Oh my goodness! We have finally worked through all the wickets and found out what we need to do to get Nate started on the braces track. Chip brought him in to see one of the approved Korean orthodontists. What we learned was that Nate has the "perfect storm" of bad jaw/teeth alignment. He has a significant overbite, combined with a strong jaw. Where the orthodontist would normally move the lower jaw forward, to bring the upper and lower jaws in alignment, in Nate's case that would jut his lower jaw out way too far. So, Nate must get two upper teeth pulled and the upper teeth pulled back. Ouch! I never had to deal with braces, so the whole thing sounds bad. The military dental insurance has yet to tell us how much will be covered, but we are still looking at a chunk of change. Nate will be going to have his teeth pulled in early February, so send up some arrow prayers for him!

Happy New Year! We took one of the days both the kids and I had off and went to the local aquarium. It was amazing! They had an extensive underwater tunnel. There was a slow moving conveyor belt that allowed you to watch the fish/sharks/turtles/sting rays/etc. do their thing. There was also a section that showed interesting places to have a fish "bowl."

Nate had a great birthday. He had saved enough money between allowance and Christmas to purchase an iPod. He is even happier because it is a higher grade model than the one his mom has! I picked up a small one to help me with my running. Chip loves it, because I tend to do more dishes as I "bebop" away! We no longer have to wonder what to get Nate in the future - there are a ton of accompanying products for the iPod. I finished his sweater - very warm and very large! I used a men's small for the pattern, so he will be able to wear it for quite a while.

We are all doing well. Nate is currently with the Boy Scouts, on his first winter camp out. He will be starting tae kwon do in a couple of weeks. As the program is different here than in Chicago, he will be starting from the beginning again. Teri has plenty of cookies to sell. Instead of taking orders first, the Girl Scout troops buy cases of cookies and the girls have to sell from the stash. She is still taking sign language class and will start gymnastics this week. Chris and Joey are both signed up for a tumbling class, though on waiting lists. We figure it will be a great way to release "boy" energy during the winter months, so hopefully spots will open soon. Chip had to see a doctor and get a cortisone shot in his shoulder for bursitis. The pain is still there, but not nearly as bad. I ran 10 miles today for the first time, ever. My body was ticked off at me for about four hours or so, but is now allowing me to recover. It looks like the China trip is out, but we have been told about a DMZ marathon in September. The marathon in March has been moved up to 4 march. I will have to make a decision by 4 February on whether to sign up for the half or full marathon.

We hope all are doing well. Drop a line when you can! God bless, Mona

I think I am becoming certifiable....as in crazy!! I have taken up running with a great person here at work. Liz and I are looking to complete the Seoul marathon in March. Given that we will be in the field during part of that month, I looked up the date, to see if there would be a conflict. Two things struck me - the first is that we will be in the field, and will have to get permission to do this, the second is that it is on my birthday. Whoever would choose to go run an insane amount of miles on their 37th birthday is beyond me...or may actually be me! The second part to the insanity is that Liz - a wonderful gal who looks for the odd sort of adventure - has found her next marathon, which happens to take place in May. Where, you may ask....why, in China, I would answer....more specifically the Great Wall of China. The distance cannot be certified, as there are so many steps to climb/run. Needless to say, Liz asked me to run this with her....and I am considering it! Absolutely insane, I tell you! When the real me wakes up, I'll let you know......Love to all! Mona