the top of Eric's face

I can't speak for Stevie having the bottom of Laurel's face, but I definitely agree that he has Eric's eyes and forehead. The picture of him facing the camera with his eyes open and with the pacifier in his mouth ... if that isn't Eric Jr, there will never be an Eric Jr. Cute cute cute! More pictures are good - thanks tons! Happy week-old birthday, Stevie!

We're on storm watch out here because Adam is a hurricane tracker - we got some rain last night that was a remnant of Katrina. All the hurricanes last year moved up the eastern seaboard after landfall, so we got tons of rain and thunder with those. This one went up the Mississippi, so we just caught the outer edge that was running itself out. Adam's family in Pensacola has lost power and I think they've not started school yet because of the storm, but no concerns about flooding or anything. They're all fine. We're going to donate to LDS Humanitarian Services when we pay our tithing Sunday, and encourage everyone else to do the same. (Whatever you can afford, of course.)

A few more pictures of Baby Stevie

The pictures I already posted are now on a page (albeit without captions), along with a few new ones.

Check it out on the Birdhouse page.

hola

well, school isn't going to start for another week... which is frustrating, but I should look at it as a blessing. I have another week to get prepared for school. So far we haven't been allowed into the building to set up our classrooms... hopefully that will happen soon.

Shawna Webb came down today and gave me a massage. That was very nice. In fact I spent all day today relaxing and not doing anything in the way of school. I need to focus on that more tomorrow.

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile I just haven't had much access to computers lately.

Love,
Tawnia

Back to work

Yesterday was my first official day back at work. Today we set up the classroom. Work is rather frustrating because we don't have a teacher. At least they didn't move around any of the assistants like they did in many of the other classrooms, but our fearless leader quit and went to work for Salem-Keizer School District. She's making $8,000 per year more but she probably wouldn't have been looking for another position if our supervisor had been kinder to her. They had a big disagreemant just before school let out and she wouldn't speak to the teacher all summer, even though they were in the same building. Anyway, it's going to be an interesting year. They were interviewing applicants today so maybe we'll have teacher before school starts. I hope we get a good one. At least everyone else is experienced.

Our young women are having a real special activity tomorrow night. We're having a Book of Mormon Celebration. They were all challenged to read the Book of Mormon over the summer. A few of them were able to finish and most of them have read some. We're having a fun evening with King Benjamin (Nathan) and Abinidi (Robin Wirfs) and then we're having a slide show while a sister sings the song "The Day the Savior Came". It's a beautiful song about when Christ came to the Nephites. It should be an excellent evening.

Trina, do you have any ideas for me as to how I can help my girls work on their personal progress? We don't have a specialist called to work with the girls yet, so I need to get them going. What kids of motivation did you use? How did you keep them interested in earning them? I need to get going on this. You mentioned that I need to work on mine. You said that you made the goals more meaningful for you as an adult. Can you give me some ideas?

I guess that's all for now. I haven't talked to Eric since his last post but if I hear anything, I'll be sure to let you know.

Love always,
MOM

Baby news

Hi everyone! Again, I am sorry that I have done so poorly at talking to you. Give me a few more days or weeks and I will.

Laurel is doing well in the hospital. She will probably come home later this week. I'm having a hard time concentrating at work, but what do you expect?

Laurel's mom is flying in next week to help out. I think she'll be a great emotional support if nothing else. Of course, she'll be more than that. It'll be good to have her here.

Stevie is doing great, of course. He's off the lights now, has gained a little weight, and I just talked to the nurse and learned that he wolfed down his first bottle like a madman. He just needs to remember to breathe while he's eating.

And that's my life. There's not much else going on, oddly enough. I'm going to try to clean the house tonight, and someday soon I want to buy an air conditioner and install it. Maybe tomorrow night.

CHOC

Here's a link to find out more about where baby Stevie is staying these days. Laurel is next door at St. Joseph Hospital.

www.choc.com

Stevie Photos

Dear Family,

Thanks all of you for your prayers and concern. We have felt the power of prayer this week and we are very grateful.

Mom's last post is a great summary of our current condition. Laurel and Stevie are in neighboring hospitals, and I'm at work. One update, Stevie's been under the lights for jaundice. His blood test showed that he had some, so they're taking care of it. I'll keep you posted on that. And one other thing: We think he has the top of my face and the bottom of Laurel's face. Certainly my eyes. Oh well.

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to talk with any of you on the phone this week (aside from Mom and Dad and Nathan). I've really wanted to. I felt bad that I missed Jared's call last night. We keep getting calls from ward people and the like. But the day is coming soon. I will take the time to talk with each of you and answer your questions and just be excited together. There's just been so much going on that it's been hard to keep up.

But here's some pictures to get you started. These are all from Stevie's first day. I'll have more soon, and on nice pages with captions and all, but I need to get some work done today. I'm a little behind.

http://www.insanityinc.net/eric/images/stevie1.jpg
http://www.insanityinc.net/eric/images/stevie2.jpg
http://www.insanityinc.net/eric/images/stevie3.jpg
http://www.insanityinc.net/eric/images/stevie4.jpg

I love you all, and expect more pictures, videos, etc.

