tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83781063345290726732024-03-04T21:03:49.833-07:00Tracy and Hanna FarrPlus Sophie, too!Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-83354318185186305722010-04-04T21:26:00.017-06:002010-04-04T23:06:46.901-06:00Happy Easter!<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Posted by Tracy</span></i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw5LehpX5W3Gxh5ZuprCmwIFK-9oS70MoVqUqk2nPn_UgGaBveqfhREceCoi07y5jWmr6wttJJIJsAVIsJbaOmr5524oWsjlZwmeXcJmZ6fgYGAjuw1KoywadY_JWTDBJfuzPck97_sLv/s1600/IMG_0920.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw5LehpX5W3Gxh5ZuprCmwIFK-9oS70MoVqUqk2nPn_UgGaBveqfhREceCoi07y5jWmr6wttJJIJsAVIsJbaOmr5524oWsjlZwmeXcJmZ6fgYGAjuw1KoywadY_JWTDBJfuzPck97_sLv/s200/IMG_0920.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456513125687727330" /></a>Well, it appears that the mandatory 6-month no-post-period has gone by, which means that we owe the world another update. Conveniently, Today is Easter--so we have plenty to talk about. There is also a lot going on! I will do another post tomorrow about the family's updated plans, career movements, and happenings. This post will, like the rest of the universe, revolve primarily around Sophie.<br /><br />Sophie sure has grown up a lot lately; and it's understandable seeing as she turned two years old about three weeks ago! Far gone are the days of getting excited simply about new words and dance moves. These days she's spouting mini-speeches and choreographing entirely new Disney Princess Medleys. She's daily trying to master the art of manipulating her parents through rehearsed crying and "I need it" routines. And it appears she is increasingly cunning. She is daily discovering new ways of throwing increasingly crazed fits and determined to never agree with her parents. However, Sophie would argue that the terrible-two's symptoms are getting more airtime here than truly deserved, and she'd probably be right. The chaos and fits come with an opposite, and arguably more frequent, trend: Sophie can be sweeter and kinder than parents can endure dry-eyed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUVuQzlld2DJq6_BNteUIwGxfEvD1usxriaFrB26-cPTtWnbN1-2S5GNOH_XxWKyspe2OqfaGsf9rU3VAdvMhkGn3v0zd8BodvlzfLXN9YNprhiMdhZaoNd-J-zuxET9qk_EnzJQXYm6U/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUVuQzlld2DJq6_BNteUIwGxfEvD1usxriaFrB26-cPTtWnbN1-2S5GNOH_XxWKyspe2OqfaGsf9rU3VAdvMhkGn3v0zd8BodvlzfLXN9YNprhiMdhZaoNd-J-zuxET9qk_EnzJQXYm6U/s200/IMG_0937.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456513516746580018" /></a>Sophie (at moments) has such a gift for caring about others. If she sees that you are sad, she will immediately drop what she is doing and attend to your needs. She enjoys helping others so much and has really blossomed around others. We are pretty sure that the Nursery at Church is a huge part of this, and Sophie loves her Nursery class, classmates, and teachers. She has made many friends at church and around the neighborhood, and seems to be doing quite well with others. We think she knows that her parents will love her no matter what; which may be fueling the fits mentioned above. Regardless, Sophie is a huge blessing in our lives and we are so proud with how she is developing and learning. She can sing and recite the entire alphabet, sing several Disney princess songs, pray for all of her friends, and completed her first term of swimming lessons. Her language is amazing. Evidence? Today she was blowing bubbles outside and saw an ant, to whom she shouted, "Hello buggy! Come over here! I'm gonna blow bubbles for you now." She may have accidentally murdered the ant in a fit of compassion and excitement, but we're pretty sure that ant felt really special up until that point.<br /><br />But yes: Sophie is two now, and she had quite the party to celebrate it. Hanna, in a display of motherly love I wish the whole world could have seen, was determined to make Sophie's birthday truly special. I think Hanna will be doing a post specifically about Sophie's Birthday Party soon - so I won't go into details. But there was a multitude of friends, more cake than is healthy, and more balloons than are ever necessary. It was a beautiful day and we all had a blast. Look forward to Hanna's post!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujL8k4njFT3ENY0hPnzi8ryUJ0WJ-rahXI5XcxQvWLxGUBLwCzZGHFch8fuEgmcX8f2enIqrRgOhdcnxy7o9a8IXMgMp94FDUt2QOb8BP2WrzhDndENUT8A_F7KeFvI4JaqPvC18G-i_n/s1600/IMG_0920.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2a0toaduX5Mof9gm8qAWR2rglUJuVTbEBt-Cghuw3Hdeh8ZI7VcDUVr40QUJWzmK-SZpUkYgfgw4cBvojHpxsmPQXT9jCqnCtkEe2wQAoyCBW83gFUin1ecyltAbtFo2q5yf7aZAk3Eo/s1600/IMG_0927.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2a0toaduX5Mof9gm8qAWR2rglUJuVTbEBt-Cghuw3Hdeh8ZI7VcDUVr40QUJWzmK-SZpUkYgfgw4cBvojHpxsmPQXT9jCqnCtkEe2wQAoyCBW83gFUin1ecyltAbtFo2q5yf7aZAk3Eo/s200/IMG_0927.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456511530388362882" /></a>Today was a special day, too. Easter has always been a big deal, but Sophie really converted to the idea just today. Chocolate was arguably the leading factor in her recent conversion. Regardless, Sophie is now a fan of Easter. Hanna (again determined to make each and every day an adventure) made sure that Sophie had a beautiful Easter basket loaded with presents and surprises. She demanded that we let her wear her new pink tutu swimsuit, gleefully oblivious to the snow we received on Easter morning (it's supposed to be a Spring Holiday, right?).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMLnWYeOYW-HlEieujlI1jsst5HXQZIbIIqAauLixTCfYaWM0BM39hWqfVOS2pVqrFOR9e2FYmV1be4vOABb1EVomV-n-57Bhps1KAhRe_5_YCle_BC4UpE15n4eigAFHfgY1x1jeQTHZ/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMLnWYeOYW-HlEieujlI1jsst5HXQZIbIIqAauLixTCfYaWM0BM39hWqfVOS2pVqrFOR9e2FYmV1be4vOABb1EVomV-n-57Bhps1KAhRe_5_YCle_BC4UpE15n4eigAFHfgY1x1jeQTHZ/s200/IMG_0941.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456514719885316722" /></a>Anyway, our day consisted of watching General Conference, Sleeping Beauty, Dying Easter eggs, and going for a walk to the park. Sophie got to make a couple eggs all by herself, and actually did a pretty decent job. Of course, in her words, hard-boiled eggs are "squishy and disgusting". But she sure didn't mind painting them! Our little family had quite a day today and it will be one we are unlikely to forget. But before I wander from the key topic of this post (Sophie, of course), let's give you a video of her discovering her basket...<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nDZ2fUaxY9w&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nDZ2fUaxY9w&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br /><br />It is hard to believe that Hanna and I visited Utah over five years ago when trying to decide whether to come out to BYU or not - Time sure does fly by. Anyway, I hope that everyone out there was able to enjoy a wonderful Easter Sunday! I know that we sure did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ylz_ynyZdCNX2G0JDBflSdK0KFRlnivJwXTBMjSsEwBEk7Ub2YuPvM2Xc931u_x1qVUWWoACzHgHRRFRfKFHugynZsHL0gJcgeSqQAfRCGg7bnKH58TrVLYlGBQPfxD4gvyOQEAEHKzb/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ylz_ynyZdCNX2G0JDBflSdK0KFRlnivJwXTBMjSsEwBEk7Ub2YuPvM2Xc931u_x1qVUWWoACzHgHRRFRfKFHugynZsHL0gJcgeSqQAfRCGg7bnKH58TrVLYlGBQPfxD4gvyOQEAEHKzb/s400/IMG_0949.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456513990476618610" /></a>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-4127395517020604182009-11-22T20:07:00.010-07:002009-11-22T21:47:16.638-07:00A Time of Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Tracy</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">It has been a long time since we last updated our blog, but with the Holidays fast approaching I felt it was important to put out an update on what has been going on. I also thought that it would be a nice time to share some of the things that I am thankful for. The idea came from a recent video that a co-worker shared with me called "In the Spirit of Thanksgiving" in which random people on the streets of New York City share a variety of grateful responses to one simple question: "What are you thankful for?"</span></i></span></div><br /><center><object width="360" height="223"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tuwid8_O8dk&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tuwid8_O8dk&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="360" height="223"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So I thought I might try and put together a small list of things that I am thankful for:</div><div><ul><li>A loving, beautiful, and brilliant wife: Hanna never ceases to amaze me with her hard work and passion for life. Whether it is keeping to her gym schedule when I tempt her plenty to just stay home, or how she is such a talented mother -- I am so very grateful that she loves me. Hanna is the motivation for just about everything I do and she pushes me to be better. I am grateful for her love, her beautiful voice, her smiles when I am down, and her encouragement when I tire. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.</li><li>A beautiful, smart, funny, and healthy little daughter: Sophie is joy, curiosity, and imagination wrapped up in human form. I love her. I am more and more proud of her every day! She is my hope for the world. I couldn't leave the world with a greater gift than her joyful and loving spirit.</li><li>Wonderful family: Hanna and I have been so very blessed to have great parents, siblings, grandparents, and on and on. We are surrounded by examples of hard work, integrity, faith, kindness, humor, and love. </li><li>Parents of faith and understanding: I am grateful for parents that raised me to believe in something beyond myself. I am grateful that they have taught me to be understanding of others and yet find joy in my own beliefs. They are great examples in my life. My father taught me everything I know about hard work and duty to family. He is my hero. My mother is my rock of faith and a beacon of optimism in a very pessimistic world. She inspires me.</li><li>Country of opportunity: I am so grateful to live in a land of freedom. I love the debate and passion that drives this country. While things aren't perfect, I am still proud to be an American. I am certainly grateful for the troops that defend the freedoms I enjoy!</li><li>A full education: I love <a href="http://www.byu.edu/webapp/home/index.jsp">BYU</a>. I am so grateful for the opportunities it has given me. The professors there are among the greatest people I know. My time at BYU has opened so many doors and opportunities for Hanna and me. The <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/macc/">Accounting program</a> especially has changed my life forever and taught me much more than debits and credits. </li><li>Job security: I am grateful to have a job at <a href="http://www.novell.com/home/">Novell</a> that I love and enjoy. I am grateful for the job opportunities which have opened up for Hanna and me. I am especially grateful to kind recruiters and selfless professionals from all the accounting firms which went beyond their normal duties to help me.</li><li>Faith and hope: I am especially grateful for my faith and my beliefs. I love my faith in God. I know that not everyone believes in God, but I am grateful for the way that my beliefs encourage me - the way they make me a better husband, father, son, and brother. </li><li>The small things: I am thankful for many of the little things which make this world a better place: Juice, Indiana Jones, Excel Spreadsheets, the Steelers, Shoes, Warm Showers, Cars, Gandalf and Hobbits, Smartphones that tie my shoes and everything in between, Planes, Craisins, Honey, Electricity, Plumbing, Pillow-top Mattresses, Email, and Fruit Snacks.... Just to name a few.</li></ul><div>In other news... I thought it would be nice to update everyone on the recent happenings in our lives. Hanna has been busy at the gym and of course always busy with Sophie. Remarkably, Hanna has turned out to be quite the cook lately. She has really been trying to spice up our home meals and I am learning that she has been hiding or neglecting a valuable talent!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sophie has been a busy girl as well. She learned how to jump into piles of leaves, count to 10, play in her kitchen (thanks yaya) and is now going to nursery at church. She loves playing with other kids and seems to be on top of the world. Hanna and Sophie will be heading back East for the Christmas Holiday while I stay in Provo to catch up on work. However, we are looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving Week and have plenty of time to plan some fun family events.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I am staying busy with Novell, working as a Teaching Assistant for an <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/marriottmag/summer09/features/feature03.cfm">Accounting Research professor</a>, and school. However, things have calmed down a bit recently. I participated in <a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/xtreme/index.jhtml">PwC's xTax competition</a> again this year (my fourth and final time participating), and our team won first place at BYU! I was very excited and we should find out soon if we make it to Nationals. I also finally ended a very long saga of recruiting and signed an offer with <a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/index.jhtml">PwC</a> in New York City in their <a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/financial-instruments-and-credit/index.jhtml">Financial Instruments and Credit Group</a>. I was very impressed with the group there and am excited to begin my career with such talented professionals. So it will be off to New York City sometime next Summer! While everything isn't nailed down quite yet, and changes to our final plans are still possible, we are already getting excited about the move!