Jesse, Tricia, Brian, Aaron, Anna--Jan. '09

Ok, fellow Whitney's and Sorensens here is the update of the Wisconsin Whitney's. We are stuck under a 3 foot layer of perma frost with no sign of spring or warm air in sight. The weather has us housebound and that is hard with 2 boys that love to have friends over. Today, there were 4 little boys running around, fully armed, shouting and shooting each other. Fortunately, the extra two left after 2 hours or I might have been tempted to throw them in the brig. Anna was dying to play with them and followed them around carrying a tiny little gun. We had a great Christmas. Brian had minor surgery two days before Christmas to remove a cyst on his thyroid gland. It went very smoothly and he spent the night in the hospital where he was lavished with attention. There was a movie library of over 400 movies for him to choose from, he got a quilt, pillow case and 3 teddy bears to take home, there were 2 visits from "therapy dogs" and he got to eat all the toast slathered in the "most delicious butter ever" (his words) he wanted. In short, he said that the surgery and hospital stay was the best day of his life. Jesse spent the night in the hospital with him and slept on a cot. He said that the cot had no middle, there was just the sides and the floor. Poor guy. My parents came and stayed with the other kids while I went back and forth. The boys got science kits to build different little vehicles and sound contraptions, books and games for gifts. Anna got a tiny little stroller and a baby doll with a bottle. It's interesting that girls know right from a tiny age what to do with babies and bottles and strollers. Anna took her first step on Dec. 16 and no longer does her little scoot and slap at all. I have to admit that I miss it. But, I love the toddle/wobble that she does. The boys do love playing outside when the wind chill gets over 0 degrees (yes that actually happens :-) ). They tunnel in the snow banks and play commando. Jesse is doing well. He has gotten yet another cold and that has knocked him down for a few days. He's still job hunting and we are really trying to stay here in this area. Right now, though, we are just grateful that he has a good job and his company told him that there won't be any layoffs this year. That was a relief. He was released from his calling in EQ 2nd counselor yesterday and is fearful of what is in store. I have been busy knitting, sewing, keeping my sanity. I get to go to the theatre in two weeks! One of my friends and I are going to "Wicked" and get to attend a gala with drinks and appetizers before the show, see the show, and then have dessert and mingle with the cast afterwards. I found a great black velvet dress with velvet jacket to wear to it. I have never been to a show like this and am so excited! It will be fun to have a girls night out. We love all of you and hope that we can read some new additions to the blog! We miss you all!Jesse, Tricia, Brian, Aaron and Anna