My second appearance!

Hello everyone! Merry New Year's Eve :c)

This is Amanda, posting for my second time ever - I have been debating over what to do with my time this morning, and decided this was a good first activity! I hear that the Lord of the Rings watching festivities have started over at Headquarters - I hope they are all still awake by midnight...cuz I know that I would DEFINITELY be sleeping by about the fourth hour! Don't forget to eat, girls!

This was a wonderful Christmas season for Nathan and me. We stayed here until Christmas Eve morning and then drove up to my parents' house in Washington until the 29th. I got to enjoy the picking-up-Tawnia-at-the-airport-Christmas-song-singing adventure, while Nathan stayed at home and worked on my Christmas present...then there were all sorts of other fun things going on! We hung out during the Christmas cookie baking days (mostly just eating them...we weren't much help!), got to go caroling and hand out the delicious cookies, and then returned to open presents that we'd gotten for the family, and that they'd gotten for us. We had to open Tawnia's in the other room, and I was silly enough to blurt out what the gift was, but luckily no one in the other room heard! We didn't get to open Mindy's either - but that was very fun at my parents' house on Christmas morning!

Then we drove up to Washington, leaving about six hours later than we'd planned, arriving at my parents' house around 7:00pm to enjoy a bit of dinner and the crazy crazy dogs (and three cats!). I think we taught my brother how to play Settlers of Catan that night, and then Nathan, my brother, my dad, and I played it a time or two. Nathan won a million times til the end of the trip. I beat just him once (we were playing two player), and then my dad beat both of us. Let me tell you - he was VERY happy to have won.

Christmas morning we opened presents and that was a lot of fun - the coolest thing was that my brother wrote this poem about our family, memories, unconditional love, traditions, etc. and it made all of us cry (in a good way). It was a very good moment...he put a lot of thought and love into it. Then...we helped clean up the house for awhile and family came over around 4:00pm. It was my aunt and uncle, my cousins and their husbands. We had so much fun with them.

Later we did some exploring of Poulsbo (a cute little town by where my parents live), went to exchange some things at the mall (*shudder* I am NOT a big fan of the mall), and visited my grandpa on the way back down. All in all it was a great trip. We were happy to come back home to Oregon, though. Last night we came back over to see the family (ok ok and to do a hundred loads of laundry!), and had delicious sloppy joes, helped take down Christmas decor (sad!), and played Settlers of Zarahemla(h?) I forget if it has an "h" on the end. Anyway - that was great fun!

At home in our little apartment we had fun, too - we had two awesome advent calendars - a Lego one for Nathan, and one with cute little ornaments in it for me (I think Nathan already told you about these), and we ended up getting TWO different trees, because our first one died. We didn't realize that you had to cut the bottom off yourself (usually, as in the case of our second tree, they do it for you!), so it didn't get any water. That was very sad, but I convinced my wonderful husband to let us get another one. We went all out decorating the tree and put up other lights and garlands, and I made some really long paper chains which sort of got draped over the TV and stereo. We did stockings for each other and made each other presents. It was wonderful!

For this coming year, I have a goal of exercising more, but I think I'm going to try to make it REALLY specific...cuz vague goals seem to never work for me - so I think I'll set a fixed amount of hours of exercising I need to do each month...and if I put it off, then it will be a VERY active end of the month. Nathan and I are planning to go on a road trip in June...mostly camping - we're thinking we'll go to southern Oregon and northern California. We'll only have a week or so to go, so we don't want to spend too much time driving. Probably we'll take the vacation during the break between Nathan's spring term and his summer term.

Our plans for next school year, you ask? Well - this month is a very important month in terms of that - I'll be applying to a graduate school program at OSU in College Student Services Administration. They only accept about 18 people each year...so I'm pretty nervous...and I don't really have a plan B at this point. I should probably work on getting a plan B. So if I get accepted there, Nathan will transfer there with me, to finish up his Bachelors. Anyway - I'm not taking a class this month (Linfield has a funny little January term where people take one intense class for four weeks), but I'll be working two jobs and teaching an RA Training class. It'll be busy, but I'll still have plenty of time for working on my two biggest goals for the month - applying to grad school and making our wedding scrapbook! Oh - the two jobs are only a total of 20 hours a week, and the class is only 3 or 4 hours a week, so that's why I'll have time.

There is so much more to tell - and perhaps I'll write again with some interesting stories about neighbors - we had some VERY interesting ones, let me tell you. The house next door probably had about 8 different families in it during the 16 years we lived there! I need to go do many things today, especially if Tawnia comes over to hang out for New Years tonight. I might go get my hair cut really short again. Anyway...thank you for reading - I'll perhaps post again soon!!

Love to all - and Happy Birthday (yesterday!) Brooke - we love you!!!

Manda

Brooke is 5 today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROOKE!

Aunt Trina and Uncle Adam are very proud of you.

Since Brooke hasn't talked to me on the phone the last couple of times I've called, I thought it would be better to just post here on the blog ... and maybe she'll talk when I call her later tonight.

The neighbors I remember are the Albertsons, the Hubers, and the Syphers.

About goals, Adam and I kinda set some together for the next year. It was more like I wrote some down, and Adam didn't disagree with any of them when he looked over the piece of paper.

- improve our temple attendance, and go to a couple of new temples this year.
- get all debt paid off by the summer except the student loans, which we're of course continuing to pay: credit cards, the car, and what I owe Dad.
- get our emergency preparedness stuff up to speed. We're doing this by buying a few specific things per month. One month, we got a case of water bottles. Another, jumper cables for the car. Next - a fire extinguisher for the apartment.
- keep going on our 50-state and historical sites lists. It's SO EASY here on the East Coast where the states are so small that it's stupid to not take advantage of that.
- go to one of each of the following: theater, symphony, pro sports, and Christmas events. They're definitely our splurge thing but worth the effort, and besides, sometimes we get free tickets to the Kennedy Center. We got all 4 this year, and paid for only 2.

I guess the first 3 are actually targeted goals, and the other 2 are from our Top 100 list. Oh well.
I also have my own personal goals that I usually set for the year and work on them in monthly increments. I have no idea what my goals were that I set in January (the week before we got engaged), and then realigned in April to be more suited to married life ... don't remember a darned thing. However, I've been doing much better since August on a monthly basis. The BBC Blog was originally started for us girls to talk about fitness goals and other random things. It got expanded to goals in general - my post on August 10th explains our little program, and Sept. 1 is when we started calling it SPEMO. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to set year-long goals for 2005, or just continue with the monthly thing.

New Question

Tawnia, I did post a new question, sort of, "What are your plans and goals for 2005?", but if that's too personal here is another one. Tell about some of your neighbors as a child. I know some of you are going to say that your neighbors were all the same, since you all grew up in the same neighborhood, but since you're all different ages and had different playmates I'm sure you'll have different stories to tell. Even if you played with the same kids, your memories will be different. Also we'd like to get better acquainted with all you in-laws so please share your stories, too.

Love ya,
MOM

actually

I sent Emily an email wishing her a happy birthday, and I'm sure a few phone calls have been made as well.

You all know my opinion on the Chaos issue; Nathan and I have expressed our views rather eloquently and Mom and Trina threw in a couple of comments as well. I'm going to archive all the debate posts when this is done and add it to the history, even if the Captain remains a Captain. (and I had a great Major Chaos page all ready to add to 2004. Oh well.)

For those who may not have heard, Bryan fell in the bathtub the other day and MAY have broken his collarbone. He's hurting pretty bad and the Dr. noticed a "suspicious spot" on the x-ray that looked like a "greenstick fracture". It's the most minor kind of fracture (is "most minor" an oxymoron?) and he doesn't need any splints or anything. Just ... handle with care. We're avoiding picking him up at all, and just letting him climb around on his own if he needs to get up on a chair or anything. It's what he does anyway.

Happy 24

th Birthday, Emily. Yeah, it's funny to me that the only person who's mentioned your birthday is someone that LIVES with you. And now here I am, and I am here with you too... isn't it ironic.

Adam, Hello, thanks for posting, welcome to the family blog. It's good to have you. Trina, I did notice that he'd posted, I just haven't posted in awhile and my mind has been elsewhere.