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Well, I know it was only a small update, but I hope that everyone reading this is doing well. May your Holiday season be one of joy, safety, and great memories with family and friends. Hanna and I have been so very blessed over our years in Provo, Utah and I hope that everyone can take a moment to consider their blessings - What are you thankful for?</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kHCbkYAC4An8loV_vw7N-6gU_uz5ms9uMjenc4YxTmW3r-P6TQ5-K1woUtYg-lrxBjiNDguJhh_XLjN4laGLx11jmzT0ATP0KwjHMz-UGigdcVAINiWrpXguJDOR_IRo870P0VLQ2Mq7/s400/Sophie+in+Leaves.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407153344284604370" /></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-79184923428783823002009-09-07T14:00:00.026-06:002009-09-07T15:26:19.903-06:00Summer at YaYa and PapPap's<div align="left"><i><span style="font-size:78%;">Posted by Tracy</span></i><br /><br />Now that I have access to my laptop and the other pictures which were scattered over a summer of craziness, I thought it would be nice to post a more detailed review of our stay at YaYa and PapPap's (Hanna's Parents). First of all, I would just remind everyone out there to always double check the date on your plane tickets. Hanna and I got quite the surprise after planning on leaving on a Saturday afternoon but realizing Thursday night that we actually left the next morning. I'm sure the story will be funny enough to tell after a few more months. It is still too near to me for humor... </div><div align="left"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSl0vPMCwMIMMiujRpPvqW3V6IdhlX0jfBHrpNg6Hzg5kWeQu5mgqr9R_Xqi1SK8TSU0oAoV1iXdUXN63mmJyvrA9AXrClqcq6cy_27W5_QAuo8cY-uVwr8IMXRnLhmwNqklhHbXu18Wi/s1600-h/P7170057.JPG"></a><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6PCn4g4DM-65wBs8fXZtBjo-wzSW2BTkPxdLz_SiFqmRL4CTpdftYoeWEPHOMqhroHA-85ghMKTUjkY5_vqXdoL1agnR2E97ov1hjynVnvAQmOuae0JkOaTR9dETyLXoqOjB_6Emn8hx/s1600-h/P7170057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378837746509464258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6PCn4g4DM-65wBs8fXZtBjo-wzSW2BTkPxdLz_SiFqmRL4CTpdftYoeWEPHOMqhroHA-85ghMKTUjkY5_vqXdoL1agnR2E97ov1hjynVnvAQmOuae0JkOaTR9dETyLXoqOjB_6Emn8hx/s200/P7170057.JPG" border="0" /></a>Somehow we made it to Pittsburgh and made our way down to the Frazier homestead - what we would call home for the next 2 months. All I can say is that I will never forget the opportunity to stay with Hanna's parents over the summer. They were the very best of hosts and I couldn't have been happier to see Sophie playing with her grandparents all day long. Sophie still seems to be walking around the house looking for YaYa and PapPap - hoping they'll pop out to play with her. I will treasure those 2 months for years to come and although things didn't work out with the firm I worked for over the summer, I will never regret going there to have a summer of fun with family. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Rather than give a detailed written account, I think it might just be easier to tell our summer story through pictures (with a caption here or there). So here goes:<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExevZe1RKjqcaCsA0NGJZ8XvlEKBfpsm84Ms4ZNNt5c8IVBgvxgAVDLQKVBoXKNJM_QTkR02i884C2c8zqDL16oC44KqUaGqjHVuhRUUyy5TQ2ybpndy84AEfw6HqKEVNJs3NFsBIvTFA/s1600-h/P6140178.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378825580980191922" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExevZe1RKjqcaCsA0NGJZ8XvlEKBfpsm84Ms4ZNNt5c8IVBgvxgAVDLQKVBoXKNJM_QTkR02i884C2c8zqDL16oC44KqUaGqjHVuhRUUyy5TQ2ybpndy84AEfw6HqKEVNJs3NFsBIvTFA/s200/P6140178.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFWVMkUFvT9OseasN9TP6zOQfxTYeRI1WjP0ugsF9CmJtb7-zR0v3c6D3Hg5FMsEZXf4s2apnHK42sgAIseY_NUjcI-PM2Vi5JzDhSKRdkbX5QroeyKDXb-ngMAaGzf7R8p0ORudRPBhF/s1600-h/P6140179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378825857267456034" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFWVMkUFvT9OseasN9TP6zOQfxTYeRI1WjP0ugsF9CmJtb7-zR0v3c6D3Hg5FMsEZXf4s2apnHK42sgAIseY_NUjcI-PM2Vi5JzDhSKRdkbX5QroeyKDXb-ngMAaGzf7R8p0ORudRPBhF/s200/P6140179.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Hanna's parents put up a wonderful gate so Sophie could play on the porch.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378827345890898946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-F6hDHwv3sDQGEj_lvcYxAfq4Uz0ILNmAXOgsKMsSwhQx5dk6CULkie7iVIStkkB1QsttFqCN4UDGRleW5sfrl6VlT4xj8vgBqxHiTC-e-TbkyPhtsSSCHMrmQelDQh-rYkCvHopzk0S/s400/P7130033.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378828335171516274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaV9YyW-3RKFgVzeKKENr9dA6oGkXNxBE08XRdZcQl6R8etlSP5CzYSNY5F-wtmjcrUVf5RCkrXYO5BR0Mav3kfLxSNuOXbdmjyE4M4PK8UwiDePFQJOGFhL5VkJQbjovE9N9WVJcLewt/s400/P7130024.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">They practically re-did the entire backyard to make a kid's paradise. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378829547211282274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EH69zORvAf80vBuqOmrjs50317VSELMNVqhl-oQybNt337WkFD1qthAdJPyi28uHBfyZFwpIO8BdXUal-yG0WYZxOAauD-TOD2nX5OgZFfnYa0XHElZ5-BrxoQq-_8S5nOhOYFi9-ETl/s400/P7130015.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjkNwAVf_dZZVTvSddq1djX3EMaAtvkY0gfqeNhJYeUI6wGfcsB6G9n8YzbwtdlL_KWdxdPAZjihQqlpdUNXNNL9rIHhZNyu0wRmMUZ_hLtqVJihyv1bAncl4aGJUPWUxzvtea_wXuzBD/s1600-h/P6190209.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378830680736841378" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjkNwAVf_dZZVTvSddq1djX3EMaAtvkY0gfqeNhJYeUI6wGfcsB6G9n8YzbwtdlL_KWdxdPAZjihQqlpdUNXNNL9rIHhZNyu0wRmMUZ_hLtqVJihyv1bAncl4aGJUPWUxzvtea_wXuzBD/s200/P6190209.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0Bd7wcAikCV8LPGFV7IsySokgo1S2MNmwEdZ6m1A8_8TVPs2cbU0DD7Qohl1ATFynS4uxAsVzaWrQQhZJIVHfjzVQQG74NT1dHPrtctAY5ClW_OErxpApJ6QSBkGkuS0UebpvGftlJig/s1600-h/P6190207.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378830992837772866" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0Bd7wcAikCV8LPGFV7IsySokgo1S2MNmwEdZ6m1A8_8TVPs2cbU0DD7Qohl1ATFynS4uxAsVzaWrQQhZJIVHfjzVQQG74NT1dHPrtctAY5ClW_OErxpApJ6QSBkGkuS0UebpvGftlJig/s200/P6190207.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center">And what would a summer be without bubbles!? </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378833614295836002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOl6txckco2rI70tJlCUxZZrFh4V7-Rq1qbWHvTLlZr3VMVq_0BYAKmpE0i5vIDdafrp-jf_cDmDrKa7-IoZk_usYr0ZhgZXj-aaZ4IKlTk3WssFtQY5KiZ4TJpalhLx9EwB1sCc2q_qt/s400/P6210251.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFszkgALOUIgCRcTJwSKgX9F0iGn_oGACRlBtN2tjvuKBpTmsedp1PjfcWfvQGYt51n8yjtBH7AoEfqJXedDMBFGPQH183z_N2cBS7VmIzmKzKUV8emfpsipcXSqZCoXxx88uAaSskFj2d/s1600-h/P6210248.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378834033084100978" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFszkgALOUIgCRcTJwSKgX9F0iGn_oGACRlBtN2tjvuKBpTmsedp1PjfcWfvQGYt51n8yjtBH7AoEfqJXedDMBFGPQH183z_N2cBS7VmIzmKzKUV8emfpsipcXSqZCoXxx88uAaSskFj2d/s200/P6210248.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UIFi6AVWkUdWyA8UPlWnU8qrsMIUUivqBmVTit671oO344KxElRAu74NPQGO_sjaQLWUdmE6hycKfOe2bYvfJ1_iGuRdyXvL3Ksp5OXxHudgwzkPYqTv0S-MoPulVHV7P705ZN6K9KRw/s1600-h/P6210249.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378834172361884866" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UIFi6AVWkUdWyA8UPlWnU8qrsMIUUivqBmVTit671oO344KxElRAu74NPQGO_sjaQLWUdmE6hycKfOe2bYvfJ1_iGuRdyXvL3Ksp5OXxHudgwzkPYqTv0S-MoPulVHV7P705ZN6K9KRw/s200/P6210249.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378834322718333842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyxKbGFsS0guEen-QqJ63xrRbqV0TwYo1eL2X1kDBNxStgyQGePZScp9qb3sxHPJhUMlSBHq1iQx__H2egbEeq6GbE5HQimMUGMosAEHwEbD9K0PMnPkw4iEbO9dxmfRGV5UocbxILYHJ/s400/P6210254.JPG" border="0" /><br />YaYa even made a "My Pap is a Survivor" shirt for Sophie when we went to the Cancer Walk.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378836058417662898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhu_qnKKJA4XS-wxcr8eT9b302Vtw6L6cfNWdjtFGNxC6hPtwro9u5SuwrYgPMVrCAPbk2PVtI2SccljFQN2XLTjFlYyB93HeVGxgAg0g9yeLsTTPDwRhCnVThNDJWuELWaHPcxyIHI_p/s400/P8080179.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Sophie sure did enjoy feeding the ducks at YaYa and PapPap's.<br /></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">While there are hundreds of more pictures and stories I wish I could tell, a blog isn't exactly the easiest way to share photos. Hopefully, I'll get around to updating and organizing our Flickr page eventually. Until then, I hope that from these pictures you'll get a sampling of what it would be like to spend the summer at YaYa and PapPap's. For indeed, it is a grand life and joy afterall. </span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378837140856581842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFEKWxPH63sAd3HBsiDpipRHXHSr8_jnfTZQPbHYVDaZuCCpAh0LaARV3HmZHI4_-4Fm3uFWVkQ8ynOIEHwNybHtDGVQDAm76u87UTzkZBU1pBoBCloIRCFZNDNOWh3EsLTn8axcRzYIA/s400/P6190204.JPG" border="0" /></span>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-2357410651684339772009-09-06T12:59:00.016-06:002009-09-06T14:08:30.645-06:00Summer of Memories<div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Posted by Tracy</em></span><br /><br />I'd love to be able to say that I am turning over a new leaf and that this blog will stay updated. However, I've built a reputation as crying wolf in that regard, and I'm not so sure there are enough leaves out there for me to keep this up. Perhaps I'm trying to turn over the whole forest, but nevertheless, I apologize for the long absence. In those fateful words: "We'll try to do better this time."<br /></div><div align="left">I just wanted to be able to update everyone on what we have been up to lately. As many of you already know, we were able to go back home to Pittsburgh over the summer while I worked in an internship with <a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/index.jhtml">PricewaterhouseCoopers</a>. Not only was the internship a wonderful experience, we were also able to stay with Hanna's family; which was a wonderful opportunity for Hanna and Sophie to spend time with "YaYa and PapPap". It was amazing to see all the things that Sophie learned over the summer.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxZsk-rqLbIqR00Zk744xlrL81AkdxYPqUVuCGw_EIVpR4LZWXaBRTwRCnViGnqPt7CY-Erg98cBcVBclGPDg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(Sophie showing off at YaYa and PapPap's)</span></em></div><div align="left"><br />Although the internship did not end up with us receiving an offer to work in Pittsburgh full-time next year, it was a great experience. I'll post an update on that front soon - but it looks like we may end up further east than originally planned (in D.C., NYC, or maybe Conneticut?). Either way, it will be nice to be closer to family: Nana, GrandPierre (?), YaYa, PapPap, and the rest of the gang. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN7DLFvidJ5BGKvKgR_KKG3Cua3inzUu3Qc2nuEOvDMohfyAhjGN-SwYlPb70AziJvfp38NTYWwo5cdC5dVog_zpFnInheHbhLBCMjV4g599xgP7zwQUATt0FmNlYB9dCV1vBVuxQ08Xm/s1600-h/P8110051.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378443991181787522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN7DLFvidJ5BGKvKgR_KKG3Cua3inzUu3Qc2nuEOvDMohfyAhjGN-SwYlPb70AziJvfp38NTYWwo5cdC5dVog_zpFnInheHbhLBCMjV4g599xgP7zwQUATt0FmNlYB9dCV1vBVuxQ08Xm/s200/P8110051.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvmIgIjNs-lty34kJHltKp8zZ8WphzPcIgUI043aobZJvgeZtGPHlRe5DYC4vTPIlL70hFaK4bZSqGMfGiiAjrqVB4d-AuxuhBzgTSV_vZ0T5wVtOyl4v84EHdpmwfT5Xr-DKTP5g4OcJ/s1600-h/P8110041.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378444269826067938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvmIgIjNs-lty34kJHltKp8zZ8WphzPcIgUI043aobZJvgeZtGPHlRe5DYC4vTPIlL70hFaK4bZSqGMfGiiAjrqVB4d-AuxuhBzgTSV_vZ0T5wVtOyl4v84EHdpmwfT5Xr-DKTP5g4OcJ/s200/P8110041.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="left">In more recent news, Hanna has been very busy lately taking care of Sophie and somehow managing to make a "Home" out of the ridiculous schedule I maintain. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxvoks1fWvB9DJaIFpo_7LtmXCL93en-RPW0Lf7q5PcS6vnVJtQ4QnBKrNe7nTSaTa4h16s8C_4bOlQGCcRp6Do32W912miiDYBdwONbQEUtyOnImWNxys8rLo6wQBvA6qIYiJxgLjwVt/s1600-h/P8280170.