I've been working on my page again. I have a couple more pages in the travel section and the answer to my latest question. I hope you enjoy them. Can someone give me the directions for posting pictures on the blog? I thought you all might want to see a picture or two from Amanda's graduation. She was grinning from ear to ear. Also congratulations, Eric on your graduation. Wish we could have been there. We expect some pictures from that soon, too.
Love ya,
MOM
Monday, May 30, 2005
The Perfect Summer Day
I liked it in the summer when I could wake up late, watch TV for a while, read a book, play in the park, chase everyone around with a hose, go for a long walk during the evening when its still warm but shady, and have ice cream after dinner, or maybe root beer floats.
What I really liked about summer was going on trips -- to the beach, the zoo, California, Silver Creek, or Washington. Come to think of it, I still like traveling. This could be my last family vacation, so I plan to enjoy it. (Disneyland, Knotts, Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, Sea World!)
I saw Star Wars over the weekend. The opening sequence was absolutely incredible. Also, watch during the credits: they list their coffee boy under the title of "Javva the Hut."
Emily
What I really liked about summer was going on trips -- to the beach, the zoo, California, Silver Creek, or Washington. Come to think of it, I still like traveling. This could be my last family vacation, so I plan to enjoy it. (Disneyland, Knotts, Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, Sea World!)
I saw Star Wars over the weekend. The opening sequence was absolutely incredible. Also, watch during the credits: they list their coffee boy under the title of "Javva the Hut."
Emily
Madagascar
On Saturday night, Jason and I went and saw the movie Madagascar. It was VERY funny, and we laughed a whole lot .. especially during the ending credits. If you've had a bad day, or you just want to laugh a lot .. go see! Good fun.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
hmmm
Well, I already called and passed this info on to Ma and Pa, but Eric did ask me to post the fact that he is out of town until Monday evening. So don't expect to hear from him until then. Also, his graduation was today... so send him your congrats. I guess he tried to post all of that and his computer was having issues. I learned all of this when I called and talked to him yesterday after leaving the library.
So yeah, nothing new in my life since posting yesterday. I was going to try to be in the library and working by noon... well, I made it by 2 p.m. at least. I stopped and read a book and ate some lunch before coming here... and after getting off the phone with the gang at home.
So now I'd better get to work.
Love,
T
So yeah, nothing new in my life since posting yesterday. I was going to try to be in the library and working by noon... well, I made it by 2 p.m. at least. I stopped and read a book and ate some lunch before coming here... and after getting off the phone with the gang at home.
So now I'd better get to work.
Love,
T
Friday, May 27, 2005
YIPPEE!!!
Now I know I need to make Stephen's blessing outfit and not Allison's. We're all very excited for you, Eric and Laurel.
The news from home is not so exciting. I went to the doctor yesterday because my foot was swollen and I couldn't figure out why. The doctor took one look at it and said he thinks it's gout. He did a blood test to make sure but gave me some anti-inflammatory medicine just to get it started. It's no fun, especially when you're on your feet all day. I've been rather lazy at home because I don't feel like doing much after working all day.
I also had my hearing checked and any hearing loss I have is minor. Just speak up when you talk to me and don't expect me to hear when there's lots of background noise. If it keeps getting worse we'll do something more but for now that's about it.
It looks like we've gotten lots of answers to the last question so I'll post a new one: What do you think of as a perfect summer day from your childhood? Answers to previous questions are always welcome. I'm also working on a couple more vacations but no one has told me of any they would particularly like to see.
The news from home is not so exciting. I went to the doctor yesterday because my foot was swollen and I couldn't figure out why. The doctor took one look at it and said he thinks it's gout. He did a blood test to make sure but gave me some anti-inflammatory medicine just to get it started. It's no fun, especially when you're on your feet all day. I've been rather lazy at home because I don't feel like doing much after working all day.
I also had my hearing checked and any hearing loss I have is minor. Just speak up when you talk to me and don't expect me to hear when there's lots of background noise. If it keeps getting worse we'll do something more but for now that's about it.
It looks like we've gotten lots of answers to the last question so I'll post a new one: What do you think of as a perfect summer day from your childhood? Answers to previous questions are always welcome. I'm also working on a couple more vacations but no one has told me of any they would particularly like to see.
Hello
Well, Life has been busy for me the last week or so, so I haven't posted... sorry.
Monday for FHE we made some guns that shoot mini marshmallows. They are very cool and fun to play with. The other people in my group then went and shot at the other two groups... I was to busy talking to some friends and didn't make it to shoot at the other groups.... but I did witness one groups retaliation of dousing one of our guys with water.
Tuesday I went running with Stephanie. I went 3.2 miles (half was running, half was walking) which was double what I'd done the week before. She is training me for a 5K, which is about 3 miles.
Wednesday was great because I got off work early and then spent the afternoon hanging out with the Dicksons. They came over around 1 p.m. We went and got some pizza and bungee cords and then headed back to my place. I went outside and played with Melanie and Annika while the rest of the crew watched "The Incredibles" (And Deb and Amber took naps.) Then I followed them up to SLC and took Amber (and Amy) with me. After the Dicksons left temple square to go and see Sam's brother, Amy and I hung around Temple Square for a while longer and then headed home around 8 p.m.
Thursday I ended up staying home from work with the flu. It was not fun. I hope none of you get it.
Today I went to work, because I figured that even though I wasn't feeling 100% I should still go because it was only a half day. Then I went home, ate lunch, visited Vanessa, and now I'm here on campus and hoping to get lots of lesson planning done. Tomorrow will be more lesson planning... and then maybe I'll take a break on Monday and play.
So now you're updated on me.
Eric and Laurel - Hooray! It's a boy!
Jared - Hooray! I hear you got a job?!?
Adam - Hooray! You got new clothes!
Everyone else - Hooray! It's Memorial Day so you should be off work and able to relax! (Except for our Canadian friends... do you have Monday off?)
Love
T
Monday for FHE we made some guns that shoot mini marshmallows. They are very cool and fun to play with. The other people in my group then went and shot at the other two groups... I was to busy talking to some friends and didn't make it to shoot at the other groups.... but I did witness one groups retaliation of dousing one of our guys with water.
Tuesday I went running with Stephanie. I went 3.2 miles (half was running, half was walking) which was double what I'd done the week before. She is training me for a 5K, which is about 3 miles.
Wednesday was great because I got off work early and then spent the afternoon hanging out with the Dicksons. They came over around 1 p.m. We went and got some pizza and bungee cords and then headed back to my place. I went outside and played with Melanie and Annika while the rest of the crew watched "The Incredibles" (And Deb and Amber took naps.) Then I followed them up to SLC and took Amber (and Amy) with me. After the Dicksons left temple square to go and see Sam's brother, Amy and I hung around Temple Square for a while longer and then headed home around 8 p.m.
Thursday I ended up staying home from work with the flu. It was not fun. I hope none of you get it.
Today I went to work, because I figured that even though I wasn't feeling 100% I should still go because it was only a half day. Then I went home, ate lunch, visited Vanessa, and now I'm here on campus and hoping to get lots of lesson planning done. Tomorrow will be more lesson planning... and then maybe I'll take a break on Monday and play.
So now you're updated on me.
Eric and Laurel - Hooray! It's a boy!
Jared - Hooray! I hear you got a job?!?
Adam - Hooray! You got new clothes!
Everyone else - Hooray! It's Memorial Day so you should be off work and able to relax! (Except for our Canadian friends... do you have Monday off?)