I am enjoying being home and relaxing. It's not something I'm going to have a lot of time for once I get back to Utah, so I might as well enjoy it now. I spent last night out at Kellly (Stenlund) Vasquez' cabin with Kelly, Karien, and Carrie. It was a lot of fun. Today I stopped by and visited Annie Parker, and tomorrow I'm hopefully going up into Portland to see Lisa and Allyson, to former college roommates. I also have to take Emily out for her birthday at some point, and I wanted to go clothes shopping sometime... and well, I have plenty to do in order to stay busy for the next few days. And yes, I am looking forward to returning to Utah.

Now that the holidays are winding down... I think we should get back to the business of blogging. So Mom, do you have a new question for us? And what is everyone's opinion on the "Captain Chaos Debate" so that Dad can get some attention as well.

-T

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!!!

Does it seem possible that she's 24 years old? Very interesting post Jared. And thanks Adam for your message, too. Sorry I haven't been on for a few days. With one more person sharing the computer it's hard to find time to get on here. Also, I've been rather busy with other things like Christmas and cooking and such. Dad and I have been looking over some of our plans for the coming year. Last year Dad set a specific amount to pay our debt down and we made it to within $22 of that amount. Not bad. We've outlined our vacation plans for next summer and if all goes as planned I should be able to cross several things off my 100 list. But who knows, our trip to Washington DC may get postponed. I have to review my genealogy goals and see what I can accomplish from that list. I plan to do better in my scripture reading and my journal writing so I'm making some specific goals in those areas and I still need to lose some weight so I have a goal there. I should have my list all worked out by January first. I just hope my resolutions can last through the year. I guess I need to resolve not to quit working on them. Do any of you care to share your goals and dreams for the coming year? We'd love to hear what you want to accomplish in your lives.

Love ya,
MOM

Resolution

I was just thinking about the word “resolution”. The monitor on my computer at home as a resolution of 800x600, and my computer at work has 1152x864. With a higher resolution, I am able to see a lot more on the screen. Some of you may remember my New Year’s Resolutions from 1994 (graduate from high school) and 1995 (leave on a mission). These were low resolution resolutions. My new New Year’s Resolutions are much higher resolution, meaning you can get much more detail and a much sharper focus. What’s the resolution of your Resolutions? And at the resolution of 2005, what will be the resolution of your Resolutions’ resolution?

As for changes and updates to anything that I added to the website, go ahead and change them. I’m not the only person who can do that. We ask that the personal folders remain personal, but the rest of the site really is fair game.

the second day after Christmas ...

Did anyone notice that Adam posted for the first time? And I agree with Dad that he should get his own posting rights instead of having to sign on under Mom's name all the time. Moderator Eric, get on that!

We had a nice and quiet Christmas, which was good since I'm still in recovery mode. Still getting tired easily and sleeping a lot and having mood swings, but generally feeling okay. We watched the whole original Star Wars trilogy on Christmas Day and used the foot spa with soaking oils and scrubs and stuff. Mmmmm ... that felt SO good! Yesterday, we spent the afternoon working on a Christmas puzzle that Adam got for us - it's a mean one because of how the edges of the pieces are cut. Mom, we may want to do a swap with you - you've got all those puzzles in the storage room, and I'm curious to hear what you think of this one.

Today, I'm at work and going through stacks of paper that have been sitting around for who knows how long. One of my bosses was supposed to be in today because he's leaving the country for most of January (but will still haunt me via email - he always does) but I still haven't seen him and it's 1. Whatever.

There was something else I was going to say, but I forget.

Eric's Present

Hi all!

Laurel got me a digital camera for Christmas, and since we opened a couple presents at night on Christmas Eve, I was able to use it throughout the day today. Check out our handiwork over on the "Eric" page (now called "Birdhouse"). The web address is http://www.insanityinc.net/eric/christmas.

Thanks everyone for your great presents and even more for being who you are.

Love, Eric (& Laurel)

Happy Boxing Day

Firstly, I'm sorry that I wasn't able to talk to everyone today. Mom called at 9:30 this morning, waking us up (we were up late watching the Harry Potter DVD's that we opened early from Mom and Dad), and then we got upstairs to open presents a little after 10. Several phone calls between us and Oregon, and one to Nate and Manda, but nothing from Trina, Eric, or Jared (Trina I've got church from 9-12, Eric and Jared I'll try to give you a call unless you call me first). We had dinner at a friend's house, and only just got home (it's now 10:30). The good news is, we DID end up with a white Christmas .. as we were heading out around 5:30 there was a light layer of snow. It kept on snowing, so now we've got several inches, and it doesn't look like it's going to stop any time soon. It would have just been too weird not to have snow on Christmas (come on, it's Canada!). Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful day. Jason and I enjoyed all our presents, and had a good time being together. I'm looking forward to hearing what everyone thought of my present! I worked so hard on them (and Eric, you sent me Grover the day after I burned the CD's!). I really hope you like them. Merry Christmas, and a Happy Boxing Day!

The Night Before Christmas

Hi everyone,

It's a quarter til nine on the west coast right now, and Laurel and I just finished our Christmas family home evening. Laurel is now on the couch, reading her parakeet book. We're saddened by the death today of Polly's youngest, little Spanky, just nine days old. His older siblings (there are now two babies in the nest) seem to be okay, but Laurel is worried about them. Of course, Polly's first batch did well. Seedy and Sally are doing very well at the Skafs' house, and Sammy and Skeeter share a cage with Petey and are currently making a lot of noise.

We're excited for Christmas tomorrow. We'll be spending Christmas morning at Laurel's sister Rachel's house, watching the kids open presents. Then we'll head over to Uncle Gary's for lunch and Christmas with the Palmer clan. Finally, we'll come home in the evening and open our own presents. It should be a very fun day. I hope we're up for it. We've both been sick with various bugs over the past week or two.

The site looks great. We just went over the timeline and the other new features. Everything looks cool. I'll have to put together a logo suggestion for the contest...

I don't think I've ever felt so much apprehension or excitement about a new year as I do about 2005. I'll be starting a new job (at some point I'm sure!), I'll be finishing my Master's degree, and we'll be working (even more) on having kids. So no matter what turns the road takes, this is certain to be a year with many changes.

I love you all and hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Eric

movies and music

There's only one more sleep 'til Christmas ... Who can name the movie?

We've been watching Christmas movies so far today while getting dinner ready ... White Christmas and now Miracle on 34th Street. The missionaries will be here in about an hour (it's 4 here), and then we'll switch to CDs or the Tabernacle Choir DVD. I'm SO glad Mindy got her package from us, because we sent her all the Manheim Steamroller CDs and now she has a plethora of Christmas music for the entire holiday. Hooray!

Ooooo .. Aaaahh

Nice update for the website! Is there anyway we could standardize the sidebar a little more, so every link has its own line (like Mint Jelly Associates)? I'm impressed with the timeline too! We should put the founding of the BBC under 1997 (since that's when it really was founded). Could someone in Oregon scan an appropriate picture? I'm very impressed with it all. When was the voting for the logo contest again? I'm playing around with more stuff, but I don't know if anything else will be submitted. Could we do something else with the front page too (aside from the logo) and really sparkle it up? Looks good though!

trina & such

Merry Everything from the Politically Correct Capitol of the world.

Trina's been a real trooper this last week. So I take my Santa hat (which she gave me) off to her for her being so great during the last few days. Since she's been so great, I thought that I might mention it to everyone to let you know how patient and kind (despite massive hormonal shifts) she's been. I feel kinda like Jonny Lingo who got a 10 cow wife for only 8.

Adam

But Wait!

Not long after I posted there was a knock on the door .. I ran upstairs, and waiting on the porch was something ... Trina's package! Didn't I say it could still make it? And not only that, but a package from Eric and Laurel as well! Everyone has been accounted for! We're really looking forward to seeing what all we get tomorrow. And Jared, that was a wonderful Christmas card. Brooke's handwriting looks great! I guess it's just weird to think that she's writing, since the last time I saw her she was still in diapers!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Jason and I have been invited to a friend's house for a big Christmas dinner tomorrow. Of course we're going to go, because we're making our big dinner tonight. Ham, rolls, potatoes and gravy, peas, and some super yummy sparkling jello, with a couple of pies for dessert. Should be yummy! Anyway, so we're going over there for dinner, anytime after four, so please call before then. And who is calling who, so I don't miss anyone? I know that Mom and Dad will call here, and Trina, so there are all the girls, but what about the boys? Well, if they don't call me, I'll just have to call them instead.

