family history and Christmas

Whoa, have we really let this blog be silent for so long?!?! I guess because most everyone is on Facebook now ...

I was thinking about this blog during General Conference - what if we started using it for family history stuff? Then it would have a purpose that wouldn't be fulfilled with Facebook. Mom and Dad could post old stories about our ancestors, like they sent out last year leading up to the Nauvoo reunion. They were interesting to read and I'd like to share more of them with my kids. I could also  post a question once a month or so for everyone to answer to build our own family histories now and share stories back and forth. People working on extraction work or other family history work could share experiences, or questions, or "can someone help me look for _____" (like Aaron or Adam or Amanda who may be working on their own lines - others could pitch in and help them). You get the idea ... a family history location.

I also drew names today for the sibling and cousin gift exchanges. I assume everyone is still in for it - let me know if your family chooses to not participate this year (and no, no one will be offended) and I'll rearrange things.

Siblings:
Trina - Eric
Eric - Mindy
Jared - Nathan
Tawnia - Jared
Emily - Clarissa
Nathan - Emily
Mindy - Tawnia
Clarissa - Trina

My suggested theme is some kind of holiday decoration item, and it doesn't have to be Christmas. It can be for any holiday. Any other ideas, or are you good with this one?

Cousin book exchange:

Summer - Emma
Marnie - Amanda Junior
Jenna - Henry
Tenley - Brooke

Stevie - Jenna
Allie - Tenley

Brooke - Aria
Bryan - Marnie
Emma - Summer

Joshua - Allie
Henry - Stevie
Amanda Junior - Bryan

Aria - Joshua

I realize that your families will be getting the same names over again, but I've been keeping track of who has been giving gifts each year since we started this. There have been no individual repeats so far. Like last year, Brooke had Summer and this year Emma does. So even though it didn't change family, it did change cousin. And yes, I did this on a blind draw, only adjusting if someone got their sibling or a cousin they'd already had.

Craft Day at the Palmers

I love that little apron, Tawnia.  Awesome use for old jeans and having the pockets is super helpful.  And I hope I'm having a girl too so you can make me a bunch of those hats!!  But if it is a boy, I'd love a hat with a brim.  (Or any of the cute tie/vest onesies here.)  And the flowers are cute too.

I did find something that I wanted to make.  Obviously my brain is in baby-prep mod, so I'd love to make a baby carrier - especially when it's just one long piece of fabric.  All we have to do is pick out fabric, cut it in half (lengthwise) and hem.  Tada!  You can find more information here. Hooray for Mom having a sewing machine!

Another idea

So another idea I have is to make a lunch bag that is washable. So I found this pattern. More sewing.... should be interesting.

And Mom, you asked how much time we'll have to complete these projects. Here's my thought on that. We'll get started and see how much we can get done in a day. Anything that doesn't get done.... well, once I'm done with grad school this summer I'm going to be looking for some things to keep me busy! So we'll have some projects lined out for the summer, yay!

the first day of Valentine's

I don't remember what the conversation was, or exactly how she said it ... the other day at dinner, Summer announced that Grandpa is her best friend.

Just thought you'd like to know!

Craft Day

Okay, so I am going to start making suggestions for crafts that I want to do while I'm home. There are several. I'm going to put the links for them on here and then if anyone else wants to do them as well we can look into getting supplies.

First of all, I want to make myself a menu planning thing like Mom has. I couldn't find one exactly like hers on the internet, but I found this one which I thought looked pretty simple and fun. (And I just figured out how to do the "link" thing) I hope it works! I also want to make myself a magnetic message board.

And I want to make myself an apron. So here is an idea for how to that. Though I really want one of those cute reversible ones that I've seen several friends make... so I need to get the pattern.... this is me, actually being willing to SEW. Yikes, Trina must be rubbing off on me! And I want to make some placemats like this one.

And then there is the crocheting.... Having flowers in your hair is all the rage right now... so why not make some. There are lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of flower options... and then there are the headbands as well. And if you don't like flowers, how about a heart. Also in the crocheting realm, I'm sort of hoping that Mindy ends up having a girl so I have someone to make cute hats for.

Is this inspiring anyone else with great crafting ideas for the day of craftiness during spring break?

I was also thinking about plastic canvas. Mom, do you still have any? Do you still have patterns for stuff? I don't have many magnets for my fridge and thought it might be fun to make some of those also.

Now, I've posted my ideas... what other ideas are out there?

One of those Spring Break Days

Hey all you Oregon Palmers and the people who will be in Oregon for Spring Break (And everyone else too),

Mindy and I have been talking about what we want to do while we are there for the week and I suggested that we have a day of craftiness and also a recipe exchange. (I think the fact that I haven't made it to any week day Relief Society meetings in awhile is getting to me.)

So, here is what I need from each of you (and this doesn't have to be just the girls) -

1. Write a post telling us about a craft project that you have been wanting to do, or learn, or that you looked up and thought it looked like fun.

2. Comment on the other people's posts about craft activities about how cool they look and that you want to do that too.

3. We'll have to purchase supplies for these crafty things.... I think that buying things in bulk will probably save on the cost and since I don't want the cost to stop people from participating, well... we'll figure something out.

