Getting Ready for Christmas

This last weekend has been pretty busy. On Saturday, we had about three hours of choir practice. Then Mom and I went to a baptism. And in the evening, we went to the ward Christmas party. Lots of desserts, and Joshua and Henry got to meet Santa.

Then on Sunday, we had our ward Christmas program. For those who could not make it, I put a video on Facebook of me singing my solo: "Would I Know my Savior?" In nursery that day, there were eleven kids.

Today, I made cookie mix. The first batch of cookies is baked. (We need to buy chocolate chips to make some others.) And for FHE, the young single adults helped bag toys at the Salvation Army. There were so many people working that we were done in almost no time. It was still fun.

package inventory

So I know what's where ...

I have received a box from Tawnia, the stockings from Mom, and an envelope from Emily. Emily, you said that it's our exchange gift as well as our card, so I just stuck it in the bag of stocking stuff for the girls and I'll put it in Adam's stocking to open on Christmas.

I put the box to Nathan's house in the mail yesterday (finally) - it should be there by the end of this week. It has our exchange gifts for Nathan and Joshy, and a big envelope for everyone at Mom and Dad's house. That has the moola for Mom and Dad's cruise and for Mindy's wedding gift.

Amanda, are you sending our book exchange here or to Eric's? Where should we be watching for it?

And I talked to Michelle about sending our other book exchange straight to Eric's house, because they also have Stevie.

Did I miss anything?

the Alleluia chorus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCFCeJTEzNU

I don't know if you've seen this little flick on youtube yet, but it is the funniest thing I've watched in, oh, forever. I cry from laughing so hard every time I watch it. Bet you didn't know the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing Handel's Messiah could be hilarious!

Hindsight

So, yesterday, I went down to Salem with Mom and Clarissa. We got hot chocolate for the wedding in lots of different flavors (I plan to try the peppermint white chocolate first). Tawnia, Clarissa, and I unsuccessfully looked in several stores for blouses in just the right shade of blue. And we had a nice little visit with Nathan, Amanda, and those adorable little boys.

Anyway, heading home through the middle of Salem wasn't easy. Mom wasn't sure if she was in the correct lane to turn onto the bridge. And at a red light, a pickup truck started backing up; we don't know why. Mom blew the horn to warn the driver to stop. Then we missed the turn for the bridge because we couldn't get over in time and had to drive around the block.

This conversation followed:
Clarissa: "If we were in the right lane the whole time, we wouldn't have had to deal with any of that."
Mom: "Hindsight is 20-20."
Me: "Unless you're backing up a pickup truck."

giving Jared some flack

Since Jared does not have the comments option on his personal blog, I'll post what I would have posted there here. Is it just me, or does anyone else find it interesting that Jared goes to Israel for 2 weeks - the HOLY LAND, where JESUS lived - and when he comes back, he posts no pictures on his personal blog, tells no stories, just makes a slight mention of it. And then talks about coughing and wheezing and having pneumonia. *sigh*

Jared, when you're recovered from the pneumonia, I hope you will post some stories about what you saw and did in Israel, including Tel Aviv but of course the Christian holy sites in and around Jerusalem. I saw your pictures on Facebook, but there was very little explanation.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom! Forty years is a long time, but you made it look easy. I love you and am grateful you're such great parents and grandparents. Laurel, Stevie, Allie, and I are all looking forward to seeing you in Virginia next year. We're sad we can't be there now. I hope everything is going well with you and that you're able to get out and enjoy your special day.

Love,

Eric (and Laurel, Stevie, and Allie)

another blog

Hey family .. I have a new blog. It's a blog for my art. It'll be easier to update than the family website version, and looks a little bit more professional. I haven't linked it to the insanityinc site yet, but I will soon. In the meantime, find it here: mindycreates.blogspot.com. Please go and leave lots of comments .. that's the best part about a blog!

the big ONE!

Happy birthday, Baby Emma!
We love you!

Love - Aunt Trina, Uncle Adam, Summer, and Marnie

2009 gift exchanges

With Halloween done now ... here's the list for the Christmas gift exchanges:

SIBLING GIFT EXCHANGE
Trina & Adam - Nathan & Amanda
Eric & Laurel - Jared & Michelle
Jared & Michelle - Clarissa
Tawnia - Mindy & Aaron
Emily - Trina & Adam
Nathan & Amanda - Tawnia
Mindy & Aaron - Emily
Clarissa - Eric & Laurel

Mindy suggested ANYTHING food related ... cookbooks, cooking utensils with recipes, new dish towels, gift card to a restaurant, even a box of chocolates. (That enough ideas to get you started?) Any opposition to this? Speak up quick, or we're going with food.

COUSIN BOOK EXCHANGE
Summer - Allie
Rosemary - Joshy
Stevie - Bryan
Allie - Emma
Brooke - Henry
Bryan - Summer
Emma - Stevie
Joshua - Brooke
Henry - Rosemary

Happy Christmas planning!

International travel

Well, they finally got my travel arrangements all worked out, and I'll be flying out on Saturday for Israel. I'll be gone for two weeks, getting home on Saturday the 14th.

Marnie's birthday portraits

I don't know who checks which blogs and when ... but Rosemary's birthday portraits are up now on my personal blog. I shot them today because it was a nice day outside. Any thoughts on which one should be THE portrait? Or do you agree with Adam? He really likes the first one in the post.

What's Up with InsanityInc?

Has our time run out again? Are we going to keep it going? What does everyone think?

sibling gift exchange

Mindy's comment on the other post gave me this idea ... she mentioned food. What if we gave our person a card/paper with one of our favorite recipes, along with some kind of kitchen utensil/dish that would be useful in making that item? You could do ANYTHING - a favorite cookie recipe with cookie cutters, an Italian dish with a garlic press, etc ...

Any other suggestions and specifics?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSEMARY!!!!

We hope that Rosemary had a very special birthday. WOW!! Two years old already. We can't wait to see you again. You are growing up so fast. We love you so very very much.

Love always,
Grandma and Grandpa

Christmas planning

Gift exchange again this year? Cousin book exchange for the kids?

Or is this just a tough year for everyone? I am well aware of job struggles for some, major moves for others ... not an easy year on anyone's finances. Even Tawnia and Nathan, who are the only ones who had any semblance of job stability this year, still had big changes with Tawnia's grad school plans and Henry being born. Well, what is life if not a series of changes, one right after another.