Love
T
IDENTITY THEFT SPAM ALERT
I've gotten 4 emails on my work account just this week - they say that they're from the National Credit Union Administration and want bank account information. They look all nice and official, and the URL for the return email even looks legitimate. These emails are NOT REAL. Do NOT click on any of the links or give any information or anything. Just DELETE it. I got suspicious because first of all, if Portland Teachers wanted any information to make my account "more secure," they would have contacted me themselves. Also, PTCU isn't a federal credit union - it's a local one. There's a big difference between the state and national banking worlds and the real NCUA has nothing to do with our credit union. Looking at it a little closer, it says "Federal Credit Union holder account" rather than "account holder." So yeah. Delete delete delete! If you did get something like this and you did respond to it, call the credit union/bank IMMEDIATELY to put stops on your account or whatever is necessary to put the brakes on any identity/money theft.
Also, I just called PTCU to tell them about it - they said that they've already reported it to the proper authorities. Kinda interesting how the worker knew EXACTLY what I was talking about before I even finished my sentence.
Also, I just called PTCU to tell them about it - they said that they've already reported it to the proper authorities. Kinda interesting how the worker knew EXACTLY what I was talking about before I even finished my sentence.
hooray for Stephen!
What will his middle name be? You originally (like, when you got married) said Kendall, but when we talked on the phone about the baby, you said something else which I forget. Are there new ultrasound pictures for us to see yet?
My observation of the morning is that Adam looks a little weird to me wearing a colored dress shirt. I like it a lot, but it's strange to see him in something other than a white dress shirt. We got him new dress shirts earlier this week for starting his internship on the Hill, and we were daring and got a blue one to throw some variety into the solid wall of white mission shirts still in his closet.
My observation of the morning is that Adam looks a little weird to me wearing a colored dress shirt. I like it a lot, but it's strange to see him in something other than a white dress shirt. We got him new dress shirts earlier this week for starting his internship on the Hill, and we were daring and got a blue one to throw some variety into the solid wall of white mission shirts still in his closet.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
seats
Mom, those weren't just ANY front row seats Eric had ... those were front row seats BEHIND THE PLATE. The most sacred of all baseball seats, with the exception possibly being over the dugout. I'd like to know how he got them, and how much he paid for them. I'd also like to acquire similar seats in 50 years when Adam gets me out of this forsaken place, and we visit him in Cali and go to a baseball game then.
Favorite Activities
When I was a little boy I liked to do the following:
- Play people
- Build forts
- Ride bikes
- Climb trees
- Wrestle
- Draw
- Draw flipbooks
- Read
- Make movies
- Watch Star Wars
- And much much more
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Update to the Birdhouse
More posting to come, but meanwhile there's a new addition to the Birdhouse page. Check out what I spent my time doing last night (instead of homework).
Garden hoses
Today I am reminded of what we did as kids during the summer. We would watch with great anticipation for the days when the temperature was over 80 degrees. We didn't have too many rules, but this was one of them -- no playing in the water unless it was over 80. When it was warm enough, we would put on our swimsuits and chase each other around the yard with the garden hose. Sometimes we would have huge water fights and race around the house and just try to get everyone soaking wet. Does anyone remember a specific time when we did that?
What else did I like doing as a kid? Reading, making up stories, playing with my siblings -- I really haven't changed.
Emily
What else did I like doing as a kid? Reading, making up stories, playing with my siblings -- I really haven't changed.
Emily
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
I haven't been slackin'
I was busy last night putting my answer to the latest question unto my page. But it was too late to post on here by the time I was done. I also added a few more pictures from the funeral to that page. I know Eric took several pictures. Do you want to add them to my page Eric? Or just post them on your own? I realized that I missed a lot of people in those pictures, so if you want to add any please do so. I'm sure Cheryl would love to see them. She told me that no one had sent her any pictures. We got doubles of ours and are taking them down to her when we come.
I'm anxious to see the pictures of your adventure, Trina. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for getting the story right for me. We had some of the details mixed up. I'm glad you and Adam were able to have a good vacation.
I love you all,
MOM
I'm anxious to see the pictures of your adventure, Trina. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for getting the story right for me. We had some of the details mixed up. I'm glad you and Adam were able to have a good vacation.
I love you all,
MOM
hello, slackers
What the heck - hardly any posts while we were gone! I don't recall hearing that anyone else was going on vacation ...
The highlight of our trip was being the Grand Marshal of the Magic Kingdom parade. Our friend Jill gave us bride and groom mouse ears before we went to Disney World - I had a veil on a mouse-ear headband and Adam had mouse ears on a top hat. We were in the first wave of people right when the park opened. We weren't even 100 feet past the gate when a Disney worker stopped us - he asked if we were on our honeymoon and we told him it was our first anniversary trip. He said he was looking for the happiest people in the park to be the Grand Marshal of the Magic Kingdom parade in the afternoon, and we'd be perfect. The only condition was that we wear the bride/groom hats. We were in the first car of the parade, an antique car from Walt Disney's personal collection that he drove around himself, and we went through the entire park. At the end, we were given regular mouse ears with our names on the back of them. Also, one of the official photographers had taken our picture on Main Street, and we received a free copy of that picture. We were able to watch the whole parade because it was about 5 minutes behind us after we finished. The whole thing was very, very cool.
We saw JoAnne at MGM the next day and watched the Indiana Jones stunt show with her and Teresa. We headed in different directions after that, but we did spend a good hour together. Adam and JoAnne had a lengthy conversation about computer stuff, and we're supposed to email her ... something. But we don't have her current email, so Mom, please email it to me. She's also supposed to email us a couple of pictures that she took on her digital camera, so please also remind her about that.
The general trip changed a little from our itinerary that I posted earlier. We drove down to Orlando Sat. the 14th, and stopped in Gainesville to see a family who used to be in Adam's ward in Milton. Sunday was our break. Jill's schedule had changed, so we went to Cocoa Beach and NASA on Monday (we didn't go inside NASA because it cost too much - just around the outside). Magic Kingdom on Tuesday with the parade, MGM and Epcot on Wednesday. Adam loved "Mission Space." I didn't go on it at all. Thursday morning, we did a session in the Orlando Temple, and then drove up to Milton. It was about 8 hours. We went out to breakfast with Naomi on Friday, and wandered around town for a while for some errands. Saturday, we went to Clara and Tim's wedding on the beach and I did all the pictures. It was very casual but really sweet. They had seafood and barbecue for their lunch-time reception. Good stuff. That night, we went to Star Wars with a bunch of Adam's friends, and out to dinner and bowling. Adam won. We spent Sunday after church at Nancy's house going through Adam's boxes. We left 7 boxes of books and his award plaques there, but brought 10 with us. Our poor car was rather weighted down on the return trip yesterday. We took today off to sleep in, restock our kitchen, tear the boxes apart, and other miscellaneous things.
Tomorrow, I'm back to work and Adam will start his internship with the Senate Judiciary committee on Capitol Hill.
The highlight of our trip was being the Grand Marshal of the Magic Kingdom parade. Our friend Jill gave us bride and groom mouse ears before we went to Disney World - I had a veil on a mouse-ear headband and Adam had mouse ears on a top hat. We were in the first wave of people right when the park opened. We weren't even 100 feet past the gate when a Disney worker stopped us - he asked if we were on our honeymoon and we told him it was our first anniversary trip. He said he was looking for the happiest people in the park to be the Grand Marshal of the Magic Kingdom parade in the afternoon, and we'd be perfect. The only condition was that we wear the bride/groom hats. We were in the first car of the parade, an antique car from Walt Disney's personal collection that he drove around himself, and we went through the entire park. At the end, we were given regular mouse ears with our names on the back of them. Also, one of the official photographers had taken our picture on Main Street, and we received a free copy of that picture. We were able to watch the whole parade because it was about 5 minutes behind us after we finished. The whole thing was very, very cool.