Love,
Eric

Not so good news

Laurel came home too soon. She is back in the hospital now. She was having problems breathing so she went back in about 1:00 this morning. Eric wants her to stay there long enough for him to get an air conditioner for their bedroom. It's been very hot lately and that doesn't help Laurel at all.

Stevie is doing super. Eric said they took him off the IV and he's getting all his food via the tube. They'll soon start trying him on the bottle to see if he can swallow. When he is strong enough to nurse and is gaining weight, they'll probably send him home. Maybe two or three weeks - more if he gets any infections or if there are other complications. Every day he makes it without a complication lessens the chance of there being any.

That's the latest from my conversation with Eric. He was the one who beeped in while I was talking to you, Jared.

Take care everyone and keep those prayers coming for Laurel and Stevie.

Love ya,
MOM

Happy Birthday, Eric

Happy birthday, Eric. I hope you have a good one. Take care of Laurel.

A couple nights ago, Mom, Dad, Nathan, and I went to hear the Oregon Symphony. Nathan had gotten tickets at work. It was an outdoor concert, and we could see all the bats flying around. (I can't remember when I last saw bats.) They played songs from movies like "Wizard of Oz," "West Side Story," and "Star Wars." It was great, even though it did get a little cold.

I got an application for Southern Virginia University. My plan is to go there in January. I'll see how that works out.

Emily

Good News

Well, Eric is getting a nice birthday present. Laurel is going home today. I would email you the hospital number but they were in the midst of checking out when I talked to them about an hour ago. I'm sure they'll spend some time with Stevie but I don't have a number for that hospital. They'll be home later this afternoon or this evening.

I talked to Laurel and she sounded great, sore but great. They don't know when Stevie will be big enough to go home but he's still doing great. No complications other than his tiny size.

I'm sure Eric will have a rather quiet birthday but he'll have Laurel with him at home, so what more does he need at the moment. Take care everyone and Eric or I will keep you updated.

Love ya,
MOM

phone number?

Happy birthday, Eric! Adam is singing for you while standing next to me.

Is there a phone number where we can call him at the hospital(s)? Even if Laurel is still too tired to talk (which I don't blame her), can't we talk to Eric? Even for his birthday? Please email.

Happy Birthday Eric!!!!

Today is your birthday. I bet you know that. We are still awake at 1:45 am because we've made it past that I am tired phase and have entered the numb phase in the circadian clock. We were visiting with one of Amanda's co-workers about Masons and fraternities and the like. But I do not need to go on about that because today is your special day. You are now 31. I didn't even know that you were thirty yet. I totally forgot until this very moment. You are older than I thought.

Love-
Nathan

PS-I hope Stephen is a happy baby.

News from the south

I talked to Eric this morning. Laurel had a rough day yesterday but she is doing much better this morning. She had lots of fluid in her lungs and they were able to get that drained so now she can breathe better. She was also able to get some sleep, which she hadn't really done since she had him.

Stephen is doing fine. He's learning to suck. He has lots of tubes and wires - heart monitor, respiration monitor, feeding tube in his nose, IV. I don't know if there are any others, but those are the ones Eric mentioned. He's in an isolette (like an incubator). I'm sure they want to keep him warm and he needs quiet. They let Eric hold him whenever he goes over there. He spent some time there last night when he knew that Laurel was OK and was resting.

Eric promised to get some pictures up for us soon. I hope this answers some of your questions and like I said before, I'm sure Eric will correct all my errors when he has a chance.

Love ya,
MOM

things to say

First of all, big congratulations to the new Mom and Pop. Bryan and Brooke are very excited to have a new baby cousin. Brooke asked if she could talk to him on the phone.

Also, I think my last survey question got lost in the hinterland before people noticed it, since I got several responses to the first and only two on the second (thanks Mom and Emily). So here it is again. I'd love to get some more response on this one.

I have one other website-related question for everyone. Does anyone else want music on their sites? I could add it fairly easily for you, without disturbing any of your other material, and I'll even let you decide what music you want (assuming I can find it for free, but I've got a couple of good sources) and what kind of controls you want (onscreen, links only, or ultra-interactive). Just a thought I had, and thought I'd throw it out there.

I guess that's it from me today.

Utah Adventures

Firstly, Eric and Laurel, CONGRATULATIONS! I'm very happy for you. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures. I really hope that everything goes well, and that everyone gets strong and healthy soon.

So all of you know that Tawnia and I are both going to be working at a brand new school in Utah. Originally school was supposed to start mid-August, but since it wasn't being built fast enough, the opening date got bumped to early September. Things were going better, so they decided on August 30th. The TA's were supposed to start on the first day of school, and then that got changed to the second week of school, but now that's been changed back to the first week of school, so the TA's can do reading assesments. But today they found out they have a problem with the plumbing .. a wrong pump or something, and they can't actually open the school without toilets .. So school might not start next week. Or it might, but everyone will go on field trips instead. Or something. Who knows. It's definately an adventure. I'm also starting my Subway job today. I know I can handle the job, as soon as I get used to it, and am trained and everything, but I'm still nervous!