Good to hear that Oregon and DC have gotten my packages. Everyone can take the cards off the front, they're your Christmas cards to put up with all the others .. and they say nothing about the presents. Just please, don't talk about the presents until everyone has opened them (as the Oregon people guessed) yes, they are the same. I'm looking forward to hearing how much you like them though! (And no, Trina, your package has not arrived yet, but it doesn't mean it won't make it.)

Anyway, Merry Christmas to everyone. I'm not sure how much celebrating we have in mind .. Jason is just happy not to be working. We'll have a nice dinner though, and we've got a friend coming over .. maybe we'll rent a few Christmas movies (like the Grinch, since Jason hasn't seen that one). Have a good time celebrating, and we'll talk to everyone tomorrow.

Hey I e-mailed Eric and Jared last night, and I'm wondering whether or not they received those messages. Okay? okay...

Love,
Tawnia

I know that I can't spell....

To the office of communication...

My postings are few and somewhat far between... but I should have an account also. I shouldn't post under Evelyn.... It should be Captian or Major CHAOS... How about just CHAOS for now. Also Evelyn or Emily or even Clarissa check my spelling.

Thanks from..
President ?? King ?? whatever
Insanity Incorporated
Headquarters in Lafayette

spell checked by Evelyn and Clarissa

Subcommittee Report from Headquarters

Is the vote really in …….
“This promotion is contingent on a unanimous vote from the board of directors.”

Word from Corporate Headquarters ….
“My suggestion for the promotion is that we put a deadline on it and if everyone hasn't voted by that time the votes that are in make the decision. I also feel that a majority should be all that is necessary.”
Is this overriding the “unanimous” vote??
Also, was there a deadline set???

“The debate is over…
That comes out to five in favor (the majority count among nine voting), two against, one other, and one abstained. The ayes have it.”

A recount by a subcommittee came out with four in favor, one abstained, and four against.

My feeling on the question of my nickname is holding to tradition until a good reason is given for the change. The ones against have given reasons to not change. I suggested that we have one month, until January 21, 2005, for open discussion for the fun and joy of giving me some attention. At that time, for one week, all can vote and the majority count wins. There are nine divisions that get to vote.

Signed by the one and only

Captain CHAOS

hold up there a second

Wait a minute - we can't have an acceptance speech from Major Chaos on Christmas Day ... even though I did vote for the promotion, on the announcement page (Dad's "restricted" section), it says: "This promotion is contingent on a unanimous vote from the board of directors." 5 to 2 is not unanimous, and Eric says he would have also voted No, so that's 3 opposed. So I believe those in favor have some lobbying to do in a hurry, or maybe a postponement until New Year's, or maybe the proposal is going down in defeat.

And on that happy note ... the hard part of our "situation" is over. I'm feeling better but very weak. Adam has put me on bed rest. He's threatening to duct tape me down if I keep getting up. So we're watching Christmas movies and playing lots of Phase 10. Adam is practicing the piano/keyboard while I'm doing some stuff on the computer right now. He's let me open a couple of Christmas presents early to cheer me up - he got us matching leather jackets (buying stuff online is REALLY inexpensive, because I quizzed him on the cost for that one), and the DVD of "Oscar." The Palmer family favorite has advanced to a new generation, and it's a trinadam caudle favorite now too.

I forgot to post our favorite Christmas songs the other day - my favorite is "What Child is This" with "O Holy Night" a very close second. Adam says he really likes "I heard the bells on Christmas day." We did a really cool arrangement of "It came upon the midnight clear" in ward choir this year - I've always thought it was pretty but no more so than anything else, but this gave a new perspective on it.

Snow in Texas

It started snowing around 8 AM and looks to snow all day. The kids have already been outside. They built a snow man. Jared walked to work to avoid driving on icy streets. We should get 1 to 3 inches by the end of the day. Tonight's low is 19 degrees. This is kind of nice for Christmas week. It will be cold next 2 or 3 days (highs in the mid 30s and lows in the mid teens) , but it will be back in the 60s early next week.

For Trina's Christmas roll call, we will be home Christmas morning. Then we will go to my parents' Christmas afternoon. Their number is (817) 275-6718. Then we should return home in the evening. Feel free to call us at either place. The evening of Christmas eve, we are going to my aunt Mary's home in Grand Prairie for a Christmas party, but I don't have the phone number. Although I believe Santa Clause may come.

Brooke is excited because we have planned her birthday party. We are having it at Burger King at 9AM on Dec. 30 (her birthday.) That will be fun.

Merry Christmas!
Michelle

Christmas Day roll call

So I know where to start dialing my phone, where is everyone going to be on Christmas Day? I know that Tawnia, Emily and Clarissa will be at Mom and Dad's house. (Any plans to go to Sam and Deb's for a while, or anyone else's? Eric did call me on Thanksgiving looking for YOU. Good thing I'd talked to Mom that morning.) What about everyone else? Staying home, or out visiting other family? Adam and I will be snug in our little home, and not going anywhere. Please email any alternate phone numbers, or give them to Mom and I'll get them from her.

The 12 Days of Christmas are continuing right along, when we have time. We baked sugar cookies on Day 4 (Thursday) but I thought we ran out of butter for the frosting, so we're still working on getting all the treats done. So there went the Day 5/Friday plan, which was to take the treats to friends. Day 6/Saturday, we went ice skating at the outdoor rink on the Mall, same place as our first date. Day 7/yesterday, we were going to listen to the First Presidency Devotional online, but Adam was studying for a final and working on a paper still. (I tell ya, this semester is NEVER going to end.) Tonight, it's the Forgotten Carols but I don't know if we'll make it through the whole thing in one shot. We're having some other young married couples from our ward over tomorrow night, and I'm making a huge apple crisp. Maybe Adam will read to me while I peel apples.

And last, but CERTAINLY not least, CONGRATS TO JARED! Oh happy day, to graduate from college with a full bachelor's degree! And big hugs and high fives to Michelle for all her hard work in the last 6 1/2 years too. By the time Adam finishes with grad school, it will be about that same amount of our married life as well. This gives me hope that there is, indeed, an end out there somewhere. And hooray for the new job that he's really enjoying. And *wink, nudge* good for you with having the kids away overnight on Saturday so you could really enjoy the work party and having your own bonding time. But I do have one question - what exactly is Jared doing for work, and does this job have anything to do with his degree? Or was it one of those situations where they don't care what college degree that you have, just that you have one? Just wondering.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and talk to you on Saturday.

The Prodigal Returns

Hi everyone. Merry Christmas! Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I've meant to, but I'm just not on the computer at home as much as I was at work. Plus my connection here is so dang slow. I just decided a few minutes ago (after consulting Laurel) that once we're back on our feet financially I'm going to buy a new computer and get a broadband Internet connection (DSL or cable or something...).

But I'm here, Laurel and I are here, and we're fine thanks. I just put a poem onto my page that I wrote today at the park. It is about going to the park. I hope you like it. Today was nice because I finished my semester last night. Ahhhhhhh.

On the Captain Chaos issue, I actually voted against, but my vote wasn't counted because of technical errors. I think we're going to get a new host eventually so the email will work... but after I get broadband (unless someone else wants to do the work of copying and then transferring everything sooner). But we'll set that aside for now. I'm happy to support the will of the majority.

And congratulations to the mighty boy wonder Jed aka Jared Austin Palmer. After six and a half years of marriage you're finally a bachelor.

My favorite Christmas carol is probably "O Come All Ye Faithful" which I remember singing with cousin Gary, very loudly, in Primary. I guess that would've been 1983 and we were 9 years old. I prefer the classics I guess. The ones in the hymn book are really wonderful. One that Laurel and I like to sing together is "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". The second to last verse always gets me.

