Well, it's definitely been awhile since I last posted and you may (or may NOT) be wondering what evil schemes the Idaho branch of our family has been hatching in our absence. Here are some random snippets of information in no particular order:

For some reason, I got this brilliant idea to apply for graduate school, and it has pretty much been sucking any free time I had this past month into a vacuum of paperwork and tests...I think I am starting to remember why I was so ecstatic to "finish" school the last time. I just took the GRE on Saturday and it pretty much confirmed what I have always known about myself. My Language Arts skills are not bad, and my math skills are abysmal! Judging from my math scores, it is apparently a miracle that I can leave tips at restaurants, balance my check book, or even identify large numbers. I guess I should be in an institution somewhere drooling on myself. Thankfully, it is such a long test, that by the time you are done, you don't really care how well you did on it anymore, you are just happy that the torture has come to an end.

Laura and Emma are so funny! They are totally addicted to International Superstars of Dance. (Well, they will pretty much watch any show that involves dancing.) They are in the front room at this very moment cha-chaing, high kicking, and bowing profusely. There are enough twirling tu-tus in there to outfit an entire production of Swan Lake. Oh man, they are even making Tyler (who is wearing his Buzz Lightyear costume) be the judge. Warning: If you ever come over to our house, be prepared to be subjected to a very enthusiastic mini recital! I also have to quickly congratulate Emma on being a Challenger School Champion twice in January! Wow!

My brother Tim just got engaged to his lovely girlfriend Amanda! We are so excited for their wedding in April. They are a cute couple and I know they will be so happy together. It was fun watching you two play holiday duets over Christmas. (If I may be cheesy for a moment...) Now your new life together will be another beautiful and harmonious duet! (Okay, that's over. Sometimes I just can't edit myself fast enough and these things slip out. After all, I was voted the "cheesiest" person in my high school.) Welcome to the family, Amanda!

There was snow on the ground again when we woke up this morning. The weather here has been FREEZING!!!! We have lived here (on and off) for 7 years now and I cannot recall a colder, more snow-riddled winter. Laura's weather chart at school showed cloudy and foggy weather everyday this month, except one. Dreary winter days are getting a lot of people down, so I have to direct a bitter diatribe at my friends the Kents and Marriots who are basking in sunny 85 degree weather this week. You are also in trouble, Rance, for casually mentioning your trips to jog on the beach. Grrr... I don't know about the rest of you, but I am really starting to feel a little cooped up!

One of my adorable students at school recently raised her hand in class and told me, "you found yourself a good man, Miss Julie!" Boy is she right! It had nothing to do with the basic addition I was trying to teach at the time, but kid's have a way of zeroing in on the truth in the simplest ways. Rance, as Valentine's Day approaches and you are still so far away, I want you to know how lucky I consider myself to be your adoring wife!

Well that's all the news from the Idaho Pattersons. Hope it wasn't too soporific! Thanks for all the love and support, you wonderful friends and family! It has been fun reconnecting with all of you over the New Year.