A few details

I talked to Eric this morning. I'm not sure how many monitors are on Baby Stevie, but I do know that he's breathing on his own. They gave him some oxygen through a nose tube but not for very long. They are feeding him through a tube until his sucking reflex improves and Laurel can start nursing. Eric said he hasn't any jaundice, at least not at the moment. He's a beautiful ruddy red color with curly blond hair and he looks like Eric, not Laurel. He's long and skinny and is in the Children's hospital where he can be closely watched. He's in a warming bed because he's so tiny. They aren't sure how long he'll be in the hospital. Sometimes complications don't show up for the first day or two but Eric will let us know if there is anything. Also, if I have any of my facts wrong, I'm sure he'll correct me.(Please)

Right now, Eric is more concerned about Laurel. She's having a little trouble getting her breath and they're giving her medication for her blood pressure to make sure she doesn't have any seizures. Just having the baby hasn't made everything fine. He said his job today is to send the visitors home so she doesn't get too tired and stressed.

I guess that's all for the moment. We'll be sure to post or call if anything changes. I will call Eric each morning, unless he calls me at night, and I'll post any news that comes my way. I'm hoping he'll put some pictures up soon.

Love ya,
MOM

status?

So exactly what are Baby Stevie's physical deficiencies at this point? Does he need assistance to breathe, or eat, or both, or other things? How many tubes and wires is he hooked up to, and what are they monitoring/helping with? What's the target date for them to be able to take him home? THIS is the vital information - not that he has blond hair and looks like Laurel (although that is nice to know). Thank you.

Yes it's Stephen

Stephen Frank Palmer was born today, Aug 24, 2005 at 4:03pm. He weighed 3 pounds 12 ounces and was 17 inches long. He was born in Orange, Orange, California.

I can't wait until we got to see him. Dad and I got our tickets today. We should have bought them last week. We still got them at a good price but we have to fly out on Christmas day at 6pm and come back the following Sunday at 10:10pm. We'll be flying in and out of Ontario airport. If we'd gotten them last week we could have used the Orange County Airport and flown on the 26th instead of on Christmas. At least we managed to find flights for under $500 for the two of us. Most of them were in the $600 to $700 range.

They all still need our prayers because Stevie is a very tiny baby and Laurel was still having problems with her blood pressure when I talked to Eric this evening.

As I type this I keep making mistakes, I think I need to get to sleep.
Love to all of you,
MOM

Happy Birthday, Steve!!!

I would like to wish the newest Palmer a happy birthday!!! So I did. I put Steve because I think that it is Stephen, but it could be Steven. Let me know please.

Love-
your Uncle Nathan

home sweet home

I will admit that I was not entirely enthusiastic about returning to the East Coast. I really loved being at Uncle Max's - his comfy little house, the beautiful weather with NO HUMIDITY, out of the city among the trees and blackberry bushes full of ripe berries ... It was really nice. But now we're home in DC and I'm at work and things will be back to normal in the next few days, once we get everything sorted out and put away.

Our next big project is law school applications and the visit to William and Mary. At work, we have new officer orientation here in town next month and some majoring lobbying on the Hill with med mal. Our callings as ward missionaries will probably also pick up in the next little bit here - our friend Taylor, who is the ward mission leader, was out in Utah all summer so the ward involvement in the general missionary work lagged. Taylor has lots of ideas so we'll see what happens now.

Good Day

Well, I have had an enjoyable day so far. I was extremely nervous about meeting my kids and their parents today, but things went well. We had an activity at a pool/park. The kids met as a class, then went swimming, ate lunch, played some games, and then went home. I had about half of my students there. It actually wasn't too bad and it made me VERY excited for the first day of school. I have great kids. Mindy is already sick of hearing about them, and I only met them this morning... she's going to have to get used to me talking about them constantly... these kids are going to be MY LIFE for the next nine months.

Anyway, the back to school nerves are still there because I'm really not prepared, but I am very excited now because I know several of my students. If you want more details you'll have to call me, or talk to Mindy because she's heard it all.

Only one more week (6 days) until school starts. I should get to set up my classroom starting on Thursday... but I'll find out more definitely tomorrow... (Yeah, it's an adventure!!)

Love,
T

Update on Laurel and Stevie: Day 4

Laurel and Stevie are doing great. Laurel got her second steroid shot on Sunday morning and made it the 24 hours after that, and now 24 more hours after that, so the steroids will have their full effect, which is to help Stevie's lungs get stronger. This morning she told me that she started going into labor last night, after I'd left, but they gave her a shot that stopped the contractions. She finally felt them though, and she's not a big fan.

I'm at work this morning. We're trying to save some days off for after the baby comes, and we're trying to give me something to do. I've felt pretty useless most of the time, but this is a time for husbands to be humbled I think. Overall though, I've been pretty good. I don't know how

Laurel has generally been very calm, though we've both had a few ups and downs. Our ward has been fabulous in their support. I had to kick out the Relief Society presidency yesterday because Laurel needed to rest. On Sunday we had 12 visitors in the room at one point. She has not been bored though. She hasn't read or watched TV, but she gets visitors and she's constantly asking her nurses questions and being her usual charming self.