I'm good for the gift exchanges and would like to do them again ... but I don't think anyone should feel pressured about it. What's the consensus?

A few words about Family Home Evening

A few months ago, we came up with a new system for our Family Home Evenings. We made up a list of as many ideas as we could think of, and put them all in a box. Every week at the end of Family Home Evening, we take turns drawing out of the box our topic for the next week.

Tonight, after we finished our Astronomy lesson, Brooke pulled out "Video Chat." I realized one small problem with next week - I'll be up in the Dallas area on Monday night. So, we decided that next week we'll have our video chat FHE on Sunday instead of Monday.

Now, we just need someone to be on the other end of that video chat. Any volunteers?

On My Past Week's Activities

This week has been interesting, with family coming and going. Last Monday (or was it Tuesday?), we went on a hike at Silver Creek Falls, with Joshua wanting his daddy to gallop along the trail. Joshua also enjoyed splashing in the creek and throwing rocks at Double Falls. We cut back at Winter Falls, which was a wet patch of rock. August isn't the best time to see the falls.

And there was the family reunion from Thursday to Saturday. There was always someone there for a game of cards or putting together a puzzle. Most of the teenage boys spent the whole time playing video games. I loved zipping around the Puget Sound in Sid's boat. And we had singing and skits on Friday night. I especially enjoyed a song that Sid and Ben wrote about Frands Petersen.

Mom and I are teaching a new Primary class. Instead of the six-year-olds, we'll teach the ten-year-olds. This class is about half the size of the last one. And it makes it easier for me to fulfill my other calling of teaching nursery. They called me so someone would teach a lesson. But it seems like I spent more time mopping up spilled water.

Yesterday, Tawnia and I drove out to the beach and just sat on the sand for a few hours, enjoying the sound of the waves and the smell of the breeze. We walked a bit, but mostly we just read. I put on sunscreen, but I missed a couple of spots, so the backs of my legs and one shoulder got singed.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Sure hope you are able to celebrate your anniversary soon. I know you don't like being apart on your special day but it will be worth it when you're all settled in your new home. Take care and remember that I love you both and I'm so glad you're a part of our family and part of my life.

Love ya,
MOM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN!!!

Hello Bryan,
I hope you are having a wonderful birthday. I hear your party was on Saturday. Did you have a super time? Have a great year being seven.

Love always,
Grandma and Grandpa

blogging marathon

I just put up the last post from our vacation on my personal blog. (Eric, did you ever get your account figured out to get in there?) I also put vacation pictures on Facebook, since my blog is private with a very limited number of viewers.

I don't know who all is reading my politics blog these days, but I've been posting about the health care stuff. Not that I like health care, and not that I'm particularly interested in it. Because I'm not. I am interested, however, in not having Congress and the President entirely crush what's left of the economy before it has a chance to get back on solid ground. So I'm absolutely opposed because of the cost. We can discuss the merits of government-run health care and whether it's a right or a commodity some other time.

The recipe blog has suffered from a lack of attention because I haven't been cooking for about a month now. Adam has cooked dinner every night since we got back from our trip because I'm braindead and just don't come up with any ideas of what to cook. I need to get back into that.

And I posted on the sisters' blog earlier in the week because I finished 2 more things on my Top 100 list. Hooray! And I've got 3 more that I will finish by the end of next month.

Sorry if that's too much for you all to read right now, with Eric and Jared both in the middle of moving and everyone else in Oregon for the reunion. (Wish we were there with you!) But maybe you can go through all the pictures together or something, and someone do me a favor and find out what Sid thinks of the health care stuff. I'm curious to know if he's a doctor who wants this kind of reform, or if not, what his other ideas are.

Emma Laughing

What do you think? Next $10,000 Winner?

Thanks for the Pics

Thanks for posting new pictures, Jared. I really liked the one of Emma at the zoo. She is getting so big. It's fun to see the things the kids have been up to lately. Brooke looks so cute in her glasses. I hadn't seen pictures of her wearing them. Did Bryan get his birthday present from us? If not it's in the mail. By the way, there are a couple of pictures that I couldn't see; the ones from April 20th. Thanks again,
Love ya,
MOM & Dad

home

We're back from Charlottesville, and now I will spend the next week digging us out of the disaster that is our open luggage and dirty laundry. And that's when Summer and Marnie leave me alone for 5 minutes instead of wanting me to read to them or paint or some other activity that requires my full attention. I'll send out an email when I get around to getting the vacation pictures posted on my personal blog - with the way our morning is already going (and it's not even 9 am yet), I'll be surprised if I even get them downloaded today. At least my first trip to the grocery store is already done! We dropped off Adam at 7:15 this morning and went straight to the store. We came out of the store at 8:04 am, and it was already 85 degrees and 80% humidity. Hooray. When it's already too hot and muggy to go to the park at 8 am, you know you're in for a bad day. (Week? Month?)

Allie's Birthday

Hi everybody! Thanks for the birthday calls and greetings so far today. I'll be sure to post some Allie birthday pictures soon.

Laurel was so excited for Allie's birthday that she gave her one of her presents to open in her crib at 11 PM last night. Stevie and Allie were still awake (long nap on Allie's part - I don't know what Stevie's deal was).

I just got back to work after having a birthday lunch with Allie (and Laurel and Stevie) at McDonald's. She really enjoyed it, and she was ready for her birthday nap.

Tonight we're going to have cupcakes and ice cream and more presents.

Allie's a very special little girl and I'm so proud and happy to be her daddy.

Eric

birthday girl

Happy birthday, Allie! We wish you were already here in Virginia so we could finally meet you! It's very fun here! We like the parks and the trees and Virginia Beach is a really fun beach! Maybe we can visit you there next year and we can play together!

Love, Summer and Marnie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLISON!!!!

We hope you are having a wonderful day doing lots of fun stuff. We wish we could be there to give you birthday hugs and kisses. We love you so much. Your gift will be a little late this year but it's coming. We will see you in Idaho before you leave on your long trip to Virginia. Be good... Have fun... And always remember that your Grandma and Grandpa love you very much. HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 YEAR OLD!!

07.08.09

Hey family .. put up some new pictures on my page. I'm still not 100% updated, but close. There's mostly new stuff in the colored pencil section (although it was from this winter) and several new things in the watercolor section from class assignments.

