Jared speaks! (collective gasp)

Michelle cried out "No, don't do it!" But I did it anyway. I opened the blog. I even read Trina's funny story about the missionaries. I didn't read past that, but it looked like people were wishing Tawnia happy birthday. (Actually Michelle was saying not to open the can of worms that follows. She was not saying not to read the blog.)

Anyway, I talked to both Tawnia and Mom on the phone today (yes there are other methods of communication in the world) and they both thought I should get on here so there would be no confusion. I say whatever, there's always confusion, but that's beside the point.

Mom asked me about the movie script. I said yes I got it, but I didn't really read it. You see, I really don't want to make the movie. I'm not interested anymore. In my opinion (let me say that again so that it's perfectly clear: IN MY OPINION)this movie thing has caused a bunch of strife and contention, and that's all that will happen at the reunion. We will all argue all day long, a bunch of people will go away mad, and some of it will be caught on video. If you ask me, we could do that just as easily without months of preparation.

Does this mean I don't want to come to the reunion? Of course not! It's a family reunion! The movie thing was supposed to be just one part of the reunion. But if we really want to foster togetherness-ness and stuff, let's do something else. I wrote up a video scavenger hunt a few months ago. We could do that. We could go to the beach and play beach ball volleyball or something. I think there are plenty of activities that could briong us all closer together as a family, and even create lasting memories, and actually be FUN at the same time.

Now I realize that not everyone will agree with my opinion. If everyone rises up and says "No! We want to do this movie!" then obviously people will be doing movie stuff at the reunion. I'm not thrilled at that prospect, but so be it. I'm still willing to participate -- to a degree. I'll do my one little scene. But I don't want to write any music. I don't have the time or the energy, much less the desire. And if I'm spending ~$1200 just getting there, I'm not going to put a bunch of effort into a project I don't like anyway.

There, it's been said. If you want to comment on this, go ahead. But if you want me to get your comments, you may want to email them to me, or maybe call on the phone (although I might not be home).

I figure you all want to know what's going on with us and stuff. I work alot. Anywhere from 50 to 70 hours a week. I also recently took a motorcycle traing class, and I'm going to get the license tomorrow. We're having a Book of Mormon-related ward talent show next month, and I'm helping coordinate the skits and scenes and stuff. They originally wanted me to write a song for it, or do something from that musical I was writing, but I opted not to. (See? It's not just the movie. I didn't want to write music for that either.) Brooke is doing well in kindergarten. She read a book to Mom over the phone today. She also goes to Daisy Scouts once a week, and has nine out of ten petals. Michelle is into pets right now. We have two rats, one frog, and one snail. She's thinking about getting a fish to add to the fishbowl. (Yes there was a fish before, but we took it back when it got sick.) Bryan is doing well. He had a sinus infection, but he's much better now. He was also excited to talk to Grandma today, and he told her all about his Sunbeams class. He also gets to go to two different playgroups during the week.

So that's a little window into our lives. If you read all this, then hopefully you know a little more about me now. If you didn't, I'm not at all offended. After all, I haven't read anything any of you have written in the last two months.

funny story of the week

So, Tawnia, what did Mindy do for your birthday that made it so great and her the most wonderful sister ever?

The funny story is that last night, the missionaries stopped by so Adam could meet the new elder (Adam is the ass't. ward mission leader) and because they were in our neighborhood anyway. They were also with our friend Jared, who is graduating from medical school next month. We were talking about the baby, and Elder Brague said something about he'd heard that you could tell a woman was about to go into labor because the pupils of her eyes were dilated. Everyone was really confused until he said something about centimeters, and I caught on first. I just said, "Elder, when they're talking about dilation, they're NOT talking about the mother's eyes." That was as far as I got before the light came on. Jared and Adam started laughing, and Dr. Jared asked if he needed to give the missionaries an anatomy lesson. Even the new missionary looked at Brague like "Are you KIDDING??? You don't know that?" I don't know if Brague figured it out completely, but he realized that he didn't want to know any more right now. This isn't something I'm too likely to forget. Ever. HA!!

Thank you everyone for wishing me happy birthday on the blog. Trina, said she hoped that my day was full of phone calls. So far I've recieved three of those. One from Mom (Dad, Melanie, and Annika) wishing me a happy birthday. One from Mindy wondering why I wasn't home from breakfast with Shawna yet (We ended up going shopping.) And one from a guy in my ward wanting a ride to work (he had already called someone else and gotten a ride.) SO, why haven't any of the rest of you called me??? Hmmm..??? Did you not know my phone number, because that is a silly excuse, since you can call Mom and get it from her.

Oh, and I'm having an excellent birthday. Mindy is the bestest sister anyone could ever wish for.

Love,
Tawnia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAWNIA!!!

I would have gotten up early and wished you a happy birthday but it's spring break baby! Of course I still want to get up before noon. I hope that you have a great 28 and eat lots of cake. Amanda and I will have a cake fight for you. I do not know when, but I am sure someday we will. Good luck with the next couple months of finishing up this year of teaching. I'll see you later.

Love,
Nathan

Tawnia's Birthday

Today is Tawnia's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAWNIA!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAWNIA!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAWNIA!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAWNIA!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAWNIA!!!

That's all.

Happy Birthday, Tawnia.

You know, Mom, if you'd wanted to post before Trina, you'd have to have gotten up before 3 a.m.

Tawnia, have a wonderful birthday, and don't eat too much cake.

By the way, my picture is up on Orson Scott Card's webpage. http://www.hatrack.com/svu/tolkien_lewis/index.html
I'm there with the rest of my class. It's at the bottom of the page. Rebecca, who is going to be my roommate next year, is the tall girl with glasses standing in the back.

Good Morning!

You have to get up early to beat Trina to the punch. Sorry about my comment Trina - I was in Mommy Mode.

Happy Birthday Tawnia

This morning we're going to Sam and Deb's to keep an eye on the kids for a few hours. Sam and Deb are out of town celebrating their anniversary, so they asked if we could come for a little while. This afternoon we'll be going to Costco to do some shopping then we'll go back to Deb's and give Amber the things we want to send to Tawnia. She and Sarah are driving down for Spring break.

Thanks Mindy, for putting the Tuna Melt recipe in our cookbook. Look in Breads and Breakfast if you want to check it out. Nathan asked for the cookie mix recipe so I'll be posting that soon. I'm sure some of the rest of you have recipes to post. If you're not sure how to do it, or where to put it just put it in the ftp and have Mindy add it. I didn't want to mess things up so that's the way I did it.

I'd better get some breakfast and a shower so we can get over to Deb's by 8.

Love to all,

MOM

happy happy happy!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAWNIA!!!

I hope you have a lovely day with lots of phone calls and cake!!!

My resting/not resting while sick wasn't THAT bad, Mom. "Cleaning the junk and clutter" out of our bedroom meant going through random stacks of paper that were all over the place, because I apparently keep EVERYTHING that's handed to me. I had a bunch of sacrament meeting programs, for crying out loud. Those can go! The only "heavy" work I did the entire week while staying home was standing long enough to wash the dishes. And really - when I was home, I felt fine which is what made the whole situation so dumb. Stay home - feel fine. Go to work - feel like crap. Probably because you have to be up to full speed every second of the day at work, and you can't just stop and lie down whenever you want to rest. When I went to work on Wednesday morning and came home early - that was the day I slept the entire afternoon.

For those who are wondering, yes, the movie script is done and was sent to Eric a few days ago. I haven't seen it show up on the website yet, but it's done. If you want it right away, I'll email it to you.

Spring Break

Just before 4:00 this afternoon I arrived home from work. I don't have to go back until April 3rd. Also this week we aren't having mutual because they want the families to have the time together. So I, hopefully have time to do some of the things I've been wanting around here. I still have this stupid problem with my legs but it seems better when I wear support hose. (Yuck! Those are for OLD ladies)

My plans are to get the curtains made for my bedroom and paint the bathroom; clean up the yard; help a couple people with their genealogy; do my spring cleaning; go visiting teaching and do some shopping. Do you think I'll get it all done? I'd also like to get more done on my history - travels, questions, etc. I definitely won't have time to be bored.

I can't wait until next summer when everyone will be here. It's going to be so much fun. It will definitely be a busy summer. Right after school is out we'll go to D.C. then the reunions and a little break before girl's camp then a McCune reunion in Las Vegas and it will be time for school to start again. Being busy is a good thing.

Where I've been

I've been kind of busy, and I'm sure you can all relate. I've been meaning to get caught up with the blog and all, I really have.

Anyway, it's been an action-packed week. FHE on Monday, Ward basketball Tuesday and Wednesday, EQ visits and meeting on Thursday, and a ward activity tonight. SWEET!

Last weekend we helped a team of about 20 youth from the stake put on a 5 minute skit. We had 24 hours to put it on. It was quite an adventure. All of the skits were combinations of Disney cartoons. Ours was a mix of Alice in Wonderland and Monsters Inc. It was pretty darn awesome. I ran the script group (and also recorded and mixed the soundtrack) and Laurel ran the art department. A young woman from our ward, Jenny, put together props and some costumes, and the dance. We were the only group with a pre-recorded soundtrack, which was cool because everyone could hear all our lines and we weren't tied to a microphone. It was also funny since different actors had different voices. Laurel ran the lights during the show, but I just kicked back and watched. It was a lot of fun to see how well they did and how much they got into it.

Anyway, it got me thinking about how crazy this family activity is going to be this summer, and also how fun. I know one thing we really have to do is log all the video we do. I have an idea for a tape log I'll send to Dad before he starts shooting anything.