4. We'll get together on the appointed day (whenever we decide that should be) and have fun being crafty together.... while also .... eating healthy snacks!

5. In order for the healthy snacks portion to happen you all need to find a healthy snack recipe that is also delicious (because, seriously if it doesn't taste good why should we eat it) and make some to share with everyone and then have it there on the day of craftiness along with copies of the recipe for everyone to take.

P.S. I think it would be fun to invite the Dicksons (especially Deb, Amber, Melanie, Annika, and Sarah.)

P.P.S. Those that aren't able to be there could still participate by purchasing their own supplies for the crafts, making suggestions for crafts, making suggestions for healthy snacks, and then having their own day of craftiness and healthy snacks.

Any thoughts on this?

Life

So I made it a goal to post on all the blogs today.

On this blog I will mention the fact that I'm most likely staying in Roosevelt for another year (ie the 2012-2013 school year). Yay.

And less than nine weeks until I head to Oregon for spring break! YAY!

New calling!

Not for me - for Brooke. She is now the 2nd counselor in the Beehive Presidency.

Merry Christmas everybody!

The job search saga

Well, I've been putting in for jobs. Filling out applications is one thing. But so many times I've seen it where you throw out applications and never hear anything back. At least this time I've been getting some interviews.

I put in for a position as an educational assistant at Grandhaven -- similar to what Mom did, but part-time. I had an interview for that job today, and I think it went well. It was definitely better than my last interview.

The last interview was a surprise, and very quick. I'd found the opening on Monster and put in to work the front desk at a nursing home -- Osprey Court. The next day I set up an interview for the day after that. I tried to prepare, but when it started, I kept drawing a blank. I didn't get that job.

Oh, and earlier today, as I was getting ready to go to the district office, I got a phone call inviting me to come in for an interview at the steel mill. They have an opening for a clerk. I have a feeling that there might be more competition for this job, but at least they want to meet with me.

And while I was at the district office, I also put my name in for a position as librarian assistant at Wascher. That job is almost perfect; it would be perfect if it only had more hours.

reunion receipts

At long last, we've run through the food receipts from the family reunion.  We spend approximately $425 on food give or take a few dollars.  We budgeted for $500, so we have $75 left to split between the four couples and Tawnia and Emily.  It comes out to $15 per couple and $7.50 each for Tawnia and Emily.  If you want, we can send you a check.  Or we can just leave the money there as seed money for the next family reunion.  Let us know what you all want to do or if someone else has a better idea.

Not good news

I got laid off. Not enough residents at the nursing home. Part of me is a little relieved, since I didn't much like my job. Most of me is frustrated; I don't like unemployment.

cousin book exchange for Christmas AND sibling exchange notes

I didn't realize I hadn't posted this yet, even though I figured out the names awhile ago. Here is the list for the cousin book exchange for Christmas:

Summer --> Stevie
Marnie --> Henry  
Jenna --> Allie
Tenley --> Joshy

Stevie --> Brooke
Allie --> Bryan

Brooke --> Summer
Bryan --> Jenna
Emma --> Marnie

Joshy --> Emma
Henry --> Tenley

Eric and Nathan, you can send the packages to my house because Jared and his family are spending Christmas here. (Or Nathan can give it to Mom to put in her luggage.)

For the sibling exchange, maybe I'm just still on pregnancy brain but I didn't really follow what Mindy was saying about the letters/ornament exchange. Why would you just take a picture of an ornament instead of sending the actual ornament? And I do a year-in-review letter anyway every year and send it out with all my Christmas cards. Some kind of Christmas decoration (not just ornaments) could be fun, especially if it's homemade.

I also like useful gifts rather than useless - I'm so tight on space with cramming 4 kids into a 2-bedroom house that I don't have room for useless things. Books would also be good. Adam is of the opinion that there is no such thing as "too many" books.

for the record

Just so you all know, I'm holding Emily, Eric, and Amanda responsible for Tenley coming so LATE! Yes, coming at 40 weeks is LATE! Everyone else guessed the last week of September, and those 3 put their guesses for right up against the due date. Punks, all 3 of you.

I really really really do not want to be induced - when I was induced with Jenna, the stupid epidural did absolutely nothing to ease off the trauma of the pitocin and having my water broken for me. I'd actually kind of like to try to have this baby naturally, since I had ineffective pain killers with Jenna and also got stabbed in my back multiple times because the anesthesiologist didn't get the stent in with one attempt. Natural childbirth isn't going to be much worse than Jenna's birth, if it does surpass it in the first place.

Anyway, this week I've been doing much better with my energy level and fewer contractions and all. All the physical gear-up for labor has totally backed off. SIGH. At least I feel better. The latest discussion with my doctor was that he'll induce me whenever I want - he originally suggested this week. The final decision is that we'll let Tenley go all the way to 40 weeks to see if she comes on her own because that's what I'd prefer, and probably induce on the 17th if she doesn't because then all the age-bracket risks start to jump. I'm comfortable with that time frame. But I still really hope she comes before then, except NOT on the 8th because that's Marnie's birthday.