We saw JoAnne at MGM the next day and watched the Indiana Jones stunt show with her and Teresa. We headed in different directions after that, but we did spend a good hour together. Adam and JoAnne had a lengthy conversation about computer stuff, and we're supposed to email her ... something. But we don't have her current email, so Mom, please email it to me. She's also supposed to email us a couple of pictures that she took on her digital camera, so please also remind her about that.
The general trip changed a little from our itinerary that I posted earlier. We drove down to Orlando Sat. the 14th, and stopped in Gainesville to see a family who used to be in Adam's ward in Milton. Sunday was our break. Jill's schedule had changed, so we went to Cocoa Beach and NASA on Monday (we didn't go inside NASA because it cost too much - just around the outside). Magic Kingdom on Tuesday with the parade, MGM and Epcot on Wednesday. Adam loved "Mission Space." I didn't go on it at all. Thursday morning, we did a session in the Orlando Temple, and then drove up to Milton. It was about 8 hours. We went out to breakfast with Naomi on Friday, and wandered around town for a while for some errands. Saturday, we went to Clara and Tim's wedding on the beach and I did all the pictures. It was very casual but really sweet. They had seafood and barbecue for their lunch-time reception. Good stuff. That night, we went to Star Wars with a bunch of Adam's friends, and out to dinner and bowling. Adam won. We spent Sunday after church at Nancy's house going through Adam's boxes. We left 7 boxes of books and his award plaques there, but brought 10 with us. Our poor car was rather weighted down on the return trip yesterday. We took today off to sleep in, restock our kitchen, tear the boxes apart, and other miscellaneous things.
Tomorrow, I'm back to work and Adam will start his internship with the Senate Judiciary committee on Capitol Hill.
Monday, May 23, 2005
I will be first....
I want to be the first to wish Jeremy a Happy Birthday online. Happy Birthday Jeremy!!!
Nathan Palmer
Nathan Palmer
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Blah
There are only 12 more days of school... and yes, I'm counting. Today I wouldn't have even come to work, except that I know there are only 12 more days. I am not feeling well, but I need the money for this summer. I'm spending most of the day typing away so that I don't bite any children's heads off.
I'm really looking forward to the Dicksons' visit next week. I talked to Deb last night and told her how much I'm looking forward to it. I may go up to temple square with them that afternoon. I know that I'm really looking forward to it because I had a dream a few nights ago with Annika in it. =)
I hope that everyone is doing well. It looks like the summer weather is finally arriving here in Utah. Maybe the playground will dry out now.
Love,
T
I'm really looking forward to the Dicksons' visit next week. I talked to Deb last night and told her how much I'm looking forward to it. I may go up to temple square with them that afternoon. I know that I'm really looking forward to it because I had a dream a few nights ago with Annika in it. =)
I hope that everyone is doing well. It looks like the summer weather is finally arriving here in Utah. Maybe the playground will dry out now.
Love,
T
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Dear Miss Palmer. I love you and stuff.
That was a cute post. We'll bring you lots of presents this summer - all the stuff you want to take with you for school. Yes, I know they're already yours, but we'll present them to you. Thanks for sharing Ana with us, she sounds like a real sweet girl.
I've been busy the last few weeks putting a Relief Society Enrichment Night together. It came off pretty well, even though there wasn't a very big group there.
We're getting very excited about our summer plans. We're going to be playing in California at Disneyland, Knotts, Seaworld and the Wild Animal Park. Cheryl and Tiffany will be with us most of the time. We'll also be joined by Eric and Laurel, and your aunts Debbie and Joy for some of the activities. It will be lots of fun. We're going down via Utah and taking a crazy route home. I'll try to get it all on here right after we get back.
There, now you know what I've been up to, let's here the latest from your neck of the woods.
Love ya,
MOM
I've been busy the last few weeks putting a Relief Society Enrichment Night together. It came off pretty well, even though there wasn't a very big group there.
We're getting very excited about our summer plans. We're going to be playing in California at Disneyland, Knotts, Seaworld and the Wild Animal Park. Cheryl and Tiffany will be with us most of the time. We'll also be joined by Eric and Laurel, and your aunts Debbie and Joy for some of the activities. It will be lots of fun. We're going down via Utah and taking a crazy route home. I'll try to get it all on here right after we get back.
There, now you know what I've been up to, let's here the latest from your neck of the woods.
Love ya,
MOM
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
To My Family
Dear Miss Palmer's Family,
Ana is writing this letter. Ana's nice girl and Ana doesn't want Miss Palmer to go to a different school next year. Anyways, ahh... back to the letter. Miss Palmer is a wonderful lady and people like her too. Sometimes she's funny, but we can get over that. Miss Palmer knows how much we love her. And the school thinks she's a good girl. Anytime you tell her a joke she just cracks up laughing. And we hope you write her back. Miss Palmer is cool and I think she knows that. If you go anywhere.... write her back. Families should write to their daughters. Her birthday is already past and I hope you called her and wished her a happy birthday. And I hope you had a happy mother's day. And that Miss Palmer can come and visit you. And I hope you come and visit Miss Palmer one day.... and you know, I think you're great. And Miss Palmer knows how much she loves you. And when you write back, you should say Dear Miss Palmer. I love you and stuff. And Ana is 12 and she is in 4th grade and Miss Palmer and her are best friends. So maybe you can just write her back and send her a lot of presents.
Love,
Ana
Ana is writing this letter. Ana's nice girl and Ana doesn't want Miss Palmer to go to a different school next year. Anyways, ahh... back to the letter. Miss Palmer is a wonderful lady and people like her too. Sometimes she's funny, but we can get over that. Miss Palmer knows how much we love her. And the school thinks she's a good girl. Anytime you tell her a joke she just cracks up laughing. And we hope you write her back. Miss Palmer is cool and I think she knows that. If you go anywhere.... write her back. Families should write to their daughters. Her birthday is already past and I hope you called her and wished her a happy birthday. And I hope you had a happy mother's day. And that Miss Palmer can come and visit you. And I hope you come and visit Miss Palmer one day.... and you know, I think you're great. And Miss Palmer knows how much she loves you. And when you write back, you should say Dear Miss Palmer. I love you and stuff. And Ana is 12 and she is in 4th grade and Miss Palmer and her are best friends. So maybe you can just write her back and send her a lot of presents.
Love,
Ana
5 and 10
Between the ages of five and ten, my favorite thing to do was climb the hill and go to the Symolon's house. Becky, Corrine, Nathan and I did everything together .. build forts, make clubs, go swimming, play video games .. didn't matter what it was, we did it together. And sometimes we'd invite Emily and Clarissa and Tawnia along too. It was always fun. I'm just glad the Syphers didn't put up a fence until after the Symolons had moved. I also enjoyed going to school, reading, playing on the swings (and any playground equipment) .. playing "people" with my siblings (Fisher Price), which included the "picking game" (taking turns picking who gets what) .. which later all turned into Lego stuff. At least that's what I remember ....
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Time for a new question?
Besides learning what everyone is up to I figured it's time to throw out a new question. Since I could probably rack my brain and figure out how the kids born to me would answer this, I think it would be great to hear from all the in-laws, too. I do want to hear from my children, though. Your memories of your childhood are probably different than mine. So what's the question? Between the ages of five and ten, what was your favorite activity?
Also, does anyone have a particular trip they would like me to post next? We took lots of vacations and I don't have many of them on there yet. I've been kind of jumping around or I would just have the ones with the older kids. Give me some feed-back here.
Tonight is the Gold&Green Ball so I'd better get dinner on the table so we can get ready to go. Say a special prayer for Isaac, he'll be set apart as a missionary soon. Tomorrow is his last Sunday here.
Love ya,
MOM
Also, does anyone have a particular trip they would like me to post next? We took lots of vacations and I don't have many of them on there yet. I've been kind of jumping around or I would just have the ones with the older kids. Give me some feed-back here.
