David and I were discussing this book when we were in Japan and I just remembered to search on line. The book is actually called "The Great Green Turkey Creek Monster" and it is not being printed anymore. However, there were some used ones available (ex-library books) so I ordered one for old time sake!!!

I think most of you would probably remember the book...some seeds are sent in error and the town almost gets destroyed by the great green hooligan vine!!!

Love you all,

Mom

Morgan on the Carousel - she could have stayed on there all day. 

Parker & Taylor at Huis Ten Bosch - local Dutch Theme Park here in Sasebo. Go figure. 

Dave and Isaac running the 3K on Memorial Day. Isaac came in Third with a time of 13:10. Not too shabby.  

We have been having so much fun with Anne and Peter here. It is great finally getting a chance to get to know Peter. They are both so cute with the girls. Of course the girls all adore them in return, even Saran Wrap-Ellyn. We spent Saturday at the lake with some friends jet skiing and boating. They had a tube that you drag behind that had a bull on it. Yes, it was quite fun, I think that is as close to real bull riding as I'll ever get. Peter and Anne took a spin on the jet ski and then Mike took me out and did his best to try to get us to biff, but I held on and he failed. Then it was my turn to drive and I came around the one side while he leaned to the other and I was almost in place before we tipped over. Then we couldn't get back on to save our lives. One of us would make it and then we would tip while the other one was attmepting to climb up. We were laughing so hard our attempts just became more and more ridiculous. Finally our friend Todd came by with Jane and Savannah and picked Mike up and I stayed out on the jet ski for awhile. It was great. Sadie and her little friend Addyson played on the lawn at the house the whole time. There were two baby pools and a slip and slide and they just loved it. Ellyn just played with anyone who wasn't on the boat. It was beautiful. We brought cupcakes out with us and sang happy birthday to Sadie. A wonderful way to spend a Saturday. Every night we start a movie and I poop out and take the babies to bed. I guess that means I'm getting old- or that my kids are exhausting me.

Jane realized at field day that she could not jump rope worth beans with a normal jump rope (she always jump roped with her hoola hoop) so we bought her a jump rope (Bailey had eaten her last two) and she has spent the past week mastering this skill. I am proud of her perseverance (sp?). She has it down and is now obsessed. She and her friends have been jump roping non stop all week. That should keep her in shape.

Ellyn has been doing some more balancing and has actually taken two steps, twice. Progress.

Sadie had a great birthday. I can't believe it has already been three years. She has been singing for us quite a bit this weekend. Songs she has written herself. Quite a treat. American Idol really inspired her. Our favorite rendition starts out with "I is," way too much time in the South.

Dave, I hope you are feeling better. Tom your finger looks like it either came from the undead OR like it could go into orbit at any moment. Hayden's pictures are way too cute. Does the voice changer really work? Adina, I know what you mean about smooth transition. Mike and I keep going back and forth on what would be best for Jane for the next couple of years. Should he try for a command sponser and all go to Korea, should I stay here and have him get an assignment here after Korea, our current plan, and about two other options as well. I just want this to impact the girls as little as possible. Decisions, decisions. I just don't want my impatience to be the deciding factor.

Okay, as far as camis. Old Navy on line has layering camis on sale two for $10.00 as of a couple of days ago. They said tiny fit so I got the large and they go down to the top of my thigh. Plenty long, plus they are the thin material they are using for their "layering" line right now. Probably not as nice as the shade ones, but cheap and lots of colors. I'm sure it won't last forever. My sister in law has the shade ones and loves them.
Enough babbling. I love you all, you know I do. Brooke

P.S. Barb, checked out the Schick blog and really enjoyed the stories Martha has been posting. What a treasure.

DSCF0013
Originally uploaded by dankus.

Finger, originally uploaded by dankus.

Front side.

DSCF0012, originally uploaded by dankus.

He goes around with the voice changer saying, "Luke, I am your father" and "You don't know the power of the darkside" It looks pretty funny.

DSCF0001, originally uploaded by dankus.

Well, this is a back side view, 3 of the pins viewable. That green one goes right down through 3/4 of the finger, no bendy.

Dad is out home teaching and I have just gotten off the phone with Martha. She sent me the packet on the trip in September and I am so excited!!!! Also, those of you who do not regularly look at the Schickie blog...I recommend you look into it soon. Martha has put some great family stuff about my grandmother and grandfather...and stories of Sterling etc. Several stories that Kay-kay told us throughout our childhood as well as some great pictures.

David and Adina, I agree with Buffy that it does sound like a migraine...although it could be a tooth also. The one sided aspect is very typical of my migraines. Hope it gets better soon or that you can get medication for it. My Zomig is great in being able to nip it in the bud!

Dad's home and we are going to go for a ride. I'll write later.

(Sadie, hope you had fun on your birthday...Congratulations on your achievements, Jane...and Taylor, your picture is extraordinary!!)

