A Day in the Life

Brooklyn's Prayer: "Please bless that the Spirit will follow us to Saint George. And please bless that it won't be TOO too hot when we get there."

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Talia's Insight (Pointing to a giant hole in her sock): "Look! My sock like Mommy's!" (Yes, I do have serious issues when it comes to gaping holes in my footwear. Half the time, the holes get so big that my socks literally turn into ankle warmers.)

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Eli's Daily Pastime:

I tell you, this little guy hardly ever stops smiling. Scarcely sixteen pounds, and yet the whole world melts at the sight of his sparkling blue eyes. Let's just hope the smiles continue when he gets tubes in his ears tomorrow...

Coming Soon--St. George, Utah

In my last post, I advised "staying tuned" for big news on the employment front. Well, if you've actually tried, you've probably noticed how the reception's been pretty fuzzy. For over a week I've been waiting for Jason to announce his fabulous news. Well, I've finally decided to share it for him. My darling hubby is great at many things, but bragging about himself is not one of them. :)

Two weeks ago Jason flew to St. George, Utah to interview for an Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship. According to their website, "The mission of the Rose Fellowship is to inspire and nurture a new generation of architects as lifelong leaders dedicated to creating sustainable communities for people at all income levels." Essentially, a non-profit organization (Enterprise) funds "three-year partnerships between emerging architects and community-based organizations." Community developers competitively apply to host an architect. Meanwhile, emerging architects apply for the opportunity to learn all facets of the trade in an environment that focuses more upon making a difference than making a profit.

Rose fellows generally focus on sustainable, affordable housing--key facets of Jason's thesis research and work with Solar Decathlon. Even so, when Jason began the lengthy application process, we talked about how we'd need divine intervention to land this job. Competitive under the best of circumstances, the fellowships were in particularly high demand this year given the economy. Four fellowship projects were available--Ohio, Washington, Puerto Rico, and southern Utah. We applied for the Utah position because we felt it best matched Jason's areas of expertise. Fortunately, the hiring committee agreed. Just hours after interviewing, he was offered the position. By the next morning, we'd accepted.

For the next three years, Jason will be working for Color Country Community Housing, a non-profit community housing organization that services parts of Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. During this time, he will be mentored by a local architect in St. George and earn enough IDP (internship development program) credits to be well on his way toward licensure. Many architectural interns are pretty limited in the type of experience they acquire at the entry-level, but Jason will get to immerse himself in the entire process. At the moment, it feels a little daunting (particularly given the high-profile nature of the position), but I'm sure Jason will handle the pressure splendidly.


More than anything, we feel blessed. We have felt the hand of the Lord guiding us from the very beginning. An infinite number of small and simple things have come together in a remarkable way to give Jason the experiences necessary. God hasn't merely cracked open a window: it's as if He's personally ushering us through wide-open doors.

So when are we moving? Well, Jason's work begins September 1st, so we've already put in our sixty-day notice. In general, the timing is pretty remarkable because I am teaching an eight-week summer course that lasts until the beginning of August. That gives us just enough time to pack up, move, and settle-in.

As happy as I am about this job, I must admit that I've been feeling kind of melancholy too. It's hard to leave. We have great friends here that we will miss...a lot. While I knew that it would be challenging financially, mentally I was all geared up to stick around. I'm comfortable here with my circle of friends, favorite haunts, and family rhythm. We're thrilled to be moving closer to Jason's family, but a bit sad to be moving farther from my own. My parents have been so marvelous about coming to visit often that I've taken our week-ends together for granted. We'll miss them.

And yet, with each new challenge comes new joys. Living right next to Zion's National Park--how cool is that? While it may be a roasting 100 degrees right now, I think I'll adore the sunshine and sixty degree weather when February rolls around. And maybe, just maybe, the future will bring the joy of having a home of our own. Friends and family, with a bit of luck, we hope to even have a guest room instead of floor space to entice you to come and visit--often. :)

Jobs--(Yes, that's plural.)

I started a new job teaching reading and writing at the University of Illinois's Intensive English Institute today. My good news has been upstaged, however, by a more highly anticipated job offer.

Stay tuned!

Memorial Day 2010

The Memorial Day camping tradition lives on!

