Big Red V. 2.0

I shaved my beard a few days ago. I'd been growing it for four months (since September 20th). I loved it. Sarah hated it. I love my wife. Ergo, it was time to be clean shaven for a little while.

I miss it, though. However ridiculous it may sound, I spent four months working on that thing. And by working, of course, I mean not shaving. I spent a good chunk of time growing it out and feeling comfortable with it dangling softly from beneath jaw. I named it. I hid pens and pencils in it. We became friends. And now it's gone.

Fortunately, hair grows back. I'm confident that next year's beard will be even bigger and better than this year's.

Anyway. Here it was in all of its glory:





And this is how long the goatee was after I shaved down the sides:



I'm now sporting a shorter goatee with neatly trimmed sideburns and no moustache. I'm "normal" looking again. So it goes.



Beards for everyone, that's my motto.

Stay Gold!

MMK

My Engelhardt Family

I've written sporadically on here about the RAs I supervise and work with on a daily basis. The four of us have formed a solid team over the course of the year and have a great time working together. It will honestly be hard to see them go when the end of the year comes around, but that's a ways off yet. So I'm not gonna dwell on it.

Anyway. We went sledding as a staff this past weekend and took advantage of our time in the great New Hampshire outdoors to take some staff photos. My supervisor was kind enough to lend her fancy camera and skills as a photographer for the afternoon. We ended up with some pretty fantastic shots, I think. So... Here you go. Some of you may have already seen these of Facebook. But some of you haven't. Either way -- Enjoy.

We started out serious. And Lumberjacky.





Then we looked confidently toward the future.



Then I went sleeveless. Model pose style.





Then Josh ramped over me on his sled.



These kids are seriously the best ever. I work with the raddest people.

Stay Gold!

MMK

Julia

MK and I recently watched Julie & Julia. Dad, if you and Mom haven't seen this movie yet, you should pick it up from Family Video. I think you'd both really enjoy it. I had heard good comments about the movie but wasn't really sure if I'd get into it. Well, I did...and I think the movie gave me a little inspiration.

MK and I have really been trying to get our butts in gear about eating right and staying active. Sounds so easy, but as most of you know, changing unhealthy habits sucks. We have more than enough knowledge (MK's the bodybuilder/trainer and I play the nutritionist), but we are lacking effort, accountability, and proper rewards (why not reward a pound lost or a trip to the gym with Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream?!).

But I've pulled out a few recipes from all my old Parents magazines and am dedicated to at least trying to set aside some time to cook. As most of you know, I enjoy baking. Not cooking. But here's my attempt to be a better wife and mother. All the delicious recipes are going into a small note book I received for Christmas (thanks, Dad Kole). I made my first recipe on Wednesday...and it was a success! This was also my first crack ever at a quiche! YUM!

Cheese & Spinach Pie Tart

Norah is slowly developing her crawling skills. No, she's not crawling yet, but she's so close! MK and I have been cheering her on and coaxing her with toys. At the moment, her movement is similar to an army crawl. However, once she's able to push her weight off with her knees...she'll be gone...and I'll be one tired mama.


Just look at that smile...so cute. But I think that face also says, "Mom, watch out. I'm gonna be a little stinker."

Thanks to a Target gift card from Momma T(thank you!), we bought Norah a new car seat. She was outgrowing her old one by both the height and weight guidelines. Here's Norah enjoying the big car seat box:


I'm enjoying the last night of peace. All the residents move back in tomorrow. And tomorrow will officially begin my countdown to the end of the semester. Hehe. This next week is going to be a bit hectic with Marshall and I trying to figure out a new routine that works for all three of us. Marshall will have different hours this semester, and I have accepted a new work schedule at PF. Once my old shift is covered, I will be working M - F from 2:00 - 10:00 (closing shift). This means we will probably have to rely a bit more on sitters, and I will frequently get a little less sleep...but I think it'll be worth it. I'll have my Sunday's back, allowing the three of us to go to church and just spend quality time together. I'm excited!

And last but not least, my Christmas present had the final touches added today:


I love and miss you all.

Sitting on the Couch

Norah was sitting with me on the couch last night when I was writing some work emails. She kept peeking up over my shoulder to see my face and I would give her a little startle each time she looked for me. It was the highlight of her day, I think. Good times.

Probably not too exciting for all of y'all, but I thought I'd share anyway.

Also, my triceps are huge in this video. Just sayin'...



Anyway.

Stay Gold!

MMK

This Week's Tattoo Post

Having gotten the outline done in October, I finally got my gypsy head colored in last week. It's mostly healed now and looking fierce. Big ups to Jason Loui at Iron Works Tattoo in Portsmouth for the work. If you're looking to get some work done in the area of the Seacoast, he's tops.



Elsewhere in the world, this guy decided to tattoo a pair of sunglasses onto his face. Stupid, probably, but I guess when you've already got your throat tattooed, you might as well tattoo your face, too.



Sarah is getting her arm colored in this weekend. I'm sure she'll share pictures after the fact.

That's all!

Stay Gold,

MMK