I'm sitting here, trying to think of what else to write. I'm going to try to get into a pattern of posting, every week or something. I do love you all and hope that you all have a happy Christmas. It's been a hard, sad, and wonderful year, and I'm looking forward to what's next.

Love, Eric

Strange

I did my post about Christmas presents, and then when I went back to edit it (I forgot to answer the Christmas carol question), it wasn't there on the Blogger site! It was still there on the Blog ... strange. So I'll just have to post twice. My favorite Christmas song is "Silent Night." I've always loved that song .. loved to play it, hear it, sing it, anything. It's just so beautiful.

Christmas Presents

The presents from Jason and I are IN THE MAIL! Yippee! Finally! I mailed them yesterday, and they should get there in about eight business days. There is a chance that they might make it by Christmas, but if not then they'll be there soon after. I got Tawnia's package almost a week ago, and then the Oregon stuff (can't say Mom and Dad cuz there was all those other gifts too!) came this afternoon. I'm really looking forward to Christmas .. only one more week!

ME TOO

I'm so glad that Michelle and Jared have such a wonderful Christmas gift. Having Jared home will be great for all of them. I'm really glad that Dad is working days so we can finally have some time to see each other. Yesterday was my last day of work for two whole weeks. I'm beginning my vacation with a bit of a cold but, hopefully, I'll be able to get some rest and get over it in a couple of days.

Last Monday, Emily asked a question about favorite Christmas Carols. I love most of the traditional carols and it's hard to find one favorite. When I was a little girl I loved the Primary song, "Oh Hush Thee My Baby". I remember singing it in a program when I was about 10. I had to start over because I couldn't hear my mom on the piano. It was the first time she'd played and the first time I'd sung alone in public and we were both a bit nervous. I sang that song years later when, Tawnia (I think)was a baby. She'd been fussing a little but when I started singing she went right to sleep. Lots of happy memories with that song. As a teenager I would have said "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". That's such a beautiful. Doing our Christmas hymn research project I learned how it came to be written. It was written by Longfellow during the Civil War. He'd lost his wife in a fire a few years before and his son had been wounded terribly in the war but somehow that Christmas in 1864 he found hope. I think it was Christmas 1967 when I first heard "The Christmas Song" and it quickly became a favorite, but now I'd have to say my favorites are the songs that talk about the Savior and all that he has done for us. They bring tears to my eyes as I sing about the joyous message of the angels. I like to think that I was part of that heavenly chorus, whether I actually appeared to the shepherds or just sang in my own little corner of heaven. What a joyous day that was both in heaven and on earth. The essence and love of Christmas can't be contained in just one song, so I don't have a favorite. I love them all!

Oh happy day!

I am having a fantastic day. Right now Jared is taking his last final, then he is completely done with college. This is a big milestone for us. We have been married almost 6 1/2 years and this will be the first time that Jared will only be gone 40 hours a week then come home. From the beginning he has either had 2 jobs or full time school and full time work (including periods were he had 2 jobs and full time school.) I am very thankful that we will have a bigger bank account, too. I am grateful for the past 6 years. It is good to work hard. It makes us much more appreciative of what we are about to have. Jared is really enjoying his job at Ameritrade. Everyday is different, everyday a challenge. Tonight we are going out on a date to to the stockyards celebrate-barbecue, country western music, and dancing. It is the Ameritrade Christmas party. My sister is watching the kids overnight.

I hadn't really gotten into the Christmas spirit until yesterday. Things have been very busy. The kids and I had breakfast with Santa this morning. Brooke and I made a Christmas centerpiece for the table. It is a basket with red bow, pinecones, holly, and other decorations. She had her winter party at school yesterday and had a lot of fun. Bryan was sharp. He told Santa he wanted a puzzle and candy cane, because thats what he was giving out. The poor Christmas tree has been decorated and undecorated 5 or 6 times, tripped over, and knocked down 2 or 3 times. We think it is pretty funny. It just wouln't be Christmas if the tree wasn't destroyed over and over. Merry Christmas everyone.

By the way, I got called to be assistant Primary secretary. The primary has over 100 children and they needed more help. The nursery alone has over 40.

Michelle

Long live CAPTAIN Chaos

so there!

The Chaotic Debate

I had my argument all mentally written but I couldn't get our webpage to work, and now the debate is over. Well, you can hear it anyway. After being married to me for 35 years Dad deserves a promotion. I think he should go all the way to General Chaos. I guess if anyone actually deserves the title of Major Chaos it would be me, but I like my title as The Mama or even The Grandmama. Now, Nathan and Clarissa, think about our home. Is it unchaotic just because there are fewer people at home than there were when the title of Captain was bestowed? We have more things to keep track of, computers and DVDs, videos and tons of pictures, cell phones and the Palmer Bank, grandchildren and in-laws and just lots of STUFF. Dad usually tries to find a place to put things but he's learned some bad habits from me like when I try to find a place to put something it's usually just down. Maybe if I was better organized he wouldn't be so deserving of the title. Just think of it this way we're on a ship of Chaos and he's the man in charge of it all. That's why he deserves this promotion.

By the way, Dad has greatly enjoyed the debates and is keeping all of the arguments to add to his memoirs. He's thinking about his acceptance speech and should have it ready to post by Christmas Day.

Love ya,
MOM

just out of curiosity ...

just out of curiosity ...

Where the heck has Eric been lately?

That's all I wanted to know right now. Thank you.

The debate is over

The vote now stands as follows: Captain Chaos: exempt from voting. The Mama: yes. Trinadam: yes. The Birdhouse: abstained. Jared Palmer Unlimited: yes. Sing Gull Hood: yes. Emily Corps: "I vote for Major-General Chaos." Skippy and his Beautiful Wife: no. Mint Jelly Associates: yes. Random: no. That comes out to five in favor (the majority count among nine voting), two against, one other, and one abstained. The ayes have it.

Please stand by for Major Chaos's acceptance speech, tentatively scheduled for Christmas Day.

I vote for Major General Chaos

Hello family.

Tawnia, do you know what Clarissa and I are planning to do on New Year's Eve? We've been planning this for about three years, actually. We are going to watch "Lord of the Rings." All of it. Extended, of course. It'll take about twelve hours.

Clarissa and I have been planning the Christmas program, choosing scriptures, what hymns to sing, where to sing them. We decided that we will be singing all the verses. We'll have enough hymn books for everyone, and we won't be enacting it (though we may still wear bathrobes and bedsheets).

Tonight, Clarissa and I went to Enrichment. We each brought a white elephant gift that represents us. I, for example, gave away a Harry Potter bookmark. Clarissa gave away an old Faith Hill CD. We had to guess which presents came from which people. (I don't know how obvious mine was, because mine was the last one, so it was just a process of elimination.) Clarissa got a box of candy and homemade fudge, peanut brittle, and almond roca from Sister Egan. I got mint skittles from Jenna. Jenna had spiky hair tonight; it's long enough now that she can almost do something with it.

Anyway, Merry Christmas. "Promise yourself some relaxing holiday moments" and "the best Christmas decoration is a smile" -- found inside wrappers of Dove chocolate.

Love,
Emily

To whom it may concern

Trina, I think that during this time of year there should be feelings of giving, happiness, charity, forgiveness, and that everyone should have an all around good time. Now, I can still debate about this Captain Chaos promotion thing and still have all of those qualities. If you can not, then I suggest you do not get involved. Also, say these phrases, the hurricanes caused captain chaos in Florida, and, our lives are in captain chaos. They do not make a whole lot of sense.

Jared, you made mention that the captain has sent his offspring out into the world. Let’s recap a little. In 1985 he helped bring seven and ½ people to this earth. Now in 2004 he has not sent seven and ½, or even eight into this world. Shouldn’t we at least wait until he sends all of them out into the world before we even consider a promotion? Also on that note, all of his offspring are in North America. Sure, a lot of his children have traveled to many reaches of the world, but they have all still ended up in North America. Why? Perhaps it is because the natives of the visited countries could not stand the people and sent them back to North America (where just about any loony is accepted). There have also never been any return visits. Is insanity unacceptable? That is what we are here to do. Make insanity acceptable.

