The Power of Advertising

On our way back from Albuquerque, in the car at lunch time:

• Me (on the phone to the other car): Yeah we like Wendy' better than McDonalds
  
• Eli (from the back seat): Yeah, yeah Wendy's! Its WAY better than fast food!

And that is how marketing works.

Viruses, AAAHHH!

I have been "offline" for 10 days or so because our computer got a nasty virus. The kind that hides and replicates itself, and requires professional intervention that costs $$$! Yuck. And I thought taking myself to the doctor was expensive. Anyway, so finally our computer is virus free and I hope that we don't repeat that scenario any time soon. I guess I consider us lucky that up until this point we have never had anything major like that happen, especially with all the junk that seems to be out there. It is somewhat mind boggling the extent of the Internet and what it can do, with which comes a host of malicious people that want to take advantage of unsuspecting, unaware, unprotected individuals. I did miss being able to look things up on the computer whenever I wanted, but that faded and in actuality it was a little nice be "unconnected" for a bit. I hope none of you have to deal with nasty computer viruses like the one we got. It was not nice, rather disconcerting, and we felt violated. I don't think any of our personal information was stolen or anything and fortunately I also didn't miss any work. In fact, I was battling strep and then a cold during the computer's infection. I sure am sick of being sick! And my kids too. I wish we could all just be healthy! I am looking forward to spring and summer, which it feels like spring already. I wonder if there will be any big spring snows to make up for the lack of winter snow?

We are off to Albuquerque on Saturday. We decided to get out of town for part of Spring Break coming up next week. We wanted somewhere we could drive in a day, somewhere new. So Albuquerque is it. We have looked up lots of stuff to do, so we should be able to stay plenty busy during our couple of days there. Look for pictures from our trip on the next post.

Announcement

So here it is for all the world to know now, we are expecting! I am sure some of you already know, because we told you, or you heard through the grapevine....anyway, it is true. We are expecting another baby September 1st. Things have been going well so far. I haven't been too sick, just a little nauseous at times. I do have some cravings, pickles (I know so cliche!), and an aversion to chicken. Can't stand it! So I eat a lot more red meat these days, which I think helps my iron content, maybe I won't be anemic this time.

Eli is excited, I don't think Simon understands. In fact it was really funny when we told the boys, I said "We are going to expand our family" and Simon said "No expand family!" Of course he didn't have any idea what he was saying, but it was very amusing. Hopefully he doesn't really feel that way. Eli really wants a girl, but of course the track record for Marlers heavily favors a boy. We will know towards the end of April and will be sure to let you all know. It will be an adventure having another one! We have some fixing up of the house to do this summer in preparation, not to mention the purchase of a bigger vehicle. If you have any suggestions in that department, please feel free to share!