Blood!

Last week was my first time ever donating blood. I have to say I never thought I would do it, but Jer talked me into it. She really wanted to go before we go to Africa and I told her I would join her in her efforts. Most of you know my affinity for blood and needles so I won't say I was excited for this, but it turned out to be an okay experience. And I didn't pass out. :)

Jer told me that when she would go with her mom they would race to see who could fill up the bag the fastest. Me being a slightly competitive person, took that as a challenge. So we jumped on the bus and got the process going. Once they pricked my finger and told me I was definitely a bleeder I knew it was going to be a close race! Sadly though, I lost. But I still turned in what I believe is a respectable time for competitive blood donation. Jer finished in 4:33 and I finished in 4:55, not bad for a first-timer I say. Especially when the woman next to Jer took 15 minutes to fill her bag.

That was how we spent part of our Friday after work last week. The rest of the night we spent keeping our friend Tya company. Her husband was off fishing so we brought over some food and just kicked it at Tya's house. Apparently I invited myself over to a girl's night because they had all their nail polish and lotion ready to go for pedicures and what not. Jer even brought over her little massaging foot bath. Yes, I did try it out and it wasn't half bad. I also let my wife put some lotion on my feet (without kicking her, since my feet are pretty ticklish) and on my hands. I drew the line at the nail polish this time though. Morty, hopefully you're proud of me for that one.

After that I was ready for a nap so I just curled up on the couch while the girls made brownies. Eventually they made it over to the couch and we watched Baby Mama. Well, Tya and I watched because Jer was pretty tired by now. I had my nap before they even started the movie so I managed to watch the whole thing.

The rest of our weekend we spent at home, except for church. Saturday we babysat Andrew, Ana, and Henry most of the night. We had pizza, watched a movie, ate popcorn, played Deal or No Deal, and made some cookies. It was a nice night. Although Henry didn't seem to like us very much, poor little guy. After about an hour here he started getting tired and cranky, and the only one that could calm him down was Ana. It was pretty cute to see little Ana (I think she's 3) with Henry on her lap sleeping.

That's about it for now, here are a few pictures. Hope everyone is doing well!

Tya had her 30th birthday a few weeks ago, and her husband had a surprise birthday party for her up in Millcreek canyon. Jer and I were hanging out in our camping chairs while we waited for her to show up. Then we got to go hide in the woods and pop out to surprise her with the rest of the group. I told Tya welcome to being 30. :)

Here's a shot of some volleyball. I play in a coed league and Jer comes when my games aren't too late. Right now she doesn't have anyone to keep her company, but I like it when I look over at her while I'm playing. She makes me smile. In the picture I'm hitting a cut shot with my left hand around the block. It sure is nice to be playing again!

Jer and I ate Tya's house after we gave blood on Friday.

Me during my nap time on Tya's couch. I woke up as Jer came over to get my picture so I stuck out my tongue at her.