I love and appreciate all of you,

Mom

Sorry to hear about the headache Dave. It sounds like it is a migraine with what Adina described... one side of head, pulsating nature, and can last up to 72 hours. It is almost definitely a migraine if there is also nausea or increased pain with noise or light. Over the counter migraine medication with caffeine often helps people. Hope this helps (I did consult the textbooks).
Buffy

as stake yw president - therefore, the gestapo at stake dances - i was THRILLED to find this website...check it out http://www.shadeclothing.com/Shade_Under_Shirts.html

hopefully that link will work - it is the one buffy was talking about - there was a great article written about the founder of it in the christian science monitor.

tom and tracey - would love to see you guys sometime in the next couple of weeks! give us a call -

love-
lexi

Just want to wish Sadie a Happy Birthday! Wow - to be 3 again! What a life! We sure hope you have a great day!

On the homefront, Dave is ailing. He developed a "headache" at work on Friday, one that pain relievers aren't touching. But it is only on one side of his head, and "pulses". When it is not "pulsing", there is no pain. The pain began on the side of his head, the right side, above his ear. Now it is down directly in front of his ear. He says it worsens when he swallows sometimes. Anyway - we are going on Day Three of discomfort. I suspect a possible dental cause. He is skeptical, but he is the dental doc on duty, so a lot of good that does us. Anyway - any advice from you clinicians and otherwise experienced people would be appreciated.

We are headed to Huis Ten Bosch tomorrow - the replica Dutch Village theme park right next to us. We figure we should go since we have lived next door to it for three years. The pool opened this weekend and the kids want to spend every waking hour there.

Buffy - I tried to access that ShadeClothing site, but can't from here for some reason. Any one else having difficulty getting to it? I'm very interested in looking at it.
Brooke - I would love to have a house by the time school starts, but realistically speaking, I don't know if we will. For one thing, our household goods probably won't arrive until September. Our goal is to be in our own place by Thanksgiving at the latest. I would love to have the kids settled before school starts - it weighs on me because I want this transition to be smooth for them - but they will likely have to switch schools in October or so. We'll just wait and see what happens!

More later!
Adina

Ok so that didn't work the last time...
http://www.shadeclothing.com/Shirts_in_Action.html

This blog is for the female Stinches...
My sister told me of a small clothing company started by an LDS girl in Utah. She started it because there just aren't good undergarments out there to cover garments and such so that you can wear the current "styles". So she started making camisoles and cap sleeve tees that are high enough on the neck line and long enough on the bottom to wear with low cut jeans etc. My sister knows this girl's sister in WA and has bought several camisoles and tees and loves them. If you were interested, here is the link.

Buffy

Wow! We have such a smart little niece! Jane, I am very proud of you for being such a good student (getting A's takes a lot of work). Have a great summer off of school. K, now I'm jealous that you are all gonna be up in Washington and get to hang out so much. Of course it won't be the same without Mike there as well but the rest of you need to save some fun for Brent and I when we move up.
Take care,
Buffy

Tracey, I don't know if you should mention those games on here. I could just see Mike suggesting a road trip once Anne and Peter get here. Then you would really have a crowd! I am so glad you are feeling better. I know what you mean about the worrying, with Jane any time I didn't feel sick I would start obsessing. As much as I hated being sick, it was reassuring as well. Buffy, I can only imagine your relief right now. Sounds like you had alot of fun at the beach. It was not good to read that while I was starving. Adina, I forgot to say it, but I too am very excited for the time together. Washougal isn't too far away either. I still haven't heard how long you are staying w/Kenn and Barb. I would imagine you want to find the house before school starts. I want to do game nights again. Having Mike gone is not a good thing and we will miss him ALOT, but I am getting very excited to be up near our families. There has to be some good in all this mess.

Well Jane's last day of school was today. They had an honor's assemby this morning and Jane was recognized for all A's all year and for outstanding artist for her third grade fine arts class. We aren't proud of her or anything. We are really going to miss this school. Okay, Sadie just woke up from her nap and she is as grumpy as can be so I had better go. I love you all (okay the other day I posted I love you all, you know I do. It was what I had posted on my other blog based on the story of a friend of ours that said "You know I do" instead of "I do" at his wedding. Funny story, I had to share. Plus I didn't want you all thinking I was that cheesey).

So I am happy to say that I finished the last of the fun filled exams this week and am pretty sure I survived quite well. A few minutes after I walked out of the exam it finally hit me that we were done for the year.. what a great feeling! So after that I picked up Brent at work and we drove about 45 minutes up to Ventura where a classmate invited the whole class for some beach volleyball and football (which Brent was definitely a part of) and some truly great food at his parent's home. His family is a bit obsessed with fishing and travel all over (even Canada) to catch fish to bring back home. So they served sushi, sashimi, and grilled salmon and chicken, and fresh world famous Ventura strawberries for desert(yum!). Brent and I had a blast because 1)we haven't seen the beach in over a year since we live so far inland and 2)we aren't big on cooking unless you consider hamburger helper gourmet. We feel totally spoiled with going to Donovan's last week as well.
So now I get to have a nice four day weekend before my internship starts and not study!
By the way Taylor, we really love your talented art work too!
And Tracy, I'm glad you are starting to feel better. :)
Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone.
Buffy

The next post was clearly written by me but I should have signed my name, sorry!
Tracey