You made mention about "chaos between the ears". Isn’t that dementia? Is that really due cause for a promotion? If you are a believer in the "thoughts lead to actions" phrase, Captain Chaos is no living proof of that. Especially if he is "still pure chaos between the ears". I think that he has to do something to earn this promotion. I am not saying that he is not getting anything accomplished. He has received Dad of the Year in my book, and World’s Greatest Dad. But a promotion in the Chaos industry? Let’s take another look before you cast your vote.
This is Nathan Palmer, CEO of Skippy and his Beautiful Wife, a Division of Insanity Inc., and I approve this message.

-N (You’re welcome, T (Buy my car. It will make both of us happy))

The Adventures of Hank... continued

Well, I decided to try and drive Hank the other day... only then he wouldn't even start. So I called the mechanic that morning.... they told me they would come and tow my car to the shop. So they did that afternoon when I was home to give them the key... (this was yesterday.) This afternoon I called to ask them what was up with my car. First, they told me that they had jump-started my car, therefore it was the battery that made it not start, therefore they wouldn't pay for the tow... I was livid. I told them that it was still idling badly when I picked it up and they hadn't fixed my car... I wanted it fixed... and I'm NOT paying any more money for that. The guy said he'd try and figure out what was wrong with it. I don't understand why he hadn't been working on it previously. Anyway, he called back later, and it turns out that the fuel injector pump they had put on... "had gone bad"... but they won't get a new one in 'til tomorrow morning... maybe I'll actually get my car back BEFORE Christmas break... but I'm not counting on it.

Anyway, in other news I gave my roommates their Christmas presents last night, and they had all gone in together on mine... it was some money towards my purchase of a guitar... yippee... hopefully I can find a good one at a pawn shop around here... Steph said she had seen some. So for my birthday... all I really want is more donations to "the guitar fund." and... a puppy.

Now I'm going to walk to the grocery store with Ames and then we're having some friends over to watch the extended version of LOTR 3. This is so I don't have to wait until going home to watch it... though I may watch it again then.

Love you guys-
T

P.S. Thanks N

On the second, third, and fourth days of Christmas ...

Day 1 - we did go to the temple visitor's center - the lights are EVERYWHERE outside. It's lit up more than the temple itself. Inside the VC are lots of trees that are just gorgeous. There is also a display with tons of Nativity sets from all different countries - they're loaned by the embassies. It's really awesome.

Day 2 - we went to the White House to see the trees there - a big tall one in the middle with model trains all around it. Two tracks go around right at the base of the tree. There are a number of little town sets all around the tree with their own trains, and there's a really long track surrounding it all with another train. Dad would have loved it. (And there's a huge Christmas train set in Union Station too.) All around the area are trees for each state and territory with ornaments sent from each state. Oregon's were sent by the Girl Scouts in Salem. There's also a nativity scene, and a firepit with the National Yule Log. National this, national that ... I just like that there's a place to thaw out when you're out in the freezing cold. Adam's present was a Metro fare card that's like a credit card so he doesn't have to keep using the paper fare cards.

Day 3 - last night - we watched White Christmas. I don't think I'd ever seen it all the way through. When I was a kid, I thought it was cheezy and dumb ... it is cheezy, but it's also really funny, especially the girl's backhanded proposal to Danny Kaye. Bing Crosby (what the heck kind of name is BING?) is kinda growing on me. Adam's present was the DVD to add to our rapidly growing collection.

Day 4 - tonight, we're baking sugar cookies ... and FUDGE if Mom ever puts the recipe in the cookbook or emails it! The sugar cookies will probably keep us busy for tonight. I've been looking for Christmas cookie cutters but no luck. We do have some Christmas shapes from the cookie making set Tawnia got for me last year, so we'll be fine with what we have.

As for the Captain/Major Chaos debate ... if we change the title at all, I think it should be either Major or General, because those are actual phrases: the hurricanes created major chaos in Florida, or our lives are in general chaos. That's what makes it even more hilarious to me. But poo on getting wound up for a debate at Christmas. It's CHRISTMAS, for crying out loud. What's everyone else doing to celebrate? It's been all different the last couple of years, with everyone scattered all over the place, so you actually have to SAY what you're doing for Christmas.

Let the Debates Begin!

Okay Nate, you're on. Here's my three cents. True, Chaos had successfully spawned seven and 1/2 children in 1985. But since then, he has turned all 7 1/2 (sorry Midget) into chaotic insane adults and flung them all over the globe. He may not be as physically chaotic as he was 20 years ago, but that's because it's all been released into his prodigy. Don't worry, he's still pure chaos between the ears, and that's where insanity really counts, isn't it? As for the alliteration, I still think Major Chaos works better than Commodore or Constable(!?) or any of that. There's also been talk of promoting him straight to General Chaos, but I thought "Well one step at a time! Let's not go crazy here!"

That's your cue, people. Now this is a question everyone can respond to.

I like tradition

If you have not yet read my title, read it now. As far back as I can remember it has been Captain Chaos. Perhaps it is the alliteration or the fact that getting used to a new title would bug me or just that I want to be different that I am going to vote no for the promotion.

Also, what more chaos has he done to deserve the promotion? From 1967-1985 he was just Chaos. Then from 1985- present he has been Captain Chaos. Now let's review his life to see what he did to deserve the last promotion. In 1967 he had no kids, let alone a wife. In 1985 he had been married for 16 years, had seven kids, and one on the way. That alone calls for the promotion to Captain. But why Major now? All the kids are leaving the home. He seems a lot more mellow and less chaotic now than he has in the past. Not only do I see no need for a promotion, but no necessity. I think that if he even wants to remain Captain he should have to take a recertification examination. I mean please, you have to be chaotic to have the title Captain Chaos. I do not recommend a demotion for I think that he has reached Captain Tenure, but lets at least keep it an alliteration. Colonel, or Commodore, or Commander and Chief, or Constable, even King. Let's look at our options before we make it official.

That is my spare change.

-N (for you T)

Updated

My website has been updated! Aside from the very obvious change, there are also three more pictures added to art section. Hope you like the change!

In other news, the presents are finally done and will get mailed in the next couple of days.

Chaos

I think for me Captain has always been tradition... and I have a hard time changing that.

Actually, the name "Chaos" has been attached to Dad since 1967, when he had a group of friends being "unofficial cheerleaders" at high school football games. The promotion to Captain didn't come around until about 1985 at a berrypicking field. Mom was working as a row boss, but Dad was around so much helping her out that he was dubbed "Captain Chaos." So he spent eighteen years as simply "Chaos" and has now been Captain Chaos for over nineteen years. We (the promotion committee) figured he was due up for a promotion by now. So Vote Yes for Major Chaos!

Ahem -

Trina, you said no one posted, well I did! And decided that the only one who cared about my life was Michelle, because she was the only one that noticed it. But anyway, enough rant from me.

Jared, I'll vote yes, I guess... I think for me Captain has always been tradition... and I have a hard time changing that.

Anyway, my exciting news is that when I was talking to Bryan on the phone yesterday he said my name for the first time ever, well, at least it was the first I'd ever heard it. I was very excited. He said "Hello, Tawna." There's no better way to get to an Aunt's heart then to say her name.

My car is still not fixed, at the moment we're working on getting Amy's car fixed. Oh, Amy has been driving me to work and because of that she ended up getting a job at my work as a TA in 1st grade... she started today, so we're carpooling from now on. =) I still want my car fixed though.

Last night my roommates and a few friends went caroling and took cookies to some other friends in the ward. It was great fun, but I am still looking forward to coming home and going caroling. When they asked me who I wanted to carol too, I kept saying, George, the Hubers, the Dicksons, the Albertsons... etc. Yeah, I'm looking forward to being home in just 8 days.

Well, I hope everyone is having FHE tonight... because we're actually not, something about finals and everyone being too stressed to do anything.

Later
-T

Merry Christmas

Hello. I apologize for not posting sooner, and I don't have much of an excuse beyond that I still need a router for my computer so I can connect it to the internet. (Yes, my new computer is here, and it's better than my parents' computer.)

