Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Haven't blogged in quite some time.
This is Michelle, not Jared. I couldn't remember my login and password, so I borrowed Jared's. I didn't think he would mind. I thought it would be nice to let ya'll now how things are going. I am about 8 month pregnant now. The baby is due October 30. I feel fabulous. I have swelling ankles and trouble getting comfortable for sleeping, but that it very normal. The doctor says the baby looks great. What more could I ask for? I am really, really excited about the baby. I can't wait to hold her.
I am still one of the activities days leaders for 10 and 11 year old girls. I really love the girls. They are very talented and sweet girls. This year I will be the home room mom for Brooke's 3rd grade class. I think that will be lots of fun. Perhaps, I will get one of those baby front carriers and just have a baby strapped to me during the parties. Brooke and Bryan are doing great. They really like school and are learning lots. Brooke is still a brownie scout and we are thinking about signing Bryan up to be a tiger scout.
The kids' school canceled classes for 6 days. They returned yesterday. I think they are happy to be back, even if they don't admit it (which they don't). I guess things are beginning to return to normal for us. There are plenty of my friends and neighbors still without power and still others with damaged homes. My prayers are with them. I hope to find all of you doing well.
Michelle
I am still one of the activities days leaders for 10 and 11 year old girls. I really love the girls. They are very talented and sweet girls. This year I will be the home room mom for Brooke's 3rd grade class. I think that will be lots of fun. Perhaps, I will get one of those baby front carriers and just have a baby strapped to me during the parties. Brooke and Bryan are doing great. They really like school and are learning lots. Brooke is still a brownie scout and we are thinking about signing Bryan up to be a tiger scout.
The kids' school canceled classes for 6 days. They returned yesterday. I think they are happy to be back, even if they don't admit it (which they don't). I guess things are beginning to return to normal for us. There are plenty of my friends and neighbors still without power and still others with damaged homes. My prayers are with them. I hope to find all of you doing well.
Michelle
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Grandparents
I only remember one grandparent -- dad's mom. The others all died when I was little, so I've only heard stories about them. Grandma was a sweet old lady, but I always remember her being in a care home or with Uncle Gary.
I knew about Grandpa Palmer being Shirley Temple's body guard, a nice bragging point.
I have some cards written by Grandma Beers when I was a baby. It makes me wonder if writing is a gene.
One great-grandmother was Ruby Evelyn Ingalls. I remember hearing about her when I was first reading the Little House Books; I was about seven, I think, and I couldn't even say "Laura" correctly. And Mom pointed out the scene in "Big Woods" where Laura gets into a fight with her cousin Laura over which of their baby sisters is prettier. And Mom said that baby was her grandmother.
By the way, I've seen pictures of both those baby sisters. In South Dakota, Clarissa found a picture of "Eva" and said she looked a lot like Tawnia. Mom then freaked out. And just for the record, our great-grandma was indeed prettier than Baby Carrie. I always thought she was.
I knew about Grandpa Palmer being Shirley Temple's body guard, a nice bragging point.
I have some cards written by Grandma Beers when I was a baby. It makes me wonder if writing is a gene.
One great-grandmother was Ruby Evelyn Ingalls. I remember hearing about her when I was first reading the Little House Books; I was about seven, I think, and I couldn't even say "Laura" correctly. And Mom pointed out the scene in "Big Woods" where Laura gets into a fight with her cousin Laura over which of their baby sisters is prettier. And Mom said that baby was her grandmother.
By the way, I've seen pictures of both those baby sisters. In South Dakota, Clarissa found a picture of "Eva" and said she looked a lot like Tawnia. Mom then freaked out. And just for the record, our great-grandma was indeed prettier than Baby Carrie. I always thought she was.
Grandparents
In answer to Mom's question: Who were your grandparents and great-grandparents? What memories or stories do you have of them?
First off, I know that I have great-grandparents, and I know they have names, but I don't always remember those names off the top of my head. This is most likely due to the fact that they died before I was even thought of.
As far as my grandparents go. We'll start with Dad's parents and then move over to Mom's. My paternal grandfather is Louis Dean Palmer. He died in 1970 before I was born.... though I might have at least been thought of at this point. (Was I?) I don't have any memory of him, but I have heard a lot of stories about him. He was Shirley Temple's chauffeur and body guard when she was a young teenager and she called him Palm Tree. Dad said that she called him that because of his name and because he was tall... but if he was tall, why did none of those tall genes get passed on?? Anyway, I always liked to use that as one of my "claims to fame."