Tonight is the Gold&Green Ball so I'd better get dinner on the table so we can get ready to go. Say a special prayer for Isaac, he'll be set apart as a missionary soon. Tomorrow is his last Sunday here.
Love ya,
MOM
Thursday, May 12, 2005
vacation itinerary
So that everyone will know where we are for the next little while, and why my recently rabid posting will come to a screeching halt:
Sat. May 14 (in less than 48 hours - HOORAY!) - drive to Orlando and stay with our friend Jill.
Sun. 15 - Tues. 17 - be in Orlando. Disney World on Monday and Tuesday. We might go to the beach on Sunday after church.
Wed. 18 - attend the Orlando Temple, and drive to Milton with a stop in Tallahassee to see their monstrosity of a state capitol. I've seen pictures but insist on seeing it in person. It's very ugly. In Milton, we will stay with Adam's "adopted grandparents" from his ward who have a pool.
Thurs. 19 - Sun. 22 - be in Milton and Pensacola. I don't know what we'll do besides swim every day, and hang out with Adam's sisters, and go to the beach some more. Clara and Tim's wedding is on Saturday (on the beach). We will also go through Adam's library that's still stashed in his mother's back room and decide what comes back to DC and what is gone forever.
Mon. 23 - drive back to DC.
Tues. 24 - one more day off to unpack everything we bring back and to get the road-trip kinks worked out.
Sat. May 14 (in less than 48 hours - HOORAY!) - drive to Orlando and stay with our friend Jill.
Sun. 15 - Tues. 17 - be in Orlando. Disney World on Monday and Tuesday. We might go to the beach on Sunday after church.
Wed. 18 - attend the Orlando Temple, and drive to Milton with a stop in Tallahassee to see their monstrosity of a state capitol. I've seen pictures but insist on seeing it in person. It's very ugly. In Milton, we will stay with Adam's "adopted grandparents" from his ward who have a pool.
Thurs. 19 - Sun. 22 - be in Milton and Pensacola. I don't know what we'll do besides swim every day, and hang out with Adam's sisters, and go to the beach some more. Clara and Tim's wedding is on Saturday (on the beach). We will also go through Adam's library that's still stashed in his mother's back room and decide what comes back to DC and what is gone forever.
Mon. 23 - drive back to DC.
Tues. 24 - one more day off to unpack everything we bring back and to get the road-trip kinks worked out.
Update on Brooke
We found out on Tuesday that Brooke has grade 3 reflux on her left side and negligible reflux on the right. This is on a 1 to 5 scale. (Vesicoureteral reflux is backwards flow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys.) The urologist wrote a prescription for antibiotics for 1 year. She will take 1 tsp everyday, then run more tests in one year. She has a good chance of outgrowing this over the course of a few years. In the meantime the antibiotics should prevent any more kidney infections, since the biggest danger is kidney damage (which can lead to hypertension). No surgery is necessary unless she has breakthough infections or doesn't outgrow it after several years. Also, the urologist thought he may see some mild erosion of the top of the left kidney and possibly 2 tubes coming out of it. He said the is no big deal and doesn't really hurt anything, just something to keep in mind if surgery is ever needed. I just wanted to let everyone know.
Michelle
Michelle
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Okay
Well, Tawnia, you wanted me to post my essay, so here it is.
Emily
The Qin dynasty of China considered unified standardization to be among its greatest achievements. The reasoning for standardization could be because of the Legalist system, where the law and order are considered essential and fundamental principles. It may also have been the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi desired to exert his authority over everything, and this power was manifested through standardization.
“A new age is inaugurated by the Emperor; rules and measures are rectified,” it states at the top of a column listing the accomplishments of the emperor; its prominence shows that this was considered extremely important.[1] Tools, measurements, and the writing system were all “made uniform.”[2] Laws and customs were also defined, “leaving nothing to doubt, making known what is forbidden.”[3] The standardization would be the same throughout the entire empire, rather than each city having its own standard, laws, and measures for these would “come from one single source,” the emperor.[4] This would remind the people that the emperor was in control, for his influence would be felt in many aspects of their lives, revealing that it is possible that one of his greatest motives for standardization was personal power.
The standardization of laws and measurements was important for the Legalist system, for either a thing would be considered legal or it would not; there was no middle ground between the distinctions of “black and white.”[5] Therefore, everything had to be defined, and the standards made clear. No one, regardless of social standing, would be considered outside the law.[6] The practice of standardization was believed to bring order, justice, and harmony to the empire.[7]
Measurements and writing were not the only things the emperor desired to standardize. Qin also attempted to standardize thought. In 213 B.C.E., at the suggestion of Prime Minister Li Si, Qin ordered all books, except for the officially sanctioned historical records and “those dealing with medicine, divination, and agriculture” to be burned.[8] Those who read other books, in particular historical records, would form differing opinions, quarrel and argue in favor of their own philosophies, bring chaos and disorder, attempt to gain power, and “slander the laws and judge each new decree according to their own school of thought, opposing it secretly in their hearts.”[9] If the standardized law is considered the most important object, then those who speak against it are against the order of the empire; and arguing against decrees is an affront to the Legalist system. Qin might also not have wanted differing philosophies, because they would oppose him, taking away his power. He may have been accusing the scholars of slander and opposition to his reign in order to seize power.
Any who read, owned, or quoted the “ancient songs, historical records, or writings of the hundred schools” would be punished, and the punishments were clearly defined: Those who quoted the old records would be publicly executed, along with their families, and government officials who did not report such crimes would suffer the same fate.[10] It is interesting to note that the punishment would be extended to family members. This might have had two purposes. First, the Chinese family is a close unit, and so the ideology of one could be considered the ideology of all members of the family. It might also have terrorized those who might rebel, because they would be unwilling to risk their family’s survival for a philosophy. The harsh punishments show how important maintaining a single ideology and standard of thought was to the Legalists. Punishing the government officials who did not carry out this law would force them to obey the emperor and take away their power, granting more authority to the emperor.
Qin desired to be viewed as the greatest emperor in the history of China, with his accomplishments surpassing those of all other emperors.[11] He hoped to form a lasting peace. He believed that the system he was establishing would “endure for generations without end.”[12] This meant that the old history books would be obsolete. Also, if there were no other emperors that could be compared to Qin, no one would question that he was superior to them. His power would be absolute, and it would be shown through the standardization of measurements, writing, law, customs, and punishments.
[1] Sima Qian, “The Legalist Policies of the Qin,” Selections from The Records of the Grand Historian, online at Chinese Cultural Studies, htpp://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/ssuma2.html (April 15, 2005), paragraph 2.
[2] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 3.
[3] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 4.
[4] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 12.
[5] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 13.
[6] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 5.
[7] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 2.
[8] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 15.
[9] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 13.
[10] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 14.
[11] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 9.
[12] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 12.
Emily
The Qin dynasty of China considered unified standardization to be among its greatest achievements. The reasoning for standardization could be because of the Legalist system, where the law and order are considered essential and fundamental principles. It may also have been the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi desired to exert his authority over everything, and this power was manifested through standardization.
“A new age is inaugurated by the Emperor; rules and measures are rectified,” it states at the top of a column listing the accomplishments of the emperor; its prominence shows that this was considered extremely important.[1] Tools, measurements, and the writing system were all “made uniform.”[2] Laws and customs were also defined, “leaving nothing to doubt, making known what is forbidden.”[3] The standardization would be the same throughout the entire empire, rather than each city having its own standard, laws, and measures for these would “come from one single source,” the emperor.[4] This would remind the people that the emperor was in control, for his influence would be felt in many aspects of their lives, revealing that it is possible that one of his greatest motives for standardization was personal power.