Anyway, since classes are over, I've been spending my time working on my computer. In the evenings, we watch Christmas movies (like "The King is Born" or "It's a Wonderful Life") or read stories (we read the chapters about Christmas from the Little House books and some books like "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and "Little Red Buckets." We also try to find information about the Christmas carols. And I got out a whole stack of home Christmas movies to watch. It's so fun to see us act out pageants, sing songs, and try to guess what we're getting. (Ten years ago, Jared seemed to think everything was a moose.)

We haven't had any questions for a while, so I'll ask one. What is your favorite Christmas carol and why? I like Manheim Steamroller's arrangement of "Joy to the World," since that is often what we hear when we attack the stockings or open up the trunk of decorations or hang the first ornament on the tree. And I like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," because of the time Nathan forgot the words and we sang the chorus over and over on our way home from caroling -- until Mom stuck in a tape, and it was playing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." We laughed the rest of the way home.

Love ya,
Emily

P.S. I've updated my web site.

On the first day of Christmas ...

... my true love gave to me:

a little excursion up to the temple to see the lights and the Nativity sets, and an IOU for a Nativity set.

If you count Christmas Eve as Day 12, today is the First Day of Christmas. I'm doing the 12 days for Adam - we have 12 little stockings up on the dining room wall with cards in each one (I was sneaky and put them up while he was out home teaching yesterday - he came home and said "What in the world?!?"), and he pulled the first card as soon as he got up this morning. Each day will be some sort of activity, and I've tried to get a gift to go with each one. I'm a little behind on that part ... as you can see from today's Nativity set IOU. Most of the gifts were things I wanted to add to our Christmas collection anyway, and this just seemed to be a more fun way to get it all. Jill, one of Adam's friends from Florida, is spending this week with us while she has job interviews up here. I met her when we were down there for our reception in August, and she's very fun. So this week's stuff is tailored to Jill as well as to Adam.

The ultrasound (this time, it's really scheduled instead of me just speculating about it) is in about 3 hours. We will finally see the baby! Yay! And we'll get the for-sure due date. We have also learned that there are FIVE of us pregnant in the ward, and the two that know the gender so far are both having girls.

Word from Corporate Headquarters

As dad's secretary I have the privilege of typing this message for him He says, "Since I can't vote for myself I do want to let you know that I will accept the promotion if it is offered. I'm proud to serve my corporation. I'll do everything in my power to see that we are successful." (What we're successful at? Who knows.)

My suggestion for the promotion is that we put a deadline on it and if everyone hasn't voted by that time the votes that are in make the decision. I also feel that a majority should be all that is necessary.

Tonight the girls are at a branch Christmas Party and Nathan and Amanda just left, after coming over to do their laundry. They're off to see Music Man at Gallery. We've been busy getting ready for Christmas. I was hoping to finish all my decorating today but I didn't get that far.

Love ya,
Mom and Dad

Amen

You said it, Trina. People, I know you're all busy with work and school and Christmas and all, but so am I! And here I am, on the blog! It only takes a few seconds to let us all know what you've been up to. And to submit your vote whether or not to promote the Captain. The voting button isn't working right, so let me or Mom know your opinion, and we'll get it officially recorded ... Trina, I've got you down as a yes. Everybody else.....?

what the ... ?

I go away for 4 days and was looking forward to reading everyone's news when I got back, and no one posted! Did you think that YOU got a vacation from posting too? Because you DIDN'T!

That's fabulous that Brooke is doing so well in school - we're proud of her too! And we're happy that Christmas in Texas is a jolly good time. Are you able to put the decorations on the tree this year without the kids destroying it? And hooray hooray that Jared works close and Michelle can have the car during the day! I've had a car WAY too long to go without one now if I were able to stay home. I think I'd go nuts.

Tawnia, if your car didn't even make it out of the parking lot of the mechanic before it was doing the same thing, go back to that place and get your money back. Really. They didn't fix a darn thing, so NO SOUP FOR YOU! Certainly no 500 bucks. Geez. I wouldn't have even left. I would have gone straight back in there and started screeching at them. (Of course, nowadays, I start screeching about pretty much anything, but I would have thrown a fit even not pregnant.)

The work conference was fine. Very busy, but I was able to sit in on some good sessions with the Law committee. The tort reform session gave me a couple of ideas on the next line of attack for medical malpractice research, which I need to discuss with Susan on Monday. The session about courts was very entertaining - we had the former Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court (he's no longer a judge - he's a college professor now), and he's hilarious. I had dinner with the Law committee officers and some of the speakers - the judge was at my table, as well as a Congresswoman (also from New York). So when I say I "had dinner" with them, I really did. Those were the highlights for me - beyond that, of course I was running around getting copies ready, taking care of processing policy statements and amendments, and I even sat in on one of Cheye's financial services sessions (while he was taking care of some transportation stuff) to literally hold a microphone over a conference call unit. One of the speakers didn't get travel clearance, so he gave his speech over the phone. It was insurance. I didn't understand a word, while sitting there very still and looking very attentive. They could have been speaking Swahili.

Savannah felt like April/May in DC, it was so warm and humid. Definitely not winter. I made the decision that if we can at all avoid it, we'll ONLY go to the South in the winter. I did not like down home Southern cookin' at all. Johnny cakes - gross - just give me the spoon from the Crisco jar to lick. They were the free appetizer at one of the restaurants, and I about puked. Even the pancakes at breakfast were greasy all the way through, instead of just buttered on the outside. I did not try fried green tomatoes. The fried chicken was the only thing that tasted okay to me, and quite frankly, it tasted exactly the same as KFC. So if you want to try "real Savannah fried chicken," go to KFC ... and you won't have to pay 17 bucks for 2 pieces. We were in the historic section of the city, and I liked that. River Street has all these little shops stuck in the 1st floor levels of the old cotton warehouses (I don't know what's above) that were cool. Lots of local artists and candy shops where you can stand there and watch them make the candy. The view wasn't much - the big shipyards ... but whatever. Up off the river front were the little squares and lawns and old houses. I didn't get to see much of that, but what little I saw was really pretty. Ghost tours are the thing down there. I did flip through a couple of books of people who take that stuff WAY too seriously ("We're the mediums for young Civil War soldiers who died in battle!") but I think a tour could be fun as basically the history stories.

Adam is very glad I'm home now, and we have more company all next week. Jill, one of Adam's friends from Florida, has a couple of job interviews up here, so she's staying with us Mon. afternoon - Fri. morning. And then we'll be done with THAT for a while too, and I can relax. Until January when Congress starts again. But I'll have a couple weeks to take a break.

Update on Us

First of all, Tawnia I will pray for you and it is okay to cry. I wanted to tell every one that Brooke is doing great in school. I am feeling awfully proud. Yesterday, her teacher was just raving about Brooke. Mrs. Lard (unfortunate name) said Brooke is doing very well-like she has been going to school forever. She said Brooke is well behaved, smart, and fitting in well. Then she said that I was doing a good job with her. As a mother, nothing makes me feel better than that. Today her teacher's aid said that he is a very good girl. Brooke was excited that she got to go outside on the school's playground today. Today was the first time, since it finally stopped raining. Bryan is doing great, too.

Yesterday, I went to the parent involvement meeting for Northwest ISD. I was very excited, because Bryan name was pulled for the door prize. We won a Leapfrog Imagination desk. The kids love it. For the first time I have full access to the family car and it feels like freedom. Jared was 1.69 miles away and he riding he electric scooter. I believe he is having fun riding it. We are getting geared up for Chistmas and having fun. We went to the city of Keller Christmas party and it was really fun, especially the free horse and carriage ride. Bryan loved Rudoph and we couldn't get his to stopped hugging his legs. We are doing fantastic here. Bye for now.
Michelle

Tawnia's Terrible Horrible

No good very bad WEEK! (I could say "day" but it started on Monday.)