Grandma Palmer, Severa Theresa Knobloch Palmer, lived until October 2006. I have a few memories of Grandma. When I was little I had these orange knit slippers that she had made. I also remember getting cards for my birthday with money in them, usually about a month after my birthday, but it was the thought that counted. I also remember going to California to visit her a few times. I think the last time we visited we joked about having a big party for her when she turned 100. (That didn't happen though.) I remember that once the younger kids got left at Grandma's to be babysat and we older kids went somewhere with Mom and Dad... but I don't remember where we went, I just remember dropping off and picking up the little kids. I also remember that we took her organ home with us to Oregon. It was quite the ordeal, and then we only kept it for a few years after that. I remember getting the news that Grandma had died. It was right after going to a baptism and Mindy and I were driving over to have lunch with all the people who had attended the baptism. I ended up taking the entire next week (which was a short week so it worked out) off from work and went to Grandma's funeral. I was asked to sing and Uncle Gary told me that I should be part of "that Mormon Tabernacle Choir thing."
My mom's father was Elmer Porter Beers, I hear that he went by Bud. Grandpa died when I was five or six years old. I remember that Grandpa seemed really tall, probably because I was so little. I remember going to Grandma and Grandpa's and watching the Lawrence Welk show on their little black and white TV. I remember looking at the dollhouse that Grandpa was making for Jenny and looking forward to when he would make one for me, but he died before that ever happened. I remember learning the "Grandpa-pa" song to sing to Grandpa when he came over and being scared to sing it. I remember going to the nursing home and seeing Grandpa for the last time. I actually don't remember much other than the drive there. And for years after that I would remember as we were driving down certain roads that these were the roads that we took to see Grandpa at the nursing home. I also remember Grandpa's funeral. Eric was really upset and laid on the bench in the back of the chapel and cried. I didn't understand what was happening, but knew that Eric was sad, so I laid on the bench next to him and cried myself. Then someone (Uncle Gary or Uncle Chet... I'm not sure which) came and picked me up. I remember someone asking him who he was holding and he said, "It's Tawnia, Evelyn's daughter."
Grandma Palmer, Erma Christine Peterson Beers, was a sweet little Grandma. I remember visiting with her a lot. She would write notes and cards to me always telling me how sweet I was. Granted, I was a little kid, but I still have those in a box at home to treasure. Again, I remember going to watch the Lawrence Welk show at her house. I think I remember that a lot. I have a vague memory of Grandma and Grandpa spending Christmas with us one year (is that just my imagination.) I think the day Grandma died, I remember Mom getting the news and standing in the kitchen crying. Again, I didn't really understand what was happening, but I think I just stood there and cried too. I remember going to Uncle Speedy's and all of the boys were given one of Grandpa's old ties, and all of the girls were told to pick something out of Grandma's jewelry box. I chose a pin that was shaped like a Christmas tree. It was gold and the ornaments were plastic "jewels." I think I must have thought they were real. I wore that pin for several Christmas' after that and still have it somewhere in a box at home. The jewels have been falling out and I need to get them fixed. I think the thing that I remember the most about Grandma is that she loved me.
Okay, some of those memories could be totally made up, because they all happened before I was eight... (except the more recent Grandma Palmer memories) so I'm curious as to how accurate I was.
Love,
Tawnia
First off, I know that I have great-grandparents, and I know they have names, but I don't always remember those names off the top of my head. This is most likely due to the fact that they died before I was even thought of.
As far as my grandparents go. We'll start with Dad's parents and then move over to Mom's. My paternal grandfather is Louis Dean Palmer. He died in 1970 before I was born.... though I might have at least been thought of at this point. (Was I?) I don't have any memory of him, but I have heard a lot of stories about him. He was Shirley Temple's chauffeur and body guard when she was a young teenager and she called him Palm Tree. Dad said that she called him that because of his name and because he was tall... but if he was tall, why did none of those tall genes get passed on?? Anyway, I always liked to use that as one of my "claims to fame."
Grandma Palmer, Severa Theresa Knobloch Palmer, lived until October 2006. I have a few memories of Grandma. When I was little I had these orange knit slippers that she had made. I also remember getting cards for my birthday with money in them, usually about a month after my birthday, but it was the thought that counted. I also remember going to California to visit her a few times. I think the last time we visited we joked about having a big party for her when she turned 100. (That didn't happen though.) I remember that once the younger kids got left at Grandma's to be babysat and we older kids went somewhere with Mom and Dad... but I don't remember where we went, I just remember dropping off and picking up the little kids. I also remember that we took her organ home with us to Oregon. It was quite the ordeal, and then we only kept it for a few years after that. I remember getting the news that Grandma had died. It was right after going to a baptism and Mindy and I were driving over to have lunch with all the people who had attended the baptism. I ended up taking the entire next week (which was a short week so it worked out) off from work and went to Grandma's funeral. I was asked to sing and Uncle Gary told me that I should be part of "that Mormon Tabernacle Choir thing."
