Six months isn't too long a break is it?

Well, I'm back. Life, the universe and everything has conspired to keep me from writing more in my blog, but I seem to have more time than usual right now, so here's an update.
I have a new job! I am no longer working in the AUM Financial Aid office as a VA workstudy. I am a real, honest to goodness Auburn University System employee. I've been hired by the School of Education to maintain their two computer labs. All this means is that I'm keeping track of inventory, making sure the computers are up to date, and assisting students when they need help. It gives me a lot of free time to work on the machines. The most difficult thing will be trying not to tinker with them (They dont belong to me) :( I just have to keep them running in proper order.
In other family news, my inlaws, Bill and Dianne have moved into a larger house, and they have moved Thalia and Jane (the two great aunts) in with them. Believe it or not, I can walk to their new house even faster than I could walk to their old house. They're that close. In any case, I'm glad T & J are closer now. We'll be able to help them out more.
Rachel, Will, and Sarah are all doing well. William is really talking now, and his speaking is much easier to understand. (Particularly when the pacifier isn't in his mouth.) Sarah is still involved in gymnastics, and ballet, and she loves it. She's gotten so much better at cartwheels and back bridges in the past few weeks. I'm really proud of her. Speaking of Sarah, I actually took her to my Methods of Teaching Mathematics class last week. She did really really well. She was even able to participate in many of our activities, but at about nine-thirty, after our fun activities were over and we were taking notes, Sarah leaned over to me and said in a psuedo-whisper, " Daddy, this is BORING". The students at my table about lost it. I don't think they would have argued with her....note taking can be boring. Now onto other news...
Yesterday, February 24, my sister Ginny turned 28. For those of you who don't know, Ginny has been teaching English in Baghdad for over a year. We all know that Baghdad isnt the safest of all places to teach ESL, but Ginny has held up under tremendous strain. In all my time in the Army, I was shot at only one time, and I would have been safer had the shooters actually been aiming at me. Ginny has chosen to live in a place where shootings, kidnappings, and bombings are commonplace. Despite this, she chooses to continue on and try and help the people of Iraq. I'm proud of her for her determination to help in Iraq.
So...Ginny, on your 28th Birthday, I want you to know that I value your friendship with me, and your opinions and ideas on all that has gone on in the past several months. You mean more to me than you know, and I appreciate you continually being here for me. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I love ya Gin-
Russ