The standardization of laws and measurements was important for the Legalist system, for either a thing would be considered legal or it would not; there was no middle ground between the distinctions of “black and white.”[5] Therefore, everything had to be defined, and the standards made clear. No one, regardless of social standing, would be considered outside the law.[6] The practice of standardization was believed to bring order, justice, and harmony to the empire.[7]
Measurements and writing were not the only things the emperor desired to standardize. Qin also attempted to standardize thought. In 213 B.C.E., at the suggestion of Prime Minister Li Si, Qin ordered all books, except for the officially sanctioned historical records and “those dealing with medicine, divination, and agriculture” to be burned.[8] Those who read other books, in particular historical records, would form differing opinions, quarrel and argue in favor of their own philosophies, bring chaos and disorder, attempt to gain power, and “slander the laws and judge each new decree according to their own school of thought, opposing it secretly in their hearts.”[9] If the standardized law is considered the most important object, then those who speak against it are against the order of the empire; and arguing against decrees is an affront to the Legalist system. Qin might also not have wanted differing philosophies, because they would oppose him, taking away his power. He may have been accusing the scholars of slander and opposition to his reign in order to seize power.
Any who read, owned, or quoted the “ancient songs, historical records, or writings of the hundred schools” would be punished, and the punishments were clearly defined: Those who quoted the old records would be publicly executed, along with their families, and government officials who did not report such crimes would suffer the same fate.[10] It is interesting to note that the punishment would be extended to family members. This might have had two purposes. First, the Chinese family is a close unit, and so the ideology of one could be considered the ideology of all members of the family. It might also have terrorized those who might rebel, because they would be unwilling to risk their family’s survival for a philosophy. The harsh punishments show how important maintaining a single ideology and standard of thought was to the Legalists. Punishing the government officials who did not carry out this law would force them to obey the emperor and take away their power, granting more authority to the emperor.
Qin desired to be viewed as the greatest emperor in the history of China, with his accomplishments surpassing those of all other emperors.[11] He hoped to form a lasting peace. He believed that the system he was establishing would “endure for generations without end.”[12] This meant that the old history books would be obsolete. Also, if there were no other emperors that could be compared to Qin, no one would question that he was superior to them. His power would be absolute, and it would be shown through the standardization of measurements, writing, law, customs, and punishments.
[1] Sima Qian, “The Legalist Policies of the Qin,” Selections from The Records of the Grand Historian, online at Chinese Cultural Studies, htpp://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/ssuma2.html (April 15, 2005), paragraph 2.
[2] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 3.
[3] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 4.
[4] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 12.
[5] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 13.
[6] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 5.
[7] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 2.
[8] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 15.
[9] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 13.
[10] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 14.
[11] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 9.
[12] Sima, “Legalist Policies,” paragraph 12.
Paper
Hey Em,
Could you post a copy of that paper on the blog or on your site? I have to teach a unit on China next year.
Life is crazy for me. It has been very rainy here which is weird for Utah, even if it is spring. I'm looking forward to summer. I will be busy, but I am excited to focus on planning for next year, and also having a little fun.
Tonight is Institute... hooray. It's my favorite thing about Wednesdays.
Only 19 more days of school.
Love,
T
Could you post a copy of that paper on the blog or on your site? I have to teach a unit on China next year.
Life is crazy for me. It has been very rainy here which is weird for Utah, even if it is spring. I'm looking forward to summer. I will be busy, but I am excited to focus on planning for next year, and also having a little fun.
Tonight is Institute... hooray. It's my favorite thing about Wednesdays.
Only 19 more days of school.
Love,
T
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
About school
Hello, family.
Today, I got my history essay back. The teacher, Anthony, said the whole class did really well. I got a perfect score -- 100 points. He told me that it was the first 100 he had ever given in any class. I am very happy about that. Of course, he'll probably expect another great essay in a couple of weeks, but I'm not too worried. I wrote the paper about the Chinese Legalist system and standarization.
Emily
Today, I got my history essay back. The teacher, Anthony, said the whole class did really well. I got a perfect score -- 100 points. He told me that it was the first 100 he had ever given in any class. I am very happy about that. Of course, he'll probably expect another great essay in a couple of weeks, but I'm not too worried. I wrote the paper about the Chinese Legalist system and standarization.
Emily
some reading material
Ya know that driver's license stuff that I was yelling about last week? Here are a couple of articles from yesterday's media in solid, reputable sources:
Time Magazine (which is conservative)
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1059044-1,00.html
the Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2005/05/09/suspicious_license/
You already know what I think. Just an FYI - the media has been going ballistic with this in the last couple of weeks, and I have yet to read one sentence in favor of the bill. And it's going to be signed anyway. My only comfort is this article from today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-05-10-id-rules_x.htm
And now if you will excuse me, I'm going on vacation.
Time Magazine (which is conservative)
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1059044-1,00.html
the Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2005/05/09/suspicious_license/
You already know what I think. Just an FYI - the media has been going ballistic with this in the last couple of weeks, and I have yet to read one sentence in favor of the bill. And it's going to be signed anyway. My only comfort is this article from today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-05-10-id-rules_x.htm
And now if you will excuse me, I'm going on vacation.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
another school project
Instead of for 4th grade, this is for 4-year-olds:
Ben, Adam's nephew in Florida, is in a preschool that is learning geography by postcard. The request is that people send postcards to Ben so they can talk about the places in the postcard. Since our family is obviously scattered all over, I said that I would put out the call. There has been a specific request for Columbia River/Bonneville dam (the fish ladder) postcards, if they can be located. In general, they'd like major geographic landmarks (like the river), or major buildings and/or landmarks that are important and a 4-year-old would understand. Also, not a vague thing like just a city, but more specific like something IN the city (the Space Needle in Seattle for example, which Adam and I will be going to in August).
Email me if you're willing to do this and if you have any more questions, and I'll email you back the address for the Florida Caudles.
Ben, Adam's nephew in Florida, is in a preschool that is learning geography by postcard. The request is that people send postcards to Ben so they can talk about the places in the postcard. Since our family is obviously scattered all over, I said that I would put out the call. There has been a specific request for Columbia River/Bonneville dam (the fish ladder) postcards, if they can be located. In general, they'd like major geographic landmarks (like the river), or major buildings and/or landmarks that are important and a 4-year-old would understand. Also, not a vague thing like just a city, but more specific like something IN the city (the Space Needle in Seattle for example, which Adam and I will be going to in August).
Email me if you're willing to do this and if you have any more questions, and I'll email you back the address for the Florida Caudles.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Mom's pictures
Small pictures are good because then you can fit more and not use up so much space. But these are almost TOO small. I can barely tell who's in some of them. The one of the pallbearers carrying Uncle Bruce's casket - I only recognize Gary and Eric, not anyone behind them even though I'm sure I'm related to all or most of them. The thing that hit me the hardest on the page was seeing Eric as the lead pallbearer with Gary. I know. I'm weird. Deal with it.
We're babysitting Eve Schofield from our ward this morning - she's 11 months old and just a riot. She's Adam's favorite person in the entire ward. (Get it? Adam and Eve?) Anne is spending the day with her sister at Six Flags, and Aaron is writing 4 papers that are due on Monday. So we're taking care of Eve for a while until we switch her off to another babysitter this afternoon, and I do errands for our vacation, which will begin next Saturday (and not a moment too soon - I am in dire need of a break from work).
Adam says hi.
We're babysitting Eve Schofield from our ward this morning - she's 11 months old and just a riot. She's Adam's favorite person in the entire ward. (Get it? Adam and Eve?) Anne is spending the day with her sister at Six Flags, and Aaron is writing 4 papers that are due on Monday. So we're taking care of Eve for a while until we switch her off to another babysitter this afternoon, and I do errands for our vacation, which will begin next Saturday (and not a moment too soon - I am in dire need of a break from work).