I'm hoping to update my page this weekend. I know, I've made this sort of statement before and nothing happened, but I think if I just put my mind to it, it just might happen.

REMINDER

This is your friendly reminder that the monthly Blog FHE is this coming Monday - March 27 - I already have the talk picked out that I'll post.

I've been home most of this week - a really bad cold and sore throat have totally flattened me. It's been going on since last week. I finally stayed home on Tuesday and felt a lot better so I went to work yesterday. Ha ha ha! I should have stayed home again because I woke up with entirely no voice at all - only whispering. I worked half the day and then came home because it was a losing battle. So, I stayed home today. Feeling better. We'll see how tomorrow goes. Now is a REALLY bad time to miss work because we're only 2 weeks from our spring conference. But really - with "only" 4 committees now instead of 6, this prep period has been a cakewalk. The bosses are a bit agitated but whatever. I'm caught up. I still have plenty to do, but most of the conference work is done and I still have all of next week.

I'm wondering if Heavenly Father let me get sick so I could stay home and get stuff done. On Tuesday, I totally cleaned out our bedroom - the junk and clutter have all been taken care of so we have space for Summer now. I've spent all morning today creating my Family Book. I have a section for talks on marriage and a section for parenting stuff, a nice copy of the Proclamation on the Family, and even pictures of the temple. I thought about giving it to Adam for his Father's Day gift, but I want to share it with him now because it's really cool. And now I will go do the dishes and study for a couple of hours to finish this section of Anatomy.

a quick seven weeks

Today I went to the post office to get the mail. I saw an envelope in there that was labeled official government mail. I thought maybe I was in trouble for leaking out the Clarissa is a secret agent for ODOT. After taking it to my detoxification zone I carefully opened the mail. To my surprise it was my passport. I did not expect it for another 4 weeks because the lady at the post office where we sent it in at said that it would take seven weeks, and it only took three. What a joyous day. I am really leaving the country for a month. Now I am scared.

Nathan

my day

My day was really weird.

First, we had an evacuation drill this morning that the large signs posted last week said would be over the weekend. It took 15 minutes to get everyone out of the building and over thirty minutes to get everyone back through security. And it was cold.

Second, I met a man who claimed to be a messenger from God. Yes, he was wearing white. However, he also carried a large staff and had lots of dangling talismans on it. Also, he was looking for the "Judiciary Review Board." We finally figured out that he was looking for the Judiciary Committee, which was us. Then, he announced that he was serving us with papers from God. He claimed that as of last Friday, we had declared war on God and that these papers were his [God's] response. These papers formed a 2 inch stack, partially typed and partially scribbled. At this point, I left the front office where this guy was and I happened to have unfortunately stepped into at the wrong time.

Third, we received a letter about a police shooting in Georgia two years ago. Contained in this letter was a video from the dashboard camera of a police cruiser. My coworkers and I had to watch this video several times to figure out what was happening, including the part where the guy was shot and killed. It was very somber and rather disturbing.

Fourth, we went to the hospital where Summer will be born. That was fun.

How was your day?

who knows

I'm not sure that I would agree with the alien bit, although my family definitely puts on a very convincing show of being from one of the more remote planets in this universe. I, however, prefer to think of myself as merely from another dimension, which would explain where I am when I'm not all here myself. Any thoughts?

Hello, family. Just so you know that I didn't fall off the face of the earth, here's what I've been doing lately.

Mostly homework.

In my history class, we've started working on our term papers, so I have a lot to read on the Battle of Yorktown. That's what I decided to do my paper on, partially because I've actually been there. In music history, we're analyzing symphonies, so I've been listening to Mozart's 40th almost every day this week. And I've checked out four books about Mozart. I had a quiz in math today; we're learning about logarithms. And this quiz was open book. I wonder how many people noticed that the problems were taken straight out of the book. Philosophy reading in time consuming; we're learning about Locke now. And finally, there's novel writing. Actually, I haven't worked a lot on that, partially because I have a lot of other things to do, and partially because I want to make sure I'm doing it right.

I haven't just been doing homework, of course. On Friday night, I went to see the improv group, Shenanigans. It was pretty funny. And on Sunday, Rebecca Morgan invited me to have dinner with her. Rebecca is in my writing class. We're planning on being roommates next year, and we'll be staying with Grace Mullen, one of the math teachers. Okay, sit down before you read this next part. My other two "roommates" are Zachary and Noah. Zachary is an Australian shepherd, and Noah is a collie. Yes, she has dogs. And I'm going to live with them. But they still should be better than some roommates I could name.

stuff

Emily and I took an extra week on the movie script because we hit some glitches in it that we couldn't quite figure out. But we talked last week over IM and got it taken care of. I made the final edits to the script on Friday and emailed it to her for approval (since she is the head writer and I am but a mere assistant) ... I haven't heard from her since then, so I don't know if she's sent it on to Eric or what. We made notes about location suggestions for Eric and Tawnia (in red) and music suggestions for Jared (in blue) - take it or leave it, but that's how we pictured some of those scenes.

Tonight for FHE, Adam and I are touring the hospital where Summer will be born and doing the pre-registration paperwork. It's the Holy Cross hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland rather than in DC. It's about the same distance from our house as the DC hospital (my insurance gave us the option of which one we wanted to go to), but it's a lot easier to get to. We also talked to a couple of medical students in our ward who did rotations at both of them, and the unanimous recommendation was that we go to Holy Cross. The DC hospital is commonly characterized as a zoo because it's so hectic there.

It's getting close enough to be a little scary ... this coming weekend, Adam and I are doing some shopping for things like a bassinet mattress and diapers - stuff we need for when Summer comes home but that aren't "baby shower items." Then is General Conference. Then my work conference and the baby shower (and then we'll have another shopping spree to fill in the blanks). Then Easter, when I hit 37 weeks and am into the "full term" zone. A mere 4 weeks away ... I'm now at 33 weeks.

Movie

Wow Nate. That was quite the post. I'm glad you made up those stories even though you didn't want to. That showed real maturity.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know there is a schedule of events up on the movie page. This will probably (and should probably) change as time goes on, so please let me know what you would like to adjust.

Tawnia is the one who is in some ways "taking over" at this point, as she turns the screenplay into a shooting script, but we all have some part to play. And if you don't have some part to play, talk to me and we'll come up with a part for you to play.

I would post more, and post pictures of Stevie, and tell you all about our exciting weekend at the Stake youth activity, but It's 10:30 and I have to get up early.

I love you all and that means you.

hmmm...

I hope y'all weren't out on the town getting drunk this weekend while celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. Why the heck haven't any of you posted? I don't want to make up stories as to why you haven't been, but I think I will.
Mom and Dad have to be relocated due to witness protection because they witnessed Clarissa in a covert operation for the ODOT. Clarissa hasn't been posting because of her top secret job and she is afraid she may slip and tell us something she is not supposed to.
Trina hasn't posted because she was really impregnated by an alien and is pretty embarrassed to just now be realizing that Adam is from another planet. Adam hasn’t posted because he has gone home to visit his real family on some planet in some galaxy far far away. He will be returning for the birth of his alien human mix.
Eric hasn’t posted not because he is busy but because he realized he really isn’t part of this family. Why would he want to continue relationships with whackos like any of us? Not to say he isn’t one. Laurel is relieved to know now that she isn’t related to any of us even through marriage. Stevie can’t type yet, and that is why he isn’t posting. Or is it because after filming that movie clip, the lizard turned around and ate him?
Jared is also working on top secret jobs for the government. He really is Acme-rent-a-hero, and rents out his wife and children for super hero jobs. They are all off saving the world, and so they don’t have time to post.
Tawnia just thinks that she is teaching at an elementary school. She is really in an insane asylum and gets to post on occasion and is on a strict schedule because of her random acts of violence.
Mindy is Tawnia’s doctor/counselor/woman in white coat to make sure Tawnia doesn’t push little kids off of trampolines into fireplaces anymore. Be careful Mindy.
Emily is the creator of the universe and is busy writing the apocalypse. So don’t make her mad.
Nathan is a ninja and doesn’t write all the time because he is busy training for some martial arts competition that no one can know about. Oh shoot… I just mentioned it… never mind.
Amanda is too busy playing computer games to post… oh… that’s true.

If I have offended anyone in posting this I am sorry. That was not my intent. I hope that all of you are safe and enjoying life.

Nathan

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Don't forget to where your green today. This year is flying by so I hope that everyone is looking forward to the great Palmer and Beers family reunions. I sure am. It is too early to be typing on the blog. I do not have a whole lot to say. So have a great St. Patrick's day and watch where you're pinching.

Nathan

Script????

What's up with the movie script? I checked on the Pure Chaos page and on Emily's page and haven't found anything new. Trina and Emily said they were going to work on it while Emily was in DC. Did you get anywhere with it? I'd like to figure out what I need to get ready here at home - costumes, etc. I have the last week of the month off to do some planning or sewing or whatever. There won't be much time after school gets out because we'll be heading off to DC ourselves about a week after I get done with work. And we'll get home in time for everyone to come. Also, Dad wants to film some of the early scenes soon, but I told him he can't film any outdoor scenes until there are leaves on the trees, not bare branches or blossoms becuase that would look silly in our summer movie. So let us know what's up.

Love ya,
MOM

Words - 3

I think it is funny how you ladies both posted about words. One of my classes has me reading almost constantly, and more times than not there are several words on each page that I do not know. I tend to keep a list of them to look up later which happens sometimes. I was about to look some up when I decided to read the blog and low and behold you're talking about words. One of the words that is on my list from tonight is ardor. Another one is exacerbating. I think it is good to look up words. I never really liked reading when I was growing up and now I wish I read a lot more because of all the great words that could have been in my vocabulary.