To answer a few frequently asked questions:
The baby's weight is estimated at 4.3 pounds, based on the ultrasound
The survival rate for babies at 32 weeks is greater than 95%
The baby will need to stay at the hospital for at least one week following birth. He will stay at the neonatal unit at CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) which is adjacent to St. Joseph but actually a different hospital.
Laurel's fluid is low, since she's losing it all the time, but the baby is constantly making more
The doctors say that 90% of cases such as Laurel's deliver within the first week, but the nurses are more optimistic
Your prayers and good wishes are welcome and we're so grateful for them

Oh, and thanks for your anniversary congrats Jared. I passed them on to Laurel as well.

I love you all.

Eric

Dearest Family

I know everyone is anxious to hear any news from Eric and Laurel. I talked to Eric last night and there is no change. When little Stevie comes either Eric or I will call each one of you. They feel very confident in their doctors and the care Laurel and the baby are receiving. Their doctor specializes in high risk pregnancies, and when he comes all the facilities for premies are at St Joseph's Hospital in Orange, which is where Laurel is, so they are in good hands. She has also had several blessings in the last few days and I put her name in the temple on Thursday. I knew her blood pressure was up and figured she could use some special prayers. I'm glad I did. Heavenly Father is in control.

I need to get busy and make his blessing outfit. I think I'll go shopping today and find some things for our sweet baby boy. If this little guy holds off for a few more days he could be born on Eric's birthday. What a special gift, either way.

I wish I could be there but Eric advised me not to go rushing down there right now. If I went I wouldn't be able to stay very long. I have to start back to work next Monday, and he may not be born by then.

The main thing the rest of us can do is to keep praying for them. Eric will call when he can but he wants to spend most of his time at the hospital. He was home last night when he called me but he probably didn't sleep very well.

Love always,
MOM

Hey

Well, I feel like today is the last day of my vacation. Tomorrow is my first activity with my class, Wednesday there is a walk through of the school, Thursday I can finally start setting up my classroom (and that will be what I will be doing Thursday-Monday except Sunday) Monday evening there's an open house so the parents and students can learn the lay of the school and then next Tuesday school starts. Crazy, crazy, crazy. I feel that my life is being turned upside down.

Anyway, I need to go and get the key for my new apartment... and then finish unpacking our kitchen stuff. Our kitchen is a MESS right now. I need a little order in my life.

I'll try and write again once my classroom computer is set up, or else when we finally get the internet hooked into our apartment.
Love,
Tawnia

hey brother

Jared-

I was wondering why you have Michelle in a heart for the September calendar. Not that I am against it or anything, but is it at all significant? Did you guys meet or start dating in September?

Just curious.

Love,
Nathan

Mindy's Jobs

Okay, so I definately have two new jobs. My first job is the one that I already had when I got here .. the teaching job at Regean Academy. I have met my teacher, and I'll help set up her classroom next week, but other than that I don't actually start being a TA until the 6th of September. As for my other job, I did officially get the job at Subway. But they were already training two new people that week, so I'm not going to start there until the 24th. So I have all sorts of things going to keep me busy .... soon. Which is all good by me, since we moved this weekend. All my stuff is there and unpacked (I didn't bring much), but there's still a lot of odds and ends in the other apartment, and then all the cleaning that I'm going to help with. Should be fun. We also don't have internet quite yet - should by September 1st though, so then Tawnia and I can post more often (except we'll be busier, so we'll see how that goes). I am working on more sections of my website though, so hopefully those can be ready soon after we have internet. Anyway, it's getting late, and I'm supposed to go to WalMart with Amy, so I'll talk to you all later!

seattle

Just taking a couple of minutes to let you know we're still alive here - I survived the worst that the conference had to throw at me (that would be Wednesday), and now we're going into the big voting meeting in about 10 minutes. Adam ended up going to Olympia with the international people to tour the state capitol building today - I share a cube with a bunch of the international staff at the office (because one of my committee directors also does international), and they invited Adam to go with them. Lucky him - he's outside in the sunshine. The weather is really great today. I hope it holds for the weekend.

hey brother

Eric-
I have not looked around for this yet, but do you know who ended up with the picture of us on Splash Mountain? Looking at the pictures from Mom and their Disneyland trip reminded me of the great picture that we got.

Nathan

Well okay...

Since the response to my last survey has been overwhelmingly unanimous, I have no choice but to offer up my next survey. Also, the September calendar is now available.

I Surrender

Well, I gave up my Oregon Driver's License today. I think I will have to have a funeral tonight for the end of my Oregon-ness. I will have to start dropping the t's out of the middle of words, thereby saying moun-in, and Lay-n. (Call me if you'd like to hear how those words sound in Utahan.) I'll have to drive badly. I'll have to talk about the church all the time, regardless of whether or not the people around me are members. I'll have to be appalled by anyone who doesn't live up to LDS standards.

OR... I'll just remain myself, an Oregonian posing as a Utahan.

The test I had to take was somewhat of a joke. 25 questions... and it was open book. I got 100%. I think I would have kicked myself if I hadn't.

Anyway, school starts in less than 2 weeks, so my life is CRAZY! Oh, and I'm moving tomorrow! Hooray!
Love,
Tawnia

News from Eric and Laurel

Hi all,

Well, things have been busy.

On the second and third I taught my very first sales class to a group of bright-eyed new loan officers. It was actually a lot of fun, and I had a lot of help from Susan, another trainer who wrote the class.