Adam says hi.
Friday, May 06, 2005
More updates
First of all, Jared, I looked up the problem Brooke has and I hope everything goes OK. Give her our love and I hope you and Bryan are feeling better, too. Thank you all for the beautiful card. Brooke does an excellent job of writing her name.
Now for my updates. I put both of them under my travels. I have our trip from last summer when we went to Canada. I also, finally got some of the funeral pictures on. I have lots more that are still in the camera. I think Dad is going to finish using that roll of film on Sunday. So maybe I can get the rest of them on next week. Do I need to make them a little smaller?
Love ya,
MOM
Now for my updates. I put both of them under my travels. I have our trip from last summer when we went to Canada. I also, finally got some of the funeral pictures on. I have lots more that are still in the camera. I think Dad is going to finish using that roll of film on Sunday. So maybe I can get the rest of them on next week. Do I need to make them a little smaller?
Love ya,
MOM
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
bilateral vesicoureteral reflux
Here's the latest update from the Palmer family... the one in Texas, anyway. Bryan has a cold, and so do I. Brooke is feeling much better than she has, and has now completed her medical tests for all those UTIs. We've got the diagnosis back -- see above-- but no treatment plan yet. She'll go back to the urologist next week to figure out what needs to happen from here. I don't have a new job yet, but I've got a few possible leads. Yes I will let you all know when I do get something. If you want nitty-gritty details, well, call me or email me. Does everyone have my new email address? I don't know if the message got out. Maybe I'll send an email out to everyone so you'll have it.
Fourth Grade
I remember during fourth grade we had a project where the class was divided into wagon companies and we would follow the Oregon Trail. We would read about what we would see on the trail and describe all the problems that would be encountered along the way and how we might respond. It was really fun. When I was younger, that was my favorite point in history. I don't know if your school would do the same thing, Tawnia, or if you would follow the Mormon Trail since you're in Utah. But that was one of my favorite things.
I also really enjoyed the field trips, and we went on the most in fourth and fifth grade, including the overnight trip to Bend. That was really exciting, especially since I had never been to eastern Oregon before then -- that I could remember anyway. We must have been preparing for it for over a month.
Favorite book and song? I didn't really have a favorite. I did read the Little House books a lot. I liked the American Girl series (especially when we got Eric to read them to us and he would make up funny voices).
Emily
I also really enjoyed the field trips, and we went on the most in fourth and fifth grade, including the overnight trip to Bend. That was really exciting, especially since I had never been to eastern Oregon before then -- that I could remember anyway. We must have been preparing for it for over a month.
Favorite book and song? I didn't really have a favorite. I did read the Little House books a lot. I liked the American Girl series (especially when we got Eric to read them to us and he would make up funny voices).
Emily
passport info
Passport information is on the State Department's website at this link:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
All of the necessary information is on this site. It will cost $100 to get a passport (I just checked). When I got my passport for Australia, it cost only $60, but apparently they've piled on some "security" fees since then. Mom, keep in mind that Emily and Clarissa are ADULTS and should pay for their own. You and Dad should (in my mind anyway) pay for only your own. If we actually had the money right now, I'd pay for the passports for you as part of that interest from the Bank of Dad that I never paid. But we don't so I can't. Adam and I have our own to pay for - he doesn't have one at all yet, and I need to get mine renewed because of my name change.
Oh, and speaking of "interest payments" ... Mom, you said that some kind of gift in return for all that interest would be nice, but we're working on what you REALLY want. If all goes according to plan, you will receive what you REALLY want sometime in the next - oh ... year or so (no indications yet of a pending announcement), and then we will buy plane tickets for you and Dad to visit your present ... er ... I mean, grandchild.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
All of the necessary information is on this site. It will cost $100 to get a passport (I just checked). When I got my passport for Australia, it cost only $60, but apparently they've piled on some "security" fees since then. Mom, keep in mind that Emily and Clarissa are ADULTS and should pay for their own. You and Dad should (in my mind anyway) pay for only your own. If we actually had the money right now, I'd pay for the passports for you as part of that interest from the Bank of Dad that I never paid. But we don't so I can't. Adam and I have our own to pay for - he doesn't have one at all yet, and I need to get mine renewed because of my name change.
Oh, and speaking of "interest payments" ... Mom, you said that some kind of gift in return for all that interest would be nice, but we're working on what you REALLY want. If all goes according to plan, you will receive what you REALLY want sometime in the next - oh ... year or so (no indications yet of a pending announcement), and then we will buy plane tickets for you and Dad to visit your present ... er ... I mean, grandchild.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Well, well, well
It seems that Trina and Tawnia got things rolling on here. Tawnia with her request and Trina with her political updates. Thank you so much for mentioning the passport issue. I had heard about it but somehow I didn't think about needing a passport so soon. We'll get right on that. Another nice big unplanned but necessary expense. It's very important that we are able to go to Mindy if there is ever an emergency. So, even if Dad and I don't make it up there in August, we still need our passports ASAP.
As far as voting Democrat I'll have to give that one lots of thought and prayer, but I would like to hear the ins and outs of the Social Security thing. It's very confusing to me, because I've only heard bits and pieces. You can all email me with your thoughts and opinions as I try to figure out my own.
Now to your question, Tawnia, I don't remember anything specifically from my 4th grade year. It was way too long ago. I don't even remember what books I read. The only book I recall from grade school is "Island of the Blue Dolphins". I don't even remember the story, mainly just the title. Of course, I read lots of books with you kids. You have to do something on Laura Ingalls Wilder and all her wonderful books, especially Little House in the Big Woods and Farmer Boy. A. A. Milne wrote for younger kids but I think even some 4th graders would love reading Winnie the Pooh because of the way he puts things in his stories. The Hobbit is a pretty good story for kids but Tolkein's other books are way too much.
It's late and I need to get to bed but I wanted to take a few minutes to put in my two cents.
Love ya,
MOM
As far as voting Democrat I'll have to give that one lots of thought and prayer, but I would like to hear the ins and outs of the Social Security thing. It's very confusing to me, because I've only heard bits and pieces. You can all email me with your thoughts and opinions as I try to figure out my own.
Now to your question, Tawnia, I don't remember anything specifically from my 4th grade year. It was way too long ago. I don't even remember what books I read. The only book I recall from grade school is "Island of the Blue Dolphins". I don't even remember the story, mainly just the title. Of course, I read lots of books with you kids. You have to do something on Laura Ingalls Wilder and all her wonderful books, especially Little House in the Big Woods and Farmer Boy. A. A. Milne wrote for younger kids but I think even some 4th graders would love reading Winnie the Pooh because of the way he puts things in his stories. The Hobbit is a pretty good story for kids but Tolkein's other books are way too much.
It's late and I need to get to bed but I wanted to take a few minutes to put in my two cents.
Love ya,
MOM
oh, and the jam
The recipe for strawberry freezer jam is on the paper that's inside the box of SureGell pectin. It's pectin, strawberries, and sugar. There are also recipes on the paper (which also involve just pectin and sugar) for other kinds of fruit. We're going to make mango jam this weekend, when the mangos Adam got yesterday are ripe.
political opinions
Here's the catch to Tawnia's suggestion of keeping political opinions to ourselves - since MY JOB is in politics, I know about lots and lots of things that Congress and President Bush are doing that you don't know. I've stayed dead quiet, to the point that you all have no idea what I do. You don't care what I do and you don't want to hear about it. Fine.