My mom's father was Elmer Porter Beers, I hear that he went by Bud. Grandpa died when I was five or six years old. I remember that Grandpa seemed really tall, probably because I was so little. I remember going to Grandma and Grandpa's and watching the Lawrence Welk show on their little black and white TV. I remember looking at the dollhouse that Grandpa was making for Jenny and looking forward to when he would make one for me, but he died before that ever happened. I remember learning the "Grandpa-pa" song to sing to Grandpa when he came over and being scared to sing it. I remember going to the nursing home and seeing Grandpa for the last time. I actually don't remember much other than the drive there. And for years after that I would remember as we were driving down certain roads that these were the roads that we took to see Grandpa at the nursing home. I also remember Grandpa's funeral. Eric was really upset and laid on the bench in the back of the chapel and cried. I didn't understand what was happening, but knew that Eric was sad, so I laid on the bench next to him and cried myself. Then someone (Uncle Gary or Uncle Chet... I'm not sure which) came and picked me up. I remember someone asking him who he was holding and he said, "It's Tawnia, Evelyn's daughter."
Grandma Palmer, Erma Christine Peterson Beers, was a sweet little Grandma. I remember visiting with her a lot. She would write notes and cards to me always telling me how sweet I was. Granted, I was a little kid, but I still have those in a box at home to treasure. Again, I remember going to watch the Lawrence Welk show at her house. I think I remember that a lot. I have a vague memory of Grandma and Grandpa spending Christmas with us one year (is that just my imagination.) I think the day Grandma died, I remember Mom getting the news and standing in the kitchen crying. Again, I didn't really understand what was happening, but I think I just stood there and cried too. I remember going to Uncle Speedy's and all of the boys were given one of Grandpa's old ties, and all of the girls were told to pick something out of Grandma's jewelry box. I chose a pin that was shaped like a Christmas tree. It was gold and the ornaments were plastic "jewels." I think I must have thought they were real. I wore that pin for several Christmas' after that and still have it somewhere in a box at home. The jewels have been falling out and I need to get them fixed. I think the thing that I remember the most about Grandma is that she loved me.
Okay, some of those memories could be totally made up, because they all happened before I was eight... (except the more recent Grandma Palmer memories) so I'm curious as to how accurate I was.
Love,
Tawnia
Christmas Gift Exchange
I have an idea for the Christmas Gift Exchange, that is, if we are planning on doing one among the siblings again this year. I was thinking about how we had a theme last year and thought that it would be nice to have a theme for this years as well. So my idea for a theme is "My Memory of You" or something like that. I think it would be fun to think of a memory of that person and then get a gift that coincides with it. So if you remember going hunting with that person and shooting a deer you could get them a stuffed deer and write about how you remember doing that. (I used this example as I don't think any of us have that memory of each other!)
I was thinking that we could exclude Clarissa from the gift exchange for this year and all do something for her. Also, it would be nice if she knew what was happening and could type up a memory for each of us and not get us a gift, that way it would be a cost-free Christmas for her.
As far as Mom and Dad go, it is up to them if they want to do "memory" gifts for each of us or not, or they could just type up memories they have of each of us and we could do the same for them. I was just remembering the Christmas when we all typed up memories we had of each other and then they were printed and put in each of our stockings. I remember that for about ten minutes Christmas morning there was silence as we each read through the "memories" that others had had about us. I really enjoyed that and still have that paper somewhere.
Anyway, it's all just an idea. Your thoughts on it would be appreciated. And, again, the gift does not have to be anything expensive. It can be something that you already have, or something you make.
Okay, I expect replies to this!
Love,
Tawnia
I was thinking that we could exclude Clarissa from the gift exchange for this year and all do something for her. Also, it would be nice if she knew what was happening and could type up a memory for each of us and not get us a gift, that way it would be a cost-free Christmas for her.
As far as Mom and Dad go, it is up to them if they want to do "memory" gifts for each of us or not, or they could just type up memories they have of each of us and we could do the same for them. I was just remembering the Christmas when we all typed up memories we had of each other and then they were printed and put in each of our stockings. I remember that for about ten minutes Christmas morning there was silence as we each read through the "memories" that others had had about us. I really enjoyed that and still have that paper somewhere.
Anyway, it's all just an idea. Your thoughts on it would be appreciated. And, again, the gift does not have to be anything expensive. It can be something that you already have, or something you make.
Okay, I expect replies to this!
Love,
Tawnia
Saturday, September 20, 2008
New Allie and Stevie Movie
Happy Saturday!
I just posted a new movie that we shot Monday night for our FHE activity. I started editing it then too, but I finally got around this morning to finishing it.
So check it out and post your comments!
http://www.youtube.com/ericpalmer
I just posted a new movie that we shot Monday night for our FHE activity. I started editing it then too, but I finally got around this morning to finishing it.