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378434717287825298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxvoks1fWvB9DJaIFpo_7LtmXCL93en-RPW0Lf7q5PcS6vnVJtQ4QnBKrNe7nTSaTa4h16s8C_4bOlQGCcRp6Do32W912miiDYBdwONbQEUtyOnImWNxys8rLo6wQBvA6qIYiJxgLjwVt/s200/P8280170.JPG" /></a>Hanna does an excellent job though and keeps things in order just long enough for Sophie or me to mess it all up again. She really is the glue that holds the whole operation together. Although she hasn't been able to work 'officially' for quite some time now, she has been rather good about taking a few clients and working out of the house. She ends up having a hair appointment pretty frequently that way, and it is always great to see her doing something she is so gifted at. </div><div align="left"><br />Beyond 'holding down the fort', Hanna has been infected with some kind of passion and vigor about this final year in Provo being "The Year". She is determined to make good on our many "we should go/do..." discussions and has been arranging my schedule accordingly. Armed with her gym membership, friends, maps, and lists; she is out to make our final year in Utah a truly spectacular one. I've caught myself wondering when I traded in my wife for a motivational speaker; but it is exciting to have her by my side - often leading the way to fun and adventure. It's hard to keep up with her these days, even though she did just turn 26! *hides*</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378436505575619538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-BhC0bbDTNdfaPF0bFyZY2CzgEVkNovE-E_MJUeZPD0aYp65BfWLM8Lq92cYWXZTUQ1dYV5VgzhrHizX_kQMlLKGxoA-Y9A2-w2v2jC0i-FoK63FKXaCZe1Pa76iOCjs1JzAE2mKLy7G/s400/P9050178.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsGHOLptETIIv_ZQOIEEFTHinHNjW8vgGWyIVTu19j-QpyLCDcDS2KjxcBsxVII5oV1eSRTGEo2aAKpp4SsNZgbopdg7Q6814LMH54SuGvgHJBK4YU6A53jhyphenhyphen7CpFy-JwTJM2wabUSQIz/s1600-h/P8180108.JPG"></a><br />Sophie has been very busy. As seen in the video above, she has learned so very much. Thanks to Hanna, she is learning all her colors, numbers, shapes, and words - surpassing all of our expectations. She came with quite an attitude attached to her when she showed up in our lives and it has been a blessing to watch this ball of passion pave her way in life.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378439828126838834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi7aVTY0mVcjvGhw592_MdqEQrgs5C1so2-bnjQ96I6gQJWlthd70NR-mHN5BrhXV16D0FIjZmqhrC_cpg5SRSS9JJhKMdxQJLvb-_WI8vqO6JeykhsQObguNSJQN3OkVU8SMqOVw1AI3/s400/P8180107.JPG" />As for me, it is back to work and <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/macc/">school</a> as usual. I have a very busy year ahead of me, but I am thrilled and excited with the opportunities that have come up. Even though things didn't work out with PwC in Pittsburgh, a number of even better opportunities (career-wise that is) have come flooding in our way. Hopefully we will know soon where it is exactly that we will be moving to. (I say that laughing while Hanna looks at me with 'that look')<br /><br />I will still be working at <a href="http://www.novell.com/home/">Novell Inc.</a> in the Internal Audit group for the next year, and will be trying to put in around 35 hours a week there. They have given me wome wonderful projects and it has been a great blessing in our lives that the job at Novell worked out. I've taken on a second job this year again (last year I worked as a Research Assistant for some accounting professors), and will be working with a <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/marriottmag/summer09/features/feature03.cfm">Professor Wilks</a> as a Teaching Assistant for his graduate Accounting Research class. It is truly an honor to work with such a respected scholar in the accounting world and I am excited to be working on the class. Of course there is always school mixed in there, and with another 18 credits this semester, it is hard to ignore. However, the classes I am taking are extremely interesting and I look forward to all the learning which my brain is about to experience.<br /><br />All in all, Hanna and I (and Sophie) are looking forward to a wonderful year out here in the mountains. We have loved being here and will surely miss it when we're gone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsGHOLptETIIv_ZQOIEEFTHinHNjW8vgGWyIVTu19j-QpyLCDcDS2KjxcBsxVII5oV1eSRTGEo2aAKpp4SsNZgbopdg7Q6814LMH54SuGvgHJBK4YU6A53jhyphenhyphen7CpFy-JwTJM2wabUSQIz/s1600-h/P8180108.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378445507242471474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsGHOLptETIIv_ZQOIEEFTHinHNjW8vgGWyIVTu19j-QpyLCDcDS2KjxcBsxVII5oV1eSRTGEo2aAKpp4SsNZgbopdg7Q6814LMH54SuGvgHJBK4YU6A53jhyphenhyphen7CpFy-JwTJM2wabUSQIz/s200/P8180108.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2ccx9KqRam-TBX-CoGAP2L44jZdlxHJHCO99RLYHttFonNMeY4dAXWr1oW6CtBeJTqZUIX_5VQ3-PtoVSN33QHBPJjAF2ww6lOB2sZW8E_RKjBUVX3qNegNA8A-12bQcbGNe0jPoDgxz/s1600-h/P8180116.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378445983066289106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2ccx9KqRam-TBX-CoGAP2L44jZdlxHJHCO99RLYHttFonNMeY4dAXWr1oW6CtBeJTqZUIX_5VQ3-PtoVSN33QHBPJjAF2ww6lOB2sZW8E_RKjBUVX3qNegNA8A-12bQcbGNe0jPoDgxz/s200/P8180116.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vV3aF3SXTthRoeVJkMqeCFD_lpDDgOSnar8dRp1T6VWo0tBp6qN2QgXspJD9buGC_8V4oxYPBc7U_UCZ0O_phjHdlR3_IC3EYVQSBFqcs1XLX4SYC3GLNpIZ3y7ZNQ4WMcKuZ5NmZM9A/s1600-h/P8180092.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378445753882517858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vV3aF3SXTthRoeVJkMqeCFD_lpDDgOSnar8dRp1T6VWo0tBp6qN2QgXspJD9buGC_8V4oxYPBc7U_UCZ0O_phjHdlR3_IC3EYVQSBFqcs1XLX4SYC3GLNpIZ3y7ZNQ4WMcKuZ5NmZM9A/s200/P8180092.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We hope all is well with you (whoever you are - I'm not sure if anyone reads this after all our 'crying wolf'). We hope to get better at the internet communication and socializing - joining ranks with the 21st century. God bless!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378445355270481970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPhu-Zzr4z15l_zxnexerBDFvjQ52ZJFG0ypsM3vMN6h5Pee6uotjkPWW6hDRY3nOg7LfG-KwvCZ2wSa5fhDRwsX-nBhcFMDapn3AfC-l7WE3t-eirz50_YU0NJKHYOX-4q8Q_AfZezNv/s400/P8110021.JPG" />Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-21405618647948729882009-04-14T21:59:00.007-06:002009-04-16T08:40:32.525-06:00Some Late Thoughts on Easter<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Posted by Tracy</em></span><br /><br />I wish I would have posted this earlier, but I really wanted to share a couple thoughts on this wonderful, Holy day that we have all just experienced.<br /><br />Easter is much more than the Easter Bunny and egg hunts. It is more than the greetings of Spring or the rebirth of the world from the grips of Winter. Easter is a symbol of the Rebirth we all may experience through one who is greater than us all. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, suffered and died that we might all live on through Him. Easter is about remembering that selfless sacrifice and finding renewed life in the Son of God. For we were all lost and could not be saved less an ultimate sacrifice was made.<br /><br />"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him..." <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/heb/5/9#9">[Heb. 5:9]</a><br /><br />I recently saw this video on the web, and really enjoyed it's message. I hope you enjoy it and enjoy this Spring season!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="248"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="248"></embed></object><br /><br />Truly He is the resurrection, and the life; and whosoever believeth in Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live. May we live on then in the remembrance of Him.Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-29480388913115341452009-04-08T11:37:00.002-06:002009-04-08T11:44:38.149-06:00Update on Sophie's Sleeping<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><br />I forgot to update everyone about how Sophie was doing going to sleep by herself. Thanks for your comments reminding me. I'll make this a short one, but at least update you on the good news.<br /><br />About 4-5 days ago, things really started to get better with putting Sophie down to bed. If you do the math, that means it probably took us a little over a week to get Sophie used to falling asleep by herself. While that week was hardly "fun", it was worth it. Sophie began to be able to fall asleep after about 10 minutes of crying with one or two visits by Hanna or I to calm her down. We wouldn't take her out of her crib, but simply reassure her that we were there and that she should go to sleep. <br /><br />The good news? The past three days, Sophie has been able to fall asleep within 5 minutes of being put into her crib! This is also without any visits from Mom or Dad. In fact, the past two nights, she's fallen asleep in about 2-3 minutes. Sometimes she turns on her Winnie-the-Pooh toy (which is in her crib) so she can fall asleep to the music, but she seems to be doing that even less lately.<br /><br />So, to all the parents dreading the experience: It was aweful, but worth it. Sophie is happier. We are happier. Our neighbors are certainly happier. <br /><br />Hope everyone is doing well!Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-40150853392616953702009-04-07T20:46:00.006-06:002009-04-07T20:57:52.912-06:00Letter to Myself<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Hanna</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><strong>A Note from Hanna as of March 25, 2009:<br /></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAoeRMwWpUjC_C436li4yT0ytgCQmLola2elCk_TpEuZjbbfzRnRss6vbMRfqiyFqoDQmnJ62p_OOfHbQrnalvg30yy3RZ_IyTi8yUadwgXPOjahb0ArsDXMemxgC38m6QvZRwLct6lr5/s1600-h/P3050073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322147151375381730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAoeRMwWpUjC_C436li4yT0ytgCQmLola2elCk_TpEuZjbbfzRnRss6vbMRfqiyFqoDQmnJ62p_OOfHbQrnalvg30yy3RZ_IyTi8yUadwgXPOjahb0ArsDXMemxgC38m6QvZRwLct6lr5/s200/P3050073.JPG" border="0" /></a>I am sitting here writing this after listening to my 12 month old daughter cry herself to sleep. Well, actually, that never happened…she never did “cry herself to sleep”…more like she cried herself awake! I probably should have tried this tactic a few months ago when she was less aware of what was going on (at least I think she was). But, I didn’t and so now I am trying this because the past couple of months Tracy and I have been switching back and forth walking—not “rocking”—her to sleep. So basically we will hold her in our arms and walk around her room while playing some sort of relaxing music (usually Josh Groban). For a while this was working wonders to get her to sleep. Eventually though, it was taking longer and longer to get her to sleep..and you couldn’t just lay her in bed drowsy but awake, because she would immediately wake completely up and then all of that walking would have been for nothing. I forgot to mention that our backs have been killing us so we definitely need to change our way of doing things.<br /><br />I guess Sophie needs to figure out how to put herself to sleep. Note that I used the word “guess” because at this point I am really not sure what to think. I mean sure, EVENTUALLY she needs to do this….but can you really expect all babies to be able to do this at this age? Don’t answer. I guess that is what the “experts” say…but who are the “experts” anyhow?<br /><br />This is the 4th night we have tried to let her cry. I didn’t want to go “cold turkey” on her so I would go in after five minutes the first night and every night after wait a little longer. Well, tonight I listened to her cry for 35 minutes…no scream for 35 minutes. It really was unbearable (that is not even close to describing how I felt….and I am not sure I know how to describe it). Tonight she just would not go to sleep. She was so tired but just wouldn’t let herself go….I finally caved and got her out and held her until she fell asleep. She looked so peaceful after being hysterical and completely drenched with sweat from crying so much. I love her so much...and I am such a sensitive person that I feel like I am her when she is crying like that. I would actually talk to Tracy as if I was her. Example: “Why the HECK aren’t my parents coming to get me! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE cant you hear me!!! My throat hurts…I NEED some water. I don’t want to be in this dark room by myself. I don’t know if I am tired. PLEASE COME!!! Don’t you love me?” OK….so thinking that way doesn’t help the situation. Especially that last part. I just never want her to feel abandoned or not loved.<br /><br />So the real reason for writing this besides getting some of this off my chest was …to actually write myself a letter of thoughts and encouragement. I can tend to get really down on myself and slide into a rippling effect of bad thoughts. I was feeling very depressed tonight after this episode.<br /><br />I hope this helps.<br /><br /><strong>Letter to Myself: </strong><br /><p><em>Go with your instincts and the promptings of the Spirit to guide you in caring, nurturing, loving, and everything else that comes with raising a child. Kids don’t come with manuals (though there are many books with differing opinions). Don’t listen to every opinion. Well, listen…but that doesn’t mean they are “right” and you are “wrong.” Some advice really is “good” advice. Don’t take any advice personally…even if it was meant that way. Don’t let the adversary (Satan) convince you that you are a bad mother. You are doing the best you can with the knowledge, strength, patience, and love that is in you. Rely on the Lord to make you a better mother…HE will give you the strength you need to endure all things. And He will give you light to direct your path. Always go to the Lord first before beating yourself up…HE will give you the Spirit to lift YOUR Spirit. Tomorrow is a new day. Look ahead with hope. Don’t get discouraged.</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322147595845672898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPKgktlAojjKu93ubd8n97JcRBEUOTRUD4K27JFepeGRYCzILYsToyx1DmOK5NFZAOugmHm5eTJT-3g2T4_qRbz7AZR1Ow_T2hbv1yp3qCSpw8LGZ_NKctk6qGZrdLu0L4tyeY9IlgmQU/s400/P3090106.JPG" border="0" /><br />To anyone that might read this. Remember those are my opinions to myself. If they are helpful for you great…if not…that is ok too.