Wow! What a great picture Taylor! I can't wait to see some of you artwork in person! I know this is a random thought but if we lived back in earlier times we could set up an entire village with just the Stinchfield's because there are so many different talents and skills that we would have everything covered! Our village would definately thrive! You are all simply amazing! We even have our own resident Frankenstien... Tom got the cast off his hand and now just simply has a small ace bandage wrapped around his pinky to keep it covered. He can wash it with soap and put neosporin on it and such. But, I will have to post a picture because it is really freaky looking because he has long jagged scars down both sides and 4 pins sticking out of it! He is happy to have the bulky cast off though. Right now they are waiting for the bone to heal, unfortunately some of the bone was completely shattered so when they put the other pieces back together it left a big whole in the x-ray. (The thing that amazes me is that he has never done this before because he is the king of diving for balls...) Anyway, the doctor is still hopeful it will only be another 3 weeks or so. Tom is hopefull too because he misses softball and is really bored at the clinic despite his efforts to stay really busy. Today he was hoping he could get an XL glove over his hand to give him more options. We'll see...

So for the moving plans, we enjoyed using ABF and for us it was substantially cheaper but we only needed like 9 feet of truck. You pack everything so high that it doesn't take up much space (plus we don't have very much.) I think our total cost with tax, ramp rental, etc. was close to $1300. U-Haul without the gas and toll roads and such was quoting us near $1500 if I remember right. But again, I am sure things change. Some friends of ours just moved last weekend and they used ABF but I don't know what they paid. Good luck with all of that! One thing I do remember about ABF is that sometimes it depended on when I got the quote. I would get a really low quote one day and I higher one the next. Eventually it went back down but never to as low as that first quote I got... weird.

We are going to the Indians vs. A's game tonight and again tomorrow. Tom is torn about who to cheer for, but Hayden and I are definate Indians fans. Tomorrow night is Travis Haffner Bobblehead night, he's Hayden's favorite so we're excited. Another of Hayden's favorites is Star Wars. We just got him the Darth Vader mask and light saber at Costco, he loves them! I'll have to take a picture of that too, it's pretty funny. He walk around saying "Luke, I am your father!" and "You don't know the power of the Dark side!" Funny kid.

I am starting to feel a whole lot better these days with just intermitten sickness and a lot more energy. If I can just make it two more weeks I will be really happy about feeling better instead of a little bit nervous about it! I am sure things are fine but it's always hard not to worry. Hayden has decided to name the new baby Jack Jack. But sometimes he tells me that baby Jack Jack is in his tummy so I know he doesn't quite get it yet! :) Oh well, there is plenty of time! Well, despite feeling better I still know that I need a nap to make it happily through the Indians game because I was up late last night so I must go while my kids are still sleeping. Talk to you later!

Taylor,

I printed out your painting and posted it above my desk at work. People walk by and are amazed when I tell them that my 7 year old grandson painted it. Wow. I guess we know where your talent is. Papa....

For everybody that cares,

Coldplay will be having a concert at the Clark County Amphitheatre near Mom and Dad.... those of you who were at my graduation, that is where it is at. It is on August 17th! Treven and I are hoping to go after we get back from our honeymoon and before we leave to move out to idaho! I love you all! And I am soo impressed by the painting, Taylor! Wow! keep it up! 3 1/2 weeks left of school! WOO HOO! Treven is driving out right now with our friend Clayton to come here for Memorial weekend... It is nice a sunny and hot here finally so it will be a great one! I will take many pictures and post!

Kim

Taylor, your uncle Mike and I are amazed. That is a beautiful painting. I would love it if you would show Jane how you did that. She loves art too. I can't wait to see you in just 2 months. YEAH!!!
Love, aunt Brooke

Taylor's painting hanging on the wall at school. Quite the budding artist at 7 yo, he can't get enough of it. That is his little custom "T" stamp that he made on it too. 

I will call to make sure. I feel like I am missing something. I did two different quotes. One with less square footage. That was still $4,500. We are waiting to get Mike's actual orders to pursue it any further. I'll write more later.
Brooke

I can't believe that quote from U-pack! When we used it (twice), we did it soley for the money it saved us. The fact that we could travel together as a family and at our leisure was just a bonus. I remember looking into both U-haul and ABF, only to find out that ABF saved us tons. So - I'm sorry to hear that you were quoted so high, although with the increase in gas prices, I suppose it can happen. I would call to make sure - it can't hurt. Also - they quoted us as using a certain footage in the truck (that is how they figure out your quote) and we ended up using much less. We just didn't have that much, and we were efficient packers. So - consider that, too. Maybe Tom & Tracey can shed some light on the situation - they were the most recent to use them.

Also - the combined party sounds great. I will run it by Isaac to be sure and would love to help in the planning! Can't wait to be able to spend so much time with you this summer!

Well - gotta go. Housing is coming by this morning...
Take care everyone!
Adina

So now that I have a chance to write for a little bit as everyone is the office is out today, done for the day, or out at lunch and I have nothing left to do but answer the phone (that doesn't really ring much!), I guess I have time to write a proper blog.