Last week was the pilot class of Underwriter Certification class, a four-day extravaganza of corporate training that very nearly wiped me out. I'm still decompressing, but it's nice to have something to show finally for the last four months or so of work. This was the first full-length class I've developed and delivered in two and a half years, and the biggest class I've done to date.

This weekend, Laurel and I had a fun time. We made a parody of "Antiques Roadshow" with our video camera, and I edited it together on the computer. We'll send the DVD to all interested parties with a bunch of other home movies later this year I think.

Then I ran the new hire orientation class on Monday. I took the day off yesterday for our anniversary. Laurel had a doctor's appointment Monday that scared her into taking it easy. She has high blood pressure and the doctor was very stern with her about slowing down. It's hard for Laurel to do, but doctor's orders. Monday night she got a blessing from me and our hometeacher and I've taken over household chores for a while.

Yesterday was our eighth anniversary, and we celebrated it at home, taking it easy. We actually had a very nice day. We thought about going to Disneyland, but decided against it.

I'm having a fun time learning how to cook without salt, and learning that it's not so bad to do the cooking AND the dishes AND the laundry (oh, and go to work 8 hours a day). The thing is, even with all that I still have it pretty easy. I think it's harder for Laurel NOT to do those things, and not to paint and clean the house and move furniture and all the other things she comes up with.

60 days to go folks!

Greetings Fambly

I finally got the rest of this summer's vacation onto my page. I also figured it's about time for a new question. I know, I know, I need to work on my own answers to these, but we need to keep the conversation moving. Since many of you mentioned church leaders you'd met, when I asked about famous people, try this one: What church leaders or teachers have been influential in your life?

Sure do love you all,
MOM

and even more good news!

So I went to my Subway interview today, and after leaving there I decided to change my mind and take the Subway job instead of the Hollywood Video job. I'd have to start at minimum wage, but as soon as I know everything they'll bump me up to $5.60 an hour .. still less than the other job, but they'll give me as many hours as I need, as long as I don't go over 35 a week .. where Hollywood Video would only give me 15-20 hours. And I just feel better about the Subway job, so it's all good. And Annie called our landlord, and it sounds like we'll be getting the key on Thursday, and then moving in over the weekend.

good news!

So on Saturday I got a phone call .. for a job interview at Hollywood Video. So I went to that this morning, but before that, I got a phone call from the one other place that I actually put an application in for - Subway. So I'm going to that interview tomorrow. The interview for Hollywood Video went well - I've got training for it on Saturday morning. I need to get some black pants though (Dad, thank you for putting money in my account with me even asking for it!), but that's not a big deal. I'm really excited about it all though. In other news? We're hoping to move sometime this week .. we're supposed to be out on Saturday, but not into our new place until Monday (even though they're out today). We all just want to get moved and settled, especially me, since most of my stuff is still over at a friend's apartment. I'm looking forward to not living out of a suitcase, and actually having all my stuff accessible. All in all, I've got a lot to look foward to and I'm really excited.

A small favor...

Some of you may remember a few years ago I was working on a musical based on 1 Nephi. Well I'm still working on it (or working on it again after letting it sit for a couple years). I could use a little input, so if you have a few seconds to spare I'd appreciate it if you'd click here and help me out.

Thanks,
Jared

Howdy

Well, again, just wanted everyone to know that I'm alive. I have been doing a lot of packing so that the move will be easier. I can't believe I once got all of this stuff into my car!

Work is keeping me busy. Even when I don't have trainings I have a lot of stuff to do. I can't wait until I have my classroom and can get set up and organized. That'll be GREAT!

I hope everyone is doing well.
Love
T

Shooting Stars

Last night was the branch campout, and we went up to the top of Mt. Richmond. It's a few miles northwest of Yamhill. It was an excellent place for stargazing, especially since there was a meteor shower. We saw a lot of shooting stars -- sometimes little glimpses where I couldn't be sure whether I saw it or not, the long white streaks that make me gasp in amazement, and even a fiery meteor flying straight over our heads. I actually saw two of those. I think I saw about twenty meteors, but I couldn't really keep track. It's more than I've ever seen before, probably more than in the rest of my life. It was amazing. This morning, I woke up pretty early. We had breakfast, and then I ended up playing hearts and Monopoly. It was pretty fun.

Emily

Famous people...

I have met John Bytheway and Michael Mclean. I have also shaken hands with Richard G. Scott.

Nathan

Famous people...

hi

Look, I'm finally posting. Aren't you all just thrilled. I have been extremely busy and I'm afraid this post isn't going to make a lot of sense since I've been up since 4 a.m.

Tues-Thurs I was in trainings all day. Tuesday night was enrichment, Wednesday was Amy's birthday, and then last night was an "end of the semester" party at a friends house. This morning I got up early (see time noted above) and drove Stephanie and Bill to the airport.

I think it finally hit me yesterday just how soon school will be starting. I got my class list on Tuesday and I've started preparing materials with the students names. It's just crazy. I have 2 Nathans, 2 Jordans, and 2 Austins. (And 20 other students.) Anyway, crunch time is here (I'm also dealing with the whole issue of moving) and I have very little spare time. Even at Amy's b-day party I was sitting and labeling folders. There just aren't enough hours left until school starts.