<em><em><em><em><br /></em></em></em></em><em><em><em><em></em></em></em></em></p>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-21233170671238120402009-03-12T23:18:00.002-06:002009-03-12T23:24:45.789-06:00We're Still Here<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><br />Hello everyone! Believe it or not, Hanna and I are still around. We've finally allowed our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">conscience</span> to get the best of us and are planning on getting back to updating our blog. In all honesty, I just didn't have the time to deal with the blog. However, Hanna has finally caved and agreed to begin updating the blog on the condition that I update some of the look of the blog and maintain the features of it. So check back in and don't be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">surprised</span> if the blog gets a makeover and even starts getting some updates and activity. <br /><br />Sorry it took so long! We'll try to post more often than once a year going forward. :)Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-20976821824290361982008-05-26T16:14:00.005-06:002008-05-26T16:57:38.271-06:00Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em> <div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw08fU2kp-J6iUxRANrLGJ5eeOaGkxMLD6j0BHrcu6WQvJTuyoVECsYEePH6CmTt07iA9Ux5yDlQfAQqxatmkMGlEvnu5-QMddZZistrV02-YKcrhhTW1aSIqkOG1ntMER1IBtgjL1hlx/s1600-h/2008_indiana_jones_4_005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204823935717869874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw08fU2kp-J6iUxRANrLGJ5eeOaGkxMLD6j0BHrcu6WQvJTuyoVECsYEePH6CmTt07iA9Ux5yDlQfAQqxatmkMGlEvnu5-QMddZZistrV02-YKcrhhTW1aSIqkOG1ntMER1IBtgjL1hlx/s200/2008_indiana_jones_4_005.jpg" border="0" /></a>So God gave me a concrete sign the other day; a sign confirming that Novell was the right place for me to be working. Apparently, Novell purchased quite a few Indiana Jones tickets and it ended up that my boss took our little department out to see the movie the first day it came out. How much more of a sign do you need!?! If an employer supports the adventures of Indiana Jones, then they've already done enough to earn my earnest devotion. </div><div><br /></div><div>**Movie Spoilers Below**</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I thought the movie was a real hit. Harrison Ford did a spectacular job, of course. And bring Marion back into the picture was very clever and provided some closure. Shia did well too, but I held my breath at the end when he almost put on Indy's hat... phew! That was a close one. </div><div><br /></div><div>I felt that the movie was spectacular in all areas but two: </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>1. Villain:</strong> Indiana Jones is Indiana Jones because he fights the forces of evil single handed. Due to this expectation, it is important to correctly establish the villain as a part of something much bigger than themselves. Nazi's were the perfect example. When you saw Indy fighting a Nazi, he wasn't just fighting the soldier, but the entire force of injustice and evil. However, in this film, the small group of renegade Soviets did not live up to the expectation. You didn't connect them to anything bigger, and even when considered individually, they just didn't cut it. </div><div><br /></div><div><strong>2. Quest / Subject:</strong> UFO's and Aliens? Uhhh.... Indiana Jones looking over the UFO was just a little too much for me, and the ending closed too quickly. For whatever reason (even though I actually enjoy the legends of the Crystal Skulls), the subject felt a little too sci-fi for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, I thought it was a great movie and deserving of my anticipation these many years. Who knows? Maybe we'll see Indiana again... </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204824047387019586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdokt91oTvf07X5A_j28efX5ILBlIYEHrZy7dTRDdRN6gh9bA0qOe2WBak2MTnxk3-OTwXbB9Hdn5EZF-lWI3pNDFLzgu1jr2J8XM5r2RXxZ8tda60_2hwpMD-c9WzH4hGqfblxyfsNSIG/s400/indianaJones4Poster2.jpg" border="0" /></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-69101555292387929782008-05-21T08:45:00.012-06:002008-05-26T16:02:56.544-06:00Sophie Update: Pictures and Videos<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Posted by Tracy and Hanna</em></span> <div><div><br /><div>Well guys, I’ve been saying I would post some videos of Sophie for a while now. Sorry about the delay. I was trying to figure out a way to split some of the videos so that you could just watch the fun parts, but then again, she’s always fun. So here are some videos of Sophie trying to smile and talk to us. </div><div><br />** Please ignore the baby-talking, obsessive parents in the background (us).<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxpOuEzXmybV0mU9PVEdumCo4-seEAbVFol9BUyFOLVzGY-JvhXCbPkEWM0TKD6KDYMdISzXTfLLTOj378VQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Here is Sophie trying to Smile. The video is long and the best parts are early on.</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx0A8hxaFmYWK_wF4Z0uA4VJ9Ofpz-Vl28WzHEvz7kijlxye4cBE8hahPF_uIrgWOjQC4BxH1OXhZUO7L0zUw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Here is Sophie trying to Talk. </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxuuubylsoE2hTECPVjKhyw9yEF1KhoKzFo7YxYxetci8DjVHaVELZbPir93Vjl7w_Ato2s2NaeJtsdc0ZWPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Here is Sophie trying to Talk; Part II</span><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrhzg0t0znMI87EXaQW8Fzb3NuzMc4shcPEXVavNVs9EJoepCR3-anG5cIzKp5Uc0haTkpsr-JcRXZbwVWXig3EejxVC-No830z2_oJvt7WDyP4XBN4Mg9hDIjqa3S0Rm2cHDgtVT4wFP/s1600-h/P5170011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204805909740128498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrhzg0t0znMI87EXaQW8Fzb3NuzMc4shcPEXVavNVs9EJoepCR3-anG5cIzKp5Uc0haTkpsr-JcRXZbwVWXig3EejxVC-No830z2_oJvt7WDyP4XBN4Mg9hDIjqa3S0Rm2cHDgtVT4wFP/s200/P5170011.JPG" border="0" /></a>Hanna has also taken some pretty amazing pictures of Sophie lately, so I wanted to show you a couple of those as well. Sophie never stops surprising us with all hr new faces and sounds. She really is the most wonderful little angel, and we couldn't be prouder of how good a baby she is. </p><p>She's recently taken quite a liking to the miniature teddy bears hanging from her mobile on her Pack 'n Play. It's probably one of her favorite things to do: just lay down and watch the Teddy Bears go round and round. </p><p>Sophie is sleeping quite well and is growing so much each day! She misses you all and can't wait to meet everyone!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204809307059259650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJxd6hjzJgr-Dvt6Gg14kt3r8kCR509CWkQnQm0RxhJpZEwqcml8eTwW4wtJT8gEmJacK-PZ9nC9uy8OC_Pp5he8gW-yIO1wKeVuJB6KijX6Zl91FxvlT_6xo3yOpYNtDmdszPGt3P1no/s400/P5220032.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204809564757297426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxQ1dCaD5nlO1m644uc1JwrYjFMLsoP4SofcvSk_2tp_n-b2o0KSP4yaBf-VLRiyt9SBbQdYPL9zWklV_1ew3DZpQ4svqsqyMMwRP-8Mr549OcEA1QCzdNNGHPC0SMaIzdjzI8bCBckHT/s400/P5220020.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204809912649648418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaNi4JfiG4qaErGhcQq4aip-DzL2_LLGZmbT52jxoAuGCRciKqqGE8HWhuAk_oHlNjl3ekrptYI2yYyVMa3PxA9790jQlMDZUB_yWvYJFTk_mRkXuxEgm095_hYTkQUDhY-DdV8rvIysJ/s400/P5220033.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-73010888910641426242008-05-17T10:57:00.003-06:002008-05-17T13:09:05.737-06:00Goodbye Junior Core, Hello MAcc<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><br />Well, for those of you who haven't heard, I finished the BYU Accounting Junior Core on April, 23 when I took my last final. Words cannot express my relief that on that Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately, I couldn't completely relax because I was enrolled for the Spring term (which started up shortly after that) and I was still nervous about my application to the MAcc.<br /><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Accountancy">MAcc is the Masters of Accounting Program</a> which has two different stems: Tax and Professional (audit). I applied at the end of March for the program and haven't slept well since. It is a great opportunity to continue my education, especially considering <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/soa/program.cfm">BYU's high ranking reputation in the accounting field</a>. Well finally, on Thursday, I heard back from the <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/soa/">School of Accountancy</a> with good news: I will be starting the Master's Program in Fall, 2008. Things are going pretty fantastic in my little world.<br /><br />So right now this is the plan: I'm going to finish my <a href="http://asiane.byu.edu/chinese/index.php?content=major">Bachelors in Mandarin Chinese</a>, and I'll of course finish my <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/management/accounting.cfm?sitepageid=4153">Bachelors</a> and <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/soa/macc/faq.cfm">Masters in Accountancy</a>. I'm also planning on getting a <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/soa/pdf/Information%20Systems%20Minor.pdf">Minor in Information Systems</a>, which is a definite along with the others already mentioned. The big variable is the Middle Eastern Studies (Arabic) Minor I was hoping to get. Any extra time that I have beyond my very full plate will be spent shooting for that, but given the current tasks at hand, it is going to be a miracle if I can finish it. Graduation is still set for Summer 2010, with us heading back East at the end of Summer that year. I should be able to finish (or at least mostly finish) my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_Public_Accountant">CPA certification </a>by our move back home as well.<br /><br />As for the short term, things at Novell have been going great! I am learning so much and I am beginning to see how wonderful of an opportunity this job will be for me. It'll definitely jump-start my career in public accounting, which I am excited about. This Summer will be busy as well, packed with work, Spring classes, and Big Four recruiting events. Spring classes end in about a month though, so things should cool down after that.<br /><br />I have some fun recruiting events coming up as well. In the beginning of June, I am heading back to Pittsburgh for a couple of days for a Leadership event with <a href="http://www.us.kpmg.com/">KPMG</a>. Later that month, I am visiting Pittsburgh again for a different Leadership program with <a href="http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/US/Home">Ernst & Young</a>. Then in late July, I will be heading to Hollywood, CA for a few days to attend KPMG's National Fast Forward Leadership Program. I have been extremely lucky to have so many opportunities with these firms, and I am very excited for this packed Summer.<br /><br />So things are still busy, but I'm getting plenty of experience and having a blast! Hope everyone is enjoying the Summer and having fun.Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-11657453360101445312008-05-10T08:20:00.003-06:002008-05-10T08:33:42.777-06:00Sophie Rolls Over [Front to Back]<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br />Hello all! Sophie began trying to roll over from her front to her back at the beginning of May. On May 4th, we caught this video of her doing it. She sure is cute, and Mom and Dad couldn't be prouder of her!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-m4SCCtLILTwoxT9ZuIFCDJPjQ0hkdpPCo6wVr7FwYMgKL2ADWKtJqYXdIylEgPp5mj097Zx3D-G5AKQsVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-75676551589432732422008-05-02T20:49:00.005-06:002008-05-02T21:41:49.178-06:00The New Job: Novell Internal Audit<div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YK9yhQ4qmO-v2ZjMcb97i1v6FWYvXHDcn5wa_j-msLQ_0zcJe77tts9fufsqT26tPtNEH0FSNWUzNiJMN4JLixgdLeFmhdsPMGR4-V8GwtWJhF2dQd0D8yebFGk5ZLKbikrnq6FE0nym/s1600-h/Novell+Logo.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195983785867113762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YK9yhQ4qmO-v2ZjMcb97i1v6FWYvXHDcn5wa_j-msLQ_0zcJe77tts9fufsqT26tPtNEH0FSNWUzNiJMN4JLixgdLeFmhdsPMGR4-V8GwtWJhF2dQd0D8yebFGk5ZLKbikrnq6FE0nym/s200/Novell+Logo.bmp" border="0" /></a>Well, it's back to work for me! After long consideration and discussion (about two months long) Hanna and I decided that it would be best if I went back to work and she stayed home with Sophie. Originally, our plan was to have Hanna continue working at <a href="http://tracyandhanna.blogspot.com/2007/03/this-point-in-my-life.html">Remedez</a> while I was still in School, and we would juggle the baby. Eventually, we decided the baby was too delicate to be juggled and our lives would be much simpler if each of us could tackle a priority head on. So Hanna left <a href="http://www.remedez.com/">Remedez</a>, which a sad day for Hanna, but I think she's gotten over it pretty quick. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The job at <a href="http://www.novell.com/home/index.html">Novell</a> has been quite the opportunity though. It's in the Internal Audit department and couldn't be more perfect for me at this point in my life. I first heard about the job at a friend's Marine Commissioning, to be honest. I ran into one of the current interns at that time, and somehow we got to talking about accounting and how we were both in the program. He told me about the position and how an opening was coming up in the Summer, and here we are! I was actually quite nervous during the interview process because of the competition for the job and simply how great of an opportunity it would be. But everything worked out for the best and on Wednesday of this week, I started working. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The position has me responsible for assisting the Director of Internal Audit and the Audit Manager in the documentation, testing and evaluation of internal controls and business procedures. We conduct research, perform analyses, flowchart processes and maintain a SOX database (Access database). The position actually mostly revolves around maintaining this SOX Database for the company and assisting in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarbanes-Oxley_Act#SOX_Section_404:__Assessment_of_internal_control">SOX audit</a> performed by external auditors. In fact, this Summer we're going to redesign and deploy an entirely new database, and I will be able to be a part of that project. There are only two Internal Audit Interns there at a time and the position is usually a two year gig. The interns also perform a variety of operational audits and side projects. All in all, I feel like I am going to be learning so very much and I couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The great thing about the job is how perfectly it prepares me for what I want to be doing. I couldn't ask for a better job to help me prepare for Public Accounting, and the opportunities to advance my IT and Information Systems knowledge are abundant. Anyway, both Hanna and I are quite excited about the new change and are sure it will be for the best. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195988922647999794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVhL-eExW0527YmtmsN52TwflHE3t-MeyEz15jVC9H-KtHS6EGDmxzyRmT44M2ncf98OBvdtyFsU0QHLhXZe2XlMIbPbiK6W-eovooIZfzEC8GmIIkNRFFFg-WErZ01XOR6487u2mNfO8/s400/IMG_0043.jpg" border="0" /></div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This is a picture of the building I work at. My office is on the 4th floor.</span> </em>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-51433685586602414332008-04-27T23:24:00.012-06:002008-04-27T23:56:29.763-06:00Sophie Pictures<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Sophie recently had some portrait shots done at <a href="http://www.kiddiekandids.com/">KiddieKandids</a>. The shots turned out great and we feel some of them really captured our little girl. I thought I would post them here, but they are also posted (the larger files we recieved) on our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracyandhanna/">Flickr account</a>. </div><br /><div>Hope you Enjoy!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194167405542929586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sO26aBOa7Y5pcSenWygIzHDXDKaHmn7-yDmaWP9p1zHwjMoROMiyz6jC0KMSRQCNxAkDhfR7cCsx5L4wYxF55WECC47frjmKvm3IpiVdr3wL1a_1yrjpSXEWfE4KxGotDYUJDZ_7-Ft8/s400/001232893_21.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194165378318365826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfb9TKQWaIEkVoAg7ncPTrLt8jj7mfyKMLLJ8ldw7J2AiFFWph52kBHbReTKlIIWIirHfJK1hgnDxsPJ8prL67uRIKDzQQfKXSCc2fU2hEXiA4JHR0lO8q3dwMsjD1t3gR9WxTPrtddMx/s400/001232893_03.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194168054082991314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZzI8t6Te2wOLaz49a6zWFVlhDrl_QAk8KpaygrdlCYWZDeeTZKQRJWfZt529qJJkk8R98LA3kv1NdTNxpU_k9H74x5m9Inbl3oLdqyQD3_wXE20xWIgyuTd3wBFJWGAlTy7G1d2h-yWx/s400/001232893_29.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194167027585807506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCTWTMb4n18VZqmcQoztQ6NMvFZKazWYmBQAC-br3omB4jXuJQir4uDjc1O_0CCqPY1Ff4VONGADFlOrdAOHRyd6OTiNV2IVey8bilWBQnBzM9C81zGQIw_qehNSSLOZDIwKMGimofeNa/s400/001232893_05.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194167203679466658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicerAOrOV1EfY_k2vFxsAkz8im8YuqkQLOY0yNoTU6nV8DyX-cpFhcdfRE_MemAhYbqh2G4VHF_VGOrY00fWDP36MpiiceExxdXTvxIFR0oaVfS1r57Hu5gV9pUTHRBnB1R2BUPepkZGjC/s400/001232893_10.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194167852219528386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fT1gFV1acuS_Bno1ryOSUNUaLsqoSAcJ0rhyLa908M338NQxkfack4ZHgLgzyrMA-h1CphyphenhypheneE1kxiqvWS0ic7gcLphkIxRxYcFwvZjik6wbPKYhdsxR-J55ve_qmsO3BR2QPz09gxIEV/s400/001232893_28.jpg" border="0" /></div><p>Now, there have also been some recent shots which we took of our own which I think merit the same praise and appreciation for my photography skills. In fact, I'm starting to think I could put KiddieKandids out of business with some of these. And to think, I spent all that money for some cute pictures when I could have just sent you some of my own work:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194169029040567522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYIps5sskrpKuM-_-m7djZ1EOUKi7P64eyOTpWIn8Yz9mor65dQwO-ohqaNsqJxmJ5_0GktK0D969Fm5mUkuXkE250nQtshGkt_mDa7x_cb_o-GoMF8-XnwKhmD77_v33jvp91H1OcmKt/s400/P4020143.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194169260968801522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlfp8pEphHnGfmUGfGiU2y4foUgCC4xLpjnHbD0FHr3blV5-vZ9lG2POWBsR-27qbCVddjkKwDAeE8XM6QqSfoubG5HrPUN7bB8wp4g_rV5iYF36wXlDOgYueq9hlKy7S4xnBRnRWllHw/s400/P3210092.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194169660400760066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6adlVe5Gya9DmuqKW2NRwijNuTNG9FqkTQbKJOy5THRYQgpDAvK6COFP5no-SSenOFQJk_JbcocuCYSibbFf8ew4qU5T6hoUhfXR1PKbYpZjUza_hPS9JPtp5bCHVWIxDyWAF4X7AEyp/s400/P4070179.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194169875149124882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5b1NVpmRS04QRzIyxUTLvaOxSLC1-q7xx4sw37Jh9UMSLAxmGwUMca-1Z67uRXqTSeDk33lHkVU5HHMpdt6bs6uG-ESqhvz7sA9Bug_Bh6lD5Xi9hLZzOE1Z93vdh8cHxLbTI3FAFS25/s400/P4240229.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p>Perhaps I should just leave it to the Professionals, but then again, there is something special about catching Sophie in "Real Life". I seem to love her even more.</p><p>God Bless!</p>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-29961343736780218932008-04-27T22:42:00.005-06:002008-04-27T23:04:33.338-06:00One Month Later<div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Posted by Tracy and Hanna</em><br /></span><br />Well, it’s been over a month now since Sophie arrived and it’s hard to believe how much has happened. The 16th marked Sophie’s One Month Birthday! There’s a lot to catch everyone up on, so we’ll just dive right in.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnqrv3_UfXZrxkGk01wcNQrIYvbJFRikvCJbVDcmLomytbspk2taZB2M4k_01K9_GnckRef-tfpcw8k-ST6BiP341WegpY6QivnTjwC2dR2DNemAjXQoEuPH5LwHmSpDZsvs3jLpSZ-pU/s1600-h/P3240114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194155645922473026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnqrv3_UfXZrxkGk01wcNQrIYvbJFRikvCJbVDcmLomytbspk2taZB2M4k_01K9_GnckRef-tfpcw8k-ST6BiP341WegpY6QivnTjwC2dR2DNemAjXQoEuPH5LwHmSpDZsvs3jLpSZ-pU/s200/P3240114.JPG" border="0" /></a>Just so everyone knows, Sophie is doing great and growing every day. She got over her Jaundice pretty quickly and is doing wonderful now. At her two week appointment, she had already gone past her birth-weight and was a strong 7 lbs 2 oz. We think she is about 8 1/2 pounds now, but we'll find out for sure at her next appointment. She’s an extremely alert baby and loves to watch whatever you may be doing at the time. She’s especially enjoying her new swing; although perhaps not as much as we are! In other news, we think she is really trying to master her smile. She is smiling a lot more lately and seems to be a little more interactive and responsive.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMZId21hd-b5KBdYadghl_O3f9QmhnMP5frVg3NaIx8OXGNaulPrjMvRgFo-99eeFGEQbXoeXiD4OpRl8FR_ByINL7LhAUjuvHxRLFh1os_xO25S5XWjWBAQBut77ElAaz_4YCJ2Iij5u/s1600-h/P3230112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194155950865151058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMZId21hd-b5KBdYadghl_O3f9QmhnMP5frVg3NaIx8OXGNaulPrjMvRgFo-99eeFGEQbXoeXiD4OpRl8FR_ByINL7LhAUjuvHxRLFh1os_xO25S5XWjWBAQBut77ElAaz_4YCJ2Iij5u/s200/P3230112.JPG" border="0" /></a>We recently had some visitors stay with us and we’re already missing the company. Not long after we got home from the hospital, Tracy’s mother came to stay with us and help take care of the baby. After an eventful and unforgettable bus trip across country (something which likely merits a blog entry of its own), Mary Ann got to hold the baby for the first time; it was love at first sight. Sophie was so happy to have Nana here to hang out with. We still can’t imagine what we would have done without having Mary Ann here with us to help.<br /><br />In the middle of Mary Ann’s visit, we also had a second wave of arrivals. Mary Ann’s sisters (Tracy’s aunts) came to visit—a surprise we couldn’t have even guessed at. Aunt Tina and Aunt Pat came and stayed in Provo for a couple days and again: it was so incredibly nice to have them here. Not only did we have a blast just hanging out in Provo with Sophie, but we made our way up for a day in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_City,_Utah">Park City</a> as well. It <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gjljoNpmyH4xo3Xld8hTJ2xi1WC-UcRoJb4Mi8zpeA2d1ssW74-e86NmNrKhHT3eL70FG6_-jnXUnWuZ_Q9hUBjHhCDOPggUC7erM-Yemogpm7E6HA5oIfphI3xJuU_m3bIUaL2uOmor/s1600-h/P4130203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194157140571092082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gjljoNpmyH4xo3Xld8hTJ2xi1WC-UcRoJb4Mi8zpeA2d1ssW74-e86NmNrKhHT3eL70FG6_-jnXUnWuZ_Q9hUBjHhCDOPggUC7erM-Yemogpm7E6HA5oIfphI3xJuU_m3bIUaL2uOmor/s200/P4130203.JPG" border="0" /></a>was the first time we had been to Park City and the experience was really wonderful. We think our favorite part of the entire day was the drive in or out of Park City. We went both ways; both from Salt Lake and then down through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heber,_Utah">Heber</a>, and the views were absolutely spectacular.<br /><br />We were so grateful to have family in town to stay with us. It was so wonderful to hang out together and enjoy this wonderful new life that has come to stay. And it appears that the rest of the summer will be filled with visitors as well! May brings Hanna’s sisters, Nicole and Chelsea. June brings Hanna’s Parents. July brings Tracy’s sister Shayla (hopefully), with the end of the month ushering in a swarm of Farr’s staying into August. The beginning of August marks Tracy’s Great-Grandmother Vontella Farr’s 100th Birthday! His family is planning a trip to come out for the celebration.<br /><br />The past few weeks and the weeks ahead have truly reminded us the joys of Family. We miss so much having family close by. We can’t wait to be able to move back East and be close to our old friends and family. In the mean time, we might be having a new recruit to the West if Tracy’s little sister, Katie, ends up at BYU! We’ll keep our fingers crossed!</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194156522095801442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE6aykd4gh2ZZVPvvtAukPAxMfXpzabQwA30FQqU5XXKzlRvIqhyphenhyphencRFhTje7jRyXOVvHxlepN02bqXHNowruXVy_UgBq60MmBDlEJj3v0AUbcuvhAw1O1oebXW4eG2z8CMyj3FYj47m07/s400/P3270128.JPG" border="0" /></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-30090938776245220662008-03-19T15:29:00.006-06:002008-03-19T15:55:53.190-06:00Sophie is Home!<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179574750545188562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzqKWyElGz9n6_P5Ts1-QwaVKG-bHpxc-gpy3gQB7ke_bNSIFlfMDu1uFkWpYaeEC9VufL3nHl3r6abl2mTBKw5sYW94ClMCe7hDj8C0ZPNQq3M_OUvm5ks_EARF01-Qc04WUyaFlr37Q/s400/P3190084.JPG" border="0" />Sophie came home today, much to our delight! I think we were all very ready to leave that hospital room behind and feel the warmth of home again. For Sophie, this would be her first time home in our Apartment.<br /><br />Hanna and Sophie were both doing very well, and the doctors felt that it was time to be discharged from the hospital. After a ton of different checkups and tests, one of the Nurses came back in the room and told us that Sophie's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilirubin">bilirubin</a> levels were too high and that we would need to treat her at home with lights. Although it was a little scary at first for an obsessive and loving mother, we soon learned that it was nothing to fear and actually quite common. They sent in a social worker who set up everything so that the bili-bed would be delivered to our home today to treat Sophie's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaundice">jaundice</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJem_Sj9yrbyQAzExy8OL5h_nNERW_JJEmfXeqnol_FjHQ0cr2FUTeJACLOZEJgFM9CcItvg1icDmgIHXIwcrhASEN9K_RllgQEAdIxn8pV402KLujn06xDxbtipzfrlg20DVjnqibya2H/s1600-h/P3190082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179572014651020994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJem_Sj9yrbyQAzExy8OL5h_nNERW_JJEmfXeqnol_FjHQ0cr2FUTeJACLOZEJgFM9CcItvg1icDmgIHXIwcrhASEN9K_RllgQEAdIxn8pV402KLujn06xDxbtipzfrlg20DVjnqibya2H/s200/P3190082.JPG" border="0" /></a>Not much more than 30 minutes after we got home and unpacked the car, the bili-bed arrived and Sophie was 'tanning'. Hanna fed Sophie a couple times and put her own head down for a nap. I'm still busy figuring out schedules, school-work, watching Sophie, and putting the finishing touches up on Sophie's room. Both Hanna and the baby are doing great! Sophie didn't like the bed very much in the beginning, but she is sleeping well on it now.