I'm almost done with classes, just two weeks left. Staying busy with all the homework and projects and studying for tests, but getting very excited to see Aaron again. I'll head up there right after my last class around noon on the 23rd, and then I'll see lots of you at the reunion a few weeks later! We're still working out the details but Aaron might be coming too! He's very excited and is looking forward to meeting more family.

174 days until the wedding.

happy 4th

Happy Birthday Mom! 60 years and still looking good! You are an amazing mother, and I'm excited to see you this summer. Have a good time, and I hope your day is more exciting than mine - which shouldn't be difficult. So really, I hope your day is amazing.

happy!

To celebrate Michelle's birthday, we finally got our Maryland tax return and I zeroed out one of the credit cards with it. HOORAY! By the end of today, the tax return will be entirely gone and we will be $1027 closer to being OUT of debt. (It's A LOT of debt. But still.)

Anyway ...

Happy birthday, Michelle! Hope you have a good day! (And go check Facebook, if you haven't already because that's where all your birthday notes are.)

Reunion

So I know that Trina is all gung-ho about the Christmas reunion since she'll be there, but are we planning anything fun and exciting for this summer's reunion? I'd like to hike Silver Creek and go to the beach prior to going up to Washington. And I'll definitely be driving seperately to Washington because I have a friend to visit in Seattle. And then I'm thinking that I'll go from the reunion down to my friends in Vancouver. And leave from Vancouver to drive to Rexburg to see Eric, Laurel, Stevie, and Allie. And then get home after that. Any thoughts on all this? -- T

Tammi has the girls

Officially the girls are returned to their mom on July 6th but they are currently at her home. They will come down here for one more night, this coming Tuesday, to pack up all of their stuff. We'll haul it to Aloha on Wednesday and Emily and Clarissa can rearrange their things. We've had Hailey, Nicole and Naomi for three months and have had our ups and downs. I think it's time for them to be with their mom, she hasn't had them for a very long time. I'm sure she'll have some challenges but it will all work out.

We may take a little vacation to celebrate but I'm not sure where or when. Any suggestions? Now I can concentrate on reunion planning and getting things ready for Christmas. I have plenty to do to keep me busy. Maybe I'll even work on my webpage a little more often. Take care.

Love ya,
MOM

Christmas reunion planning

So it's on my Top 100 list to help plan a Palmer Christmas reunion ... and then Mindy very conveniently scheduled her wedding for Christmas! Yay! So what are the ideas that we have to celebrate Christmas ALL together for the first time since ... 1993? I think that's the last time all 8 of us were in Oregon for Christmas, because then missions started and then Eric and Jared got married ... and now it's 16 years later. SIXTEEN!!! That is way the heck TOO LONG!!!!

1. Christmas caroling. Because we always went Christmas caroling when we were kids ... although I don't think we'll all fit in the same van anymore. Har har. Poor Dave and Dolly Huber, if they still live around the corner - that would be A LOT of people on their front porch!

2. Baking cookies to give to the caroling families.

3. The Nativity "pageant" on Christmas Eve. It will be really cute to have the kids do it this year.

4. Mindy has family portraits scheduled for the day after Christmas - thanks, Mindy! Those will be fun to have with everyone in their Christmas/wedding finery!

5. A temple session? It would be the first time all 8 of us kids would be in the temple together. That would be COOL. Mom and Dad, start getting enough family names for us to take through, and don't forget to plan for Laurel, Michelle, Amanda, Adam, and Aaron! (Huh. That's a lot of A names.)

6. Because many of us will have to pay a lot of money to get to Oregon in the first place (4 plane tickets each for me, Eric, and Jared) plus Mindy's wedding and all, I would suggest keeping the gifts to a minimum - just the exchange like we've done for the last 2 years. If spouses want to give each other stuff, that's their deal. I likely would NOT pack gifts to Oregon for Adam and the girls, only to have to pack them back and risk something getting lost. We would just do that here in Vicksburg before we left or something.

7. For stockings, we could have the spouses fill each other's stockings and take care of their kids themselves, and maybe have Tawnia, Emily, and Clarissa do something with each other's stockings.

8. I'd like to do the book exchange with the kids. I don't know how the other families feel about it - if they're just going along with it because I want to, or if you think it's actually going to have the effect of helping our kids be closer even though we live all over the country. I really like it. What do you guys think? Even if this year, we exchange a book we already own so no one has to buy anything - I still like the concept behind it.

9. Mom and Dad, are you going to do your own thing for gifts for everyone, or do you want in on the exchange?

10. Mindy wants cupcakes for her wedding cake - I think it would be fun if we did that together. And yesterday at church, I found out about a little cake decorating class that's this week. So I'll see what ideas I get! And all the other girls (all NINE of us), see what you can figure out about cake decorating and experiment around with things. You have six months!

That's my start. Discuss.

reunion and Christmas

Well, Aaron was planning on coming to the reunion, really. But then he just got the dates for HIS family's reunion. They are at the same time. He's not going to that one either though. It's also the same weekend as a golf tournament .. which wouldn't be a big deal except that he works at the golf course that hosts it, so it's the busiest weekend of the season. No way is he going to get out of it. Sorry to all those who haven't met him yet - you'll just have to wait for December.

Speaking of December - I just got an email confirmation from Lindsay Zook. Looks like we're getting family portraits done on December 26th! Merry Christmas from me! That means we all better be there and looking good. I'm really quite excited for it, along with the pictures of just me and Aaron that we'll take later that day.

In other news, I just got 92% on the bubble-sheet portion of my cooking midterm. Hooray for me! And time to hurry to typography class so I'm not late.

new callings

Adam and I finally got callings today - we were both sustained as first counselor ... Adam for Elders Quorum and me for Primary. We're not surprised about either one. We've known that's where Adam would end up since we got here - we were just wondering what was taking so long. (Today was our 10th Sunday here.) I was more of a wild card, but we're not surprised about a presidency spot for me either. I knew I wouldn't do anything in Relief Society, but it could have been either Primary or Young Women. And now here we are.

Adam has never been in a presidency, not even as a kid. He was the Deacons quorum secretary but that was it. Since he got home from his mission, he was one of the ward clerks at first, and then did ward mission stuff for 4 years. So this will be all new for him.