About 45 minutes ago I called Eric to ask him about a word that he used in one of his past posts that I could not remember. It was denizen. I had to look that one up when I first read it, and tonight I could remember the definition, but not the word. The reason I thought of it was because he used the word nuance in his post, and I was not sure exactly what it meant.

Instead of being pi day, today should be look up word day.

Nathan

Words - 2

I also like the word "superfluous." I also like the word "exacerbate." It means to make a situation worse. I use it in letters to Congress all the time but I don't usually SAY it. Yesterday on our way home, I used it in conversation - I was quite proud of myself. It's a bit of a mouthful to wrap your tongue around.

I'm also learning lots of vocab in my medical transcription course. I'm now up to the anatomy section, which you go through before starting on the sections that go through medical specialties individually - I did the disease processes tonight (like - acute: symptoms surface very severely in a short amount of time) and next is bones and joints.

Words

We often use a dictionary in fourth grade. In fact, my students are assigned to look up words. I have had them look up "gross" and other such words. Tomorrows words will come from our reading assignment in Pollyanna. Words such as: remonstrances, ardor, efface, and ensconced.

Last night I was watching "Pirates" and Captain Jack Sparrow said one of my favorite words from studying for the GRE... superfluous which, according to Webster's Dictionary, means: Being more than is wanted; redundant; unnecessary.

For The Record

Bashing (as defined in political usage) - The pejorative bashing is a gratuitous and threatening attack on a subject, group or individual. (wikipedia)

Disagreements with political leaders based upon careful analysis of facts are not bashing in any form. Please do not confuse the two issues. Thank you.

Adam

New Movie Time!

There's a new movie on my page. We made this one Saturday. Laurel was taking a nap most of the time I was shooting it, but she did create the music. It's pretty sweet. She also helped coach Stevie into what I think is one of the most nuanced performances by an infant I've ever seen. Especially when you consider that he's working opposite a stuffed lizard.

The lizard toy I created a week ago Saturday with surprisingly little help from Laurel. (Surprising that I could do so much of it myself.) She did thread the sewing machine though. And she came up with some key ideas, including the two fabrics to use, and the idea of using buttons for eyes.

Anyway, just watch the movie. Hopefully it will inspire as well as educate.

one of THOSE weeks

Not much of a baby report this time ... doctor's appointments continue to be normal. We're touring a hospital in a couple of weeks. I've put the brakes on Adam buying more clothes for Summer until after the baby shower. I'm still the same with perpetual pain in my lower back and hips, and I can't move very well. Since hitting the 3rd trimester a couple of weeks ago, my energy level has really gone downhill. I'm exhausted all the time.

Work has been really hectic the last couple of weeks, with major lobbying activity with Congress and tracking amendments flying every which way in hearings. And we're a month from our spring conference here in DC, so I have lengthy phone call and email lists that just get longer no matter how much I do. I also had my mid-year review this week (our "year" for reviews and raises starts in Sept. so March is halfway). With 2 bosses instead of 3, it's been a much nicer working environment since December because I can get deeper into a project without getting yanked around all the time on different things. I'm doing well with everything and my bosses are pleased, but at the same time, they want me to really step it up to see what I'm fully capable of. Interesting timing. On one hand, I totally agree - I've been waiting for an opening like this for a good long time, to see how far I can go with this job. On the other hand ... NOW?? When I'm 2 months away from maternity leave, and I feel successful just for surviving a day? Talk about caught between a rock and a hard place.

Can't think of much else at the moment. It sounds like everyone's super busy, and that's why we've had a lag in postings. I'll try to keep up, but I suspect that for the next couple of months, I'm going to be on the downside because I'm just too stinkin' tired to even think. Good luck with everything, everyone!

Treasure

At school we have been reading "Treasure Island" as a class, and I have been reading "A Certain Kind of Treasure" as my read aloud. We finished both books within a day of each other and then we had to celebrate. The first thing we did was compare the types of treasures in each book. Then I had each student write a paragraph called "What I Treasure" and draw a picture of what they treasure. Then the next day I had each of them bring in their treasure (or a representation of it.) In the morning all of the kids put their treasures in our class treasure chest (which I had made the day before.) We went through the morning and then the kids went out to recess. During recess our treasure was "stolen." And a clue was left for us. These clues led us around the school. The best was getting our second clue. My friend Natalie was standing outside at the playground dressed as a pirate. She had a blue bandana and had given herself a mustache, and a toothbrush hook. She was hilarious. "Ah, this, I just wanted to remind ye te brush yer teeth!" Along with the clues, we received pieces of the treasure map. At the end, the class had to tape the treasure map together and then they had to silently follow me back to the classroom. We did a "follow the leader" game and skipped, hopped, jumped, twirled, and crept our way back to the classroom. When we got to outside our classroom I told the kids that I would go in to check the place out first. I handed the map to one of the kids, "in case I didn't make it back", looked both ways, and then leapt through the door, slamming it behind me. I had told one of the girls to count to ten and then bring the class in. The funniest part was that I forgot that I'd locked my classroom door. So I had to open it for them and then run back to my seat at my desk. The last treasure told them that the treasure was "somewhere close to me" and it was. It was under my desk. So then we pulled out the treasure chest and I gave each student their treasure and had them explain to me why it was a treasure. There were some really touching stories too. Anyway, it was one of the most fun activities I have ever done with my class and plan on doing it again next year, only closer to the beginning of the school year.

-T

P.S. My treasure was a picture of my family, to represent all of you.

Playing tourist

Hello, family.

I've been having a good time in D. C. I went to the Smithsonian -- I especially liked the "Price of Freedom" exhibit at the history museum and the mineral and gemstone collection at the Natural History museum. I also visited some museums I'd never been to before -- the Asian and African art museums and the Native American museum, and today I went to the postal museum. I also went to the Arlington House and saw the eternal flame at the Kennedys' grave. Then I had lunch by the Potomac. It's been a very busy week.

oops

that sure is what I meant, Mindy. So I have corrected my error. I think. For those of you that do not know what I mean.... read the blog more often.

Nathan

A funny story

When I put up my last post on the Daily Eric blog I thought I was posting to this blog. That just goes to show how tired I was this morning.

I'm still that tired. Maybe a little more.

I'm hoping for a full night's sleep tonight.

I can't believe I won the contest, and I did it all by not calling. Sometimes dreams really do come true. I wonder what I won.

Nathan (if you'll recall) won my blog contest last time, but he hasn't collected his prize, which is a cool Flash animation. Oh, that reminds me Nate: Laurel's doing more art these days. I'll bug her again about illustrating your poem if you want. (I just thought of that.)
In other news, I'm going to go home and then make some calls and prepare for a meeting and then go on visits and then go to a meeting and then go home and sleep.

The End?

Yes, the end.

Congratulations

I would like to congratulate all those that participated in the first ever Palmer Blog contest brought to you by Skippy and His Beautiful Wife. The top three winners are Mindy, Tawnia, and Eric. Since The Mama and the Captain called without posting on the blog, they were disqualified, but still got to know before everyone else because they asked. Now I should disqualify Mindy and Tawnia for calling and asking, but they did ask on the blog first. In the official handbook on blog contests I could not find a section on calling and asking, but I am sure if there were an official handbook there would be something about using nonblogs to get information which would result in disqualification. So I am sorry to announce that Tawnia and Mindy have also been disqualified along with Mom and Dad. But this is not just a blog full of sad news. I have some good news for y’all. I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico. Ok, I didn’t really. The good news is that now that more than half the family knows my new calling, and that I have to go do something for it tonight, I will let you all know. Drum roll please. Ratty tat ratty tat ratty tat tat. I am now the second counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency. Not the Bishop or Prophet or anything. Many people tell me congratulations and so what I wonder is why people say congratulations to this calling and just laughed at me when I was called to be the eleven year old scout leader. What gives? And other good news is that Eric is the winner of the first ever blog contest.

On another note. Did anyone find my secret message from one of my earlier posts. The one titled “wrong way, heart monitors”? If anyone finds it let me know. I will let everyone know in a few days if no one has found it.

Nathan

wrong way, heart monitors

As I was driving to the doctors today I was stopped at a stop light and waited for traffic to move through so I could go. I saw a cars coming from the right and the left and I thought, "Isn't this a one way road?" Then I realized it was a one way road and some dumby was driving the wrong way on it. Sure I've been that dumby before, or I've been with dumbys like that before but that doesn't excuse this dumby in the least. When I was the dumby it was night. this was at 10:45 in the morning. Well, after several cars honked at this person they turned into a parking lot to rethink what they were doing. I actually think the one way road is annoying sometimes and I don't blame them for driving the wrong way. Maybe they were just trying to make a statement. Who knows?

While at the doctor I got a heart monitor to wear. I get to wear it for the next two weeks. I do not think that I am dying or anything, but you never know, and I have always wanted to have a heart monitor, so they let me wear one before that fateful day (when I die comes). So what I am trying to say is the only reason that I am wearing this is to say that I have done it. little white lie.

Well I guess I will let you all go now. Oh yeah, Tawnia is now in second for asking about my calling. Mother is out of the contest, and anyone else she tells, because she called and did not follow the rules of blog contests which state that you can only discuss contests of blogness on blogs. Especially when I am making them up as I go. So No More Cheating. Ask me, not Mom. and No Telling.

fin

Nathan

I'm not completely crazy

In my conversation with Tawnia, this afternoon, I mentioned that Cheryl went to Arizona for Gary's wedding. She chastised me but I thought I'd mentioned it earlier and I was right. If you look at my post from Feb 5th this is what you'll see:

I also wanted to let you know that I got a wedding invitation a few days ago from my brother, Gary. He and Marleen are getting married on February 25th. I talked to her on the phone this afternoon. She's 52, (Gary is 59) and she has twins, but I don't know how old they are. You can meet her at the reunion in Seattle this summer.