My most exciting news, which you've all heard about, I'm sure. Is the arrival of my new baby. Petey (aka Pete, Peter) is a 2004 Hyundai Elantra. He's bright blue and comes with AC and a CD player. I also like the power windows and locks. These are all things that Hank doesn't have. Hank is still sitting in my parking lot. He is currently my storage car... and I'll figure out what to do with him after I move into my new place. It does make me sad to see him go though. I had many great memories with him.

Famous people: Well, the only ones I can think of at the moment are David Bednar and John Williams. I had FHE at the Bednar's home when he was the president of Ricks. It was very cool when he got called to be an apostle. And I met John Williams and got his autograph when I graduated from USU, because he was given an honorary degree at that time... and they did this big concert where they played lots of his music. I've shaken hands with some other apostles (I honestly don't remember which) and I've at least seen the first presidency from pretty close up. That was while I was at Ricks (the Taylor building was dedicated and Bednar was put in as the president.)

I have tons to do.
Love,
Tawnia

Happy Birthday, Bryan!!!

I tried calling while I was driving home, but the number that is in my phone is the wrong one. It is also nearly 9 o'clock there, so I figure Bryan is now in bed. I heard that he wanted a boy-cheese sandwich. Good for him.

Nathan

I have been assigned!

I finally have a teacher! Her name is Annette Bird. So I'll be her teaching assistant for one of the first grade classes. Yippee! I attended some training today, so now I can actually imagine how some of the day will go, so I'm getting very excited. Sorry that I haven't been posting more, but I can't get to the library every day. And Tawnia has been WAY more busy than I have, so she definately has her reasons. We're both alive and well and VERY social. I think we'll do better at posting in a couple weeks, when I'm finally moved in, and allowed to set up my computer .. but at the same time that's when school starts, so it'll be crazy hectic (and I'm still trying to get a second job).

As for famous people? I shook hands with Richard G. Scott .. I saw Lonestar in concert (and met a violinist) .. and was on the Ramblin Rod Show when I was about 7 or 8, so I guess you could consider that meeting him. I may have met more, but I really can't think of anyone at the moment.

(Sisters, I'll post on the BBC Blog at a later date, since I'm supposed to be back at my apartment 5 minutes ago to be Home Taught.)

famous persons

Famous people I have met.

1. The amazingly world-famous Trina (who doesn't need a last name b/c everyone either knows who she is or should be beaten soundly for not knowing).
2. Senators Arlen Specter (PA), Harry Reid (NV), Patrick Leahy (VT), Ted Kennedy (MA).
3. Nolan Archibald (President of Black & Decker & our Stake President). His son is Lance Armstrong who is a celebrity in Utah (see why at http://www.datelance.com)
4. David Marriott, the next CEO of the Marriott Corp.
5. Mike O'Neill (chief counsel to Arlen Specter & my boss, also one of the best constitutional law scholars in the country).
6. Elder Richard G. Scott
7. Elder David A. Bednar
8. Elders C. Scott Grow, Rex D. Garrett & Ronald L. Loveland of the 1st & 2nd Quorums of the Seventy.

I'm off to the library to go study now. More later. See y'all in Seattle.

Adam

Updates

As I promised I would, I have now added my talk to the website. It's in the literature section. (Actually, if anyone's been checking on me, I added it a few days ago, but now I've gotten past talks up as well.) I also added the "famous people" page to my webpages archives. I'd love to hear feedback on anything on the website.

Also, Michelle and the kids will be out of town for a few days. They drove back up to Arlington because her sister Diana is in town for the week. Her brother Matthew, who lives down here in Houston, also went with them. I'll be getting to and from work, and church on Sunday, on my brand new MOPED!!! *applause*

famous shamous

My job is great for getting into speeches by famous political figures, including Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney. I shook hands with Colin Powell and Donald Rumsfeld after their speeches but not any of the others.

I've been in the same room as probably half the Senate and lots of Congressmen/women for committee hearings, but I've never met any of them in that setting. Senator Reid is in our ward. I've never spoken directly to him but Adam has lots of times. Adam also had his picture taken with Senator Specter (that's technically who he's interning for). I had dinner at an NCSL function with Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy from New York.

I never was introduced to Governor Kitzhaber in Oregon, but I did literally run into him once. I was going down one of the narrow stairwells in the capitol at a pretty good clip with my friend Adam right behind me. (Adam from MUN.) I cut the corner pretty close and collided with Gov. Kitzhaber who was doing the same thing, only going UP the stairs. Adam and the bodyguard both started laughing. The Gov and I both stepped back, said "Excuse me," and then kept right on going past each other.

I've shaken hands with Neal A. Maxwell, Richard G. Scott, Jeffrey R. Holland, Joseph B. Wirthlin, and David B. Haight.

Since Jared brought up "Full House" - I worked with Andrea Barber in Model UN 2 years at the San Francisco conference. She played DJ's friend Kimmy Gibler on Full House. For the record, Andrea is NOT an airhead. I met Sara Evans, the country singer, when she sang the national anthem at the state capitol.

I'd like to meet the prophet (whoever it may be), and I'd like to meet the President of the United States (not necessarily our good pal W). I'd like to meet Senator McCain. It would be cool to meet Sean Astin, but no other movie/music/sports people are coming to mind at the moment.