So check it out and post your comments!
http://www.youtube.com/ericpalmer
Friday, September 19, 2008
Good Morning Everyone
Where has this month gone. I've been busy canning a lot of the time. I have my peaches done and some pears but I just got more from Marli. I plan to go to Deb's this afternoon and make apple cider with apples I got from Marli and the Heltons. When my apples get ripe I'll make some applesauce.
On Monday I'm going to have the surgery on my eye lids that I was supposed to have last January. I'm a little nervous, so keep me in your prayers.
If you haven't seen my answer to the question about my aunts and uncles you might want to look at it. I'm putting up a new one soon. I also hope to have time to work on other areas of my page and on the timeline. You know you can add things to the timeline, too.
I enjoyed your answers to the job question so here is another one for you. Who were your grandparents and great-grandparents? What memories or stories do you have of them? Have fun with that one.
I've been thinking a lot about Christmas presents and even working on a few. I don't think I'll make calendars this year so if someone else wants to take that project on you're welcome to. You might want to let me know so that we don't get 5 or 6 of them, but that might be interesting, too.
Love you all,
MOM
On Monday I'm going to have the surgery on my eye lids that I was supposed to have last January. I'm a little nervous, so keep me in your prayers.
If you haven't seen my answer to the question about my aunts and uncles you might want to look at it. I'm putting up a new one soon. I also hope to have time to work on other areas of my page and on the timeline. You know you can add things to the timeline, too.
I enjoyed your answers to the job question so here is another one for you. Who were your grandparents and great-grandparents? What memories or stories do you have of them? Have fun with that one.
I've been thinking a lot about Christmas presents and even working on a few. I don't think I'll make calendars this year so if someone else wants to take that project on you're welcome to. You might want to let me know so that we don't get 5 or 6 of them, but that might be interesting, too.
Love you all,
MOM
conference day
Last summer (a year ago), Adam did his internship working on a case about the terrorist detainees at Guantanamo Bay. He decided at the end of the summer that he wanted to put together a conference at school to discuss a number of legal and constitutional issues about how to handle the cases, where the criminal justice arena factors in (because it's separate from military/war action), and all kinds of stuff that I don't understand and couldn't explain even if I did.
He got 3 other students to help him, and they decided what they wanted the panels to focus on, got all the sponsors to help fund it, all the speakers, arranged everything with the school's events office, you name it. The other day, the events office (which is handling the registration) sent him the list of organizations in the city who are sending people to attend - Joe Biden's office, the Dept of Defense, Dept of Transportation, Dept of Justice, and on and on it goes ... I think the number of people registered to attend was over 200. And he got great speakers for his panels - professors and other people have asked him how he got such great speakers. Well, he got suggestions from professors and then just emailed and asked them. And they said yes.
Today is the big day. He just left for campus and he seemed pretty nervous. Extra prayers for Adam this morning, please!
I'm going over to the school for the afternoon panel. Not that I'll understand a word, but to be there for moral support. I'll take one of my journals to write in. My friend Jackie and I are doing a babysitting swap today - I've got her kids all morning so she can volunteer at the stake clothing exchange, and then she's taking our kids for the afternoon so I can go be with Adam and then we'll go out to dinner.
He got 3 other students to help him, and they decided what they wanted the panels to focus on, got all the sponsors to help fund it, all the speakers, arranged everything with the school's events office, you name it. The other day, the events office (which is handling the registration) sent him the list of organizations in the city who are sending people to attend - Joe Biden's office, the Dept of Defense, Dept of Transportation, Dept of Justice, and on and on it goes ... I think the number of people registered to attend was over 200. And he got great speakers for his panels - professors and other people have asked him how he got such great speakers. Well, he got suggestions from professors and then just emailed and asked them. And they said yes.
Today is the big day. He just left for campus and he seemed pretty nervous. Extra prayers for Adam this morning, please!
I'm going over to the school for the afternoon panel. Not that I'll understand a word, but to be there for moral support. I'll take one of my journals to write in. My friend Jackie and I are doing a babysitting swap today - I've got her kids all morning so she can volunteer at the stake clothing exchange, and then she's taking our kids for the afternoon so I can go be with Adam and then we'll go out to dinner.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Hola
Hola mi familia -
So I don't really know Spanish, but you thought I did for a second didn't you? haha
Anyway, I was just writing a quick hello to let you all know that I'm still alive. I am busy working full time. This year my schedule is interesting. I come in and have a prep period of the beginning of each day, then I help in the first grade for an hour. Next it is over to teaching fifth grade math, then I have lunch, then I teach three science classes in the afternoon (but only two on Fridays) and after school I supervise the kids on the playground for the twenty minutes after school. This all keeps me extremely busy. I have short breaks between all of my classes so that is why I am posting right now.