See, Tawnia? I do pass on the news I get around here.

Love ya,
MOM

Mindy Wins!!!

Mindy you win the awesomeness of being the first to ask about my new calling. Good for you. I was wondering who it was going to be. I thought maybe Mom or Trina. Amanda couldn't participate because she already knows. But I think everyone should congratulate Mindy on being number one.

I am glad the story made you laugh Tawnia. It made Amanda laugh too. I like to make people laugh. Especially at others expense, and esecially when those "others" don't, and never will find out about it. Of course I won't use real people's names when retelling stories.

I just found this out by accident. When you hold down ctrl and hit backspace the whole previous word (not just the letter) is deleted. At least on the blog thing here it is. Also when you hit backspace when the cursor is not in a text window and you are in internet explorer, it is like hitting the back button.

I think that is enough...

Nathan

New story

I put up a new story. The second car touble one. uhhh... I have a new calling...

The Library of Congress

Today, I went to the dentist to get my tooth glued in, and then I went to the Supreme Court Building and the Library of Congress. I saw a film about the Supreme Court, and then I went into the courtroom where we heard about who sits where and about the architecture and history. It was pretty neat. Then I went to the Library of Congress. I joined a guided tour, and we heard about how the library was built. There was a Gutenberg Bible, as well as one of the last hand-copied bibles. There is a lot of amazing architecture -- paintings on the ceilings, mosaics on the floors, sculptures in between. And we went to a balcony that overlooked the main reading room. There are always people doing research, but with the Internet, there aren't as many as there used to be. After the tour I looked at one exhibit on American treasures, including a lot of the writings of Benjamin Franklin, and then I saw an exhibit on Bob Hope. I also walked across the street to the Madison Building (there are multiple buildings that make up the Library of Congress), and I saw an exhibit of different kinds of maps. Then I met Trina at Union Station. Tomorrow, I'm planning on seeing the American History Museum.

JARED!!!

Good to hear from you Jared. I hope that all is going well. Thanks for putting the webpage back. I have a new calling at church. I am not the scout leader for the 11 year olds anymore. Just in time for all of the campouts to start again, so I missed all of them. Pretty lame if you ask me.

Well, I have to go help finish cleaning the apartment because some friends are coming over, I think.

Nathan

Mom called me and said Trina was begging for the movie webpage or something. So I put it back.

February FHE

Well, I was busy last Monday, so I realize that this is a week late. But, I was just on the computer and read this article. It's really great and talks about an important principle that we all need in our homes.... forgiveness.

Enjoy!
http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2003.htm/ensign%20may%202003.htm/forgiveness%20will%20change%20bitterness%20to%20love.htm?fn=document-frame.htm$f=templates$3.0

Love,
T

meeting the in-laws

I met the first in-laws at the weddings - I was 13 or 14, so I was so engrossed in my own life that I didn't really care who my brothers were marrying, and I just accepted it. (Not that I wouldn't have accepted it otherwise, but there you go.) I still haven't met Adam, so I'll have to report back to you this summer on that. And I don't remember the specific time meeting Amanda, because she was around so often after the first time, that it just blurred together. I agree with Trina, it's much more enjoyable and memorable getting to know the in-laws, instead of just meeting them the first time. Meeting Jason's family was interesting. We went to out to dinner with his Dad and sister, Lisa, and I was very nervous. They were very welcoming and accepting of me, and were always happy to see me after that. I probably met his Mom and her boyfriend (now husband) and their apartment, and although I was equally as nervous they were equally as accepting.

Tired

I think my main reason for not posting is because I'm just so tired all the time. I get home from work and literally just crash on the couch until I can find the energy to get myself up and go to bed. I still did some stuff this week (FHE, ballet, etc.) And, of course, I was at work for ten hours every day. Work is frustrating right now, but I won't go into that.

How I met my in-laws. I drove from Oregon to Idaho to meet Laurel the first time. I met Michelle on a weekend excursion from Rexburg to Provo. I met Adam when I flew out to D.C. And I don't remember how I met Amanda. We were in the branch together and I thought she was great! And Nate and Manda had a cake fight at my birthday party one year. I think what I've enjoyed is getting to know my in-laws over time. I enjoy the phone calls and deep conversations and such. THAT is how I actually get to KNOW them.

Anyway, it's Friday and all the plans I'd thought of having have fallen through, so I'm going to go and figure out something to do now.
-T

Am I blind?

Where is the corporate history page? Don't tell me someone took that off too!! Anywho... How are you all doing? I have had a cold these last couple of days and so I have not wanted to do a whole lot, but I'm still kicking. ok, bye.

uhhh...

Trina, I put a comment under your last post. Mom, I like the pictures that you are putting up. I saw the ones from Christmas you put up on your digital camera pictures page. You need to tell us though when you put pictures of old trips up because they end up in the middle of your list, and I don't always remember what is and isn't there. uhhh... I have to go read and eat food.

Nathan

Spring break

It is, in my mind, officially spring break. Actually, I've felt that way since about 11:20, when I finished my math quiz. So class got out early. And I have virtually no homework. Well, I can start on my big music project or start on my history paper or write a synopsis for my book. But I am free for the next week.

Trina is coming to pick me up tomorrow. I did have a ride figured out, but then he bailed on me at the last minute. But I am going to spend the week in D.C. with Adam and Trina. They'll go to work; I'll go to the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress and so on.

mmm, yeah

Since this is my 7th post out of the last 25 on the blog, I feel like I've been doing a majority of the talking around here lately. What gives? Mom isn't the only one getting annoyed - I'm not a fan of talking to dead space either.

Jared: Emily will be at my house tomorrow and we're going to finish the movie script. Please put the movie pages back up this weekend - you made this handy dandy source that I'd like to use, and some of the information is not written down anywhere else that I know of. I have no idea why you took it down but I'd appreciate it if you'd put it back up. Thank you.

Mom and Dad: Mom's last post about the reunion said something about planning "done so far" - I think what you have figured out "so far" is plenty. If there's something crucial missing (family portraits?), okay. The only other thing I might add is a comparable guys time at the same time as the girls time out. Beyond that, I think it would be trying to schedule too much. Unstructured time is not a bad thing, and we'll have to be flexible for baby naps and feeding anyway. I don't know how Laurel and Stevie will be at that point, but Summer will only be about 10 weeks old. I will need a nap.

To give Laurel and Michelle and Amanda a little background on the girl time: the 5 of us sisters started doing stuff just on our own a few years ago. Sometimes Mom is included, and sometimes she's not. Our thought for the reunion is that ALL of us - the "original" Palmer girls and Mom, married into the family, and now the next generation of Brooke and Summer - take a couple of hours without the guys to go hang out. We hope that you'll join us.

Mom: I was looking over your Top 100 list real quick this morning, and I found 4 things that you can do on your trip out here. Hike on the Appalachian Trail, and go to Gettysburg, Mt. Vernon, and the Jefferson Memorial. I will make sure that these things get done for you. I don't see Dad's Top 100 list on the website to check his things, but I know it has "Watch the Independence Day fireworks over the National Mall." We'll get you to that too ... maybe at the Jefferson Memorial. We've watched them from the Capitol steps (which sucked because the orchestra shell for the concert was in the way) and from Iwo Jima, which is a great view but pretty far away. To be up close and personal - the steps of the Jefferson are supposed to be really good.

Oh, and the in-laws question. Actually meeting my in-laws has not exactly brought stellar memories because I always met them at the end of very long trips - either I was going to them or they were coming to me. (i.e. when we drove to Idaho and Utah to meet Laurel and Michelle, or after an all-day flight to Oregon from Florida when I met Adam's sisters.) Lots of forced politeness because of extreme tired-ness from one side or the other, and always a lot of nervousness because of feeling like I was required to like this person no matter what because there was already a wedding in the works. The next day, when everyone was much more rested and the initial shock was over, was always a lot better. I know it's not a very cheerful answer, but it's the truth. Meeting in-laws: not so fun. Getting to know them: much, much better and nicer.

Rats

I got 2 pet rats for the kids. They are great pets. The kids love them. One is white and one black and white.

Jared is working a lot lately. They have a lot of orders this month. Bryan has had a sinus infection, but he feels fine now . He is still taking amoxicillan. I am doing fine. Things are pretty calm with me.

About meeting in-laws, I figure most of you were there. So, I will share how I met my sister-in-law Katrina. I actually met here and we were friends before she met my brother Matthew. We both worked at Golden Corral and attended the same high school. We would hang out on the weekends and have fun together. I got Matthew a job a Golden Corral. That is when he started dating Katrina. Really they were already interested in each other at school. They actually were high school sweethearts. She still teases him that she knew me first. They live about 45 minutes from me.

Is anybody out there?

This site has been rather quiet lately so I thought I'd ask another question and see if we can wake it up. It didn't work last time - I guess nobody liked that question - but we'll try another one anyway. How did you first meet your in-laws? Now don't think that if you're not married you don't have to answer this one, you have in-laws, too. A brother-in-law and some sisters-in-law. I know some of you met them ahead of time so let's hear your stories and your first impressions. It should prove interesting, or at least get someone talking. By the way, have any of you seen the things I've put on my site lately?

Also, Jared, Dad would like a copy of the thing he put on the movie site about his acting experience. Better yet, why not put the page back up so we can all see it and add to it?

