, poop, slobber, and pee all day every day. Good times.

I think the industrialized world is moving in this direction and I wouldn't be at all surprised if your Church leaders started advocating this trend as well:

Valentine's Day today eh....hmm, what a weird holiday.

It was fun having Devin, Allison, Sam, Brad, Whitney, and Dixie out for a quick visit. They rolled in early and took a short nap before we all sat around the table for potatoes, eggs, and bacon. I went up to work for a little bit while they tried to catch up on a little more sleep, but Sam had different ideas, which meant that Allison suffered. After the others were rested, they went on a little tour of the place and then we went back down to the house for some Matzo Ball soup, mmm. I started up the oven outside so that we could make pizzas later while Devin sat in the truck with a sad Sam, so that Allison could attempt a little rest. Meanwhile, Alli made the sauce and talked to everyone about eating healthier until the oven was hot enough for the first pizza. We cooked four, medium to large pies that had all sorts of toppings on them depending on whose pizza it was. I shared with Dev. Whitney and Allison had their own and Rob and Brad shared a pie. Alli and Alex were not eating, but we cooked one for them anyway. That night we watched Across the Universe and crashed out until Betsy showed up unannounced to surprise Rob for Valentines Day. He cried.
That next morning, Allison hadn't slept a wink and was in desperate need, so they all decided on leaving early. It was great to have them! I'm so glad they came out. Little Sam is growing up fast and gave me a little reminder of what is to come....
5 1/2 months to go

Every Wednesday, Rob and I join Mark from across the way, in ditch digging. It's not the most fun I've ever had, but ranks right up there with painting over graffiti, playing Yahtzee, or reading the news. They're not all terrible things, and I do sort of take some joy in them, but not a lot. Well anyway, it snowed yesterday (rare), so Mark called up this morning and cancelled. Last week, Oliver helped us out.
Right now, Bastian is still in his bed playing with his toys. I'm trying to warm the house up. Rob is up on the hill working on his foundation. Alli and Alex are in bed (not together-weird).
Today, I'd like to weld up an expansion basin for a copper tubing heater that I'm making for an outside bench. We'll see how it goes. Also, there's a lot of cob to mix up and some more foundations to lay. Good times in Mayhill!

Wow, where did the week go? Hmm...
We had Betsy start off the visits last week and then Oliver arrived on Tuesday with Alex, Betsy's son. I've got POD, Post Oliver Depression. He had to leave last night, but we had a lot of good times for the four days he was here. Bastian led us all over the mountains here and at one point we even carried him to the top during a wind storm. Adventures. Good times.
Jess, Sarah, Wil and Allie (Wil's girlfriend), arrived Friday morning. It's great having them here. Bastian loves hanging out with new people. His parents are pretty boring.
Last night we had a couple of friends over, in addition to the company and we made pizzas in the mud oven. That thing is always entertainment. It gets everyone involved in the cooking, and sort of novelizes the process.
Alli and I are both really lucky. We had great birthdays and received a lot of kind words and well wishes over the last week. Thanks all!