I was in the Relief Society presidency twice in the Dayton branch (2nd counselor, then 1st counselor), but I left that branch 11 years ago. So this is pretty new for me as well. At least I've spent the last 3 1/2 years in Primary already, observing from behind the piano. I'm going to email the Primary people in Chevy Chase and pick their brains for ideas, both for Sharing time and Music time. If anyone has any ideas for things to do in Primary (or NOT to do in Primary), let me know!

mini reunion

We're offline for a few days because we're going to Houston to visit Jared for Memorial Day weekend. ROAD TRIP! We're excited to see Jared and Michelle, and Brooke and Bryan, and meet Emma. Yay!

(Honestly, it will be nice to be in a city again for a few days! I remember when I was leaving Montana, someone made a smart alecky comment that people in the city go to the country for vacation, so where do people in the country go? I said - The city! I was on my way to Los Angeles and Sydney Australia!)

And it will be good to see my college buddy, Liz. Mom, do you remember her? She spent Thanksgiving with us one year, the same year that my friend Alisha came up from Utah for Thanksgiving as well. Anyway, she lives only about a half hour from Jared and this will be the first time we've seen each other in almost 10 years.

We're just waiting for Adam to get home from work so we can load up the car and leave. At the end of every sentence, Summer says, "and we're going to Brooke and Bryan's house." Sorry, Jared, Michelle, and Emma, that you seem to be afterthoughts for her. We looked at the pictures of all 3 kids this morning, and Marnie said that Emma is cute - it was very cute how she said it. We hope they tolerate the fairly long drive all right ... but we're bringing the laptop and movies. So they should be fine.

Baby-sitting

Hello, family. Just thought I'd give you an update on the latest adventure of my life.

A couple of weeks ago, while attending FHE at the branch, I sat next to Kendra, and she said she needed someone who could watch her baby daughter a couple times a week so she could do some studying. And I felt that as her visiting teacher, I had a responsibility towards her. And it would have the added bonuses of getting me out of the house a couple times a week and she would give me (and Clarissa) rides to FHE and institute. So I figured it was a pretty good deal all the way around.

Mostly, I help feed and change her baby, Elli, who's just starting to crawl. She's really cute. And I'll push around her stroller all over the neighborhood at the north end of town, so I get some exercise. (Note to me: bring a hat next time. I singed the top of my head.)

Happy Mother's Day!

Hey Mom!

Thank you for everything! I hope that this Mother's Day finds you well and happy.
Love,
Tawnia

school, wedding, Christmas

Dear Family,

All is going well here in Idaho. I'm taking 16 credits at school and will be starting work back at Payless again shortly. I spend my evenings doing homework and talking online with Aaron. My classes are going well, and I'm learning a lot. This semester I'm taking Family Foundations (religion class studying the Family Proclamation), Art History II, Typography, Watercolor, Culinary Fundamentals (I'm learning how to cook!) and Safety & Sanitation (how not to kill people with food). I was rather intimidated by this schedule at first, but the classes I thought would be the hardest are actually the most fun so far.

Wedding planning is all going well. Lots of ideas floating around and lots of talking with Tawnia and Mom. You can read all the details at my wedding planning blog. If you haven't gotten an email invite for that, let me know, and I can resend. One thing I wanted to mention here though was what people should be wearing. The main color of the wedding is royal blue - like the color of the sidebar on insanityinc.net - along with white and silver. I'd love for the guys to all be in black suits, with blue or white shirts and blue ties (patterns are okay, as long as the dominate color is blue). I would love to see the little boys in ties too! Girls have a little bit more flexibility - a blue dress is preferable, but a black skirt with a blue top is alright. If anything, a white top and black skirt works too. Silver can also work, for the guys' ties as well, as long as at least a few people have silver (and not just one). I'm not particularly picky on matching color exactly, or the style of the outfit. I want this to be stuff you already have or if you buy it it'll be something you'll wear again, so it isn't a financial strain at all.

So why does any of this matter? Well - I really want to make sure the WHOLE family is there for the wedding... because my Christmas present will be kinda pointless without us all! I'm planning on hiring a photographer to take family pictures of us. I've already talked to Lindsay Zook (married to Mike Zook) about a few ideas and such but haven't set anything in stone just yet. I would love to get a full group shot of all of us in the coordinated outfits (including me - I'll get something besides the wedding dress), along with the smaller family pictures to go above the fireplace. They would all color coordinate and look fabulous. So I sincerely hope that everyone is planning on coming to Oregon for Christmas and sticking around for the wedding a few days later - I'm really looking forward to being in the temple with all of my brothers and sisters together for the first time.

Love,
Mindy

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUMMER

How exciting to be three years old!! We hope you are having a wonderful day and enjoying the beautiful summer weather. We wish we could be there with you. Send us lots of pictures, and phone calls.

Hugs and Kisses,
Grandma and Grandpa

my personal blog

I'm going private with my personal blog tomorrow. I've just had a feeling the past few days that it's time to make it private. If you have a particular email that you want me to send your reader invite to that may not be the email I regularly send things to, please email me at my yahoo address.

Also, Eric/Jared/Nathan - let me know if I need to send a second invite for your wife, or if just the one to you will suffice. Mindy, I'm also happy to send a reader invite to Aaron if he wants, but I need an email for him.

My Week in Salem

I spent the last week down in Salem, helping Amanda with the boys, so she could get some work done. And sleep. Henry has a good set of lungs, and he can be very loud when he wants. But he does like being cuddled. I once spent a whole evening with him in my arms, a book in hand. Ah, that was a wonderful evening. I took pictures when Henry got his first bath; he really enjoyed it.

Joshua is a handful. He likes tearing all the books off the shelf, flipping over his toy bins (and then climbing in them), pulling the puzzles off the shelf (and then the shelf down), and begging to see Pocoyo movies every time he sees me at the computer. Mostly I was on the computer when he was asleep. I tried doing a bit of work on my writing down there, but only on one day. We went out for walks several times while I was there. Once he fell asleep in his stroller; another time (after waking up too early and not going back to sleep), he fell asleep right in his high chair.

Joshua likes piling his friends, as he calls his stuffed animals, on top of people. His favorite book right now is a Richard Scary book that he refers to as the kitty book. He's started to develop a sense of humor. Sometimes if you ask him what an elephant says, he'll answer, "Dada mia." He also likes hiding things and asking where they went. Like I didn't see hm put that Cherrio on the chair. He got Puppy taken away after he tried hiding him in the diaper pail, at least until Puppy went through the washing machine.