So I am slowly but surely moving into my new place. I like it more and more everytime that I go over there. The parking is horendous but oh well just something to deal with. I got the keys on Sunday but with working everyday and not having had anything packed before Monday, I haven't been able to take more than a few boxes over everyday. Tonight I am going to take a break from the moving process. My roommate Kim leaves tomorrow morning, :(. This weekend I will be moving my big stuff and I think I am going to wait until I have everything over there and am out of my old apartment to start decorating. My wonderful friends with trucks will be helping me, except too bad that Derek (one of the friends) bruised his heel really bad rock climbing on Monday. Hopefully he will feel a little better by this weekend.

I am getting used to the routine of work. It is nice to have it be pretty much the same everyday. I REALLY like having nights off to do whatever I want. I am a night person so that is when I get stuff done anyway. Work has been good. I really like the people here. Today is my first day by myself. Before this the old admin asst, Kate, was training me. This week is going to be kind of slow because the president, Linda, is on vacation in Peru, and the vice president, Michelle, is dealing with personal problems so won't be in the office all week. And since I am mostly their assistant, if they aren't here, they aren't sending me anything to do. SO I have to be creative and find things to fill my time so I don't go crazy. Hey, at least they are paying me for it, right?

The other thing I am getting used to is the ridiculous price of utilities if you are living by yourself. I am so used to sharing utilities with other people and the price doesn't go down when you are by yourself, it costs just the same! So I have decided to skip on the cable tv. I don't really watch tv anyways because I don't have time or when I do it is crap. So I figured that if I am dying from boredom and need the tv on for company I will probably just end up getting netflix at like only 15 bucks a month (about half of cable tv) and then I can get movies I haven't seen and if I really want to see tv I can get the seasons of a show that I already know is good. Oh and I am cutting back to just the cell phone too. There really is no need for a home phone.

So Mike, Brooke, Dave, Adina...I feel really bad for you. I hate moving and I am only moving like 4 miles! I can't imagine moving across the country or the world and with a family! No thanks. Good luck, I will be praying for you!!

Anne, are you still coming out for Tiffany's wedding? If so, you are welcome to stay at my place. Have fun in Georgia with that one Stinchfield family! I know you will love it!

Brent and Buffy, thanks again for coming down to celebrate my graduation with me! Tom, Tracey and Hayden, thanks for the card! I loved the drawing! Thanks everyone for the congrats!

So things are great, life is good. I promise I will post those pictures soon but I can't promise too soon, I will be busy this week. I love you all and miss you a lot. I can't wait to see you all in August.

--
Marnie

Yeah it was the guy who did it for free. He called me the other day to let me know that he had finally finished.

-Anne

Hey,

I am at work so I have to be quick. I will write more later.

I am busy packing and moving. I promise I will post pics of the apt and my bike (currently at Kelly's house on Coronado) soon. I just am not supposed to do personal stuff at work (cheating right now!) So I only have a few hours before I become an old lady and go to sleep at 10! Anyway, enough of my excuses. Things are great, everything is falling into routine, I will write more later!

Love you all!

Marnie

Ok, so maybe I do have a final tomorrow that I have not started to study for and I happen to be blogging instead. But at least it is the last exam yah!
To reply to Dave: I'm almost 100% and I actually am back at the gym. Yesterday I had to use the rowing machine since all the treadmills were taken (I went at a busy time) and boy are my hip flexors tight!
To Kenn: This got me thinking about you using your rowing machine. I see why it might be hurting your back more since it really works the hip flexors. (sorry for the following nerdy comments) The psoas major muscles (major hip flexors) attach directly to the lower lumbar spine and by over-working these, you can actually be pulling the unstable vertebrae even more forward. But don't throw out the rowing machine just yet (or you can give it to Brent and I).... you can use it still but you need to balance it out with exercises that strengthen your back extensors and stretch your hip flexors. I plan to put together a series of custom exercises (with cool pictures) at my summer internship for you so you'll get that this summer or August at the latest. By the way, studies show that the pain can definitely be reduced with proper exercises.
Okay, now that you all know how nerdy I am I will finish my blog.
Now I get to study nerve conduction velocity testing and wound and burn care. So I think I'll eat lunch before I delve into those graphic pictures... yuck.
Buffy

Well everyone, I know it has been 1.5 yrs since our wedding, but we have FINALLY received our wedding video that guy told us he would get to us before our 1 yr anniversary. Anyways, Peter and I are going to watch it tonite. I am excited. We will bring it to Mike and Brooke's to show them and then we will bring it to Washington for Kim's Wedding. Mom and Dad: We have a copy for you to have. We love you all and hope to see you soon!

Love, Anne and Peter

I'm sure we will have recovered!!!! The party idea sounds like a ball...

Mom

Okay, Dave, I just did a detailed investigation of both my options. U-pack quoted me at $5003.00. U-haul, including my gasoline calculations put me at $2,591. I'm going to have Mike look at everything I looked at and check my math (not my strong point) but I'm afraid that U-haul is much cheaper. I could justify it if I had kids that were rotten travellers but I don't. They are angels. Now I don't know about Bailey. Maybe she'll get to ride with Mike! We've always travelled seperately in the past because of the dual car deal and it hasn't been bad. We use walkie talkies and actually now we have our cell phones. If you have any further thoughts on the subject I would love to hear them.