<br /><br />I can't begin to describe the joy that I am feeling having my wife safely at home, and looking over the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. I feel so blessed, and I could never thank God enough for all he has given me.<br /><br />Hanna's staples also were taken out and she is doing quite well. She has a follow up appointment in about a week, and another in about 6 weeks. Sophie goes in tomorrow (and each day thereafter till she's better) to the hospital to check on the bilirubin levels. Assuming she does well, we can return the bili-bed and Sophie can set up camp in the pack n' play.<br /><br />I'll try my best to keep everyone informed. By the way, check out our photo's on Flickr. I put about 40 new pictures online just now. A direct link to Sophie's Set of pictures <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracyandhanna/sets/72157604153610238/">is right here</a>.Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-62102932780557836562008-03-18T20:41:00.007-06:002008-03-19T13:41:51.241-06:00Blogs and Spring Cleaning<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4dJ6RxczY1KLMGCZ30QDx_MeWgrBhaRC37Gc7BYM7ai-mmxbgW99pPbXjS00E1AtQ4NaBYfU_7igUhm0B46DOBTsj9n_oVVX2awVjwrKBbN22CDX-XOQAQ9qnQKOxY-oUejw3oGIXdH-/s1600-h/P3180042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179539196805912194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4dJ6RxczY1KLMGCZ30QDx_MeWgrBhaRC37Gc7BYM7ai-mmxbgW99pPbXjS00E1AtQ4NaBYfU_7igUhm0B46DOBTsj9n_oVVX2awVjwrKBbN22CDX-XOQAQ9qnQKOxY-oUejw3oGIXdH-/s200/P3180042.JPG" border="0" /></a>One nice thing about being in a hospital with a very sleepy wife and baby is that you have the opportunity to catch up on things and get organized. When I haven’t been staring at our most beautiful baby in the world, or serving the most amazing wife on the planet, I’ve been trying to reorganize our internet lives, email, blogs, and bills. Hopefully, you’ll notice that I’ve worked out some kinks in the blog, updated some spaces, and by tomorrow morning I will have added lots of pictures to the Flickr account (The hospital wireless internet access does not like me uploading lots of pictures). In this modern world of ours, the apartment isn’t the only thing in need of a good spring cleaning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FM1PVpYB8g2t_NVPlUI1aOrOGn5mbhVSCuEUIwFYdSGXIrp_UgwuyoydrPb44jrZyBedDvEtxMeFoGgAzRVTxhFaqz_zxCW7ZxYDB5vkUdgpYTEj7FBONhyHi2OymEisNtNjCWbBQuuz/s1600-h/P3180024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179539699317085842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FM1PVpYB8g2t_NVPlUI1aOrOGn5mbhVSCuEUIwFYdSGXIrp_UgwuyoydrPb44jrZyBedDvEtxMeFoGgAzRVTxhFaqz_zxCW7ZxYDB5vkUdgpYTEj7FBONhyHi2OymEisNtNjCWbBQuuz/s200/P3180024.JPG" border="0" /></a>Hanna is recovering well, but obviously quite sore. We actually just made an entire lap of the 4th floor here in the hospital. I’m so very proud of her. She’s been absolutely amazing at everything she’s done, and I’m learning that being a mother will be no exception. She and Sophie are getting to know each other better every minute, and I couldn’t be luckier to have these two amazing women in my life.<br /><br />Hanna has been up and walking, although decently medicated at the time. Her incision is looking to heal well, and she is more beautiful than ever. The baby is doing well and has been feeding great. She is such a good baby! She just wants to be held, feed, and sleep… not much different than her mom on any given day. Just Kidding! (Well, kinda…)<br /><br />Everything seems to be on schedule for us to leave sometime tomorrow, and I will be updating everyone as regularly as I can.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179540115928913570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZduPwgRjpNvN7bjdSVYl46xqZjT3fBgH8_Ce_aigHsphxlpGrtocHVRI0hXJhTY0adg6gOCqg7RA-4j6XFHfbmijjGTPXW_QXoikzc3A5P6rKiIhv_fzVj0qLarmKp-wc3IFYSCaFWpRZ/s400/P3180046.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-68825680775547901972008-03-17T14:12:00.009-06:002008-03-18T17:23:53.940-06:00Sophie Marie Farr: Our Pleasant Surprise<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Posted by Tracy</em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeeMhoibD8m0gjDKdSvI-Emx2-4f-0aMAAUusXlTvSK_LikJr1vL7CIYfNa9q6xu5txLMInUBObdZ24ITuI-qBFl78lFMnHl_7_KHgL1yfrS2uO2GLlBtSwan4St8PEzitlu-lz0RL8lr/s1600-h/P3160160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178807246705024002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeeMhoibD8m0gjDKdSvI-Emx2-4f-0aMAAUusXlTvSK_LikJr1vL7CIYfNa9q6xu5txLMInUBObdZ24ITuI-qBFl78lFMnHl_7_KHgL1yfrS2uO2GLlBtSwan4St8PEzitlu-lz0RL8lr/s200/P3160160.JPG" border="0" /></a>Well, for those of you who don’t know already, our little bundle of joy arrived over the weekend and this message is coming to you from the <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/xp/public/uvrmc/">Hospital</a>. On Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 9:38 am, Sophie Marie Farr arrived and taught us what falling in love was all about. At 6 lbs 15 oz. and 18 ½ inches, it really is remarkable that something (or someone) so small could have such a dramatic influence in your life. But Sophie is become the reason in ours.<br /><br />About 2 weeks ago we found out that Sophie was breech at one of our regularly scheduled doctor appointments. The doctor explained a procedure called an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/External_cephalic_version">External Cephalic Version </a>which could be used to ‘flip’ or turn Sophie the right way, allowing for a normal vaginal delivery. Little did Hanna know what she had gotten herself into, when on Tuesday we went to the Hospital for the version. Making a long story short, Hanna—and Sophie—did not enjoy the experience. On top of the pain of the procedure, it didn’t even work. Sophie was still breech and a C-section was to be scheduled.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RONoMgEwGlQnQdfsTJ3ZzF8TyXJRclcnAwuA4dq2LMzaEAh4S6Yn6_BjJfFCq4Yf3ffdo1Ho24T78JF_4rilb_3AA3J1jEayXxSuGyhrCw6iWWnZFokhOAFaocIPjazzlahQMzgvA-QY/s1600-h/P3160155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178807573122538514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RONoMgEwGlQnQdfsTJ3ZzF8TyXJRclcnAwuA4dq2LMzaEAh4S6Yn6_BjJfFCq4Yf3ffdo1Ho24T78JF_4rilb_3AA3J1jEayXxSuGyhrCw6iWWnZFokhOAFaocIPjazzlahQMzgvA-QY/s200/P3160155.JPG" border="0" /></a>Tuesday, March 25th was scheduled for the cesarean birth. Tracy was simply hoping that the baby could arrive safely, but would appreciate the kind gesture of waiting until exams were over. Well, the baby waited for the exams, but she wasn’t going to wait any longer. On Saturday, March 15, Hanna noticed some ‘leaking water’ and thought that her water may have been breaking. She left from work and Tracy picked her up and took her to the hospital. After some checks, exams, and an ultrasound, we were sent home and told everything was fine. And maybe it was; but Sophie had had enough.<br /><br />At about 6am on Sunday morning, Hanna woke Tracy up saying that her water broke. Tracy had never gotten up so fast out of bed. Whether it was the anticipation and excitement of having a baby, or the idea of a pregnant woman’s water slowly making its way to his side of the bed, we’re not really sure—he refuses to comment. Regardless, we packed up as many miscellaneous items as we could and jumped in the car; Destination: Hospital. Hanna had about two good gushes of water before reaching the Hospital, but the real show came after the nurses had sat her down on the bed and began running tests. Her water definitely broke and we heard the words of our nurse, “She is definitely coming today.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70hFwnMbAfTvYFMD0Pu4RUDLQa9xOJi5HIBBiXxYLXA-VuhQAcPi5w-jg6GcAvZN5WbJesScdEBxcC_sbH1TjbapUB7NaOXJqZ27bdi19l7cQBRBHAbo7NL490gCFBTRxHE4NKXGlNLZ9/s1600-h/P3160163.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178808067043777570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70hFwnMbAfTvYFMD0Pu4RUDLQa9xOJi5HIBBiXxYLXA-VuhQAcPi5w-jg6GcAvZN5WbJesScdEBxcC_sbH1TjbapUB7NaOXJqZ27bdi19l7cQBRBHAbo7NL490gCFBTRxHE4NKXGlNLZ9/s200/P3160163.JPG" border="0" /></a>Even though family couldn’t be here for the birth, the universe (a.k.a.: a loving God) sent Hanna a gentle sign reassuring her that He was ever-mindful. Hanna's two sisters are Chelsea and Nicole. Our first nurse who took care of Hanna all the way up until the operation was named Chelsee. Our second nurse who took care of Hanna during and after the operation was named Nicole. I’ve often thought that subtle coincidences bringing comfort or joy are usually God’s way of saying, “I Noticed.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IeVsfyX90YOmxKRv91NrWy_PJbBCjwNVmLQKzVJpo73f48kk_3ww6-lVbXudFP34iys6QDgYc13bzstF9F819rARCkSU5fRS0GoCP_Q2CQRsapo7ing9z8Fpk2jGzpAAvNqK7DxtqD7L/s1600-h/P3160170.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178808346216651826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IeVsfyX90YOmxKRv91NrWy_PJbBCjwNVmLQKzVJpo73f48kk_3ww6-lVbXudFP34iys6QDgYc13bzstF9F819rARCkSU5fRS0GoCP_Q2CQRsapo7ing9z8Fpk2jGzpAAvNqK7DxtqD7L/s200/P3160170.JPG" border="0" /></a>By about 9:00 am we were on our way to the operating room and Hanna was being drugged up for the operation. Her anesthesiologist was amazing (Dr. Gardner), and helped her though some tough parts of the operation. At 9:32 the first incision was made and at 9:38 Sophie had arrived. Tracy saw some things which he might never talk about again, but seeing his daughter arrive is something you might never get him to stop talking about either. She was perfect. After a moment of family cuddling, baby was off to get weighed and mom was getting put back together. A little after 10:00, we were back in our first room recovering and the baby was getting cleaned up and ready to stun the world. By 11:00 we had made it down to the Mother and Baby room, which we’ve been in ever since, and Tracy was going back and forth between Mom and the Baby (who was still in the nursery). By noon, baby and mom were reunited and haven’t been separated since without the death glare from Hanna.<br /><br />Sophie is doing great and Hanna is happier than ever. Dad couldn’t be prouder of the two most amazing women in his life. We miss you all and hope to see you soon!<br /><br />Sending love from Tracy, Hanna, and Sophie!<br /><br /><u>B a b y S t a t s :<br /></u><strong>Weight:</strong> 6 lbs. 14.9 oz.<br /><strong>Length: </strong>18 ½ inches.<br /><strong>Time of Birth:</strong> 9:38am MST<br /><strong>Date of Birth:</strong> Sunday, March 16, 2008<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178808659749264450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdPwu8f3BNpCo0Mi-lJ490Vc7qTGNoEs6YLMPWecYtcc6CDPWrXNZ2tV6y4hZNsIDTH53KqJOzInzwMozn5a3EUwpOMu_zub8clBbsz1S1w6_G-Aw9C9MuxBk8F3H4nej0E72TQQajRQ4/s400/P3160172.JPG" border="0" />Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-27262872119634785982008-01-21T12:03:00.000-07:002008-01-24T11:01:52.468-07:00A New Year of Change<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT-15MCgOzdMQwxVJB8C5BgxpEcHuPLRyTqyGofphyVkZAH3VAyDDplkBhYt-o9Oui7mI0Ylq4yfL5Nv-7Swyj3fQKGSKSXs5MPiOEIzJMDPfjJPSi2cS6tH-t5DcIpMjUgYQuh72vaZz/s1600-h/Pregnancy+Pic.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158009617459994002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT-15MCgOzdMQwxVJB8C5BgxpEcHuPLRyTqyGofphyVkZAH3VAyDDplkBhYt-o9Oui7mI0Ylq4yfL5Nv-7Swyj3fQKGSKSXs5MPiOEIzJMDPfjJPSi2cS6tH-t5DcIpMjUgYQuh72vaZz/s200/Pregnancy+Pic.JPG" border="0" /></a>This year seems it will bring us a handful of changes and excitement with surprises around every corner. With nieces and nephews arriving, <a href="http://photos-316.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v166/210/9/17801316/n17801316_34343263_3800.jpg">Caleb</a> and <a href="http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa265/indianajonestf/Sylvia.jpg">Sylvia</a> have already joined the ranks, it seems like the changes are even causing a growth spurt in the family tree. Shayla’s surprise should be here any day now and the two of us are anxious for our own special delivery.<br /><br />Our bundle of Joy is due March 29, 2008, and we couldn’t be more excited. Our pre-natal classes have already started and Tracy is being introduced to a world much more intimate and ‘gooey’ than his accounting interests could ever offer. But Tracy couldn’t be happier knowing that his daughter is nearing the last leg of her trip. Hanna is nothing but grins to say the least.<br /><br />Yes, this year is going to be a busy one. With the baby’s room all set up and looking pretty in pink (which by the way, Tracy loves his study room in pink regardless of what he admits), Tracy is busy finishing up the <a href="http://marriottschool.byu.edu/soa/">Junior Core Accounting Program</a>. This semester (and some of this summer as well) brings Tracy to some big decisions about where he wants his future career to take us. Audit or Tax? Public Accounting or Industry? Which Firm? What city and office? So while Tracy stews over the endless possibilities, Hanna smiles and acts interested. We do have a couple of events which should help the process along however. Summer programs are coming up with some of the firms and of course, there’s an endless supply of recruiting activities being sponsored by the firms as well. Internship interviews and office visits should also be coming up in the fall or the end of this year.