January was kind of an exciting month. Remember that educational consulting company in Minnesota that David interviewed with in November? The one whose owner he met in Oman last year? They are starting up a new project in Jordan, and invited David to join the team as an independent consultant on the initial trip to Amman. In other words, David was PAID to go on a trip to a part of the world he loves, gaining experience in learning design while practicing his Arabic skills and eating falafel and shawarmas every day. (This is the kind of opportunity that graduate students usually have to PAY for!)
Meanwhile, the kids and I stayed home and experienced a Southern snowstorm. It snowed 8 inches the day after David left, and melted into ice that lasted all week. School was cancelled and many businesses were closed for 5 days in a row, since cities in the South are not equiped with snowplows or de-icing trucks. We felt very fortunate to not lose power as we did during the snowstorm two years ago. Instead, we played in the snow/ice, drank hot chocolate, and enjoyed new Christmas toys and movies.
David called by Skype nearly every day to tell me about his adventures in Jordan. He thought a lot about what souvenirs and treats to bring home to us. I joked that he needed to bring home 30 shawarmas in his carry-on luggage, the way our housekeeper Edna used to bring shawarmas from Oman to India when she went home to visit her pregnant daughter. ("If someone wants something and they are pregnant, you have to get it for them," Edna told me.)
David wanted to get something special for Ethan that would remind him of Oman. In the end, he got European chocolates shaped like hippos for Ethan and Claire. After Ethan bit into his chocolate, David asked expectantly, "What does it taste like, Ethan?" Ethan responded, "It tastes like any old cookie."
David brought home some pretty Palestinian-style ceramic bowls and tiles. He also brought me a box of dates, Galaxy chocolates, and Nutro wafers, some favorite treats we used to buy in Oman.
Other exciting things in January: We held a Saturday activity for the primary kids to introduce the 2011 theme, "I Know the Scriptures are True." We did a Hula Hoop pass to teach the concept of a "challenge," and challenged the kids to write down one thing per week that they learned from scripture reading at home. We then rorated the kids through 5 activity/learning stations and ate some very cute cupcakes. A lot of work went into preparing the activity, and I think it turned out pretty well.
Also in January... I graduated from physical therapy! I attended about 4 visits during Dec/Jan for hip pain and diastisis recti (excessive separation of abs). The PT initially scheduled me for 12 weekly visits, but by the end of January she said I was looking great and could stop coming. I've had a lot more pain and fatigue during this pregnancy compared with the last two, but I'm blessed with a very helpful husband who mops, cleans, puts groceries away, carries children, picks up toys, and tells me every day how much he likes my big 'ole belly. "You are SOOOO cute," he tells me. "I wish you were pregnant all the time."
Speaking of being SOOOO cute, here's a fun photo of David from the "Locate your leader" activity the church youth had at the mall. David didn't shave for a few days, dressed in black, and wore big headphones. He must have looked like a lost soul, because a nice couple handed him an invitation to their church.