Despite taking a respite from "roughing it" last year when we traded in our tent for a bungalow near Barcelona (such a sacrifice), we happily resumed our camping ritual this past Memorial day. My generous parents spent an entire week with us as we romped around the southeast, exploring new territory. Poison ivy, spider bites, no showers except for the rain--it's hard to believe that we consider this fun, yet it's always a blast.

Home sweet home--on the banks of Little Grassy Lake in Southern Illinois.

While the grown-ups set up camp, the kids directed the proceedings from the comfort of their camp chairs.



Brooklyn and Talia both mastered the art of climbing trees...




...while Eli mastered the art of, well, lounging.

Granted, he did find some unusual places to perch.

There's actually quite a history behind this potty chair. Twenty five years ago, my parents lived in southern Illinois, in a town called Carterville. On Sunday, we attended church in our old chapel. While my parents doubted that anybody would still remember them, we were greeted at the door by the Dunkels, family friends who recognized us immediately. The Dunkels invited us over for lunch, and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together catching up. Here's a photo with Kara Dunkel (I love her name):

While at the Dunkel's home, the-other-Kara pulled out this ancient potty training toilet that belonged to Callie and I all the way back when we lived in southern Illinois. Apparently there was no room for it in the moving truck, so she's hung on to it in her basement for two and half decades!

So here's the infamous toilet, with potty users past and present. We thought the entire scenario was so amusing that we actually strapped the pot on top of our trailer. (Not to mention the fact, that every other inch of space was already dedicated to camping gear.)

I'm sure that the people behind us in the McDonald's drive thru must have thought we were an incredibly amusing sight.

After a few days in Southern Illinois, we continued our journey into the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The drive may have been long, but we figured out ways to pass the time in the car.

Brooklyn, on the other hand, was too busy to sleep.
(Of course, bumps on the road can make the lines a bit wobbly.)

When we finally reached the beautiful green rolling mountains, we knew the trip had been worth it. I was worried that Talia would be disappointed because she thought the "smoky" mountains should quite literally be smoky. Fortunately, the vistas satisfied her expectations. The clouds are often so low that they truly do appear to be rising like smoke out of the green foliage..

After setting up camp again, everyone enjoyed a bit of cuddle time with Eli.

The poor guy struggled with lingering ear infections the whole time we were gone, so he really wanted to be held. Good thing everyone was accommodating!

(Especially NomiAnn.)

Papa Kay pontificated...

...and doubled as a pack horse on a day hike.

Here we are, at beautiful Laurel Falls (minus Jason, our faithful photographer):

Such a sensory photo--can't you hear the rushing water?

Talia's preferred hiking style--one thumb in her mouth, a bag of goodies hidden behind her back.

So sneaky--we hardly noticed. :)

Of course, we couldn't stop with Laurel Falls. No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without hiking the Appalachian trail over to North Carolina.

Brooklyn scaled rocks to get there.


We enjoyed sights so pretty...

...and sights slightly scary.

The Andrus-mobile ate a lot of bugs to take us on such an ambitious journey. We had plenty of bonding time with the seven of us stuck in the faithful mini-van. But in the end, I think we were all grateful for our shared experiences...

...and ready for a nap.

Here's to more Memorial Day camping!

Talia Talk

For the record, here are some of our favorite Talia-isms

Talia: Me yeah, you no. (This annoying game is one of the girls' original inventions. The game has no other purpose than to argue with the other person about who gets to be "yeah." Even though "yeah" has no corresponding privilege or reward, the indignity of being assigned "no" has caused much turmoil in our home. I think Talia has taken St. Matthew's injunction to "let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay" a little bit too literally!)

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Talia: I like it more better. (Her typical explanation as to why she she should have whatever Brooklyn wants.)

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Talia: Why? (Repeated 10,000 times).

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Talia (to Papa Kay): Tic Tac Time!

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Talia (stops abruptly in the middle of an overly dramatic crying episode): Why my tears not working?

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And my all-time favorite...

Mom (putting Talia to bed): Would you like a doudou (French for stuffed animal) to snuggle with?
Talia: I want a doggy doudou.

(I guess I'll never progress beyond the potty humor.)

Pooper Scooter

Eli’s been sort-of-scooting for a while now. He’s pretty good at propelling himself backwards (albeit unintentionally), as well as swiveling on the fulcrum of his tummy to move from side to side. To crawl forward, he’s adopted this strange snake-like motion where he thrusts his large noggin forward and lets it flop, after which he inches the rest of his body along. I’ve questioned the efficacy of this motion, and doubted whether or not he actually moved anywhere. That is, until this morning when I heard Brooklyn shout:

“Ew! Eli pooped all over the floor!”