Nathan and I went shopping for Amanda's birthday together. I'd wanted to get them windchimes for Christmas, but those are a seasonal item. So I got her windchimes for her birthday instead, one decorated with glass hummingbirds. And Nathan got her a hummingbird feeder. He also got her a panda card and candy from the boys. Joshua scribbled on the card and envelope (and dumped out his crayons). Mom and Dad and Clarissa came on Saturday, and we all went out for lunch.

happy happy happy

Happy birthday, Amanda! We hope you have a good day and fun times with all your boys!

Love - Adam and all his girls

Michelle's thumb: continued

Michelle had surgery on her thumb on Thursday, April 16. She had nerve grafts and skin grafts taken from her wrist. It doesn't look pretty right now, but the doctor says it's progressing well. She has posted some pictures on her Facebook page. Her mother was here for six days to help out.

The same day as the surgery, I took Brooke to the orthodontist, where she got braces on her lower teeth (she already has them on her upper teeth). She is almost done being a Brownie, and will bridge over to Junior Girl Scouts next month.

Bryan currently holds the dubious honor of being the healthiest person in the house. At first I felt bad having nothing to report about him, but since I'm listing everyone else's health problems, he's really doing just fine.

Emma had a couple of urinary tract infections this month, so she is going in for testing this week, to see if she has the same reflux problem that Brooke had a couple years ago. She has started pushing herself up on her hands, so it shouldn't be too much longer before she starts crawling.

Michelle's thumb

I was just chatting with Eric and I realized we hadn't told anyone else what had happened...

Last night, Michelle was trying to lock the bedroom window when the pane shattered and sliced off a piece of her left thumb and cut into the artery. I had just left for a cub scout pack meeting, so she called me home and then went to the neighbors, who called 911.

Michelle's visiting teacher came and took the kids while I took Michelle to the ER, and the neighbors cleaned up the glass and blood in our house. She got a whole lot of stitches in there, and she'll need to see a plastic surgeon to get skin grafts and whatever else it takes to put her thumb back together.

She's in a lot of pain - multiple prescriptions take the edge off, but that's about it. She can't drive right now because of the medications, and can't help with dishes or baths or anything like that because of the bandages.

I don't think there's really anything any of you can do to help, except pray for her. I'll try to keep you informed as we know more.

henry calendar

i am holding henry right now so i only have one hand. i put up a new calendar of him. if you go to my part of the site and click on his image you will find it.

cell phone plans

(If anyone saw the original post I put up 30 minutes ago, ignore it, and read this one instead.)

I'm returning to Idaho next Thursday, the 16th, since school starts on the 20th. With the return to the states, it's time to pick up a cell phone! I looked all over the internet at plans from Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. And I'm going to go with the T-Mobile because they're the only ones with plans that don't require a 2-year contract (since I'm planning on returning to Canada the middle of next year). The biggest difference between the month-to-month and a contract is that I have to pay full price for my phone. So I'll pay the $60 for one that I found/like, and save $140 on the $200 cancellation fee (for breaking a contract). And I like the idea of not being tied down.

So I'll have the Fav5 plan - 5 phone numbers on any network that I can call whenever I want and talk for as long as I want. I know I'll talk mostly to my family, so I want to give you guys first dibs on my five slots! I also don't want to add anyone's cell phone if you are picky about your minutes. I know that Tawnia also has the Fav5 plan, so she'll just add me and we'll talk whenever. I'll probably add the house phone for Mom and Dad, instead of either of the cell phones. I know Nathan and Amanda have a house phone to call (cuz I miss hearing Joshua!), and I know that at this point Trina does NOT have a house phone. I will have unlimited nights (after 9pm) and weekends though, so I won't be cut off from anyone. So let me know what you think, and I'll be up and talking next week!

pictures?

Clarissa promised pictures of Henry right away (no, I wouldn't expect Nathan and Amanda to post anything until at least tomorrow), and Summer is asking to see Baby Henry. I think she thinks I'm referring to Baby Henry from our DC playgroup (he turns 1 this month - wow! I hadn't realized he was that old!), so it would be nice to see pictures of the Cousin Baby Henry instead of Friend Baby Henry.

Welcome to the World

Welcome baby Henry! I'm so excited that you are finally here. Remind the people around you to take lots of pictures to share with those who are far away. Let your parents rest, but remind Grandma and Grandpa and all those aunts to document your first few days on camera so the other aunts and uncles can see you. I look forward to meeting you this summer at the family reunion. Grow strong and healthy so you don't get picked on by your older brother (and cousins). I love you so much.

Love,
Aunt Mindy

Happy Birthday Joshy

WOW!!! Two years old!!! Happy Birthday Joshy! We love you, you sweet fat baby boy!

From: Eric, Laurel, Stevie & Allie

Happy Birthday Joshua!

Have a fabulous birthday today (especially since I know Aunt Tawnia is around to spoil you!). And here's hoping that your little brother shows up soon. I love you Joshua!

Love,
Aunt Mindy (and Uncle Aaron)

moving update

The Caudles have arrived in Mississippi and are back online. Our trip from DC was 3 days, 20 hours of actual drive time, and covered 8 states. We took a little side trip through the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina - very pretty. And the mist and fog do look like smoke! We stayed at the famous Chattanooga Choo-Choo hotel by accident - Adam made reservations at the Holiday Inn with an indoor pool that was also close to Lookout Mountain ... and there we were! How about that! It rained the entire time we were in Tennessee, and we literally couldn't see the top of Lookout Mountain even though we were right at the base of it. So there went the idea of going to the top for the view, although we did get a more accurate perspective on why the Civil War battle there was nicknamed "the battle above the clouds."

Pictures will be on the personal blog as soon as I have time to download them.

We haven't seen much of Vicksburg yet, and our first time at the ward is in about 2 hours. We have noticed a plethora of dollar stores and payday lending places - probably more than 10 each ... not exactly a sign of a thriving economy, but a good indicator of the poverty level here. Sad. The townhouse is fine and we'll be loving the pool in June! Our lease here is up at the end of September, so we have a little time to figure out if we want to settle in here or find a 3-bedroom HOUSE to move to for the longer term.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAWNIA!!!

Tawnia! You're a great sister and a fantastic aunt, and we all love you very much.

I hope you have a great birthday and have all kinds of fun.

Love,

Eric


(and also Laurel and Stevie and Allie)

Clarissa's big news

I'm going to BYU-I. I'm not sure exactly when but I'm going. I'll tell you more when I know.