But occasionally, something comes up that really ticks me off and I want to vent (something we're supposed to be able to do in a family situation, if I remember that correctly) and I don't expect people to agree with me or express their opinion at all. I just need to vent. I've done this once before. In today's instance, I told everyone to get their passports because new rules are that you need them to get back into the US from Canada or Mexico, it takes about 6 weeks to get a passport, and you need to act quickly to get it in time to go to Canada in August. This is not opinion. This is fact. There was a little bit of venting mixed in (which Eric responded to), but the main thing was - get your passport.
And now I'd like to vent about a couple of things because I'm a bit on the defensive. First of all, I would hope that you trust me enough and don't think that I'm so stupid that I can't distinguish between "political fad" and stuff that will actually affect you. True, there are plenty of "fads" but see - in Washington DC, those fads come with real live legislation attached to them. That legislation can, and frequently does, become law and then you're in a nice little fix because no one spoke up. In my job, I don't track issues, I track bills. Second, whether or not you're a Bush fan, what I know of our family leads me to conclude that we're all fairly conservative. That would include me and Adam. For the traditional conservatives of this country, all is not well in paradise. If you think it is, then you're either fooled or not paying attention. I will leave it at that, and if anyone wants more details, you can email me.
But occasionally, something comes up that really ticks me off and I want to vent (something we're supposed to be able to do in a family situation, if I remember that correctly) and I don't expect people to agree with me or express their opinion at all. I just need to vent. I've done this once before. In today's instance, I told everyone to get their passports because new rules are that you need them to get back into the US from Canada or Mexico, it takes about 6 weeks to get a passport, and you need to act quickly to get it in time to go to Canada in August. This is not opinion. This is fact. There was a little bit of venting mixed in (which Eric responded to), but the main thing was - get your passport.
And now I'd like to vent about a couple of things because I'm a bit on the defensive. First of all, I would hope that you trust me enough and don't think that I'm so stupid that I can't distinguish between "political fad" and stuff that will actually affect you. True, there are plenty of "fads" but see - in Washington DC, those fads come with real live legislation attached to them. That legislation can, and frequently does, become law and then you're in a nice little fix because no one spoke up. In my job, I don't track issues, I track bills. Second, whether or not you're a Bush fan, what I know of our family leads me to conclude that we're all fairly conservative. That would include me and Adam. For the traditional conservatives of this country, all is not well in paradise. If you think it is, then you're either fooled or not paying attention. I will leave it at that, and if anyone wants more details, you can email me.
Siblings
Ah siblings---
Isn't it wonderful? With the technology of today, it makes no difference that we are miles apart on seperate ends of the country... we can still have an argument. =) I think it's rather funny. As per Eric's post awhile back... politics are one of those issues where we may not agree, so keeping our opinions to ourselves may be the best policy for this site. Though it is nice to have an opinion and it is good to be an informed voter. It might be best to state: I have an opinion on this topic, if you want to hear it come talk to me because I feel rather strongly about this. Then people can come to you and you can talk their ears off. Also it is nice for those of us who try to stay on the outside fringe of politics to know WHICH topics to be concerned with. Is it something that will honestly effect me, or is it just the latest fad topic of political debate? So, that said... I'm not trying to criticize anyone, just trying to defuse a situation before it gets any bigger.
Anyway, Adam it was great to see you posting... and two times in a row! WOW! (I think I've only done that over on the BBC.) I'm glad to hear that Trina can cook... this was a source of concern for her back when we were growing up... well, I just remember her always saying that she "couldn't cook." (Maybe it was just an excuse to get out of having to cook for 10 people... I don't blame her if that's what it was!) Anyway, Trina did you use Mom's strawberry freezer jam recipe? Mom-is that recipe on the site, if not it should be! That's the bestest jam ever and I would LOVE to make some for myself sometime. The problem at the moment would be having a place to put it once it's made. (One freezer for five people doesn't leave a lot of space for storing food.)
It is actually a beautiful day here today, though I hear it's going to be rainy for the weekend... again. I guess it's good that I'm enjoying it today. I've been busy at work, which makes me feel useful, and being useful makes me feel happy. Also, I am full of ideas for this next school year, so I'm very excited about that.
Speaking of next school year, I have a request, one I've already given on the BBC Blog, but would like to extend to all of you, because the more resources I can get the better.... here's the deal. I'm looking forward to a summer of writing lesson plans and preparing, preparing, preparing, for next year. So... here are some questions for everyone, you can help me in getting prepared for next year. First of all what is your favorite memory of elementary school? What can you remember about fourth grade? What was your favorite book growing up? What was your favorite song?
One thing I'm planning to do in my class is have an author of the week. We'll learn a little about that author and maybe even read a section of one or two of his/her books. Any suggestions for authors would be appreciated.
I'm all about getting ideas from people for next year, so feel free to bombard me with: your favorite book report, information about whatever you like in history or science (good websites would be nice) I know that in history I'll cover: Utah history, Medieval times, Africa, China, Japan, Geography, The American Revolution, U.S. Government ... and more. In Science we'll cover: the water cycle, weather, rocks and soil, fossils, Utah's enviroments, Body Systems (circulatory, respiratory), and more.
Mindy has already offered me Jason's services on learning about Japan. And Trina has offered to help me prep for U.S. Government, and The American Revolution.... but that doesn't mean you can't contribute to their information as well.
So hopefully that's enough conversation starters (and finishers) for everyone....
Love,
Tawnia
Isn't it wonderful? With the technology of today, it makes no difference that we are miles apart on seperate ends of the country... we can still have an argument. =) I think it's rather funny. As per Eric's post awhile back... politics are one of those issues where we may not agree, so keeping our opinions to ourselves may be the best policy for this site. Though it is nice to have an opinion and it is good to be an informed voter. It might be best to state: I have an opinion on this topic, if you want to hear it come talk to me because I feel rather strongly about this. Then people can come to you and you can talk their ears off. Also it is nice for those of us who try to stay on the outside fringe of politics to know WHICH topics to be concerned with. Is it something that will honestly effect me, or is it just the latest fad topic of political debate? So, that said... I'm not trying to criticize anyone, just trying to defuse a situation before it gets any bigger.
Anyway, Adam it was great to see you posting... and two times in a row! WOW! (I think I've only done that over on the BBC.) I'm glad to hear that Trina can cook... this was a source of concern for her back when we were growing up... well, I just remember her always saying that she "couldn't cook." (Maybe it was just an excuse to get out of having to cook for 10 people... I don't blame her if that's what it was!) Anyway, Trina did you use Mom's strawberry freezer jam recipe? Mom-is that recipe on the site, if not it should be! That's the bestest jam ever and I would LOVE to make some for myself sometime. The problem at the moment would be having a place to put it once it's made. (One freezer for five people doesn't leave a lot of space for storing food.)
It is actually a beautiful day here today, though I hear it's going to be rainy for the weekend... again. I guess it's good that I'm enjoying it today. I've been busy at work, which makes me feel useful, and being useful makes me feel happy. Also, I am full of ideas for this next school year, so I'm very excited about that.
Speaking of next school year, I have a request, one I've already given on the BBC Blog, but would like to extend to all of you, because the more resources I can get the better.... here's the deal. I'm looking forward to a summer of writing lesson plans and preparing, preparing, preparing, for next year. So... here are some questions for everyone, you can help me in getting prepared for next year. First of all what is your favorite memory of elementary school? What can you remember about fourth grade? What was your favorite book growing up? What was your favorite song?
One thing I'm planning to do in my class is have an author of the week. We'll learn a little about that author and maybe even read a section of one or two of his/her books. Any suggestions for authors would be appreciated.
I'm all about getting ideas from people for next year, so feel free to bombard me with: your favorite book report, information about whatever you like in history or science (good websites would be nice) I know that in history I'll cover: Utah history, Medieval times, Africa, China, Japan, Geography, The American Revolution, U.S. Government ... and more. In Science we'll cover: the water cycle, weather, rocks and soil, fossils, Utah's enviroments, Body Systems (circulatory, respiratory), and more.