Dad is getting so excited about the reunion that he wants me to put up a tentative schedule. He's also talking about planning meals already. I guess you can let me know if you have any particular preferences. As for the schedule - this is the way I see it.

Saturday or Sunday everyone arrives.
Sunday we all go to church in Yamhill at 10:00 Dinner that afternoon about 3:00
Monday we can do our girls time out thing and have a barbecue for dinner.
Tuesday is movie day
Wednesday is temple day.
Thursday we'll be getting ready to head for Seattle. Max doesn't expect us there too early and dinner will be on our own tht night, so we'll probably all go out for pizza or something.

That's about what we've come up with so far.

Love ya....Mom

and Dad

FHE from the homefront

I had to check back and see what I'd written last month to make sure that I don't repeat myself. Mindy's comment about vacations leads me to what I wanted to mention this time. That's the importance of making memories. One of the best ways to make memories is with traditions. Every family should have their own set of traditions. I remember that my dad commented one time that we weren't doing things the way they'd always been done in the Beers family. I had to point out that we're the Palmers and we have our own traditions. Some traditions we kept from our parents and some we've developed on our own. I hope that you will make traditions, especially when you have children. Christmas, Easter, and other holidays are great times for them. Family Home Evening can be a tradition. Lately we've been making some good memories by having Nathan and Amanda over for Sunday dinner and playing games. They come over about once a month. I wish more of you were closer so we could have you over, too.

Another special way to make memories is to take family vacations. They don't have to be expensive, as you can all attest to. They just need to be fun. Even weekend trips can be special. Since we love to travel, we've carted our children all over the countryside. People who don't enjoy traveling can find a few favorite spots to camp or stay. The important thing is to do things together as a family. I hope you all have as many good memories from our traditions and vacations as I have.

Love ya,
MOM

Family FHE

Last night at ward prayer, Tawnia and I were talking to a boy named James. Originally we were talking about work and school, but then he asked a question about future families and such. If you are financially well off, how would you make sure you kids aren't spoiled? Tawnia said that her children would be able to take piano or music or dance lessons or be on sports teams. I liked that idea, but it can get really hectic with everyone's various schedules, so I think they'd just have to pick one thing. They'd still have to do chores and do well in school to keep the lessons. My idea was to spend the money on vacations. My most vivid memories are the summer vacations to California and Yellowstone, and all the fun places we went. Maybe having more money would mean going to more places, or flying places, or staying in hotels, but I probably have more memories of camp grounds and riding in the van than anything else. That's definately a tradition I would like to continue with my children, whether we're financially well off or not.

February Blog FHE

http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,6551-1-3363-1,00.html

This link is a "Worldwide Leadership Broadcast" that was done this month that I'd never heard of until I saw it on the lds.org homepage. And it's about the family! Excellent! This is exactly the kind of thing that makes the Church a "parenting guidebook." The speakers were Elders Bednar and Perry, Sister Parkin (the general Relief Society President), and President Monson. You can read the talks or watch the broadcast at the link, which I imagine to be 60-90 minutes long. Adam and I won't have time for FHE tonight because he has a big hearing tomorrow, but hopefully later in the week we can watch it for an FHE this week. I also plan to print out the talks for our book.

I thought last month's Blog FHE had good participation and I appreciated everything that was posted. I also feel like I've been doing a good majority of the talking in the last couple of weeks, so hopefully we can break our silent streak here and have good participation again.

Temple Trip

My review of the Joseph Smith movie: Wow. Very well made. It is a bit graphic at points, extremely emotional, and simply wonderful. And there was a lot to see at the visitor's center -- the church commercials on family, a display of Jerusalem, and scenes from the Book of Mormon. And the temporary display was on African-Americans. One of the ones pictured is from my ward. I spent about four hours at the visitor's center, because some of the people went to do a session. Afterwards, we had lunch at a diner and then drove back to B. V. And then we watched the improv comedy troupe perform. They had a competition going, where two teams would play the same game and judges would score them. For example, they would perform a Shakespeare play, either a tragedy where everyone ends up dead at the end or a comedy (which in this case involved shoelaces tied together).

transition milestone

Of all of the MAJOR THINGS that are happening in the next few months, we now have one done. We bought a new car today. It's a white 2006 Toyota Corolla, gray interior, 4-door, stick shift (which we prefer), CD player, and all the "basics" that the Echo did not have like power steering and air conditioning. It is brand new but in this sale they were having or whatever, it was marked lower than most used cars in the same range (we'd already been looking online to price them). So what the hey. It was exactly what we were looking for anyway. Adam was the one who pushed me a little bit into making the decision to get it. But when we were signing all the paperwork for it, I didn't bat an eye and Adam was the one looking freaked out. Then again, it's my 4th car to purchase and his first.

Right now, I'm more sad about getting rid of my pal Zippy the Silver Bullet than I am happy about getting a new car. That was the car I got my last semester of college - that car and I have been through a lot together since then. Many, many road trips to California and Utah from Oregon, the year in Montana, the cross country drive to move out here, Adam and I dated in that car, and I taught him how to drive a stick in it.

I'm also a little weirded out because it really means that life is changing in a major way. It's not my little 2-door that I zip around in and go on road trips on a whim. No. This new one is a 4-door family car. And it's going to have a carseat in another 10 weeks. This is just getting more weird by the second. (I know - wait until we set up the bassinet and all in our room - then I'll totally freak.) I need to stop before I really mess myself up here.

pictures and stevie

Pictures. I want some. Lots of them, actually, while we're at the reunion. I'd like individual shots of everyone, to go over the fire place (because I REALLY need a new one), and a big huge family one too, where it's close up and you can actually see all our faces (because one the last time was just too far away). I'd also like couple/family ones as well, and ones of just the babies. And sister ones, and sister ones including the sisters-in-law and girl babies. And some just the boys and boy babies (and just the boys).

Eric, I wanted to let you know that whenever I'm feeling blue at all, or just want to smile, I watch the latest Stevie video on your page. I LOVE IT! I've watched it at least a dozen times, if not more, and it makes me smile every single time. He's getting so big, and he looks so happy. I'm really looking forward to meeting him this summer. And he'll be even more big and giggly, and even talking a little then too!

stuff

Nathan, part of the reason why I suggested doing the pictures at the temple is because the kids could be babysat on the temple grounds while we're inside doing the session. The main reason for this is because of Summer - she'll still need to eat every 3 hours or so. It would be too long for me to be apart from her if we dropped her off somewhere, drove to the temple, did the session, and drove back. So because Summer has to go with us, we might as well take all the kids and do the pictures up there.

I did my baby registry today at babysrus.com, which links into amazon.com. I figured I might as well do it there so it would be more easily accessible for people who don't live here on the east coast. Don't feel obligated to get something at that store just because that's where we registered - if you want to get us something, get it wherever. (And please don't feel obligated to get us anything at all, although we do appreciate it.) We really don't care about where people get us stuff - this is just to give ideas. When you put in my name to find our list, it says we live in "Washington, Virginia." Yyyyyeah. I don't know how that came up, but there you go. That's really us. I don't have a lot on it right now because we already have a ton of stuff. We already have a carseat/infant carrier, a stroller, a bassinet, a baby frontpack, and more of the expensive things that people usually register for. We also have plenty of 0-3 month onesies because Adam keeps buying them. Adam wants to add toys to the registry, which I figured people would get us anyway but whatever.

A bit of news from Emily

Well, I'm just about done with midterms. I had my history test yesterday, and I think I did pretty well, especially as the short answer essay was about the motivations of Revolutionary War soldiers. And I'm planning on writing my term paper on the Revolution. And the forum didn't hurt; it was about the "little people" during the American Revolution -- spies and sharpshooters and courageous and insubordinate officers. The speaker was the man who wrote "Prelude to Glory." And today I had my math test, and then I have my music history test on Monday. I still have a lot of reading and things to do; I am looking forward to spring break.

And tonight, I went to a ward dinner. I ended up sitting across from Rebecca Morgan; she's in my writing class. And she said that maybe next semester we could be roommates. At least I would get away from the cafeteria food. And it would be great to have a roommate that I already know. And it would be a lot of fun in November -- we'd both do NaNoWriMo 2006. I thought you would want to know.

Family Pictures

Hey girls - Lets post where we want the pictures and what pictures we want on this blog. Trina said something about family pictures at the temple. That is great... but what if we left Summer and Stevie and Brooke and Bryan not at the temple. Didn't someone say something earlier about leaving them in trusted hands while everyone that can goes and does a session or baptisms?

In other news, Amanda is playing travel agency and figuring out our trip we are going to be taking this summer. We are not traveling across Wyoming and Washington and Utah and California anymore. Sorry, Eric, I really did want to do that stay outside with the sun thing. Instead we are going to be traveling across Europe. On bicycles.... well not that really, but most likely by train and bus and plane. If anyone has suggestions of things to see pr which countries would be better we will listen to or read your comments. We are definitely going to England, Italy, France, and Germany. Possibly Ireland, Netherlands, or Switzerland. I hope we don't die of too much foreignitis.

that is all.

Nathan

we're back

We had our nice little diversion in Florida and now we're back in DC and at work. We didn't do a whole lot while we were down there - just visited with various family and friends. It was nice. We went to the Mardi Gras parade in Mobile (so now I can say I've done something in Alabama or "Bammer" besides drive through it) on Friday night. It didn't make a lot of sense to me - Mardi Gras doesn't, really - but it was fun. It wasn't the debauchery that New Orleans is reputed to be. Mobile is more "family oriented" and a lot of people take their children. We have lots and lots of beads that were thrown off the floats. I did eat a MoonPie, which is this marshmallow and cookie thing that sounds pretty good but is actually quite disgusting. (More Southern food for me to be grossed out over.)