Monday: I got up and went to work... just a normal happy ordinary work week. I was outside at recess when Billy's* lens got knocked out, and so I stayed out after the other kids went in to help him look for it. We never did find it. I finally sent Billy* into math. Meanwhile the fifth and sixth graders were out at recess and Sally* was trying to be a surfer on the short slide. She landed on the ice at the bottom of the slide, and slipped backwards, hitting her back on the end of the slide... she stood up and walked about ten feet, then collapsed and blacked out. So we called the paramedics and they took her to the hospital (it's just sprained)

I got back inside, just 40 minutes later then usual... and brought up the fact that Sammy* hadn't been at school all week. We finally got an e-mail from his foster parents at lunch time explaining that his father was getting custody back so Sammy* was back to California with him (where he'd been living in a CAR at one point.) Yeah, Eileen and I were not very happy. Neither was the principal. I wanted to cry about this, but held it in. Then as I drove home I did something that rarely occurs in Utah, I stopped for a pedestrian. It was such a shocking experience that the car behind me honked at me and the guy in the truck at the stop sign glared at me as he turned left in front of me. That is what actually made me cry for a moment, but I didn't know that the worst was still to come.

Tuesday: I had a horrible dream Monday night that Mom had called me just BALLING and told me that Mindy had been in an accident, something about driving in the snow. It wasn't the best thing to wake up too. Then I got up and drove to work as usual. It wasn't such a bad day, in fact it was kind of nice that I didn't have to scrape any ice off my windows. And then I got to work and it decided to snow, and snow, and snow. I watched the snow covering all the pavement, and knew that it was going to be bad. I called my roommate and asked how the weather was in Provo, this was about lunch time, she said that yes, it was snowing and sticking... you know it's bad if it's sticking in Provo. So I went into panic mode and decided to drive home at 1:00 instead of waiting until 3:30 when I would usually get off. The rodes were icy in Eagle Mountain, but by the time I got down into Lehi (about 7 miles) it was just slushing, and the rodes were just wet. So I ended up missing out on 2 hours of work.

Wednesday: That would be today. I got up a little late because my roommate had a final and wanted to shower before me... so I was just a little off schedule, but nothing I couldn't handle. I got down to my car at about the normal time and started my car. Then the nightmare began. My car was idling HORRIBLY. It's hard to describe in words, but if you call I'll give you the sound effects. I tried driving it around the block hoping that it would get better if it was warmer. I got two blocks from my house when my phone rang. It was Eileen telling me that she got to work, only to find her desk in a lake. The roof above it was leaking something awful, all over her lesson plan book, and lap-top computer. She wanted to know if I could get to work early. I told her that my car was having issues, so probably not. I drove around the block and woke Amy up. She followed me to a mechanic and I asked if she could then drive me to work. So we got out to the freeway and then her car started vibrating (we think her tires are off balance.) So we pulled off in Orem (we made it a whopping three miles.) I called work and Natalie, the secretary, said she would come and get me, but it would be a half hour. So Amy and I wandered around Wal-mart until Natalie came and got me. I jumped in Natalies' car and we continued on the way. She told me she just needed to make one quick stop on the way back to the school. So we stopped at Office Max. The "quick stop" ended up taking about 30 minutes, because they hadn't saved her order, didn't have the tax free paperwork, had misquoted the price, and then were having issues excepting her check. I finally got to work at 10:20. I got inside and saw the lovely lake in our classroom... the room was in a shambles and then they brought in a big loud fan to dry up the lake. We ended up in a different room for the afternoon which was our geography bee. That was okay. And I got a ride home with some other teachers who dropped me off at the mechanics. I went into the mechanic and paid $540 for my car. Got in my car... started it... and it did the same thing that it had done this morning. It was already 4:30, I knew they wouldn't fix it today, my ride had already left, and I was just really really mad... so I drove it home and ate ice cream for dinner.

Tomorrow I'm having Amy drive me to work, we'll hopefully make it this time, and then I may just take the day on Friday and hopefully get my car fixed. (It's days like this that I miss my good old mechanic Dave.) So there is my day. I still haven't cried, like I need to, but I did get a hug from my friend Scott on my way here to the library. And now I am going to go home and eat something semi-healthy for dinner... and I really need to figure out how I'm getting to the airport on the 21st... and I really really really just want to go home.


I hope everyone else is having a better week then me.

-Tawnia

*names have been changed to protect the innocent*

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Even if Nathan manipulates his time again, I am still the FIRST to wish Dad a happy birthday on the blog. Go me! Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dad! I voted yes for your promotion to Major Chaos. I mean, look at you - 8 kids, 5 kid-in-laws, 2 1/4 grandchildren (I'm not halfway yet, only a quarter), and TEN great-grandbirds when the new eggs hatch. Yeah, I'd call that Major Chaos especially when we're all in the same place at the same time.

Question for Mindy - is Nekoshi pronounced "nee-koe-shee" or "nee-kaw-shee"? Or am I doing the first and last syllables wrong too? Yes, she's a very cute kitty. If you get pregnant soon, you're NOT allowed to change the litter box! Really! There's some kind of chemical in kitty-poo that you shouldn't be near because it could hurt the baby. Something to consider there ...

In other news, I leave this afternoon to go to Savannah for 3 days for work. Another conference - same ol'. I'm not sure if I should be happy about this, but every conference, I've progressively been given more to do. At least it's nice that my control freak bosses (they said it, not me) are relinquishing some of that control and I don't have to get a change in my breathing pattern approved.

Adam and I set up our Christmas tree during Thanksgiving weekend and I've started writing our Christmas cards. But we really kicked off the Christmas season by going to a performance of Handel's Messiah at the National Cathedral on Sunday. WOW! First of all, they performed THE WHOLE THING. Usually, only sections of it are performed at Christmas because the non-famous part of it is about Easter. It was all just wonderful. I'm so glad we did that.

FYI

For some reason the Insanity Inc e-mail is not working. Therefore, the forms in the guestbook and on Dad's page are also not working. Just e-mail your responses directly to me until I get this figured out.

Dad's Page

Just so you all know, Dad's webpage has finally been updated. Be sure and check it out. And do what it says.

Also, everyone be working on your logo ideas for the contest I announced last week. Remember, only two weeks until your submissions are due!

Meet Nekoshi

Hey Everyone! This is our new kitten, Nekoshi! Ain't she the cutest?

We've had her for two days now, and we love her. She'll run around like crazy, pouncing on anything (whether it's real or not), and then come to one of us and promptly fall asleep. She'll purr loudly whenever we hold her, and she loves the attention we give her. Yesterday I babysat Trystan all day, and then Tasha and Jessica for a couple hours in the middle. Nekoshi spent a lot of time under the futon, sleeping, so she wasn't being mauled by the kids!

Hurray for Tawnia

You're the first one to get your packages off. Ours will be in the mail in the next few days.

Nathan, people who have fake trees are NOT losers or even goons. There are lots of reasons to have them. Trina thought we got ours when Jared and Michelle were here but, actually we got it in 1996 when we got our new carpet. I didn't want to get needles and pitch all over it. Also, fake trees are safer because they don't catch fire and burn your house down and since you don't have to worry about them drying out you can put them up earlier and take them down later, if you choose to. Also, once you've bought one you don't need to buy another for 5 or 10 years and that money can be spent on gifts. So there!! We got real trees when Eric and Jared were selling them to earn money for scout camp.

As for your rule about the Christmas music. You can break it anytime you want. I don't think Amanda would mind.

Now my answer to the question about Christmas trees. When I was a little girl my dad always had a Christmas Tree lot. When I was old enough I helped sell the trees. Before that time I remember Dad picking out the tallest Noble Fir on the lot and bringing it home about a week before Christmas. We always begged to put our tree up earlier but somehow that never seemed to happen.

Tawnia, I learned to put tinsel on the tree from my dad. We had boxes of it and it went on the huge tree one strand at a time. Decorating the tree was a major production.

The next question I was going to ask was "Tell about a Christmas when you were a child" Some of you have already answered that. When I was little we didn't hang Christmas stockings. On Christmas Eve Dad or Mom would read the Christmas Story and we'd sing carols until we were all very anxious. Then we would open our gifts one at a time starting with the youngest child. When all the gifts were open we would play with our new games and toys until we were too tired to keep our eyes open. Christmas Day we'd sleep in until the smell of turkey roasting woke us up. Then we'd play until dinner was ready. I don't think anyone appreciated all the work Mom did. She got up early in the morning and cooked all day on Christmas. Do you see from this why some of our traditions have changed?