Mindy has already offered me Jason's services on learning about Japan. And Trina has offered to help me prep for U.S. Government, and The American Revolution.... but that doesn't mean you can't contribute to their information as well.
So hopefully that's enough conversation starters (and finishers) for everyone....
Love,
Tawnia
cooking
On a second and record-breaking note, I thought that I might mention that Trina makes fantastic jam. She made about two quarts of fresh strawberry jam the other night. I made some awesome bread to go along with it. It's also great with honey. I need to post some of these recipes online. Does anyone have an easy (and good) recipe for making noodles?
Adam
Adam
continuance of Trina
First, Hi and I am still alive, although I don't post often (this being twice in a year).
Second, I just wanted to add on a bit more to what my sweet and adorable and wonderful and amazing and fantastic and incredible and fantamagorical (are you getting sick yet?) wife said about politics. If you ever want a detailed explanation, give us a call and we'll be more than happy to tell you of the evils of George W. Bush & Co. But for the moment, we can't stress how important it is to call/write your congressperson and senator & tell them what you think about some of these issues (like social security, immigration, etc.) You don't have to be long-winded or rude, but at least do something about it. I'd recommend doing some research on (or just talking to Trina or myself) about Social Security, immigration, Legal stuff, etc.
Third, I have an attention span of about 45 minutes, I think, b/c I've been at work for 2.5 hrs & I started getting fidgety within the first hour. Then, again, it may just be that my work is incredibly BORING!
Have a great day.
Adam
Second, I just wanted to add on a bit more to what my sweet and adorable and wonderful and amazing and fantastic and incredible and fantamagorical (are you getting sick yet?) wife said about politics. If you ever want a detailed explanation, give us a call and we'll be more than happy to tell you of the evils of George W. Bush & Co. But for the moment, we can't stress how important it is to call/write your congressperson and senator & tell them what you think about some of these issues (like social security, immigration, etc.) You don't have to be long-winded or rude, but at least do something about it. I'd recommend doing some research on (or just talking to Trina or myself) about Social Security, immigration, Legal stuff, etc.
Third, I have an attention span of about 45 minutes, I think, b/c I've been at work for 2.5 hrs & I started getting fidgety within the first hour. Then, again, it may just be that my work is incredibly BORING!
Have a great day.
Adam
passport notice
I don't know for sure what the plans are at this point, but there is talk of a number of us going to Canada to visit Mindy in August. Whoever is even thinking about it, GET YOUR PASSPORT. They recently began requiring passports to get across the US/Canadian border - the US will let you out, but they will not let you back IN unless you have a US passport. Your driver's license no longer works to go across the border into Canada or Mexico.
It is also a smart idea for everyone to get or renew a passport soon because Congress is completely screwing with driver's license and other ID requirements. The Republican Party is now the Paranoia Party and they've gone WAY overboard. It's the "slippery slope" to a police state and there are no brakes on this at the moment. (Vote Democrat in 2006. No, really. I'm serious.)
It takes a month or two to get a passport processed (even on a good day), so I recommend you get that taken care of by the end of this month in preparation for August.
It is also a smart idea for everyone to get or renew a passport soon because Congress is completely screwing with driver's license and other ID requirements. The Republican Party is now the Paranoia Party and they've gone WAY overboard. It's the "slippery slope" to a police state and there are no brakes on this at the moment. (Vote Democrat in 2006. No, really. I'm serious.)
It takes a month or two to get a passport processed (even on a good day), so I recommend you get that taken care of by the end of this month in preparation for August.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Busy
Well, you'd think that now that I don' t have any homework, I'd suddenly have more time... but that hasn't been the case. I have been a lot more social lately, though after the CES fireside last night I may have to cut back to just "hanging out" with the girls I'm friends with. =) It was a great fireside where Elder Oaks encouraged the young men to date instead of just hanging out and told the girls to not just hang around waiting to get asked out, but to get an education and continue on with life. I feel that I've got that one pretty much covered.
This last week I was in a "Paraeducator" Conference on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. So I didn't get much of a weekend. I did learn a lot though... now I just have to process all that information and put it to work.
The weather here has been crazy for Utah. I've never seen this much rain here. I feel like I'm back in Oregon. The nice part is that it has made it BEAUTIFUL here. It's actually green and with all the flowers blooming I just love it.
The end of the school year is rapidly approaching. Which means that I have tons left to do and a deadline upon me. I am the person that does all the reading assessments for the fourth grade. So that's keeping me very busy at work.
I was hoping to see on here that Jared had gotten a job, but I guess I'll just have to keep on praying. Emily--- what are you getting me for my birthday?? Trina - with your title I thought maybe Eric and Laurel had found out the gender of StephenAllison.... but then I realized it was you that was posting, and not them.
Anyway, to answer Mom's question. I remember that Mom tried all sorts of different incentive programs to get us to do chores, she even made charts so that we would switch chores each week... but none of those lasted for long. Really the times I can remember the house actually getting cleaned was when Mom and Dad would leave to go somewhere on a Saturday morning, then someone would gather everyone into one room. We'd write out some chores on slips of paper, put them in a hat, and then each draw one out.... and then we'd all get the house cleaned before Mom and Dad got home. I remember that happening on quite a few occasions. My least favorite chores are dishes and ironing. I don't mind vacuuming or doing laundry.... and cooking is okay if you're cooking for someone other than just yourself.
Have a fabulous day y'all.
-T
This last week I was in a "Paraeducator" Conference on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. So I didn't get much of a weekend. I did learn a lot though... now I just have to process all that information and put it to work.
The weather here has been crazy for Utah. I've never seen this much rain here. I feel like I'm back in Oregon. The nice part is that it has made it BEAUTIFUL here. It's actually green and with all the flowers blooming I just love it.
The end of the school year is rapidly approaching. Which means that I have tons left to do and a deadline upon me. I am the person that does all the reading assessments for the fourth grade. So that's keeping me very busy at work.
I was hoping to see on here that Jared had gotten a job, but I guess I'll just have to keep on praying. Emily--- what are you getting me for my birthday?? Trina - with your title I thought maybe Eric and Laurel had found out the gender of StephenAllison.... but then I realized it was you that was posting, and not them.
Anyway, to answer Mom's question. I remember that Mom tried all sorts of different incentive programs to get us to do chores, she even made charts so that we would switch chores each week... but none of those lasted for long. Really the times I can remember the house actually getting cleaned was when Mom and Dad would leave to go somewhere on a Saturday morning, then someone would gather everyone into one room. We'd write out some chores on slips of paper, put them in a hat, and then each draw one out.... and then we'd all get the house cleaned before Mom and Dad got home. I remember that happening on quite a few occasions. My least favorite chores are dishes and ironing. I don't mind vacuuming or doing laundry.... and cooking is okay if you're cooking for someone other than just yourself.
Have a fabulous day y'all.
-T
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Updates
We finally got our answers posted to our pages. Check out both Dad's and my pages for the latest answers.
Love ya,
MOM
Love ya,
MOM
Thank you Emily
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Emily for her kindness and generosity. She decided not to wait until my birthday to give me a present. Yesterday we went to Costco and looked at digital cameras. I thought Dad was buying one and wanted my input. I had narrowed it down to two and she bought the more expensive of them for my birthday. I told her it can also count for Mother's Day and Father's Day and whatever other days she wants it to. It cost $380 and is wonderful Look for lots more pictures in the near future. Jared how do you post pictures on the blog now? I haven't been able to figure it out. Maybe I'll make a new page for my photos. We'll see.
Love,
Mom
Love,
Mom
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