I agree with Tawnia that people are posting far too infrequently these days. And where the heck has Jared been hiding? Are you waiting for someone to notice your lengthy absence and comment on it? Well, here's your comment. I noticed. And please put the movie page back up - I need to reference a few things that you had on it for doing some more work on the script. Muchas gracias.

REMINDER: Next Monday, Feb. 27, is the last Monday of the month so it's time for the Blog FHE again - more articles, stories or "what I've learned" statements about family and/or parenting to share! Thank you for participating!

Movie Night

There are some new Stevie pictures and a Stevie movie on my page.

I was wrong about the finals of ice dancing, they're actually on TV tonight (but I looked it up online and already know the US gets silver. Don't tell Laurel!). I'm going to bed.

I dropped one of Laurel's little weights on my toe. It hurts pretty bad.

We got one too

Emily mentioned that she got a new bishop last Sunday. We got a new bishop, today. I don't think any of you know him, except maybe Trina. It's Nich Ochs, he's married to Diane Babb. When he first started investigating the church he had long hair and earrings. Now he's a bishop. People change when the gospel is in their lives. The counselors are both new to the ward.

I've been spending quite a bit of my time trying to keep up with the Olympics. I also had to take some of my girls to dance practice, then chaperone the youth dance last night. I'm keeping busy. I still haven't figured out the problem with my leg, now I need to see a dermatologist to see if he can figure it out. It's no fun but support hose and aleve help.

I haven't gotten anything finished to add to my page since my last post. It's interesting that some people were complaining that no one commented when they posted something new. Well, I haven't gotten any comments either. I guess we're all rather neglectful in that regard. I hope to have something new up in a few more days.

I'd better run now and see what I can accomplish on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Love ya,
MOM

Posting

Hello, Family.

Life for me has been very busy and stressful. For one thing, there are midterms. I haven't heard back on my test in philosophy, and we have a lot of reading to do with Descartes and Locke. It's my least favorite subject. And I've got a big history test on Tuesday, as well as the first chapter and a half of a novel due. I've got that written; I still need to print and copy it. I've got a math test on Wednesday, and I don't know when the music history test will be.

And someone decided that this would be a good time for Spirit Week, so there have been a lot of activities going on. I went to a dance last Saturday, as well as the play "Schoolhouse Rock." I only stayed for about forty-five minutes; I was tired, and I wasn't having much fun. Last night, there was SVU Idol. My new bishop, Stoddard, was one of the judges. Did I mention that we got a new bishopric last Sunday? Anyway, some of the singers were really good, but sometimes people forgot the words (though there were times when it was deliberate). They sang everything from Disney songs to popular songs to "I'm a Little Teapot." And tonight there's Shenanigans, the improv comedy troupe.

And in other news, a bridge fell out of my mouth. I haven't been able to schedule a dental appointment yet, so it probably won't be fixed until Monday. So I just take a lot of Tylonal and chew with the right side of my mouth.

That's It! I'm posting!

Goodness! What's going on? Are you all doing what I've been doing??? Checking to see if anyone has posted, and then not posting because no one else has. Well, get over it, and POST already!

This week has been tiring. I've been back at work all week, but I'm still getting over the bronchitis. But the week still went well. Yesterday we had a field trip to the Bean Museum. No, it's not a museum full of beans. Actually it's full of animals (dead, stuffed ones.) It's named after some man with the last name Bean. The field trip went well, except I forget how tiring they are, even though I don't have to do anything. I think it's the stress of the field trip that exhausts me. But, once I got back to school it was a pretty easy day. And, it's a three day weekend!! Hooray! I'll probably spend a lot of time out at the school in order to get caught up on everything I got behind on because of being sick.

Other than that... I got to go back to my ballet class this week. It makes me really sore for a few days afterwards. And our teacher was gone, so we had a sub, and she was okay, but I'm looking forward to our regular teacher being back.

Ummm... so, I need to go take a shower and get going on the day. I slept in for a long time and had lots of dreams about... school. It's supposed to snow today and tomorrow. I'm still half asleep, so I am rambling.

I love all of you.
Love,
T

my olympics comment

Maybe this is totally heartless, but I was not exactly sad to see Michelle Kwan step out of the Olympics. My thought, since the start of the TV coverage, has been "ENOUGH!!! Talk about SOMEONE ELSE!!!" This same thing happened in what little I saw of the Salt Lake Olympics - Michelle Kwan got injured and couldn't compete in the US championships to decide who would go to the Olympics, but she petitioned and they let her on the team anyway. She was The Story of the Games - would she win that elusive gold? The only medal she didn't have? Over and over and over ad nauseum, and then she placed 4th and got upstaged by a little kid half her age who COULD land all the jumps that she couldn't. And now 4 years later, here we go again ... The exact same frickin' story - injury, no competing in the US championships, got into the Olympics by petition, blah blah blah. Mercifully, it has ended. (Until 4 years from now when we may have to go through it all again.) To Michelle Kwan - It's OVER. You've had your time in the sun for a frickin' decade (no exaggeration), and now it's someone else's turn. LET IT GO.

Yes, I get irritated easily at stupid things right now, but really. This was just ridiculous.

Pregnancy report: As of this past Sunday, I'm now in the 3rd trimester. My energy level has been dropping in the last couple of weeks and it's getting much harder to drag myself to work every day. I just don't want to go. Adam says I'm "nesting" now - over the weekend, I totally scrubbed the kitchen and dining room like I was possessed. He just stayed out of the way. I took more weird tests at the doctor this morning - this one a "glucose test." It's to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes (I'll get the results at my next appointment in 2 weeks) - basically, I drank this super sweet orange soda stuff really fast that gave me stomach cramps, and then had blood drawn. About 2 hours later, I had that crash like when you eat way too much Christmas stuff - I just wanted to go to sleep, and I've been dragging all day since then and a headache is coming on. But for a while, I was rushing around getting all kinds of stuff done at work. Weeeeee!!!! It was almost comical.

Adam and I are leaving tomorrow morning to go down to Florida to see his family for a few days. I need a break from work and he needs to visit the Fairbanks's, his "adopted" grandparents. They're moving to live with their daughter in Minnesota or something like that, so he needs to go say goodbye to them. It's pretty much the last chance I have to travel before the doctor cuts me off, it's my last chance before work gears up again with more conference planning, and it's the last trip we'll be able to take by ourselves for a goodly number of years. So off we go.

V-day

Well, I really don't like Valentine's Day. Yesterday was rather hectic. The kids didn't have to wear their uniforms, which, for some reason, makes them rather hyper. Then we had our class party, which, of course, gets them really riled up. I don't like that it makes it seem like a waste of a day at school. Yet all the kids are there!

The nice part was that Mindy stayed late and then needed a ride home, so I got out of here by 3:30 (which I never do!) I took some work home though. I got caught up on recording a lot of the math that the kids did while I was gone. And graded their last math test.

And then I watched and recorded Gillmore Girls, since Mindy was at work. And after that I sat around and watched the Olympics for quite awhile. I thought it was awesome that we got a gold in the men's alpine combined.

And right before I headed off to bed, I called and talked to Shawna Webb. (She had actually called me and I was returning her call.) And I also pondered on if I should go back to get my Master's, and what I should get my Master's in.

The End
-T

P.S. Oh, and of course I love all of you!

A belated Valentine to you all

Hello, everyone. Happy Valentine's Day. Sorry I'm a little late. I did get some chocolate -- some from my home teacher (and he sent some to my "companion" as well), and an anonymous box of chocolates from a girl who thinks I'm awesome, and there was a Valentine's Day song at the forum.

We had a speaker at the forum who spoke on Japanese culture: tea ceremonies, poetry, architecture, and bathing. He also spoke to my history class about myths about the samurai. Considering that most that is written about them was written during the time of peace, it's not surprising that there are some misconceptions and contradictions. Next week in history we'll talk a bit about the Middle Ages. And I'm getting very excited about my reading. All my classes are keeping me very busy.

This is spirit week, so I went to a dance on Saturday (after the play "Schoolhouse Rock" -- do you remember that cartoon?). There are basketball games and other activities going on. Tonight there's a date auction, with guys being auctioned off; the money goes to the school publications. The only reason I might want to go is to shout, "We wants the redhead! We wants the redhead!" (And interestingly enough, there is a redhead who will be up for auction.)

was it Valentine's?

Actually, this year's Valentine's Day was better than last years. I can't recall a single thing that made last February 14th in any way special or romantic. Good thing I'm not in Canada anymore, huh? This year though, my ex-boyfriend Derek sent both me and Tawnia roses. We knew they were coming, but it was still nice. Three dozen red, pink, and white between the two of us, so they're gorgeously adorning our coffee table. And then the chocolate. Working at an elementary school, I got to have a Valentine's Day party, including all the little paper valentines from my class. I got more chocolates than I did at Christmas, and I still hadn't eaten all of those yet. I'm good until Easter at least. And then I worked at Subway in the evening, teaching a new girl how to close properly. It's been nice having new people there, so I'm not working alone at night, but I think last night was the last night, and tonight and Monday (when I'm working again) I'll be alone once more. Ah well. I knew it wouldn't last, no matter how much more safe it was.

In the end though, beyond the chocolate and roses and cards, I love my family. You're all wonderful, and I'm REALLY REALLY looking forward to this summer. I'm glad I don't have anything holding me back anymore, and that I can finally meet Adam and Bryan .. and Stevie and Summer too. Sister pictures, and family pictures, it'll all be great. I can't wait to give everyone a big hug.

