"Ain't no party like a Scranton party, 'cause a Scranton party don't stop! "
-Michael Scott, The Office
Yep, we've moved to Scranton, PA, known only for its supposed setting of "The Office." It's actually a really pretty place--well, downtown Scranton isn't (besides a few old, beautiful buildings)--it's quite ugly and industrial--but up where we live (Clarks Summit--about 10 minutes from Scranton) is quite lovely: lots of trees, mountains (nothing like Utah mountains--but covered in trees), and more trees. A few weeks ago they were all yellow and red, and now they’re bare and covered in snow.
Adam is working at the Scranton State School for the Deaf as a math teacher and is really liking it. He has some interesting conversations with both deaf and hearing, and he has some interesting kids, too. Right now they're learning algebra and life math skills. I've always hated math so much, I couldn't believe it when Adam wanted to teach it. I loved teaching English (though the grading was all-consuming), so it's just funny that I married a math teacher. Adam and I are very different, which I guess is why it works so well.
I stay at home with Ian, and we have fun running around like mad all day looking for things to do. Okay, I don’t run around like mad—just Ian. I've begun writing a little--again--and we'll see how that goes. I’ve also begun my very first book group. We’ll see how that goes, too. I’ve always loved being in them, but I’ve never started one. Playgroups, library, store, cooking, cleaning, reading, playing with trains, watching Ian play with trains and run around the house like mad, and getting excited for another baby keep us very busy. Lots still to do to get ready for the next little one. It's fun. Life is different as a mother . . . slow and hectic at the same time. I'm sure things will get a lot busier with two come February.
I found a funny website called Feminist Mormon Housewives. I have yet to read enough about it to say I recommend it, but part of what I have read, I can relate to. I am not necessarily a feminist, but I do sometimes feel like I am cooped up with nothing to occupy me but household chores and children—not that these things are bad—they’re wonderful! (okay, the children are)—but they can wear you down once in awhile (but also buoy you up!) Am I alone in this? Reading helps, for sure. I’ll be posting a list of my favorite books soon, I hope. I hope you’ll let me know some of yours.
These pictures illustrate the beautiful haircuts done Saturday night. They also illustrate the fun Sunday we had decorating the Christmas tree. We decided to make sugar cookies and popcorn strings. Since church was cancelled due to the weather, we had lots of time to make our tree yummy. Ian sure loves the idea of a cookie tree. Each morning it's as if he's forgotton that we have a tree with cookies on it, and he says, "OOOH cookie!" and runs straight for ornaments. The bottom ornaments have his little finger marks in the frosting. Daddy's smiley face at the bottom of the tree now has no nose and smudged eyes and mouth. Hey, it gives the tree character, right? Actually, I think popcorn strings and sugar cookie ornaments scream, "We have no money for ornaments and tinsel!", giving the tree plenty of character already. But who cares? We think it's beautiful.
We've had LOTS of snow lately--which I guess is pretty common where we live. I guess we'll have to get used to it. 
Adam and I were two of the lucky 2,000 who got to meet JK Rowling in New York on October 19. The event was in Carnegie Hall and lasted about an hour. We had really great seats, too. It was a fantastic experience to hear her read from her own book, and at the end, she even signed a copy of Deathly Hallows for every person there. Luckily we were towards the front. We got to say a couple of words face-to-face as she signed our books, too. She was a very kind, warm person.
Trying to find ways to entertain a two-year-old can sometimes be exhausting. May I recommend giving your toddler a stick and letting him go at it at the leaves. This results in a very happy toddler and really very few leaves actually coming off the tree. Bring a blanket and a book for yourself. You'll have a good five to ten minutes, I think.