Most of my kids are really good. And those that I am having problems with... well, it's not jsut me. It is nice that I have the support of the classroom teachers this year. I feel a lot more part of the school than I did last year. It also means that I have to go to a lot more meetings though. And, I will probably be tutoring one of my math kids after school for a half hour. (And getting paid extra for that.) And also, I will still go over to my summer job and help out when I can.
Basically my life right now revolves around work. I do go to activities in my ward, and hang out with friends in the evenings on occasion. But mostly I just get home and crash because I'm exhausted at the end of the day.
Well, I have to go teach math now.
Tawn
So I don't really know Spanish, but you thought I did for a second didn't you? haha
Anyway, I was just writing a quick hello to let you all know that I'm still alive. I am busy working full time. This year my schedule is interesting. I come in and have a prep period of the beginning of each day, then I help in the first grade for an hour. Next it is over to teaching fifth grade math, then I have lunch, then I teach three science classes in the afternoon (but only two on Fridays) and after school I supervise the kids on the playground for the twenty minutes after school. This all keeps me extremely busy. I have short breaks between all of my classes so that is why I am posting right now.
Most of my kids are really good. And those that I am having problems with... well, it's not jsut me. It is nice that I have the support of the classroom teachers this year. I feel a lot more part of the school than I did last year. It also means that I have to go to a lot more meetings though. And, I will probably be tutoring one of my math kids after school for a half hour. (And getting paid extra for that.) And also, I will still go over to my summer job and help out when I can.
Basically my life right now revolves around work. I do go to activities in my ward, and hang out with friends in the evenings on occasion. But mostly I just get home and crash because I'm exhausted at the end of the day.
Well, I have to go teach math now.
Tawn
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Greetings from The Central Coast
Hi all. Sorry I haven't posted for so long. It's surprising to see. My only excuse is that I've been very busy at work (and at home, for that matter). We're wrapping up Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08), and that means lots of work and reports and long hours. But it's a fun job. It sure beats sitting around doing nothing.
We had a warm week around my birthday, and Laurel took the kids swimming every day. Stevie and Allie both love the water.
We're not sure what's next for us (as far as when we'll be moving) but we should know something soon. Exciting, nervewracking days ahead, but that's okay.
The important thing is: Allie is starting to walk. She's taken a few steps. The last few days she's taken four or five at a stretch, which is more than we've ever seen. Exciting times. Plus she's cutting her fifth and sixth teeth.
Stevie talks constantly. I don't know where he gets that from. Laurel reports that he is the loudest one in the nursery. He's a happy boy most of the time though. He loves to sing. On Saturday he sang the "On Demand" song to Uncle Jared. That's the song they play before his show starts when we order it "on demand" from the cable company.
Anyway, we love you all and look forward to Summer 2009 when we can all get together and party like it's ... 2009.
We had a warm week around my birthday, and Laurel took the kids swimming every day. Stevie and Allie both love the water.
We're not sure what's next for us (as far as when we'll be moving) but we should know something soon. Exciting, nervewracking days ahead, but that's okay.
The important thing is: Allie is starting to walk. She's taken a few steps. The last few days she's taken four or five at a stretch, which is more than we've ever seen. Exciting times. Plus she's cutting her fifth and sixth teeth.
Stevie talks constantly. I don't know where he gets that from. Laurel reports that he is the loudest one in the nursery. He's a happy boy most of the time though. He loves to sing. On Saturday he sang the "On Demand" song to Uncle Jared. That's the song they play before his show starts when we order it "on demand" from the cable company.
Anyway, we love you all and look forward to Summer 2009 when we can all get together and party like it's ... 2009.
Hurricane Report
Hurricane Ike struck in the middle of the night on Friday night/Saturday morning. We lost power at about 11:30 pm, and we were woken up at 5 am to our shed blowing away. It knocked down a section of our fence, but all our stuff that was in the shed stayed put. We were able to go out to gather the stuff in to the garage a little later in the day, and hopefully all the rain didn't cause too much damage.
Our power came back on at about 10:00 this morning (which is why I'm now able to get online). My work and the kids' school are still closed for a day or two, so we'll be able to get things figured out here at home.
Our power came back on at about 10:00 this morning (which is why I'm now able to get online). My work and the kids' school are still closed for a day or two, so we'll be able to get things figured out here at home.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Ike Update
Okay, here's the hurricane situation as of right now. I was released from work today at noon, and the kids are out of school tomorrow. We are not in the evacuation area, so we'll be staying home to wait out the storm. We may lose power, and the phone lines will likely be pretty jammed, so don't be too surprised if you don't hear from us right away. I'll try to let you all know the situation when I can.