I hope you are all enjoying the season. I have a few stocking stuffers and such left to get but otherwise I'm pretty much ready for Christmas. I'll have to take a picture of the huge gift bag that I got for Dad today. I finally got his gifts, that was my biggest challenge.

I guess that's enough rambling for me.

Love ya,
MOM

Nathan's Point

Well Tawnia, thank you for proving my point. Why do I not like listening to Christmas Music before Thanksgiving? First, it ruins my Thanksgiving Season. Second, two months of listening to Christmas Music makes me suicidal. Third, (one Tawnia is living proof of) I like to hold out as much as I can so I look forward to it and get more out of the season than I would otherwise get. I guess I still need the Lafayette Palmers to listen to it so I can have some people to get mad at for listening to it early. If there wasn't someone breaking my rule, I wouldn't be as tempted to break it myself.

Nathan

Christmas

Hey Everyone --

First to all those not in Oregon for the holidays your presents are in the mail as of today. So be on the lookout for a package from Utah (Trina, Eric, Jared, and Mindy).

What I remember about putting up the Christmas tree. Well, I remember that it was fake more often then real, at least in my rememberings. I remember that we'd get the Christmas trunk and push it over to wherever Dad had put up the tree (and Dad would put the lights on first.) Then we'd open the trunk (and yes, I do remember the smell of that) and take out the ornaments. We used to have tinsel but that was only when I was little, and we'd put it on, one piece at a time. I had certain ornaments that I liked to put on. Such as the Rudolph that I made in kindergarten, and those glass ones that had plastic squirrels inside (do you know what I'm talking about?) It was always a big deal to put the angel on, though I don't remember actually being the one that ever did. Then we would decorate the rest of the house... put up our stockings and whatever other holiday decorations we had... like those big letters that spelled out Merry Christmas (I think Dad had drawn them.) When I was a little older Mom got her Christmas village, and we always had to decorate the mantle of the fireplace with stuff. One thing that I remember is that there was always music playing... when I was little it was Christmas 8-tracks, then we moved to tapes, and now it's the Manheim Steamroller CD's.

So far this year, I don't really feel very Christmas-y. We've been listening to Christmas music since October, which I don't mind, but it's not making me feel in the Christmas spirit. I think my main issue is not being at home and seeing the tree and decorations.... besides I don't really care about the presents I get anymore... so Christmas is a little different for me this year.

Anyway, I AM excited to be going home... in only 17 more days.

-Tawnia

Nathan and Mindy

Nathan, we'll get a REAL tree, which I definitely prefer, when we can afford it. That will involve moving out of the city, because real trees are REALLY expensive here. We got our fake tree for $30 and that's cheap. For here. Not for Oregon, where an awesome real tree is $20, or something like that. I remember Mom and Dad switched back to a fake tree because Jared and Michelle were coming for Christmas, and Michelle is allergic to real ones.

I laughed when I read that you're having a tater tot party when Napoleon Dynamite comes out on video. Please don't put them in your pocket. Did you go to that New Years fireside and party I put together in Monmouth? I know Dad came down with some of you kids, but I don't remember who. Anyway, if you did, Jon Heder - THE Jon Heder who is Napoleon Dynamite - was at that party and you may have met him. He's my bishop's son from that ward. I only hung out with Jon a couple of times because he was at BYU at the time and I met him at Christmas break. But I hung out a lot with his twin brother Dan, and I know their dad REALLY well.

Mindy, that's a very cute name for a cat. Reminds me of when Eric named our kitten Mao, because that's "cat" in Chinese. The only cat we'll ever have is the stuffed Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland that sits on our couch - Adam is allergic to real ones. So we'll have to be careful whenever we come visit you in Canada. (I don't know when that will be in the next few years ... but just so you're forewarned.)

An Early Present

Jason got a phone call on his cellphone this afternoon .. I wasn't paying attention to anything he was saying, until he hung up. What's up, Jay? Rob (a guy that Jason works with) has a neighbor .. who has a cat .. who had kittens. We're going to get one! So we drove to some little dinky town about half an hour north of Calgary, and picked out a kitten. It was hard to pick just one out of the four, so I picked the one that was the most unique .. the one without the white on its feet and nose. We're not sure if it's a boy or girl, but we're not worried. I'm really happy, Jason is happy, and Jon is happy (he has to live with it too!), so the entire drive back they shared all their cat story memories, and they've got quite a few. Jason gets very attatched to his cats, so I'm pretty excited to see him with our new little one. It's a dark tabby .. blackish stripes mixed with brown, lighter tummy. Very cute, I'll hopefully post pictures soon (by the way, how do you post pictures?). Oh, and its name is Nekoshi, which means pussy cat in Japanese.

Hi

What I like about Christmas is getting a REAL tree. What is up with all of you goons (Amanda wouldn't let me call you losers or punks) getting fake trees? We got a real tree this year and it is beautiful.
Amanda and I could not find any Advent Calenders that were suitable for us. Amanda was telling her mother this and so she said that she would take care of it. Two days later I had a Lego Advent Calender, and then today Amanda got an ornament Advent Calender. They are both pretty cool.
Amanda and I are going to have a tater-tot party when Napoleon Dynamite comes out on video. OK.

Bye

earlier Christmas memories

... because I'm bored out of my skull from doing conference paperwork, I am back to pester you all yet again.

What I remember of Christmas is a bit different than the younger kids. When I was little, with Eric and Jared, and Tawnia may remember some of this too, we always had a fake tree. I don't think we had a real one until I was in college. We always made the tree about half as tall as it was supposed to be so we could put it, and all the presents, up on a table to keep them away from all the small hands and mouths that liked to get into things. The year Grandpa died, Aunt Cheryl and crew, Uncle Gary, Grandma, and I think Aunt Sylvia (??) stayed for Christmas because it was just a couple of weeks after the funeral. The tree was up on a table that year, like usual. There were so many presents that they were stacked under the table clear up to the tabletop, and spread out into the room. THAT was a lot of presents.

One of my most prominent over-all memories of Christmas is definitely the smell of opening that trunk to get the decorations. I've never smelled anything else like it. And going to Mom and Dad's room to wake them up, sitting on their bed waiting for Dad to set up the camera, and marching out the bedroom door in order of age to whatever music was playing at the time.

24 Days Until Christmas!

Happy Birthday to you, Laurel! I hope you have the chance to celebrate and have lots of fun (any time I was ever with you was fun!). I was VERY excited to hear about your paintings selling. I hope I get to share news like that sometime too.

To answer the Christmas question ... Thanksgiving weekend (or the first weekend in December, we did it on Dad's birthday once), we set up the tree. I remember going out and picking one from the tree farm, but then there was the pain of getting it to stand up straight, keeping it watered, and having pine needles scattered across the floor. Fake trees have their perks! We would decorate everything, usually saving the very top for last. It was always a big production, when we were younger, to put the angel on top. Stockings, the Nativity Scene, the village on the buffet, the village across the mantle .. and lots and lots of garland everywhere. Of course there was the Christmas music playing in the background. Oh, and the smell coming from the Christmas trunk .. it was just the smell of Christmas, I can't describe it other than that. Then all the smells from the kitchen too .. lots of cookies and treats to take caroling. I don't remember the different kinds from when I was younger .. I just know that we always went caroling. In the more recent years we'd make sugar cookies, fudge, chocolate dipped pretzels, peanut butter chocolate chip, chocolate (from the molds we got from the German advent calenders) and anything else we were in the mood for. It was warm, fun, family time. Great great memories. I only hope that my future children will have such wonderful memories too.

Happy Birthday, Laurel!

I don't remember Adam's little birthday song, but it ends: "We're glad that it's your birthday, so we can party too!" Hope it's a good one, and congrats on selling your paintings - that's awesome! Yay for Laurel!

And now I must leave you all and continue to fool my bosses into thinking I'm the most organized person on the entire planet so they will continue to pay me the big bucks.

happy birthday

Hello Laurel. Do you know what is great? Well, it is not your birthday anymore (that is not what is great) and I am posting as if it is by changing the date and time (that is what is great). I hope that you have a great birthday. Amanda says Happy Birthday.
bye