Besides that, it was good to hear your plans as far as travel and house buying. Are you staying with Kenn and Barb until you buy your own or will you rent in Washougal?

Jane wants a pioneer birthday. So...this is what I thought of. I thought we could do a big party with both families either at the Stinchfields' if you've recovered or at my mom and dad's on the 13th, 14th, or 15th. We could do kick the can ice cream and relay races (three legged, tug o' war, and wheelbarrow etc...) and a pie eating contest and do a combined Isaac and Jane party (I thought Isaac would be a fan of all the games). We could cook out as well. Does that sound fun to anyone else? Let me know.

Okay, Mike's home for lunch so I'm off. Anne and Peter, only 2 more days!

After a gorgeous (if hot) weekend in San Diego, we now have bright sunny skies in Vancouver. There is nothing more beautiful in my estimation than the combination of the vibrant greens, blue water, blue skies and snow capped peaks. Although I have to admit that Dad and I commented as we arrived in San Diego that we never appreciated enough the beauty that we lived in there. We have been very lucky...and in listening to all of you...we are all blessed to live in such a beautiful world. I sometimes think that the Lord could have created a cement jungle to just give us a place to live but instead created such exceptional beauty everywhere. It is one of many indications of how much He loves us.

The job hunt is active enough that I apply for jobs every week. I have gotten a little pickier however in what I apply for since some of them are just a waste of my time and the reviewer's time. I am too overqualified for the plethora of admin assistant, medical office receptionist etc jobs...plus the money I would earn would not be worth giving up my freedom. I remember throwing away many "overqualified" resumes when I was reviewing for those type of jobs. I'd do a bang up job of it but I couldn't get to the interview stage!!! The other category is the jobs that would put me in a different field..which I would be more interested in such as medical administration or banking. Those don't look at me because I don't have the necessary experience in those fields. So that sort of leaves customer service management... Those jobs are pretty few and far between. Two came up this week, one for a truck parts company and one for Nautilus. The Nautilus one is right here in Vancouver but they ignored my resume a few months ago when I applied for the Director position. This is now a manager position so it will be interesting to see if they call. If they did...and offered me the job, I would have the dilemma of trying to get them to let me off for three weeks in September for the Europe trip with Martha. It is all paid for plus I really want to go!!! I won't cross that bridge however until they are interested enough to offer me the job!!!

The job hunt is not absorbing me though. I am enjoying the slower pace of life. I do exercise four days a week at Curves and do the "strong women" weight lifting two times a week. Dad and I only really do the walking on the weekends...it is hard for Dad to get out after his 10 hour days...plus we have a lot of things interfering in the evenings.

Today, I am going to go to Curves and then go down to the temple for a session. I try to go at least once a week to the temple. I'm hoping that they have the CD for conference in at the bookstore. I like to listen to that in the car.

We really enjoyed the time with Marnie. On Dad's blog, the machine did something with his last paragraph about Sunday. We went with Marnie to sign the papers on the apartment and then went to her singles ward (her roommate spoke). We then went up to PQ and tried to see a few people but only succeeded with the Alsups prior to Matt calling to let us know he was off work. We went to dinner with Marnie and him at Tio Rio's. Monday, Marnie was at work so we spent the time getting some things for her apartment...and then just killing time. The killing time resulted in Dad getting a new video camera...a new toy!!!

Well, I'd better get going to Curves....love you all...