My Valentine's Day

I hope you all forgive me for not posting this sooner. On Friday, JoAnne's mom passed away. She's been living at JoAnne's for the past 5 years or so. It was very difficult for JoAnne, even though she knew it was coming. She died at home, which was what she wanted. I've spent quite a bit of time over there the past few days. Today was a memorial service at their home. She didn't want a funeral. So I guess you could say that we spent the time talking abaout how we love people and sharing our love. The service was at 4:00 so I left work a little early but didn't have to take the whole day off.

I have been able to watch some of the Olympics and have enjoyed what I've seen so far. I have to tape part of it because they show it so late. Then I have to try to find time to watch what I taped.

I've been working on a few things for my page when I can find a moment or two. I'll put them up as soon as they're ready. I too am anxious to see everyone at the reunion. I wish I could come to DC right when your baby comes, Trina, maybe when the next one comes I'll be retired and able to travel more. I just hope we can afford it.

Happy V-Day to you all!

I never really paid much attention to Valentine's Day before but it's a big deal to Adam. So we have our little party every year now (this is our 3rd year - the 1st, we'd just gotten engaged). I don't think Valentine's Day is JUST about being mushy and romantic - it's to remember and acknowledge yet again how you care about people. So here are my Valentine wishes for all of you:

Dad - I like how you call out of the blue sometimes just to say hi. I love you.
Mom - All the girls in my ward who have just had babies had their moms here right away. I wish you could be here right away when Summer is born, and I'm really glad that you're coming for a couple of weeks this summer. I love you.
Eric - Our conversations, whether or not we agree, are definitely interesting and I enjoy them. We should talk more often. I love you.
Laurel - After watching that video of Stevie being born, man alive, you are one tough cookie. I love you.
Stevie - I love the cutest baby boy in the world!
Jared - Thanks for all your phone calls - those mean a lot. I love you.
Michelle - You make me laugh SO HARD sometimes. The most recent thing you said that still makes me laugh when I think of it was when Jared said that the easy part of being pregnant is the 2nd trimester. You said "The easy part is being the man." HA! I love you.
Brookie - I'm very excited to see you again at the reunion this summer! I love you.
Bryan - Making the movie with Torpedo Boy will be very fun! I love you.
Tawnia - I'm glad you're enjoying being in Utah and teaching - what you've wanted to do for a good long time. Onward and upward! I love you.
Emily - It's fun to have you out here on the East Coast with me. See you in a couple of weeks at spring break! I love you.
Nathan - Good job on getting through Chemeketa, and good luck at Willamette! I love you.
Amanda - Thanks for taking care of our baby bro there and making him so happy. I love you.
Mindy - I'm sure it's still hard for you sometimes, but honestly - I'm really glad you're back in the U.S. so you can come to all the family stuff again. Yay for the reunion this summer! Finally time for another Sisters picture! I love you.
Clarissa - Good luck with all of your plans for the future! Keep us posted on the blogs, and please post more often so we can hear what you're doing! I love you.

xx olympics

Has anyone been watching the Olympics? There have been some pretty amazing come-backs. In skiing, skating, and snowboarding. I'd tell you about them, but I don't want you guys getting mad at me if you are waiting to watch something and then I give it away. Michelle Kwan also bowed out and the alternate had to fly in. She hurt herself during a practice and she also wasn't doing to well when she flew in to Torino.

I enjoy watching th birds that come to our feeder. We have about a dozen gold finches and several other types. It is always the little ones that are the most feisty chasing the others away. They flap into the window a lot, but not generally hard enough to hurt themselves. [

bye,
Nathan

Will you be my V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E?

So for FHE tonight we made valentines. Laurel made some really nice ones. Stevie got four shots today and was pretty upset for quite a while. He's doing better now.

He sure is a sweet boy that boy.

I'm teaching another class tomorrow. I taught all last week and was pretty beat, but now I'm jumping back into it.

That's all for now.

Eric

Quick post

Jared is still 30 today? I guess that is a dumb question because he will be for the next year, but does our opening page have to be that for a year?

Congrats on getting accepted into law school Adam. I hope that you end up going to the one that you want to go to. Don't give up on Harvard.

It took me a second to understand your comment about the Truman Show, Laurel, but I get it, and you are exactly right. Everyday I wake up and my wife is next to me. I do not know if I am living the Truman Show, Groundhog's Day, or eternal bliss.

I am glad that Eric got to go to Disneyland. I heard that the Anaheim Angels aren't the Anaheim Angels anymore. Is this true?

Nathan

one down, six to go

Adam got his first acceptance letter for law school today - hooray! It's for American University here in DC, which is actually the lowest ranked school that he applied for and his last choice. But hey! That's one so far and no rejection letters (although we pretty much expect that from Harvard, just to be realistic), so law school can now officially be considered a Done Deal.

The opening ceremonies for the Olympics just began on TV - be forewarned if you're watching it tonight that there's a full hour on NBC of "human interest" stories before the ceremonies actually start. And they look ... interesting. Very modern art-ish.

Better??

Well, I think the fever may have finally broken... of course, I don't have a thermometer, so it's just a guess, but I actually feel like eating something other than chicken noodle soup, toast, and bananas.... now I just have to figure out what it is I feel like eating. Thank you to all of those that are praying for me. Keep doing it! I think I might actually live now! Hooray! In fact I might even be able to go over to the school tonight or tomorrow to get prepped for next week. Wouldn't that be loverly! I am still hacking up some pretty nasty stuff and my sinuses are still all clogged (I get these awful sinus headaches) but other than that, I can actually think somewhat, and I have the energy to move and eat.

Mindy is off at work. She borrowed my car again today because her ride (our neighbor) is also sick (but I don't think she has what I have.)

I got an e-mail from one of my kids today. It is really cute. She cracks me up. I e-mailed her back, but, since she's currently at school, she won't get it until tonight. My friend Vanessa is going to teach my class art today... I'm sad to miss her first day with my class, but I am excited to hear her take on my class.

Anyway, I need to go and eat something. I hope everyone else is doing well. I am really looking forward to the reunion this summer. I just want to SEE everyone again!

Love,
T

College Quiz Bowl

Last night, I wandered downstairs, hearing there was a quiz bowl. There were about a dozen people there, and I ended up playing. We had teams of four players who would answer questions. The teams were really uneven. My group, due a great deal to me, came in second. (Alas, we were solidly beaten during the final round, so we did not win any T-shirts.) I was invited to come to practice today, so I did. We had questions from the national tournament, which were really difficult, but I was able to answer two. I may go next week.

Michelle's comment to Mom's post

Hey, that was/is good stuff, Michelle. This very well could be what's wrong with Mom's leg because she does have a problem with her blood sugar. Interesting. Mom, why don't you bring it up with your doctor? On a related note, my friend Alisha had a HORRIBLE time with being pregnant with breaking out in a huge rash and she was told she was "allergic to being pregnant." About a year later, I read something in Reader's Digest about some disease that has symptoms that show up as being "allergic to being pregnant" and I immediately told Alisha about it. Sure enough, that's what she has, but her doctor didn't figure it out until she told him, based on this article that I found.

Moral of the story: tell people about your aches and pains. You can figure things out from the weirdest sources, not the least of which is the family blog.

Moral of the story 2: Trina is learning from her medical transcription course. Neuro = nerves. Pathy = disease. Those are 2 of my recent vocab words.

P.S. I posted here instead of adding another comment due to that lack of activity already referenced. Just busy with work is all - today was back to back meetings all day and now I'm trying to catch my breath before I head home. Whew!

Bronchitis

Wondering where I've been?? I've been in my bed, feeling horrible. I haven't been to work since last Friday and I am not heading back to work until Monday. Please remember me in your prayers, I don't think I've been this sick since.... well, I don't remember when.

-Tawnia

Updates

I've been home all this week with a stupid problem with my leg. I keep checking the blog but there hasn't been much action. I even posted another question but there haven't been any takers. Is everyone super busy? I decided to make a little action of my own and have done a few more updates to my site. I have a lot more things I want to do. I'm going to work tomorrow and we'll see how it goes. It's difficult to walk but the doctors don't seem to know what to do with me. Anyway I'm sure you don't want to hear about Mom's aches and pains. How is the script coming Emily and Trina? Have you had time to work on it much? It sounds like Emily is pretty busy with school, so I thought I should ask. I still haven't heard what most of you want me to do about your costumes, or have you got that all figured out yourselves?

Enough rambling for now, I need to get ready for YW.

Love ya,
MOM

Feeding the wolves

Classes are becoming more stressful now. I'm starting to work on a history paper that's due in three weeks, my philosophy midterm is on Monday, I have a math quiz on Friday, and on Tuesday, ten pages of my novel are due -- either the same one I started work on or a new one. Yes, I get to write more and then feed it to the wolves. And for some strange reason I'm more excited about playing computer games.

I am back

Sorry your job thing did not work out for you, Mindy. At least you gave it a shot. Three jobs at once is crazy. It was three, right?

Why did you have to sprint back home, Emily? If you were going to jump in puddles and get all wet anyway I don't see any reason for running. Then again I need glasses to see 5 inches in front of me, so there is no way I could see across 3 time zones and see why you were running.

Laurel, a movie that I can watch over and over again is The Truman Show. I watch it with my wife, Amanda.

I know you have a shoe city down in southern CA Eric, but do they have a T-shirt city? Sounds like you need one with all the t-shirts you wish you had.

Jared, what is up with your page?