Joshy is ok!
The surgery went well and Joshy is home and sleeping. Thank you for all of the prayers - the surgeon said that it went beautifully and the anesthesiologist said there were no problems at all. Hopefully the recovery process will be quick and he'll be back to his happy self very soon.
Love,
Manda
Love,
Manda
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Prayers for Joshy
Hi everyone,
I'm going to post this on my blog, too, but I just wanted to ask for prayers for Joshua tomorrow morning when he goes in for his surgery. He's got a cold and is kind of congested, so they may reschedule if the anesthesiologist is concerned about that, but otherwise it is a go. We have to be there at 7:30, the surgery is scheduled for 8:30, and it will go probably about 2 hours. It sounds like recovery will be pretty easy unless something unexpected happens, but you never know exactly how a little critter will respond to surgery and everything, so all prayers are appreciated.
Love you all!
Manda
I'm going to post this on my blog, too, but I just wanted to ask for prayers for Joshua tomorrow morning when he goes in for his surgery. He's got a cold and is kind of congested, so they may reschedule if the anesthesiologist is concerned about that, but otherwise it is a go. We have to be there at 7:30, the surgery is scheduled for 8:30, and it will go probably about 2 hours. It sounds like recovery will be pretty easy unless something unexpected happens, but you never know exactly how a little critter will respond to surgery and everything, so all prayers are appreciated.
Love you all!
Manda
the inner circle
It isn't that I don't have anything to say right now, it's just a matter of finding the time to type it all out! I'm currently between classes, and don't have any major homework due right away, so thought that now might be a good time to post. I just have to say I love having a laptop, and I love wireless internet.
So, last week I spent a few days up in Canada. I drove for 12 hours on Monday, then set up a few things around Rexburg on Tuesday, followed by another 10 hours in the car on Wednesday. Spending the time with Aaron was fabulous, and look forward to doing it again. We surprised his Mom, with my coming - everyone else in his family knew except her. She was very happy to see me, and is very happy with the relationship between Aaron and I. She says I'm a good influence on him. So anyway, he was baptized on Saturday evening, and confirmed during Sacrament meeting on Sunday. His friend Mikey confirmed him, and it was an amazing blessing. I really think Aaron can go far in this church. I already know he prays several times a day, and has been reading his scriptures on the bus to and from school. He's excied to interact with the missionaries, and even got the Aaronic priesthood the same day he was confirmed. Lots of good things in his life right now.
Elder Basinger, Me, Aaron, Elder Berret
I drove back Sunday afternoon/evening, and arrived in Rexburg around 11:15pm. Good thing I dropped my early morning class, so I could sleep in a little. It was THEN that I added another class (to bring me up to 15.5 credits), so I really do have to get up early most days of the week. I'm officially taking: Introduction to Graphic Design (and we're already starting out first project, woohoo!), Design and Color, Art History, Art Seminar (meets all of five times during the semester), Social Dance (which focuses as much on the social as it does the dance), along with two religion classes - Old Testament and Doctrines of the Gospel. When I type it all out that way it seems like a lot, but I'm hoping I'll be able to manage it all right. At least my religion classes are on different days, and my major art classes (the first two) are also on different days. Here's hoping that I can stay afloat and not be overhwlemed. This is my first time being a student in a classroom in over five years, so it'll take a little while to get used to it again.
The good news is that my roommates are all relatively normal. Megan is never there, but she's moving out in a few weeks anyway. She's kinda holding the spot for another girl, that we've never met. The other two, Meeshell and Courtney are fun. I'm not home a whole lot, but it's nice to be able to come home to welcoming people. I'll probably be home even less during the semester, since it looks like Payless is interested in transfering me. I will mostly likely have to take a pay cut (since I'm not assistant manager anymore, and the minimum wage is lower here), but that was to be expected. Anyway, I'll find out all those details on Friday, after I'm done with classes for the week.
I'm safe, I'm well, and trying to make sure I get enough food and sleep. I have a horrible sore throat and it hurts to swallow (so meals take a while), but I'll survive. Remind me to post more often, and I'll try and keep you updated on what's going on with me (since it is more interesting that it used to be!).
So, last week I spent a few days up in Canada. I drove for 12 hours on Monday, then set up a few things around Rexburg on Tuesday, followed by another 10 hours in the car on Wednesday. Spending the time with Aaron was fabulous, and look forward to doing it again. We surprised his Mom, with my coming - everyone else in his family knew except her. She was very happy to see me, and is very happy with the relationship between Aaron and I. She says I'm a good influence on him. So anyway, he was baptized on Saturday evening, and confirmed during Sacrament meeting on Sunday. His friend Mikey confirmed him, and it was an amazing blessing. I really think Aaron can go far in this church. I already know he prays several times a day, and has been reading his scriptures on the bus to and from school. He's excied to interact with the missionaries, and even got the Aaronic priesthood the same day he was confirmed. Lots of good things in his life right now.