Mom

...but, I'll start writing and see if anything develops.
Nice weather lately, really comfortable. I am glad we are leaving before the June/July rain-everyday with 85-90 degree weather garbage. I know, I know, it is worse in Georgia, and I don't refute that fact. However, I doubt I will live in a place like that where it is so uncomfortable that I can't go outside. That would drive me crazy...
As of today, we are at the 1 month mark from leaving.
Adina is slowly going through the house, room by room, during the days clearing out the unneccesary stuff that we don't want to take with us and just doing general cleaning of the house. Three years in one place is a pretty long time for us. What is it going to be like when we finally get into our own house later this year? Are we going to have the itch to move in 3 to 4 years? Mom and Dad, are you experiencing that after a lifetime of relocation? Who knows. Speaking of buying houses, I notice in some CNN Money article today that the highest median house price was in San Francisco at around $689,000 (Holy Cow Sean, how do you live there?) and the lowest was in good ol' Youngstown, Ohio at $82,000. For those of you that don't know where Youngstown is, it is near the border of Pennsylvania. Quite the difference in home prices. I am glad that Clark County is reasonably in between those two.
Looking forward to private practice life. Actually I don't know what it'll be like to have everything available to me, including timely supplies and specialists that I can actually refer to. However, I doubt that it will be very difficult to get used to. We have been looking at a couple of houses in Washougal. Some that we have looked at, that are the newer ones, have seemed remarkably similar to Brian and Paige's. Who knows, maybe the same people making them. Adina and I have this constant discussion about buying a newer house or an old house that has been well taken care of. There are a handful of houses that are reasonably priced with 4 bedrooms (which is what we are looking for) that were built in the 1940's. It is located in the older part of town, but has nice little neighborhoods. We continue to look though and hope to be in a house before Thanksgiving time.
Our plan is to arrive back from Hawaii on about the 29 or 30 of June (can't remember which day) and I then have to do my final checkout for the Navy. Not sure how long that will take. Unfortunately if happens over the 4th of July weekend, which, for those of you associated with government stuff, slows everything down to a grinding halt. And it seems to take a day or two to get up and going again. Anyway, we hope to have that essentially done within a week. We then plan to take a road trip down to the bay area to visit the Archuleta's for a week or so. We then drive back up to WA. I will start working on the 18th of July. So, if just in case you actually want to know, that is it.
It is great to hear from all of you, even if it comes in the "feast-or-famine" style. We love hearing what is happening in all of your lives.
How's the finger Tom?
How's the body Buffy, all cleared up and going 100% again?
Any final work yet Mike? (I know, it isn't final until you are somewhere)
Brooke/Mike, what did upack moving look like? You think it'll work better? We were very happy with both of our experiences. Don't know how Tom and Tracey liked it....
Brent, working hard? Found those 1090's yet? I am down to foam...
Marnie, pics of your new place? Your bike?
Peter and Anne, wish we could be there with all of you there at Mike and Brooke's, that'll be fun!
Mom, any luck on the job search, or is it in holding pattern?
Kim, you must be getting really excited about the wedding, it is coming fast!
Dad, are you alive? Must be busy with work and all. Are you and mom keeping up with the riding/walking daily? BTW, the bunkbed puchases sound awesome, that'll make many visitors so much more comfortable.
So, I guess sitting here rambling ended up creating a long blog. Hope everyone is doing great, would love to hear from y'all!

Dave

Well everything is going well here. Just hanging out by the pool tons now. Hopefully I will have a tan by the time you all see me next. I can't wait for Friday when we head out to Mike and Brooke's . I am so looking forward to spending a week there. It should be grrrreat!

53 Days until Harry Potter: The Half-Blood Prince!!! I am so excited! I already have it ordered and am scheduled to received it on the 16th of July when it is released!

Anyways, Love you all!!

Anne

We had the elders over for dinner tonight and since they rarely get an American meal, we had a good ol' fashion BBQ: hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, the works. And root beer, which is like gold to the missionaries since you can't find it anywhere in a Japanese store. Anyway - I was out of produce, namely celery, and refused to make the 30 minute drive to the main base commissary (ours is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). So I opted for Japanese produce - usually great stuff, but a bit more costly. Case in point: I finally found celery at the second store I went to. Tough to locate because I was looking for a "bunch" of celery, only to find that it was sold individually wrapped by the "stalk". Yes, one stalk of celery in a bag. And all for a mere 128 yen per piece - basically $1.20 for one stalk of celery. Insane. If I weren't desperate for it, I would have walked away. But there was some sick joy in buying a stalk of celery for that much.

Dave is off at a softball game. Kids are in bed. We are reading "The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn". Isaac took a big spill on his rollerblades tonight, but will recover. Parker has taken off his training wheels and feels like the king of the world. Morgan wants to grow up to be Princess Leia. And Taylor is currently fascinated with food coloring and it's many wonders. Not a good thing.

Marnie - congratulations! Would love to see pics of the new place! Kim - all I can say is "ouch". Brooke - it's not cheating. I sometimes do the same thing with my family. There are only so many hours in the day! You've got to be resourceful!

Love you all...
Adina

Ok, so here we are on Sunday night (22 May 05). Winding down from our trip to San Diego, running up and down I-8, 163 and I-15. I think we've criss-crossed the town at least 6 times in the last 3 days. Got here on Friday morning (up at 3am to get on a 7am flight to San Diego). Got our car and out to Naval Base 32nd St. for some light snack and a little trip to the store. Met Hector Caballero there, now a commander and just checking off a carrier for the OMS program at Naval Medical Center, San Diego. He used to work for me at MCRD as a LCDR, with big hopes of getting into the OMS program. Finally made it. Anyway, met Marnie about noon and out to check out her new apartment, ate a real lunch at a "hole in the wall", checked into our Holiday Inn Express in La Mesa (way out I-8E). Bad place. We did stay there one night but checked out on Saturday am. Anyway, on Friday pm, went to IKEA to check out some things for Marnie for her apt. Did dinner at Paneros deli and then the wait in line in the sun for Star Wars III. First hour of the movie was a sleeper for me. I was really spaced out from the long day. Then, I kicked in and got into the movie. Very well done. Found our way home and enjoyed the rest. Up in the am on Saturday and out to breakfast with Marnie to a Cocos. Rushed up the hill to the school, SDSU, and to her main ceremony in the Cox Arena. Right after that at 3:00pm, out into the 97 degree heat for two hours to watch her college graduation in a outdoor pit theatre with a no-wind condition. I think we about fried and died. Most of the grads walked across the stage, got their diplomas and went out of the pit and left. Didn't even wait around for the next line of students to go up onto the stage to get there diplomas. It was way too hot and they were dying in those black robes. I was steaming and they must have been sweltering. Bad day from a comfort standpoint.
Saturday evening, met Brent and Buffy for a great evening with Marnie to Donovans Steak house. Extremely good dinner. We then took Marnie to her apt and drove up to RPQ to our hotel. B and B left for their home as they had to teach primary and do sharing time on Sunday.
%