Right now I do not remember a whole lot of the other things that people have posted on the blog, so please do not feel sad that I did not post something to you. Amanda just called and I am going to lunch with her. Oh yeah, the reason I got on here was to let you all know that I received my CCC diploma today. star wink star

Nathan

movie thought

We're watching Ocean's 12 right now, and one of the group is a little Aisan guy ... and although he talks in a foreign language, everyone in the group understands him, and responds to him, as if they all understand .. except there is no subtitles, so we just have to guess what he's saying. It's rather entertaining, and it reminded me of the movie, and Clarissa's character. Maybe you could rent it and see what I mean .. just as an example of how it has been done before.

a slight change in plans

Okay .. so after working three jobs for a week, I got sick the entire weekend. Instead of a relaxing few days off, I spent it all in bed, trying to enjoy the taste of food again. And so I decided to quit the preschool. I told them that it was because I didn't have the time or energy, and although they aren't happy, I'm going to work my two shifts for this week and call it good. Really, it's partly because I had no energy, and partly because I wasn't enjoying myself. I wasn't happy around the children. They wanted all this organization, but they had none, and making something out of that much of nothing was too much work for me. It just didn't work. I probably shouldn't have even applied or anything, but now I know.

Emily's weekend

On Saturday, I went to a basketball game: Knights vs. Apprentices. It was pretty close in the first half and went back and forth, but then the Knights pulled ahead in the second half and won: 76 to 64. The last minute took five to play. It was pouring down rain, and I had to sprint back to Main. I only stepped in two puddles . . . deliberately.

Today there were no classes. I did do a little homework, especially for my writing class, but mostly I was just relaxing. And right now I'm waiting until 5:00 when the cafeteria opens.

BOOO!!!

The Seahawks should have won, or should have not lost by as much as they did. The Steelers should not have had that first touchdown and the Seahawks should have had theirs. UNBELIEVABLE!!! 'k bye

News from Headquarters

Trina asked what Dad is doing with the house. We're redoing our bedroom. We took out the bookshelves and are replacing both windows. We've moved the bed into the corner and are repainting the room. We got a new bedspread and I'm making curtains. I'll post pictures when it's all done. We also repainted Clarissa's room and are turning Emily's into the library. Daddy built bookshelves and we painted them yesterday so now we can fill them with the books.

I also wanted to let you know that I got a wedding invitation a few days ago from my brother, Gary. He and Marleen are getting married on February 25th. I talked to her on the phone this afternoon. She's 52, (Gary is 59) and she has twins, but I don't know how old they are. You can meet her at the reunion in Seattle this summer.

I also figured that it's time for a new question. All this talk about children made me think that maybe this question would be a good one - What do you hope for your children and grandchildren? I'm sure everyone has thought about this at some time, even those who aren't married yet.

I'd better run now and take a short nap before I have to go back to church for our pre-ward conference meeting and visits.

Love ya,
MOM

Wait.

Jared is THIRTY? And ERIC is thirty... one? Really? Sheesh. We're rackin' 'em up here, aren't we. But really - half the time I don't even remember my own age anymore, just that I'm more than 30 and less than 40. I do remember the dates of everyone's birthday and what year we were all born (except I keep getting stuck with Brooke, and I'm losing track of what years Eric and Jared got married) ... but to figure out someone's age anymore, I have to actually do the math. Hopefully I do better with my kids and don't end up stupid like the parents in the movie Matilda: "You're 4!" "No, I'm 5! It's time for me to go to school!" That would be bad.

Well, anyway, Happy Birthday, Jared! 30 was a big decade mark for me - I spent the whole decade of my 20s trying to figure myself out ... while there are still many, many unknowns out there, I at least have a pretty good handle on who I am and what I want out of life, and I hit that at about 30. So I hope for that for you (and Eric and Laurel, the other 30-ites among us).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JARED!!!

Happy birthday, brother. I hope that this friday is better than all the other fridays you have this year. I would have posted at 12:45 am, but the blog wasn't working on our computer. I will try and call you later.

Nathan

Happy 30th Birthday Jared!

I guess I get to be the first on the blog to wish Jared a happy birthday.

Why, it seems like only 17 months ago that I turned thirty...

Anyway, I hope you have a great birthday and get all the presents and cake you have coming to you.

Usually the thirtieth birthday thing is all about growing older and taking on responsibilites and all that. But since you were married at 22 and had a child at 23, you've done that already. Just keep on growing and being the mighty man you are. I'm proud to say you're my brother and I brag about you all the time.

Take care of that beautiful family and we'll see you in Oregon this summer.

(I'll try to call tonight around 8PM your time.)

Hello, family

I'm hoping for an early spring too, especially after the fire drill at 7:30 this morning. Hardly anyone was awake, and it was cold outside. I grabbed my coat and sandles, but I didn't have time to put on socks, so my feet were cold.

No, Nathan there were no knee-pads provided. I hope next Monday's activity is better -- Twister. I don't know how many people are going to be there, because there's no school on Monday. This may allow me to do more homework. Actually, I'm not too far behind in classes, and I shouldn't have an unusually large amount of homework over the weekend. On Friday afternoon, though, I'm going to talk with my history teacher about my term paper. I had the idea of something about warfare and technology -- perhaps a case where technology did not win the battle. That might be interesting.

6 more weeks

I believe Punxsutawney Phil (yes, I had to look up the spelling) did see his shadow, so 6 more weeks of winter. Although if it's more winter like we've been having here, who cares. It's cold in the morning and at night, but during the day, it's sunny and in the 50s. Adam and I have been sitting outside to eat lunch.

Nice post, Nate. It was an interesting insight into what you talk to other members of our family about. What's going on with Dad and the house, anyway? About the FHE stuff - my suggestion was to do it once a month, on the last Monday of the month. But posting whenever during the month is fine too, or even not at all. It would be nice to have everyone participate on the same day, but things happen and people get busy, and no one will be frowned upon for missing sometimes.

Mindy, I noticed your post about 3 jobs and was going to ask you about it on the sisters blog, but then I didn't. So I'll ask you here - how the heck are you managing that sort of schedule? How can you teach at the preschool and be a TA at the charter school at the same time? Which job pays the most and gives you the most hours? There. That better?

I had my first weird food craving - the food isn't weird, the craving was. I wanted cake. I normally only eat cake in connection with birthdays and some holidays, but darn it all, I wanted CAKE. So I baked one Tues. night - it's now Thurs. morning and the whole thing is gone. Adam ate it too but not much.

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

Amanda's favorite holiday. It is raining here, and I am hoping that the groundhog that predicts spring for this part of the country says, "Where's my shadow? I guess spring is coming." I am cold walking back and forth from the library and the gym and home, so I would like spring to come sooner than later.

Dad-How is the house coming? It was looking good when Amanda and I were there on Sunday. I do not think that we are going up this weekend because Amanda is on duty, but we will be up there again some time. Hopefully you don't let mom with our games anymore.

Mom-Sorry we have yet to put up another story. I have trying hard to keep up with classes, which I could be doing better at, and I never remember to post the next one. I think Amanda still needs to edit it.

Trina-Sorry we did not post anything about your FHE thing. We actually did not have FHE until last night due to certain circumstances, but I need to ask Amanda what she wants to put up. How often, and when, exactly are we doing this PFBFHE (Palmer Family Blog FHE) thing?

Adam-Have you been having better days since that one when your boss told you not to speak your mind? You can tell us about the good ones too. Unless you aren't having any. But I hope you are.

???-Hello little one inside Trina. I hope you are ready for this family.

Eric-I like your chicken cartoon. But what is the story behind it? Can Stevie say my name yet?

Laurel-I hope Stevie isn't too hard on you. He looks like he is getting bigger and that he is a happy baby. But maybe that is because you guys only take pictures of him when he is smiling. Do you draw pictures of him?

Stevie-gurgle gurgle ppplllbbbbb burp fart mmmmmhhhhh zzzzzzzzzzzz. (he'll understand)

Jared-I slowed that song down and I need to send it to you again. I may have done it too much though. What is great is that it takes longer for the program to open than to actualy do the slowing down bit. You got rid of all the other music, man. How can I do my job? Where's the picture of Stevie on the corp. history?

Michelle-How life at home treating you? Is Bryan being good? Is Brooke keeping away from that ice cream? Last time I talked to Jared she served herself some thinking that it was ok to get it because she hadn't asked you guys to help. Pretty clever if you ask me.

Brooke-Keep reading. That way you learn new and bigger words and so then you don't have to keep asking some one else what a word means. I do that all the time with Aunt Amanda.

Bryan-I hope that you are keeping your reputation as torpedoboy. Don't be too fast on me though. I am getting old and can't keep up with little guys the way I used to.

Tawnia-How is teaching? I hope that your students are doing good in their classes. It's so cool that you get to go "try" museums out before you take your kids there. That, and getting summers off, makes teaching sound desirable. Oh yeah, and teaching the future of America. We need to talk about this summer and where we are going and what not.

Emily-Did they not offer knee-pads at your miniture-baseball (is that what it was?) game? That would leave one's knees pretty sore after running around on them for a bit. I am sorry. At least you don't write with your knees.

Nathan-...

Amanda-I hope that woek is not too stressful these next few weeks. I know that you are going to be way busy. I hope that the celebrations today will rejuvinate your energy storage. I love you and think of you often.

Mindy-ANOTHER JOB?!?! You're crazy. How's the boy search?

Clarissa-How is Karate? How is driving with JoAnne, or has that started yet? How is JoAnne's ghost?

I hope that is everyone.

Who else reads this thing?

Nathan

Did no one notice my post a few days back, saying that I got a third job? Everyone comments about Tawnia's post about Stevie being cute (yes, he really really is), but we already knew that. Just feeling a little left out. And Mom, sorry they aren't links on the bottom of my calender page, but I'm really trying to save space on the site, and it was just easier the way it is. But I've switched it to February now.