I dated Jessica Simpson

Explanation here

In other news... Michelle was called to be a primary teacher.

Famous People

Let's see -- I once ran into Mary Poppins when she was coming out of the restroom, I've sat on the bus next to Tigger, Chip and Dale were good friends of mine, I was acquainted with Mr. Penguin (from "Mary Poppins"), Minnie Mouse waved as I was heading into the mouseketeria, and I shook hands with Donald Duck. Of course, this is the sort of thing you expect when you work for Mickey Mouse (Disney World 2003).

And one time I sat next to a girl on the bus who said that she loaded Johnny Depp onto the Buzz Lightyear ride. And this was while her roommates were all hanging around at the hotel hoping to get a glimpse of him.

Famous people I want to meet? Gordon B. Hinckley. John Williams (one of the best composers alive). George Lucas. Orlando Bloom (he's hot). Sean Astin (he's a distant cousin). Kevin J. Anderson (a Star Wars novelist -- and I think I actually have a decent chance of meeting him someday . . . like next year, or a week from Friday).

Emily

We're HOME

Dad and I arrived home just before 8:00 this evening. We had a very enjoyable trip. Besides taking Mindy to Provo and helping Tawnia find a car, we spent some time in the Family History Center. We worked on Dad's German lines and were able to find a little more on the Betz. We also got the page from Wilhelm Hass' bible, where he'd written about his ancestors, translated. It didn't answer any questions, really but it did tell us that he was a twin and that his twin sister died a few weeks after birth as did his mother. We didn't know about the twin so now we can have her sealed to her parents.

It looks like lots of you have told us about your favorite time of day, so how about a new question: Have you met or worked with any famous people? Who? Where? When? What famous people would you like most to meet?

I'd better run now; I just wanted you all to know that we're home safe and sound.

Love ya,
MOM

The time is getting closer...

I made mention that there would be changes to the great webpage of Skippy and his beautiful wife at the end of the month. Fortunately I never said which month. But the time will be here before you know it. Mark your calendars again (in case you marked July, which was the wrong month).

Nathan

My favorite time of day...

I think that my most favorite time of day is the night. It is so dark and scary and the ghosts and goblins are allowed to come out and roam the streets and cause trouble.... now that I think of it I think that I hate the night and I really like the mornings when I first wake up and my throat is scratchy and it feels like I have vertigo because I am so dizzy from lack of sleep.... ok I guess I am not too fond of mornings either. I think that I really like noon time because I am on lunch from work but because I live so far from work I can't go home and (take Wednesday for example) I woke up late because I stayed up too late the night before and so I did not have time to make lunch and I was stuck going to Subway and standing in line for half of my lunch and then going back to work and was asked to do something while I was walking through the building to go to my special lunch eating area and then when I finally got to eat there was a hair in my food... I guess I do not really like the noon hour either.... I must like evenings. That is when I come home and see my wife... nothing to complain about there.

Nathan

Emily's Favorite Time of Day

I think my favorite time of day is about four or five in the afternoon, especially on a summer day. That's when it's still warm, but the shadows are long, and I like to go outside for a walk or sit on the porch swing and read. During the time when I'm at school, this would be when I would get to relax for a while.

I made it!

The drive was long yesterday, but I'm now in Provo. I always said that I would NEVER live in Utah .. and here I am. Crazy! Looks like it'll be fun though. We've already had guys over at our apartment, playing my DDR, and I was up until 2:30 watching a movie. I'm now taking a walk with Amy, running some errands, while Tawnia is with Mom and Dad, getting her a new car (cuz poor Hank died). I'm not sure how much she wants to tell herself, so I'll just say that it's good news in the end. I'm looking forward to the end of this month, when I'll finally be able to actually move in. Right now I'm staying with Tawnia at her apartment, living out of a suitcase, until we can move into our apartment on the 22nd, at which point I'll be able to unpack and move all my stuff from Tawnia's friend's apartment, where it's being stored (because she actually had room for it). I'll probably stay pretty busy in the meantime though .. lots of being social .. looking for a second job .. training for my TA job .. should be fun! I'm looking forward to it all.

Obviously I don't have a calling since I just moved, but I was the assistant nursery leader. We'll see what my new calling will be once I'm offically moved into this ward (the divorce should go through towards the end of this month). My favorite time of day? Anytime that I have energy, and I'm getting something done. Sometimes that's morning, sometimes afternoon. More specifically I think I like evenings these days, since it's much cooler, and it's nice to take a walk with friends. And for traveling - I was to finish seeing the US - only 15 more states to go, and I really want to go back to St Petersburg, and maybe go to a few of the countries around there. I'd like to make it to Mexico eventually, just to say that I've been there, and hopefully another continent, so then I can have that total up to three.

Morning

I might have said morning is my favorite time, but it's a quarter to six right now and as I sit at my desk, I'm not sure that's the case.

I think my favorite time of the day these days is the evening when I come home to see Laurel. There's sometimes a dinner waiting for me, and it's a nice feeling to be with Laurel after a long day.

Yesterday Laurel went swimming with her friend in the ward Mary. Mary's pregnant also, and is about a month behind Laurel. They had such a good time that she didn't get home until after six. Fortunately there was a message waiting for her that I was working until five and then going by the library after work. I got home a little before seven and we were happy.