So...yesterday I decided to get rid of some stuff at our post wide garage sale. First, let me interrupt myself and let you all know that this is going to be just short of a novel. Possibly a novella. Anyway, I have never before had a garage sale. We just don't buy enough junk and normally what we do have I just give away or Mike sells on ebay to support his gaming habit. But...postwide means there are a bunch of people out looking and you don't have to have tons of stuff because they are just walking from one house to the next. Plus, I did have five birthday gifts to get before one o'clock. So after the first hour I had sold one pair of baby shoes for a dollar. Mike thought it was hillarious. I ended up making $75.00. Which was just fine with me, I kept alot of the stuff to give to good will because so many of the offers were absolutely ridiculous. I'll give you a dollar for that blow dryer. I'll give you a dollar for that iron. I'll give you two dollars for that lamp. Sorry, I'll get more use out of this than your lousy dollar. These people drive onto post in their huge vans, with trailers hooked to the back to gather as much crap as possible- for a dollar. Don't get me wrong, I love a good garage sale and I love a good bargain- but please!

So, a million dollars later we have our five birthday gifts and we're off to the various parties (they last through Wednesday). Mike taking Jane to her friend's party and me and the girls to the back yard. My neighbor did a Peter Pan theme for her two year old and five year old. It was amazing, she must have put in so much time and money. There was a teepee and a mermaid lagoon. Their wood playground/swing set was built up into a pirate ship. There were inflatable crocs and palm trees, fog machines, hand painted bean bag toss boards. The woman went all out. The highlight was a giant dragon moon bouncer. So while Sadie bounced happily away I was over at the craft table beading her headband that she had lost interest in two seconds after we started. Suddenly the sounds of laughter turned into screams and crying, The whole dragon had deflated on the kids. My neighbor and I were the first ones to the entrance and we start dragging kids out- there were like ten of them. The whole time I can hear Sadie crying and I'm trying to talk to her and reassure her. Yes, she was the youngest in there and the last one out. I wasn't worried about getting her out, okay, yes I was, toward the end when there weren't bigger kids holding it up. I was worried about the bigger kids freaking out and kicking or jumping on/over her in their efforts to get out. It was quite the drama. The hose in the back had just wriggled itself loose and the dragon was up and at em again in moments. However, Sadie stayed clear for the rest of the party. She could very easily be traumatized for life. After that was all over we were home for a much needed nap. When we woke up Ellyn was running a fever and spent the night being a high maintenance baby. I think they are just teething fevers but she gets them like every other weekend. It is always on the weekend too. I'm afraid she just doesn't want to go to church so she's holding her thermometer to the light bulb when I'm not looking.

So today I taught my first Sunday School lesson and it went really well. I had two classes so it was the 14-18 year olds. Luckily, I'm still young enough that I'm "cool." As far as teachers go. Ad, Meags, and possibly Geof. I have a girl in there that looks and acts exactly like Megan did when she was in middle school, which happens to be far worse than the way she acted in high school. So you can imagine. I have had her in Young Women's for months with not even a smile, but today she finally cracked. I guess that is why I think today went so well. Her mom is so worried about her and with good cause. But today she was smiling and laughing and giving answers and even said the closing prayer. Yeah!!

Okay, I am almost done. Today Jane let us cut the bangs she has been growing out all school year. They were almost long enough to tuck behing her ear but they made Mike and me crazy, She just looks better with bangs and tonight her dad cleverly found a way to convince her that bangs were the way to go and before she could reconsider we were out on the lawn trimming away. She loves them by the way, so don't be too critical of our manipulation.

That is it. That is the end of the novella. Ellyn is climbing all over me and I am ready for bed. I will proof read this in the morning. I hope you all had a good weekend. I love you all, you know I do. Blog out. Brooke

My great looking toe! 

Loser loves it too! 