Love Clarissa

Guessing time

Alright everyone. It's time to get in your guesses for:
1. The name,
2. date of birth,
3. time of birth,
4. weight at birth,
5. length at birth,
6. sex at birth,
and
7. place of birth
for our second child.

The winner gets something really cool. I can't tell you what it is because I don't really know, just know that it is something everyone will want.

Some helpful hints:
1. The due date is April 2nd.
2. On March 4th Amanda was dilated 1 cm.
3. Amanda has been having some painful contractions the past few days.
4. Joshua was born one day after his due date.
5. Nathan is The Best.


LET THE GUESSING BEGIN!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG!

It doesn't seem like it's been that long but I'll believe you. I need to do a better job at posting what I've been up to. Mostly, just working on my sewing projects and being beaten all too often at Scramble or Word Twist. We had a great Boggle game at Nate's the other day and I was doing great until the final round. Amanda was glad to end the game then because she passed me up. The same thing happened when Nathan came in and joined us for another game. This time it was Nate's turn to win in the final round.

Right now it's time for FHE so once again HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG! I'll try to post more often.

MOM

Hey all

I have been wanting to get on here and post, but I couldn't think of anything. I still can't really but I can post in honor of this blog being 5 years old. That is pretty crazy.

Five years, huh?

Yeah, it has been that long, hasn't it? Since that time, I finished at Chemeketa and went on to Southern Virginia. And now I'm trying to make a living as an author. I'm still researching for my book about Devon. On Thursday, I visited the hospitals with his mom, so that I can describe them.

This weekend was filled with trips to and from Salem (since Amanda needed some extra help). I beat Mom and Amanda at a round of Boggle. And that wasn't even the round where I got the six-letter word (steers). There were only three vowels, all in one corner, and Mom and Amanda had to cross off all their words. That left me with one word -- elk. I won. But after the third round, I went back to my typically low scores.

Sunday, I was teaching Primary. The time was longer than usual and the lesson didn't have a lot beyond some discussions, so I ended up spending ten minutes telling an overdramatic version of the story of Alma the Younger. (The lesson was on repentance.) Then I looked up ideas for Achievement Days (my other calling). And we went to a baptism that evening, one of the little girls from the ward. It was very sweet.

then and now

THEN ... Adam's and my first dress-up date when we were engaged to the symphony at the Kennedy Center.


NOW ... Adam and me with Summer and Rosemary at the DC Temple Visitor's Center, taken just this morning.

me too

Sure, I'll post too. I baby-sit all day and attempt to work on the book at the same time. It is difficult, to say the least, but at least he still takes naps. The other day he even took a nap while eating his lunch. He kept eating though. I even got it on video. Oh yes, and besides the book and the baby-sitting, I've had the opportunity to work on some portraits and do some graphic design work. I'm staying very busy, and even then I don't feel like I get enough done. For a break tonight though, I'm going to do some visiting teaching and then head over to Aaron's for dinner - we're making grilled asparagus and mini pizzas, with banana bread for dessert.

The Proposal

So I am hopping on to post per Eric's request, but I actually have something to tell you all today.

Today, at thirty years old, I received my first marriage proposal. I promptly said no, but let me explain.

There I was, sitting on the floor in my science classroom with 12 first graders. We were getting ready to read, "Sarah, Plain and Tall." I had just handed out the books when Jack leaned against me. I turned to him and sat him back up the non-verbal cue that he should be sitting up tall. He leaned against me again and I looked down at him again. He looked up at me with his adorable blue eyed blonde haired face and said, "Will you marry me?" I didn't laugh. (I'm amazing! I know!) Instead I just smiled and said, "No. I just don't think it would work out." Some of the other students heard my response and wanted to know what Jack had asked. I said, "That's between me and Jack." And then we went on to read chapter five.

The fun part was then going around and telling all the teachers that I'd been proposed to and waiting to see their responses. Then informing them that I had said no... and then telling them that it was a first grader that proposed. I also text messaged a few friends... and I might have made a phone call or two to tell the same story. Let's just say, that it made the rest of my day very enjoyable. So although I'm still single... at least I can now say that I've been proposed to.

5 YEARS OF THE FAMILY BLOG

Sorry everyone. I know I've been slacking on the posts. I don't even really have anything all that Earth-shattering to post at this point, I just felt the need to send out my love to all of you and to support the original Palmer Family blog which is... FIVE YEARS OLD TODAY. Wow, I didn't even realize that until after starting to write this post. Seriously. Isn't that crazy?

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to reading the printed and bound version of this blog some day, sitting by the fire and tossing a tear for old times' sake. A lot has changed in the last five years. Bryan was just a baby when this was started, Adam and Amanda were new on the scene, Mindy was married to some other guy... what was his name? And most of the grandbabies we now know and love were still waiting in the wings. So... Yeah. Five years. Be sure to hop on today and post something!

To my Texans

Dear Bryan,
Congratulations on losing your first tooth! That is awesome. I'm sorry to hear that your daddy left it at the restaurant. I'm pretty sure that if you write the tooth fairy a note, she will be willing to make a detour to the restaurant to pick it up and will still live you something under your pillow. (You've probably already discovered this.) Which tooth was it? I can't wait to see pictures of it soon. (That's a hint to your dad!)
Did you know that I teach science to first graders like you? In fact, my first grade class is one of my favorite groups of kids. I think you would be great friends with them too. What do you like to do for fun?
I hope that you are being a good boy for your mommy and daddy and taking good care of your sisters.
Love,
Aunt Tawnia

Dear Brooke,
So how is Sunflare doing? Have you tried holding a mirror up to her (or is it his) bowl. I have heard that bettas will puff up to look scarier to their enemy, even if it is just their reflection in the mirror.
How is third grade? Have you read any good books lately? Have you read, "The Tale of Desperaux" by Kate DiCamillo? If you haven't you should! If you have, then have you seen the movie? They are so different... so I recommend doing both, or at the very least, reading the book!
I heard you got braces and glasses! How do you like that? You are getting so grown up.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Aunt Tawnia


Dear Emma,
I hope that you are growing big and strong. Please convince your mommy and daddy to come to the reunion in August, because I want to see you! What new things have you learned lately? I want to hear about all your big accomplishments and I'd also love to see more pictures of you. I'm sure you've outgrown your newborn look. Keep being a good girl!
Love,
Aunt Tawnia

Tooth Fairy, reporting for duty!

Bryan lost his first tooth today!