Okay, that's a boring story, but it's all I've got right now.

random tidbits

We've got a few questions floating out there right now... let me see if I can get them all. Michelle and I don't currently have callings, as we've just moved, but since this ward is so small I think we'll have them soon. I just got a home teaching route today. Travel question: We've got some short term travel plans and some long term, and some "yeah right" plans. In the short term, visiting family back in Arlington, going to the beach. Long term plans include California and NYC. The kids want to go to Disneyland. The "yeah right" category has Europe, Australia, and the moon in it. Let's see now, my favorite time of day... probably the evening after the kids are asleep, like Michelle said. No, not just because the kids are asleep -- I get that when I get up to get ready for work. I like the evening because things are calming down, I take off my shoes, we read our scriptures, and finally I get to go to bed.

Tenth Planet Link

What do you know, Michelle's right!

Check out this link for more...

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/29jul_planetx.htm?list39638

answer

My favorite time of the day is 1. when I can wake up slowly and don't have to get moving immediately in the morning. 2. when I can just sit comfortably (not on a bus or train) and read and ignore everything around me. But these things are so rare that they're becoming my favorite time of the YEAR ... like ... Christmas.

My favorite time of day

My favorite time of day is when Jared comes home from work. He now works regular office hours and it normally home for dinner, but more importantly I am awake. It isn't midnight when he comes home. Furthermore, since he graduated, no homework, he actually is with the family. And with his job, there is no way to bring his work home with him. My other favorite time of day it night after the kids are in bed. I like to step outside and feel the cool sea breaze from the Gulf of Mexico, maybe feel a nice summer light rain. I look to look at the moon and stars and realize how beautiful God's creations are and how small I am. Did anyone here they discovered a 10th planet in our solar system? Now that is cool.

Michelle

Good Morning!!

I have a new question for everyone: What is your favorite time of day? I love early mornings, especially if I've had a good night's sleep. I also love sunsets. I love watching the sunset when you can really see all the beautiful colors, but not when I'm driving and the sun keeps getting in my eyes.

In answer to the map question, Nathan was referring to the map on our site that gave the location of each of the divisions of Insanity Inc. I think he wanted to update it since he's relocated. If I remember correctly it was removed some time ago when we were having space issues. Do you want that back on?

If I post again this week it will be tomorrow because Dad and I are taking Mindy to Utah on Thursday and we won't be home until late Sunday. Just thought I'd give you all a reminder.

Love always,
MOM

buuuuuuuuuusy weekend

Tawnia, I didn't call you back because we've been running like crazy the whole weekend. See, the Websters - who are the "surrogate parents" of all the single people and newly-married couples in the ward - are moving to Colorado today. We are inheriting some of their furniture which they don't have room for - a computer desk, 2 area rugs (we have hardwood floors and nothing on them), and their super-comfy couch set. And many, many videos because they've made the complete switch to DVD. So anyway, Saturday, we were helping them finish with their packing, and then running more and more errands. Among other things, we went to Ikea and got Adam an awesome captain's chair for the computer desk. We also went to an older sister's house in our ward - Bro. Webster was her computer tech, and he has passed the torch to Adam. And I went to a baby shower ... I'm trying to think if there was anything else we did.

Yesterday after church, I went visiting teaching and Adam did team-ups with the missionaries. And we were at the Websters again. In fact, I was at the Websters when I got Tawnia's message, and I gave my phone to Sis. Webster to listen to it. She thought it was very funny as well. HER messages - the ones on her answering machine when you call her - are the most hilarious ever. We also got phone calls from lots of people - we haven't called most of them back yet. I did talk to Eric, and the other person we talked to is London. She's engaged to Adam's brother Joe and it was the first time we'd talked to her. They're getting married on Wed. Sept. 14 in the Mesa Temple, so we will not be able to go.

So yeah. I'm sure this sounds really jumbled - it was jumbled. Our house is still completely destroyed, trying to get things in and out and all. Next Sunday will be better to talk to people ... if I'm not sleeping.

HI

Nathan- What map do you speak of?
Trina- My calling is ward music coordinator and I'm a visiting teacher.
Mom- New Question?? More pictures??
Everyone I spoke to yesterday- Thank you for talking to me... it was nice to hear your voice.
Trina- Didn't you like the message on your cell phone?
Nathan- Yours was actually the fifth random message, but I'd forgotten about the first... I called my roommates boyfriends cell phone in order to make sure I'd put his number in right. His phone was at his apartment and he was sitting on the couch in my apartment. Oh, and you were only fourth because I was going in age order... besides Trina is the one to call earliest in the day since it is two hours later there... and an hour earlier at your place.
Michelle- Good job at winning in the "Call Tawnia Back after she leave you a random message" contest.
Mindy- Are you packed and ready to come... only a few m0re days at home!!!
Clarissa- are you finished reading Harry Potter five... are you going to read Harry Potter six in the next three days??
Everyone- do you think I should go and see Star Wars 3 sometime? I still haven't seen it, but it's in the cheap theaters now.
Everyone- I get to go and interview people now... weird... me interviewing people. Good thing I'm not the only person doing these interviews... I don't think I'd know what to say.
Everyone again- The church is true and I love you.

Love,
T