Big Jud's... Just eat it!

Believe it or not, Natalie and I thought about making hamburgers this size years ago. We always talked about making our huge, 'bread bowl' hamburgers. I guess Big Jud got to it first. It wasn't necessarily how I wanted to be remembered anyway.

Madison and Nathan patiently waiting for the food.

Mitchell digging into the French Fries. Very good, especially with fry sauce.

I can't imagine trying to eat the whole thing myself. It was challenging enough to eat a quarter of it.

J.A.N. Sisters

I have been feeling nostalgic all day because tomorrow I am turning 30 years old. This seemingly large number has given me pause and I have been reflecting on my past. As I was looking through all of my photo albums and scrapbooks I noticed a recurring theme. In every stage of my life I have pictures with two beautiful girls on either side of me, my sisters. So today, I am going to "throw it back" sister style and give tribute to my wonderful sisters. How lucky I am to be in the middle of such fabulous ladies. They have always been there for me through the good times and bad. I have always had my sisters by my side in every way and I will forever be grateful for that blessing in my life. I love you!

Geography Lesson

Last week we had the opportunity to host a girl at our house from Moldova. I got a call on Thursday afternoon finding out that she needed a place to stay. Rodica told me that she was from Moldova and I hate to admit it, but I had no idea were that was. In my mind I was thinking it was "somewhere over there." Anyway, I have since learned that Moldova is located between the countries of Romania and Ukraine (see map). If you don't know where those countries are then you might need to brush up on some geography. Eliot, however, did know right where Moldova was and I was quite impressed. Afterall, he did serve a mission in Ukraine. In Moldova they speak Romanian, but also some Russian. Eliot was able to communicate well with Rodica because her Russian was better than her English. It was an interesting week with Rodica and kind of nice to have my own au pair for awhile. She helped me make dinner, watched the kids, cleaned, played with Madison and entertained Mitchell. Rodica did not really want to go home and Eliot said that he could understand why. The GDP in Moldova is US $381. Rodica did not have any opportunities to return home to. Eliot and I (mostly Eliot) convinced her to return home as she was considering staying even though her Visa was going to expire. She would have had a hard time making her way in the U.S. with no money, no connections and no papers. Rodica sent word that she is now back in Moldova safe and sound. I think it was fun for everyone to have a week of cultural exchange.