I drove back Sunday afternoon/evening, and arrived in Rexburg around 11:15pm. Good thing I dropped my early morning class, so I could sleep in a little. It was THEN that I added another class (to bring me up to 15.5 credits), so I really do have to get up early most days of the week. I'm officially taking: Introduction to Graphic Design (and we're already starting out first project, woohoo!), Design and Color, Art History, Art Seminar (meets all of five times during the semester), Social Dance (which focuses as much on the social as it does the dance), along with two religion classes - Old Testament and Doctrines of the Gospel. When I type it all out that way it seems like a lot, but I'm hoping I'll be able to manage it all right. At least my religion classes are on different days, and my major art classes (the first two) are also on different days. Here's hoping that I can stay afloat and not be overhwlemed. This is my first time being a student in a classroom in over five years, so it'll take a little while to get used to it again.
The good news is that my roommates are all relatively normal. Megan is never there, but she's moving out in a few weeks anyway. She's kinda holding the spot for another girl, that we've never met. The other two, Meeshell and Courtney are fun. I'm not home a whole lot, but it's nice to be able to come home to welcoming people. I'll probably be home even less during the semester, since it looks like Payless is interested in transfering me. I will mostly likely have to take a pay cut (since I'm not assistant manager anymore, and the minimum wage is lower here), but that was to be expected. Anyway, I'll find out all those details on Friday, after I'm done with classes for the week.
I'm safe, I'm well, and trying to make sure I get enough food and sleep. I have a horrible sore throat and it hurts to swallow (so meals take a while), but I'll survive. Remind me to post more often, and I'll try and keep you updated on what's going on with me (since it is more interesting that it used to be!).
Monday, September 08, 2008
random Monday stuff
Just saying hello. We had a fun dinner with some friends in our ward last night, Natalie and Topher, and Jay and Jenna. Neither of them have kids yet but they're planning for within the next year, and they're great with our kids. Topher held Marnie all through dinner so Adam and I could eat, and he didn't even get a plate until everyone else was finished.
If you have a grill, here's our idea for you (and what we did for dessert last night): get fresh peaches (the yellow would be better than white), cut them in half and pull the pit. Then just put them cut side down on the grill for a few minutes and heat them up. Flip them back over when you take them off the grill, and watch the nectar come out in the middle where the pit used to be. Eat with vanilla ice cream - yum yum yum!!! (If there's more to it than this, Adam, please put it in the comments.)
Since starting my politics blog (which I also announced on my personal blog), I pretty much have politics on the brain. I'm taking my time getting those posts up because I'm trying to do a lot of research into what I write. That's the whole point of it - to be INFORMED. And still post at least every couple of days. I just put a post on it while the girls are down for their naps so it's quiet and I can type fast without anyone yanking on my arm or the keyboard.
But I'm still trying to post on all the different blogs at least once a week, so here I am on this one. On Monday. So here's an FHE thought:
A few weeks ago, one of my friends referenced this Ensign article on her blog. It's specifically about raising children, but of course it can be applied to any relationships. The bullet points are:
- Never underestimate the power of love.
- Sensitive discipline promotes responsive obedience.
- Have regard for free will.
- Create a family with vision.
Good luck with your families, whether it's the traditional or you build it yourself with roommates and friends.
If you have a grill, here's our idea for you (and what we did for dessert last night): get fresh peaches (the yellow would be better than white), cut them in half and pull the pit. Then just put them cut side down on the grill for a few minutes and heat them up. Flip them back over when you take them off the grill, and watch the nectar come out in the middle where the pit used to be. Eat with vanilla ice cream - yum yum yum!!! (If there's more to it than this, Adam, please put it in the comments.)
Since starting my politics blog (which I also announced on my personal blog), I pretty much have politics on the brain. I'm taking my time getting those posts up because I'm trying to do a lot of research into what I write. That's the whole point of it - to be INFORMED. And still post at least every couple of days. I just put a post on it while the girls are down for their naps so it's quiet and I can type fast without anyone yanking on my arm or the keyboard.
But I'm still trying to post on all the different blogs at least once a week, so here I am on this one. On Monday. So here's an FHE thought:
A few weeks ago, one of my friends referenced this Ensign article on her blog. It's specifically about raising children, but of course it can be applied to any relationships. The bullet points are:
- Never underestimate the power of love.
- Sensitive discipline promotes responsive obedience.
- Have regard for free will.
- Create a family with vision.
Good luck with your families, whether it's the traditional or you build it yourself with roommates and friends.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Loss of... what is it again?