<br /><br />Hanna is also facing some employment and career choices now that the baby is on her way. The <a href="http://www.remedez.com/">Salon</a> has been great to her and she hopes she can continue making people look beautiful again after a long and well-earned maternity leave.<br /><br />Another <a href="http://www.narniaweb.com/">Narnia movie</a> and <a href="http://www.indianajones.com/site/index.html">Indiana Jones 4</a> also come out this year, which let’s face it, could shake the very foundations of the world as we know it. So while there are many big changes and decisions to be made, there of course is one little person overshadowing the entire scope of it all…and she gets here in March. And if she’s anything like most little girls, it’ll please her to know that she's the center of attention already and a princess in the eyes of her parents.Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-89136909247070511212007-12-26T09:28:00.000-07:002007-12-26T09:55:33.020-07:00Merry Christmas!<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Posted by Tracy</em></span><br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5slt7cB9hVk4PU8zlC3TzfpzDzKMAhJJSDPvNQMjh9lIVq_k9hLb6nWhfA05ZmPSDQYRa4Wl-76N4jR-nMkcyhu-FIFUK_PBO6fvC1nDnqwQ3xw1P4qNJRE3jHO4AX458oVqNiDhdCkfi/s1600-h/PB240034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148325581828273026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5slt7cB9hVk4PU8zlC3TzfpzDzKMAhJJSDPvNQMjh9lIVq_k9hLb6nWhfA05ZmPSDQYRa4Wl-76N4jR-nMkcyhu-FIFUK_PBO6fvC1nDnqwQ3xw1P4qNJRE3jHO4AX458oVqNiDhdCkfi/s200/PB240034.JPG" border="0" /></a>Hi there! We sent out our little Christmas Newsletter recently, but (as hard as it is to believe in this day and age) we don't have everyone's email addresses. So I thought I'd post the newsletter here as well. </div><br /><div>I promise I'll do better about keeping the Blog up to date and keeping you all informed as to what Hanna and I are up to. Especially now that the baby is on the way, I think Hanna's mother and my own will get that motherly rage if I don't. So, in the spirit of self-preservation: I'll do better. </div><div align="center">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div align="left"><strong>Dearest Friends and Family,</strong> </div><div align="left">So much has happened this year, and with us living so very far away from everyone, we felt it would be appropriate to give everyone an update. It often becomes hard to remember who you’ve told what—compounded by our poor performance ‘blogging’. So, we offer this letter as penance for our lack of communication with a promise to do better in the New Year. </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKc46YNoiWKpxBIvHGS4aNrOUqt9O4HqlQMeOR7nOfKEmFWvHUEop19vkLHTKi-3ZDH5pU4CnuLtrDIwExFvrH7QULa4jSua9xSs4ddR1Ry5d6hYicYmENsTguRxrKqi8Df_eGXlGW8HyM/s1600-h/Remedez.bmp"></a>The year began busy and ended busier. Hanna had just finished school at Paul Mitchell at the beginning of this year, and was preparing to take her state exams. She of course passed her exams with flying colors and received her cosmetology license, beginning the search for a salon. That search ended when Hanna discovered Remedez, a Hair Salon and Spa. She began at Remedez in February as an assistant stylist. But by the end of April, Hanna was working as a full-time stylist—bringing in her own clientele and having a blast at her new profession. </div><div align="left"><br />Tracy was still working full-time at E. Excel International managing the Chinese customer <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JiedapWelrfcxUbjqpu0cO8rZATwCYX2bUzRtqH9zi1Xis8xHmx1udiH5BTosDKfwTjOWoOSCzIpsHw6CDBM9zqWYA3pOUVl9g1Kh8n_Q2aBKDUGBM9rTiMB6UC_v4ZU60Jbad6yzktl/s1600-h/Capital+Building.bmp"></a>service department, and at the same time continuing his Chinese and Arabic studies. Tracy (as odd as it seems compared to his past) had found a love for accounting and was trying to get into the Accounting Program at BYU. He decided to participate in a tax competition sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers and his team did wonderful, going to Nationals in Washington DC. Soon after, he was recommended by faculty to represent BYU in an auditing competition sponsored by KPMG. Again, his team performed well and he went to compete at the National level in New York City. These two experiences paved the way for an exciting entrance into the accounting program, which came as wonderful news. Tracy began the Accounting Junior Core in the fall and Hanna hasn’t seen him since… Just kidding… kind of… </div><div align="left"><br />Tracy left his job at E. Excel before the Junior Core began, but it wasn’t soon enough. The company moved to about 40 miles away in April, and Tracy wanted to work over the summer. With one car between them and not wanting to find a new job for the summer, Tracy rode his trusty stead (a 150cc motor scooter) to Sandy each day for work. Needless to say, Hanna (and Tracy’s mother) was excited to see that phase over with. The summer did bring some wonderful times though as we took a needed vacation to the beach with our parents in the Outer Banks. The trip was absolutely wonderful! Hanna’s dad and Tracy caught some six-inch waves on a surf board; Tracy’s dad tackled the ocean (or the ocean tackled him, we’re still not sure); and we built some pretty amazing sand sculptures with the Frazier crew. All in all, it was an unforgettable trip and we had a blast. </div><div align="left"><br />We took a trip to Moab and Arches during the summer to celebrate our second year anniversary. The red rock was breath-taking and Arches was an incredible experience. We stayed at a ranch in a canyon below Arches with our room opening right up into the Colorado River. We managed to get ourselves up on some horses as well and we took half a day horseback riding through the red-rock country. </div><div align="left"><br />Probably the biggest and most important news to report from this year is that we are expecting a Baby! Hanna told Tracy the wonderful news after getting back from their anniversary trip. But it wasn’t until November 13 (oddly the three-year anniversary of Tracy proposing to Hanna) that we found out our new little addition was a little Girl! We are so excited to become parents and still maintain that we weren’t just trying to stay in competition with our siblings—three of which are also pregnant. But we anxiously await the coming of this beautiful soul at the end of March. We feel tremendously blessed and are so very grateful that God would allow us this miracle. </div><div align="left"><br />We made it home to Pittsburgh and Wheeling for Thanksgiving, and it was a good thing, too - We were almost out of macaroni and cheese. The break was wonderful and we truly enjoyed being with family. Hanna also had a baby shower with her sister Nicole who is also expecting. Friends and family attended and we are so very grateful for not only the generosity of everyone, but more importantly for their friendship, support, and encouragement. </div><div align="left"><br />We hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas Day and Holiday Season! We sure have enjoyed ours. It is during this season that our hearts and minds are turned to the source of all our success and happiness—Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At this time of year, it is so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the gifts and wrapping paper, but it is infinitely more important that we remember and be grateful for that tiny babe of Bethlehem whose life made all things possible. For Him, and for His remarkable life and teachings, we express our gratitude, praise, and adoration. May this year and the year to come bring blessings to those we love and may we remain in the Grace of God’s Love always. </div><br /><div align="left">All our Love, </div><div align="left"><em>Tracy and Hanna</em></div></div></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-24955132447849197162007-05-10T12:26:00.000-06:002007-11-24T21:31:29.501-07:00So Great a Nation<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Posted by Tracy</em></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ceiligirls.com/uploaded_images/Capitol-Building-at-Night,-Washington-DC-738081.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8qf5gEULdGc9zUOw5v_bv_JrubQ9ywTwAUJDSLIgZlZ9niXY-fOdhXlYr8NcqzTlr6ujQanQiKVJ4XTq4wwzL5XxqKcL6ENJawfAUYNXiRiF5W5QvohUvHz61wyVPA8wG46sh5oijasp/s1600-h/Capital+Building.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136630826909549074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8qf5gEULdGc9zUOw5v_bv_JrubQ9ywTwAUJDSLIgZlZ9niXY-fOdhXlYr8NcqzTlr6ujQanQiKVJ4XTq4wwzL5XxqKcL6ENJawfAUYNXiRiF5W5QvohUvHz61wyVPA8wG46sh5oijasp/s200/Capital+Building.bmp" border="0" /></a>So I've been thinking recently about how amazing it is that we live in such a thriving democracy. I mean, you look around the world and the political power struggles that occur, and it really does make you grateful to live in the United States. Recently I have been watching and reading about so much of the politics that are going on in our nation right now. Usually this only frustrates me at how slow things go and how little gets done. But recently, I have been so impressed with how it all really works: That people with such different ideas can debate and discuss issues with one another. That we can resolve huge political issues without violence or war.<br /><br />Now I obviously don't think our political system is perfect. I think every administration has its issues and disappoints me in different ways. But the fact that we can do all that we do the way we do it, well.... it simply impresses me. I wish the individuals participating in the system were as open-minded and fluid as the system itself is, but then again, that could be said about anything.<br /><br />So whether Democrat or Republican, Independent or Non-Voter, I just think everyone can and should appreciate the amazing phenomenon of democracy. I guess I have been thinking about it all lately since the primary debates are going on. Which by the way, Anyone else think the Primaries are way more interesting than the actual Presidential debates? Maybe it's just because I have more people to pick and choose from. Who knows? But there sure a lot of cool people running, both Democrat and Republican. Tons of good ideas out there.<br /><br />I thought I'd just post this to promote political awareness, regardless of whom or what you vote for. I think it is good to be actively involved. So I made a list of some good information out there about the debates. Try to watch them if possible.<br /><br /><br /><div><ul><br /><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Presidential_Debates%2C_2008">Democratic Primary Debates</a> - Description and Schedule</li><br /><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Presidential_Debates%2C_2008">Republican Primary Debates</a> - Description and Schedule</li><br /><li><a href="http://researchris.blogspot.com/2007/05/democrat-republican-debates-for-2008.html">Primary Debate Videos Blog</a> - This guy does a good job of getting the videos on YouTube for everyone and this link takes you directly to his blog where you can view the videos for both party debates. <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>I don't know about or agree with his views, but he posts good videos.</em></span></li><br /><li><a href="http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Democrat+Presidential+Candidate+Debate&hl=en">Democrat Primary Debate Videos</a> - Posted videos</li><br /><li><a href="http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Republican+Presidential+Candidate+Debate+&hl=en">Republican Primary Debate Videos</a> - Posted videos</li><br /><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_election#Presidential_Primaries">Presidential Primaries</a> - Description and History</li><br /><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_elections">Presidential Elections</a> - Description and History</li></ul><br /><p>Hope everyone is doing well! God Bless!</p></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-87645589796157113812007-05-01T14:42:00.000-06:002007-05-01T15:05:10.474-06:00He Dreamed of Castles…<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span><br /></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCiv5A8X22B30n-3RA0jtktjkktMcoTuou6nz9-Cl5w-0Fj-6rNo7aH663CWAUyRtR16dRdtWZ6Yam-xTh5u1jRzzmw5JYk7GH6h2teCc7aubYBNfhPgyyoVHzebbq_U3KhJdVdsTABWK/s1600-h/IMG_4547.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059700741675832722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCiv5A8X22B30n-3RA0jtktjkktMcoTuou6nz9-Cl5w-0Fj-6rNo7aH663CWAUyRtR16dRdtWZ6Yam-xTh5u1jRzzmw5JYk7GH6h2teCc7aubYBNfhPgyyoVHzebbq_U3KhJdVdsTABWK/s200/IMG_4547.jpg" border="0" /></a>Anyone who knows me at all knows that, beyond God and Family, the two most important things in my life are <a href="http://www.indianajones.com/">Indiana Jones</a> and Castles. Although I am of course exaggerating, it’s funny how close to the truth that statement really is. From as early as I can remember, castles have been a dream of mine; to live in one a lifetime ambition. Well, this past week that ambition has been fueled over and over it seems. For whatever reason, castles have been on my mind.