(Recommendation to all the sisters and sisters-in-law - obviously you need to discuss/decide this with your husband and the Lord. But my advice is to have as many of your children as possible and maybe even be done before you're 35. The minute you turn 35, obstetricians get REALLY paranoid and want to subject you to all kinds of extra tests and monitoring when pregnant. It's really obnoxious.)

time for the baby guesses

I'm now 35 weeks and I've been having contractions since we got back from Nauvoo over a month ago. I'm gearing up for labor-mode, so if you're going to make guesses as to when Tenley will arrive and her length/weight, whatever statistics you're shooting for ... now would be the time to do it.

Based on all the scheduling issues we have around here these days, I'm hoping she comes either on the weekend of Sept 24th/25th, or Wednesday the 28th. Well heck, I hope she comes on the weekend just so I'm done - I'd kind of like to resume breathing sooner rather than later. That means, of course, that she'll come on Mon/Tues (26/27) like all of her sisters even though those are the worst days for her to come. Mondays and Tuesdays are our busiest days for being out of the house with regularly scheduled things - Summer's dance, Marnie's dance, a music class, and the library. Plus, Adam has some stuff at work those two particular days.

Happy guessing!

sibling Christmas exchange year 5

My turn to be excited for Christmas this year.  Someone has posted before me in regards to it, but I figured I'd take the lead and get the sibling exchange sorted out for the 5th year.  I did go over the previous years to make sure there haven't been any duplicates yet, and came up with this configuration:

Trina - Emily
Eric - Nathan
Jared - Trina
Tawnia - Clarissa
Emily - Tawnia
Nathan - Mindy
Mindy - Eric
Clarissa - Jared

As for a theme, we've used something inspirational, a memory, food, and FHE in a box.  Jared suggested something completely useless.  As a counter suggestion I would say something useful.  A lot of what I get for Christmas is useless fluff, and would love to get something with a purpose.  I was on the phone with Tawnia this morning and she suggested a book exchange, like the cousins do.  Any other opinions?

I just had a thought about doing an ornament exchange?  Either with the sibling, or sending them to all the siblings (or just to Mom and Dad) .. finding a Christmas ornament that is specific to your family or location or stage of your life.  We could put those along with a year-in-review sort of letter.  I was just thinking about our memory letters of years past - I love reading those, and thought a review letter would be good to have for personal history and future reading.  Or instead of sending the ornament to everyone, just include a picture of it with your letter, so you can have it for future years.

Anyway, give your thoughts or suggestions on all of this so we can figure out what we want to do this year!

Requests

Trina started the Christmas things going so I thought I'd put my two cents in. I have a couple of ideas of gifts for the grandkids but I need some help from you. I need to know the kids t-shirt sizes. I also need their head measurements. How big around is each kids head? And I need their favorite colors. I think that's it for now. I'm not promising anything but I'll try to make them something. Dad would also like any pictures or videos you took during our reunions this summer including coming and going. It would be nice if you could tell us when and where they were taken. I've pulled some off Trina's blog and off facebook but the resolution is lower when you do it that way so if you could put them on the FTP that would be best. I made a folder on the main page to put them in, "Palmer Reunion 2011".

Thanks, MOM

Christmas exchanges?

I know, I know. It's still August. But hey! 4 months from today is Christmas Eve! And I've got a lot to do between now and then, so I'm starting on my Christmas planning now.

Just wanted to make sure that all the applicable parents are on board with the cousin book exchange - this is the 5th year. Yay! I actually really like choosing the books for the other kids - it's fun for me. Although, maybe this year I'll let Summer and Marnie choose what book they give to their cousin - narrow it down to 3 or 4 options and let them pick.

Yes or no on the sibling exchange again? Theme? The first year, we had "something that inspires you." I don't remember the 2nd year (2008). The 3rd year was food, and last year was FHE in a box. All of them good ideas - I wouldn't mind doing any of them again, or something new.

Palmer Family Reunion Mad-Libs

Here we are at the Palmer family reunion in playful Nauvoo. I've been forbidding forward to this for 1,000,273 nanoseconds, and I know you're just as itchy.

We've come from all over -- Virginia, Mississippi, and McDonald's. We came by car and by camel. Some of us exploded at the zoo and saw lions and tigers and roller-coasters -- oh my!

At Nauvoo, we saw fish heads built in the year 17. We enjoyed the pageant with all the singing and splaining. Our family talent show is even more sparkly. Rosemary will tease the songs "Row, Row, Row Your TV" and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Lazy Beret." Grandma will tell stories about our barrels -- such as the time Summer built a fire in the spray can or when her wood said, "The Jello is flammable." At the reunion, Adam is in charge of all the screaming -- except when Eric makes purple food. Yummy!

One more thing -- I call dibs on the duck bed!

moving

Announcement!

We will be moving (just a couple miles) soon. How soon? Well, we've started packing. We plan to have everything packed up and cleaned before we leave for the reunion, and we'll load it into a truck and take it to our new apartment on Saturday August 6, right after we get home again.

I'll send the address and other pertinent information out later.