We had just sat down at the restaurant when it came out. I offered to hold on to the tooth so he wouldn't lose it, and then I left it on the table when we left. I'm a bad daddy.

Also, Brooke got a betta fish today. We use sticker charts to reward the kids for good behavior, and Brooke saved up 500 stickers to earn a fish. She named him Sunflare.

Productivity

I've found that I am much more productive in my life if I have a list of things to get done for the day or the week. I have started setting weekly goals (see the sister's blog for this weeks goals), write them down, and then try to get those things done.

Currently I am at work and my goal for work this week is to get my report cards done. I have to type up the report cards, copy them, and fill them out. I also need to make sure that I have lessons planned for this week and next.

Other goals for the week: Practice guitar every day (this one's for you Jared), Get an oil change and tire rotation, see the two movies I've been wanting to see at the theater (reviews will be forthcoming... after I see the movies of course), get Marne's blanket at least half-way done, and plan a menu for the next two weeks.

What exciting things are you doing in your life?

My Project

For those of you who have noticed my note on Facebook (that should include everyone who looks at this blog), you read that I'm writing a non-fiction book on Devon Rivers. This is my first attempt at writing non-fiction, so I'm a bit nervous. Still, I've figured out the simple steps I need to follow.

1. Collect information. (I just spent nearly three days listening to Carla ramble. It's a start.)
2. Organize the information. (This will take a lot of work.)
3. Collect more information to fill in any gaps I missed, clarify details, look at it from a different point of view, and so on.
4. Make a readable manuscript.
5. Make a publishable manuscript.
6. Sell manuscript.

I estimate each will take upwards of a month to complete.

ha. ha hahahahah ...

So Adam is back from Vicksburg, and still doesn't have a job offer. The circular nature that is the hiring process for the Army Corps of Engineers is thus ... he interviewed with the DC main attorney's office (General Counsel). They liked him and "highly recommended" him to the Vicksburg District office. He went to Vicksburg and interviewed yesterday there - Henry, the Chief Counsel for that office (the boss), was basically within 10 feet of him for the entire 4 1/2 hours he was there. Henry showed Adam around the office, introduced him to a lot of people, discussed projects and work responsibilities and training things that Henry wants to send Adam to. Everything except actually make the official offer because now Adam's application has to wend its way through Human Resources and back to the DC office. Then the DC office makes the final decision, and since they're the ones who recommended Adam to Vicksburg in the first place, that seems rather arbitrary. But there you go. We will get the official offer from the DC office.

So we wait. For 1 to 2 more weeks. And then Henry would like Adam down there about 2 weeks after that. So yeah. When I said this move was going to turn on a dime, I didn't realize how extreme that actually would be. My friend Debi described her adoption process as "like being shot out of a cannon" from the time they got the phone call telling them there was a baby for them to when they were on a plane. I think that phrase is going to apply here.

Target date to leave DC: Tuesday March 10 (because I just schedule Marnie's doctor checkup for March 9 in the afternoon.)

Target date for Adam to start work: Monday March 16.

And the official verdict as of today is - nothing is official.

First Five

I found this on Jared's blog and decided to jump on the bandwagon. Maybe this will inspire some activity on this blog instead of just on facebook.

Okay, here's the deal: The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It’ll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it’s going to be. It may be a story. It may be photography or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may sew or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure! (Note: that theoretical list was lifted directly from the source. I'd rather apply my creativity to coming up with what I WILL do for you, instead of making up new random suggestions.)
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

Thank you!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who called/e-carded/blog-posted me on my birthday. And even to those who didn't, because I'm sure they were thinking of me and had a really good excuse. Sorry I wasn't able to return all the calls/e-cards/blog-posts.

I love you all!

vicksburg trip

I'm not sure who I've told this to ... Adam is flying down to Vicksburg next week on the 11 and 12th to interview in person. From our fasting and reading between the lines of the email exchange he's had with the Chief Counsel in the office there, we definitely expect him to get it and we'll move sometime in the first half of March. Well, we expected it before, but we're even more confident of it now.

Adam will have an afternoon free while he's there, so we got a hold of the bishop in the ward there and got a referral for a realtor. Since Adam has some time to look around, we're going to try to go straight into renting a house and skip the apartment. We don't know how that will go yet, but at least we'll make the attempt.

In other news ... 19 days until the bar exam.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARED!!!

They say that when your age and the number match it's your "Golden Birthday" What if the number shows up twice in your age - does that mean it's your "SUPER GOLDEN BIRTHDAY" ? Whatever it is I hope it's a happy one and that you enjoy your celebration. After all you're only 33 once so make the best of it.

Sure love ya,
MOM

church stuff

Aaron made a fabulous decision when he decided to stay in this ward instead of moving to the singles ward. They are so incredibly welcoming and kind, and I'm glad to be part of the ward, even for just a few months. Even though I have to give a talk next week. If anyone has any good stories on hope, please let me know.

Also, yesterday they gave me a calling. They had already talked to me a bit about playing the piano in primary. They have someone now, but she isn't always there. A majority of the ward is older, and a lot of them don't play, so they are happy to find anyone that knows how. So when the second counselor talked to me about something in the Primary, I didn't realize he would ask me to be the Secretary! Their last person was a young single as well, and although she lives in the ward boundries, she decided to go to a different ward where her friends are (although she'd do her visiting teaching in the ward she is supposed to be in). So they hadn't had anyone since mid-December, and although they know I'm only here until April, they were more than excited to have me accept. Aaron and I went over to the Primary President's house yesterday after church, so I could pick up my binder of stuff, to get familiar with what I'm doing, and we ended up staying over two hours chatting with her and getting to know her. I'm really getting to like this ward.

t minus 3 hours

Adam's interview is today, not tomorrow. In 3 hours. We fasted yesterday and Adam feels confident about it. I'm having a major bout of nerves right now. I just want them to give the formal offer on the phone call instead of making us wait even longer. Get it over with already! We've only been waiting on these people since October!

Emma!

I know we're really lousy about taking pictures, so I thought I'd go the extra mile and actually make a video this time, so you all can see her smiling and hear her laughing. Enjoy!

Updates at last

I finally did a few things on my page. I have a few more to do but I thought I'd let you know now anyway. I have a new question answered and I updated my favorites page. When I first put that section up I thought it would be easy to think of categories to list favorites in. It's not easy. If anyone has suggestions I'd be glad to think about them.