<br /><br />Perhaps the reason may be because this week I found a company that specializes in building castles! Yeah… If there was ever a website or piece of news that could distract me, showing me a company that builds castles for a living would do it. The company is called <a href="http://www.castlemagic.com/">CastleMagic</a> and has been in the business of building castles for over twenty years. They were even featured in an article published in <a href="http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/free_forbes/2004/1213/274.html">Forbes magazine</a>. Now when I say that they build castles, I mean the real deal. Double layered solid stone walls, towers, moats, drawbridges, and portcullises. I mean, these are my kind of people! So needless to say, I have been having a dreamy week.<br /><br />I have often wondered where my passion for castles originates and why it has survived this long. Perhaps it was all the pretending I was a knight I did as a kid. Maybe it was the Role-Playing games Aaron and I lived in for so many years. Then again, it could be the fantasy books and movies that Dad got me hooked on so young. Who knows… But more and more I find that I love them simply for their architectural magnificence and beauty; their permanence and feeling of safety; their ability to inspire dreams in every individual who looks upon them.<br /><br />I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to make this dream of building my castle a reality, but I do know that I will never stop dreaming. For those of you who haven’t caught hold of the dream quite yet, I’ve listed some of my favorite Castle Sites for learning about them and just starring at the pictures.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.castles.org/">Castles of the World</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle">Castles on Wikipedia</a><br /><a href="http://www.castles-for-sale.com/">Castles For Sale</a><br /><a href="http://www.castlemagic.com/color.html">Castle Magic</a><br /><a href="http://www.castlesontheweb.com/">Castle Links</a><br /><a href="http://www.castlexplorer.co.uk/index.php">Castle Explorer</a><br /><a href="http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GFRC_enUS221&q=castles&amp;amp;oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi">Google Images of Castles</a><br /><div><div align="left"><br />They are gorgeous aren’t they? God Bless!</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059700977899034018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIDm1z9jQ_JWavpvbaHf243aUmKvc5TshVIMoWW7ZLFa7zJ7ojQoDZA8ZxJRFttSgAZeWZmbTG9noy2ukYfI_OXqhdrzav1zStCZ8MDbvztqKngeIKnpAU6im1O3ySL6NVi9iC40mXMwm/s400/Castle1.jpg" border="0" /></div>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-62276859791078904552007-04-29T21:16:00.000-06:002007-04-30T00:38:12.745-06:00Provo - Our Home in the Mountains<div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Hanna and Tracy</span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></div></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pKPWzZ06FdJASucEDfr-CO6-74BZPFHg_mBmS2wVO4Tx52x4L9ooNaviDwG6j3s9GfiIowNwICI8Vw9Zby0uCawG8T7CK0y1WvlV2OP_dbDh_6B4MBw1cAgJXQsWHKzItJNHsHCjJ63-/s1600-h/DSCF2232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059102469911369042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pKPWzZ06FdJASucEDfr-CO6-74BZPFHg_mBmS2wVO4Tx52x4L9ooNaviDwG6j3s9GfiIowNwICI8Vw9Zby0uCawG8T7CK0y1WvlV2OP_dbDh_6B4MBw1cAgJXQsWHKzItJNHsHCjJ63-/s200/DSCF2232.JPG" border="0" /></a>Well, we've been out here in Provo, Utah now for over a year and half and we've loved every minute of it. As hard as it was to leave family and friends behind in the East, it has been a true adventure making new friends and learning to love our new home here in the mountains. Today we went out to Utah Lake for a Sunday stroll and it really got us thinking about the time that we've spent out here.<br /><br />We arrived in Utah Valley in the beginning of August, 2005 and moved into Wyview, a family housing complex for BYU students. We'll never forget Wyview as it represents our very first year as a married couple on our own. We have a ton of memories and made friendships that we hope will last forever.<br /><br />Then, as Wyview was being turned into single housing, we left before the fall semester of 2006 and moved into the C&L complex just south of campus. The apartment is really nice and although it costs more, it has its own perks. I can walk to campus in three minutes, the vaulted ceilings, the dishwasher, being able to do laundry in the comfort of your own home, and more.<br /><br />All in all though, Provo really has become our own little home here in the tops of the mountains. We were even talking about how hard it will be to leave this place someday (don't worry moms and dads - we will be coming back). Beyond reminding us of how much we love it here, however, our little walk this afternoon out by the lake reminded us of the beauty of this world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_NyJ3tdd0_-WaflLuEevGSoJpAIDR2hoysFmuhwNS9WCJIieqapwUlRO0TflEwxuG5jidGmPGHlhbhsHAKVGitxdi-i3VKliWrsByudf92hKE3ds1UZ6gkBXHotnQSAd6zr8mEEaRAhz/s1600-h/DSCF2250.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059102873638294898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_NyJ3tdd0_-WaflLuEevGSoJpAIDR2hoysFmuhwNS9WCJIieqapwUlRO0TflEwxuG5jidGmPGHlhbhsHAKVGitxdi-i3VKliWrsByudf92hKE3ds1UZ6gkBXHotnQSAd6zr8mEEaRAhz/s200/DSCF2250.JPG" border="0" /></a>So much of what we think about the world comes from the news on CNN to the newspapers and magazines we read: war, death, infidelity, pollution, hatred, misunderstanding, and how technology is making up for the shortcomings of humanity. But it is moments like our walk today out on that lake that reminds us of what a beautiful world it is that we live in. How great is our Lord God - for the beauty of His creations is awesome and they truly are endless. It is just so refreshing to spend some time pondering about the beauty of this world, and the marvel at the detail of every living thing; the magnificence of every place; and the love God has for every one of us - even as small as we are in this great world.<br /><br />Anyway- we hope you enjoy some of the memories we've captured from our walk on the lake this afternoon. May God bless you and keep you always. And may your heart and mind be filled with gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059103041142019458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbt18ccWjjhg7S_NVkhOBJ62JPFMaRYNieBU5Jx7qBijRfRLjJOqeyFekr_QV_Zpy5u9A0oTR_7ScuR-sBIRyCUgZdJznLWUPkJSceKKxu6I8u8zmQ9HOBKYYPYbyJJg5wy5RZEpoDotU/s400/DSCF2253.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(Here is a small video clip of Utah Lake and Utah Valley)</span></em> </p><p align="center"><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JQ-Hxnk4tgc"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JQ-Hxnk4tgc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></p>Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-81659029358573534542007-04-20T17:27:00.000-06:002007-04-20T17:44:33.285-06:00KPMG National Audit Case<em><span style="font-size:85%;">Posted by Tracy</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br />So back on January 16, 2007, I got an email from one of the masters students in the accounting program regarding a competition that <a href="http://www.kpmg.com/">KPMG</a> was doing. Just so you know, KPMG is another of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Four_auditors">Big Four accounting firms</a>. The competition was going to be an advanced audit case, in which students would play the role of a preliminary audit team. This was the first year that the Firm was doing a college level competition, similar to the <a href="http://tracyandhanna.blogspot.com/2007/03/pricewaterhousecoopers-xtax-competition.html">xTax competition</a> that I did with PriceWaterhouseCoopers.<br /><br />Since it was the first year that KPMG was doing the competition, 22 schools were invited to participate but could only sponsor one team of students. Since there would not be competition within each individual college, students were nominated by faculty to be a part of the team. Fortunately, I was recommended and was made part of the four-person team.<br /><br />The competition involved 3 modules, each lasting 2 weeks, wherein the team was asked to make preliminary assessments regarding business, accounting, and audit risks of a fictional company and present reports to management. At the end of the six weeks 5 finalist teams would be announced. The great news? Our team was chosen as one of the finalists to go to compete on the national level in New York City!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWl7fdLg4FJIrEKTna6JBdI7A64a-HDRtzhajf-3_Xz1LjtbRhiexrjUuGUQunW-98EjBGXq13DCpYx2pUoWS4v4RSYHp__OKAYa43uYOge61qWP3z7jq_dwz89vJdW9Xx8tnDrs9DR2P/s1600-h/DSCF2223.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055659121265623138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWl7fdLg4FJIrEKTna6JBdI7A64a-HDRtzhajf-3_Xz1LjtbRhiexrjUuGUQunW-98EjBGXq13DCpYx2pUoWS4v4RSYHp__OKAYa43uYOge61qWP3z7jq_dwz89vJdW9Xx8tnDrs9DR2P/s200/DSCF2223.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our New York trip was from April 14 – 17, 2007, and was a real blast. KPMG put us up in the <a href="http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/information.jhtml?ctyhocn=NYCWAWA&key=HOME">Waldorf=Astoria</a> and covered everything. I actually had my own room up in the Waldorf Towers which provided quite a nice view. Beyond competing we had some extra time to check out New York. Our team went to see <a href="http://disney.go.com/theatre/marypoppins/">Mary Poppins</a> on Broadway, and hit some of New York’s fun restaurants. I learned a ton about KPMG as well as discovering attractive career paths in the accounting field.<br /><br />Even though our team did not place first at Nationals, I had an experience that I will never forget and it only fed my ever-growing desire to enter the accounting field. I have been so very impressed with all of the Big Four accounting firms, and am excited to continue learning more about possible careers and internships with these amazing people.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055659602301960306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66eTdoSH6rabayBlkBW7Fzkq4XG_VmC5IruwJVzxGRB3VQnc1nVeetMDoyO4eLk6t0VDmNFUQr6w_z_FCeC9lkTlNHHOaVwHisOuoU2Dl7VnyzvC_4GfoYGNMt_X4XdzSpxg8XOTl5_WO/s320/Group+at+the+Clock.JPG" border="0" />Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8378106334529072673.post-33092395200589239292007-04-02T20:45:00.000-06:002007-04-02T21:24:53.287-06:00Visit from Mom Farr and Amanda<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Posted by Tracy and Hanna</em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1tdvHQ1BjtNI7pF5tH754Kh9GolmWOp0QzYxNHIHnb-vTDOZOAIk9MDzlkIGSmFz98nvP2DPqXEUfxd8HQGE_4KI56zglKnp7BmBnevUccoqywvx_fBz8jVIb-1QCpBA_ucfNXnrVJQG/s1600-h/DSCF0419.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049030560310968466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1tdvHQ1BjtNI7pF5tH754Kh9GolmWOp0QzYxNHIHnb-vTDOZOAIk9MDzlkIGSmFz98nvP2DPqXEUfxd8HQGE_4KI56zglKnp7BmBnevUccoqywvx_fBz8jVIb-1QCpBA_ucfNXnrVJQG/s200/DSCF0419.JPG" border="0" /></a>We were really lucky to have Amanda and Mom Farr come to visit with us this past week! They came out for conference but came out early - giving us plenty of time to simply 'hangout' and enjoy one another's company. It was so nice to be able to hear what has been going on in Amanda and Pete's life (which has been a lot in case anyone has been wondering), especially in person rather than over the phone. Although, as much as we want them to move out here to live near us, the idea of them living in Florida does have its perks. *wink* *wink* And having Mom out here has been nice for the obvious reasons - Let's face it - People just need their Mothers.<br /><br />We both kept saying to each other this past week how wonderful it has been to have family here. Living out here sure has taught us the importance of family and spending time with each other. It is pretty hard to let either Mom or Amanda even go home. We made sure that they both got their Haircuts, though, so we suppose they are allowed to leave now.<br /><br />We all got to attend conference together which was a blast and of course very uplifting. <a href="http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1890-1-1-1,00.html">Temple Square</a> was simply beautiful and the <a href="http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1867-1-1-1,00.html">conference center </a>- breathtaking. We packed a lunch and had a picnic in between the Sunday sessions of conference right in temple square. The talks given this conference were just awesome. The theme seemed (at least to us) to be around Repentance and Forgiveness, which of course is so desperately needed in this world. The talks also seemed to focus on testifying to the world that 'Mormons" are indeed Christians. The focus placed on Christ throughout the meetings truly brought the Spirit into the conference and touched our lives.<br /><br />We are just so grateful to have family and miss everyone so very much. Now, if we can just survive until the beach . . .<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049030087864565890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip61KSQVnxPIJkh592o5tP_jkjqpdZ2OtZ8UZzuiVuVOGK0VYJeu-tzV04IZh2gjelEvrOTx3DCfisA63F4NMkv_c7SPhSxRBrC-gTAmpaB8gzeTXgheS-jwpGspfMAJvbHy3pw6y55xn3/s320/DSCF0405.JPG" border="0" />Tracy and Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18185710727866192868noreply@blogger.com2