Oh yeah! Memory. Amanda said that pregnancy has led to a loss of memory. She claims this happened last time but couldn’t quite remember. Here is a story of Amanda and her pregnancy memory.
We have several black pens that Amanda likes to use for filling out paperwork. Sometimes there are three or four sitting out on the table or desk. Except for when she needs them. Last Thursday we had a move-in and I was clearing off the table so Amanda could do the paperwork. I left the new resident’s paperwork on the table along with a black pen – both of which Amanda had placed there earlier.
Now my memory hasn’t been top notch ever since the accident so when Amanda got up from napping and came out of the restroom asking me where the pen was that she had left there I thought maybe I was going crazy. Hmmm… It sounds like Amanda was napping in the restroom. She wasn’t. She was napping in bed, and then came out here and then went in the restroom and then came out and enquired about the pen. I told her I left it on the table with the paperwork. She proceeded to dump out the folder and the pen was not there. I looked on the ground and on the table. I was reminded that every time Amanda needs a pen it is nowhere to be found.
Did I use it or move it between the time I put it with the paperwork and Amanda came out? (all of about 10 minutes.) No. It wasn’t me. It was Amanda. She took it with her into the bathroom to fill out a survey, and then came out to the dining room and adamantly blamed me for the missing pen. I had the last laugh though, because I was the one that remembered seeing Amanda with the survey in the restroom, so I was the one that found the pen.
I guess pregnancy does affect memory.
Amanda said that this story might not be as funny to others as it was to us so if it isn't funny it wasn't meant to be. If it is funny, good. It was supposed to be.
We have several black pens that Amanda likes to use for filling out paperwork. Sometimes there are three or four sitting out on the table or desk. Except for when she needs them. Last Thursday we had a move-in and I was clearing off the table so Amanda could do the paperwork. I left the new resident’s paperwork on the table along with a black pen – both of which Amanda had placed there earlier.
Now my memory hasn’t been top notch ever since the accident so when Amanda got up from napping and came out of the restroom asking me where the pen was that she had left there I thought maybe I was going crazy. Hmmm… It sounds like Amanda was napping in the restroom. She wasn’t. She was napping in bed, and then came out here and then went in the restroom and then came out and enquired about the pen. I told her I left it on the table with the paperwork. She proceeded to dump out the folder and the pen was not there. I looked on the ground and on the table. I was reminded that every time Amanda needs a pen it is nowhere to be found.
Did I use it or move it between the time I put it with the paperwork and Amanda came out? (all of about 10 minutes.) No. It wasn’t me. It was Amanda. She took it with her into the bathroom to fill out a survey, and then came out to the dining room and adamantly blamed me for the missing pen. I had the last laugh though, because I was the one that remembered seeing Amanda with the survey in the restroom, so I was the one that found the pen.
I guess pregnancy does affect memory.
Amanda said that this story might not be as funny to others as it was to us so if it isn't funny it wasn't meant to be. If it is funny, good. It was supposed to be.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Happy Labor Day
Well, Trina, I tried to keep your FHE idea alive but it doesn't look like a survivor to me. If you notice I didn't get any comments either and no one else volunteered. Maybe we should go back to our questions. I still have to answer the one on the aunts and uncles and I'll get that done but meanwhile here is a new one. What places have you worked and what did you do?
Mindy left this morning for Idaho. She has one passenger, Vanessa Reynolds, our former Bishop's daughter. They left at 6:30 this morning and miraculously managed to fit all their things into the car. I'll be riding out there with Deb on Wednesday while she takes Amber, Sarah and Ron's son Josh. Josh is going to work for his Mom's brother in Idaho Falls. He was going to ride his bike until Carol told him that Deb could take him. On the way back we'll get peaches and maybe pears in Idaho, where they cost half as much as here.
Emily is at Nathan's, today, earning some extra cash by helping them clean apartments and get them ready for the next tenants. Dad and I are staying home, cleaning, doing yard work, etc. You know - laboring on Labor Day.
Have a great day,
Love,
MOM
Mindy left this morning for Idaho. She has one passenger, Vanessa Reynolds, our former Bishop's daughter. They left at 6:30 this morning and miraculously managed to fit all their things into the car. I'll be riding out there with Deb on Wednesday while she takes Amber, Sarah and Ron's son Josh. Josh is going to work for his Mom's brother in Idaho Falls. He was going to ride his bike until Carol told him that Deb could take him. On the way back we'll get peaches and maybe pears in Idaho, where they cost half as much as here.
Emily is at Nathan's, today, earning some extra cash by helping them clean apartments and get them ready for the next tenants. Dad and I are staying home, cleaning, doing yard work, etc. You know - laboring on Labor Day.
Have a great day,
Love,
MOM
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