Tonight we are watching Joshy while his mom and dad have a night away for Nathan's birthday. When we first put him to bed I thought what a simple task that was. Then he started calling for Grandpa. After 5 or 10 minutes Grandpa gave in and went and got him so now they're watching TV together and will probably both fall asleep in the recliner, soon. I sure do love spending time with my grandchildren.

Sorry about the scare this past week. The doctors didn't find anything wrong and I'm feeling much better. Thanks for all the calls and prayers.

Love always,
MOM

I made it a goal

So I'd better post on here. It's one of my resolutions to write on the Family and Sisters blogs at least once a week. I didn't actually set this goal until after January 1st. Since my birthday isn't until the 14th I think that the new year can start then for me.
My other resolutions are
1) Write in journal at least once a week. I really need to work on this one.
2) Drink a half gallon of water a day. I have a half gallon water bottle to help me with this. I usually drink about half of it in a day. I did meet this goal once. I've been doing this for about two weeks.
3) Exercise for 30 minutes three times a week. I haven't this one yet but I'm planning to soon.
4) Write to my friends who are on missions at least once a month. This would include my friend Amy Christensen (Spain) who gets home March 11, Sister Jennifer Lee my former companion who gets home March 25, and Sarah Durtschi who leaves for Temple Square February 18. And any other friends who leave this year.

Since Jared hid my blog, I guess I'll have to post any big news on here :P

job search update

So I'm not sure who knows this whole thing, but here's the situation for Adam's job search ... He has of course applied for a ton of jobs, and he wants to work for the federal government. He got only one interview in October with the Army Corps of Engineers which is yes, under the Army's administration, but mostly employs civilians and Adam would be in a civilian position. So no military assignments or deployments or time commitments or anything.

The interview went very well in October - Adam felt really good about that job. They said they'd do callbacks for 2nd interviews in November, but we never heard from them. So we figured it was gone. Then out of the blue in December, in the middle of Adam's finals, he DID get a callback with the USACE. The 2nd interview was the week before Christmas with the General Counsel, who is the top attorney for the entire Corps, here in DC. It was supposed to be a 45-minute interview, and it lasted almost an hour and a half. That's a GOOD thing. They said they'd get back to him after the holidays but to email his preferences on a specific list of offices that had openings.

At the end of last week, he got a phone call from the Corps office in Vicksburg Mississippi to schedule a 3rd interview. It's not scheduled yet because the lead Counsel for that office is out of town until next week, but Adam will most likely have to fly down for the interview (and could look at apartments at the same time). We will hopefully have this resolved with a final offer and commitment by the end of the month so we can turn in our notice at our current apartment.

We are figuring this is it - we just need everything to be finalized. And to be perfectly honest, we've had the "We're going to Vicksburg" vibe since the 1st interview in October. We of course would love to stay in the DC area and we'll be sad to leave, but it seems like it's time to move on. My frustration with the whole job search/interview process is that I just want it over already so I know what's going on. But at the same time, NOT knowing way far in advance means that I stay focused on the here and now because I have no idea what the future is.

We'll let you know when the last interview is scheduled and everything is finalized. If/when we move for this, we'll be headed to Vicksburg in March. Here comes the Southern tour of duty ...

ADDITION: About an hour after posting this, Adam called to tell me he got the scheduling phone call from Vicksburg: Tues. Jan. 27, 2 pm, on the phone. He does not have to fly down to Mississippi for it.

reunion notes

1. Mom put in the sisters' blog comments that she thinks the Palmer reunion should be in December with Mindy and Aaron's wedding, so if you can afford to travel only once this year, skip the July Beers reunion and go to Oregon in December. Is that now the official policy? Or is it up for discussion? Does anyone disagree or have concerns? If you do, why? I have no opinion yet - I'd like to hear what other people think first.

2. I think the Beers reunion, since it's in Oregon, should be BEFORE July 25, or at least include that weekend. July 25 is the last day the Portland Temple is open this summer before the 2-week cleaning break. If we're going to do a group endowment session, it has to be on July 25 or before, or wait until the end of August but I thought that option was out for the reunion.

3. Since the Rexburg finals don't end until July 23, that kinda puts the squeeze on the temple idea. Just so the planning board is aware of it, I guess.

4. Mindy, I checked Target for leftover clear-out Christmas stuff but everything was already gone. Sorry. I know I have blue and/or silver stuff, so when I get my decorations back out next fall, I'll see what I have to contribute. I definitely have a lot of silver garland, but it is getting kinda beat up - I've had it the entire time we've been married so 5 Christmases. We have white lights.

That's all I can think of right now.

December plans

I know it's a good year away, but when purchasing plane tickets a lot of warning is a good thing. There was a discussion through comments on the sisters blog about when/where the wedding will take place. Aaron and I have decided to get married in Portland, sometime at the end of December. (His parents don't know this yet, so that'll be a fun discussion.) There was talk of a Palmer Christmas reunion at some point, so will this be the time? Or do we all gather at the same time as the Beers reunion this summer? Mom said we should do it at Christmas, but I guess everyone should have a vote on that. As for the actual date of the wedding, we're still not sure. Aaron isn't done with school until the week before Christmas, and I'd rather be with the family for Christmas Eve/morning, so the soonest would be the 26th, or the following week on the 29th or 30th. Then we would head north to Canada for a reception before getting to Idaho in time for school to start (this year it started on the seventh).

Along the same lines, if anyone finds inexpensive Christmas decorations (since it is after Christmas now), and wouldn't mind picking them up for the wedding, that would be great. Our colors will be white, silver and blue - a true blue, light or dark, but not teal or aqua. Ribbon, garland, oranaments, lights, whatever. Just something to keep our eyes open for, since it all should be on sale.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hooray! I manged to get on this time. Sometimes I can't get on to the website to post or comment. We'll see how it goes, now. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas; I certainly did. It was great having three grandchildren here and watching them. Christmas morning with little ones is so much fun.

I'm working on setting some goals for the new year. I think 2009 is going to be a much healthier year for me. I hope to accomplish a few more things on my 100 list.
I'm looking forward to the reunion in the summer. We still don't have an exact date for it. I sure hope everyone can come and join us.

I have several updates to get on my page and I'll work on them in the next few days. I need to answer the questions I've asked and some of you have answered. Now it's time for that special question you've all been waiting for. What did you learn in 2008? I'll work on that question first then get back to the others.

Sure do love you all.

MOM