Sure enough, when I went to clean up, I discovered a trail of mess that spanned a surprising distance. In the end, I guess it was the diaper and not the crawling that proved to be “less effective.”

On my way to the Top (of Utah Marathon)

I guess I’m addicted.

While running the Illinois half-marathon was both painful and challenging, it was also exhilarating. It felt amazing to accomplish something difficult and know that I’d given my personal best. In the end, it took me 2 hours and 6 minutes to run 13.1 miles. (That’s roughly 20 minutes faster than my first half marathon). While this may not be particularly fast for a Wheeler, it’s great for an Andrus. My steady, 9:38 pace placed me in the top quarter of my category, and I was elated.

Thrilled as I am with this race, I still have this nagging desire to step it up one more notch. Even while running the half, I found myself wondering, “Could I ever manage a full marathon?” At mile nine I decided, “Oh yeah, baby, bring it on!” However, by the time mile marker twelve finally arrived, I had changed my tune: “Never. Absolutely not. Are you insane?”

But then the pivotal moment. Sitting in the stadium bleachers afterward, watching marathoner after marathoner run, walk, hobble, stumble, even crawl over the finish line. The air was electric as accomplishment and pride crowded out the intense physical pain of these warriors. It was truly an emotional experience.

Could I ever run a marathon? I don’t know, but I want to try.

Even though I started secretly investigating full marathons immediately after, I’ve procrastinated writing this post for over a month now. It’s frightening to openly commit to such a daunting task, even if only to friends on the blogosphere. On the positive side, I’m hoping that the extra measure of accountability will be motivating.

So which marathon, and when? I limited my search to our parents’ hometowns since a) it was absolutely delightful having family around to watch the kids during the Illinois marathon and b) we have absolutely no idea where we will be living come fall. While we may have to travel for the race, at least we get the added benefit of getting to spend time with family. Given the choice between the plains of Nebraska and the mountains of Utah, you’d think that Nebraska would offer the easier marathon. Guess again. The Omaha marathon is advertised as a “challenge.” Its website reminds that “Omaha is not quite as flat as most think.” As the course winds through the bluffs, ten miles of the race is spent going up and down hills.

In contrast, Logan’s “Top of Utah” marathon boasts a “perfect downhill race” as you run down a very slight grade out of scenic Blacksmith Fork Canyon.

Personally, I think running 26.2 miles will be rough enough—I don’t need an extra challenging marathon. So Top of Utah it is—Saturday, September 18th. Life certainly comes full circle—this is the same marathon that Jason ran eight years ago. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would follow suit.

I’ve found an 18-week online training schedule that I’m hoping will work. Designed for novices, this training program has you run four days a week, cross-train one day, and rest for two. The Saturday long runs taper back in distance every three weeks, building up to a maximum of twenty miles in week 15. While this training program is certainly intense, it’s not as difficult as many training programs that I’ve seen. I’m hoping that the time commitment will be comparatively moderate, allowing me to focus on my family, even while I pretend to be an athlete.

Truth to be told, I'm terrified of the 6.2 miles that remain after training for 20. While I may not know much about running, I’ve heard those final miles are positively beastly. I kind of envision them like birthing a baby. Even though you know it’s going to be excruciating, some things are best left unpracticed. I guess you just deal with the pain when the time comes, and trust that the end result will be worth it. Just as long as I don’t die. Seriously.

If any runners happen to be reading, I’m certainly open to any advice. Besides checking out a library book on marathons, I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. Running comes so naturally to Jason that he doesn’t have to worry much about it. On a good day, I’ll get him to carry water, but that’s about it.

(Me in my sheepish voice): Oh, and by the way, does anybody local just happen to want to watch my girls for a short spell this week so I can get in a quick run? I’d love you forever, or reciprocate babysitting, whichever you prefer. My darling hubby is out of town, and I hate to give up my training schedule so soon…

(I should be embarrassed by such a shameless, self-serving plea, but at least this way you can get out of kid care by pretending like you never read this far… Which you probably won’t, considering the length of this darned post… So whaddaya say we all just go to bed and get some sleep instead…) :)