Hey everyone,

Sorry, it has been so long. Someone in my apartment complex got a virus onto everybody’s computer so the internet was down for like a week. It is finally back to normal. I have been running my virus scan everyday. The first day that I heard about the virus, I ran it and there were 97 files that I had to delete with viruses. The next day 15 and then the next 2…. After that there has been none thank goodness!
Congratulations, Marnie! You are a lucky girl to be in San Diego and done with school. Congrats on the apartment too!
Treven is driving out here with our friend Clayton on Thursday or Friday for the weekend because it is his birthday on Friday. It is going to be great seeing him!!! :) After Memorial day, I only have like 25 days left till I am done with this semester. WOO HOO! I can go home and relax!(hopefully)
I just had my first test in Women’s health and I got a 95% on it. I am very glad! Classes are going very well. My knee is acting up again though…. Not good at all! To add to the Stinchfield injury list… Well we have a dinning room table in our apartment and there is a long bench on one side. We live on the top floor so we have vaulted ceilings… so we have a huge map. One night I got on the table to point at something on the map. When I was stepping down I stepped on the bench and had my left foot on the ground. When I was bringing my right foot down, the bench lost balance and fell on my left foot. Only my big toe got smashed. (I will post picture) I went the next day and got it x-rayed. Luckily it wasn’t broken since I am in Advanced Volleyball and Aerobics. They said I just bruised the bone and I am lucky I didn’t break it.
ALSO! My new discovery that I love! My roommate and I were walking in Wal-mart and earlier that day we were in Women’s health and our teacher said for us to try soy milk. We tried soy milk from a friend who had some… We didn’t like it much… but when we were in Wal-mart we saw Chocolate Soy Milk. I LOVE IT! It is my new chocolate milk! Anyways I had to add that!
Also I was looking online on how to make a sock monkey and I found this website… I think Dad would enjoy it… www.supersockmonkey.com. It has the kits to make one and all different season sock monkeys. It is pretty great!
Well Love you all! See you in August. And I will post a picture of the wedding dress once I get a picture of it today!
Love,
Kim

Hello everyone! Just writing in to report how everything went today.

Well yesterday mom and dad arrived in San Diego around 10am and wandered around doing goodness knows what until I got off work at noon. Then we went to lunch at this really great hole-in-the-wall place called the Longhorn Cafe on Mission Gorge where they have excellent burgers and just about everything for a fan of John Wayne. Pretty cool. Then we went and checked out my new apartment. Yes, I found an apartment, well, I sign the papers tomorrow morning. It is in University Heights. Just northeast of Hillcrest. Pretty nice area and a bigger place than the La Jolla one for less money. I am pretty excited about it. And I should be able to move in next weekend which will be nice since June 1st is on a Weds. That would suck with work.

So then we checked into mom and dad's first hotel that they have since moved out of because it was too ghetto for them. They went up to the new hotel off of Mercy Rd. for familiar territory. After checking in we went to Ikea and checked out some stuff for my new place. Then we headed up to Mira Mesa to see Star Wars. AWESOME!! I really liked it. Definitely the best of the first three. And the music is fantastic. Mom and Dad liked it too. Then to bed.

Today we went to a late breakfast then to graduation. One word...HOT!!!!! I was cooking in my black gown with a black cap. It was probably record heat today. We started in a huge parking lot, baking for about an hour, then the first part at least was in the Cox Arena, indoors. But then we had to go over to the Open Air Theatre for the read-the-names part. It was SO hot there. I was really cooking, I thought I was going to have heat stroke or something. I just kept thinking how miserable Dad must have been! You know how he loves heat!! ha ha. So after they read the names and just about everyone had left, me and a few of my friends stayed to the end to be nice and finish it out for the faculty and others being recognized. I am sure Dad has sent pictures, it was great. I had a lot of fun with my friends and was really glad that Mom and Dad and my friend Kelly would come and sit in the heat for me. Thanks again!!

Then I went home, got cool and we met Brent and Buffy for dinner. We went to Donovan's. Holy good steak!! It was amazing! Thanks again Mom and Dad! And now the day is over. It was a long one but one I will remember. Thanks for all of your congrats and support. It means a lot. Now on to the future!! Starting with signing some papers tomorrow morning, so I need some sleep. Love you all and can't wait to see you in august!

Marnie

First of all, Congratulations Marnie on graduating today!

Well, I went for a run this last week after work. I got lost trying to find a new running path and it was way hot. It was probably only 80 degrees or so, but with the humidity it felt a lot more like a 100 degrees.

We are just about half way through our time here in Mississippi. We've had some fun this last week hanging out with some of the members in the ward here. We played volleyball on Thursday on a beach court at a nearby apartment complex. Anne seems to keep busy every day fixing the car, hanging out with the other ladies in the ward and now the pool is open for her to work on her tan.

I am enjoying the work I'm doing for the Army Corps but am realizing that this part of engineering is not something I would like to do for the rest of my career. I guess that's what internships are for, so that I can figure out what I do and don't want to do in civil engineering.

I went on visits with one of the two missionary companionships on Tuesday. It was a totally awesome experience. I felt like I actually contributed in helping a certain investigator to understand the importance of Joseph Smith and the restoration. It's been a while since I've had a missionary experience like that so it really felt good. The missionaries are going to call us if they have an opportunity for me and Anne to help on a visit before we leave.

For any of you who have not seen Star Wars yet, it's awesome! We went with some friends here to Jackson where the nearest theater is and went to dinner along with the movie. On the way home from Jackson we saw a really cool thunderstorm and the lightning storm off in the distance. It had passed over while we were in the movie. I don't think I've ever seen that much lightning. It was striking one after another all the way home. We were a little disappointed that we didn't get to see the storm. When we walked out of the theater my glasses fogged up like I was walking into the bathroom after a hot shower.

We are anxious to see the Georgia clan next week and everyone else in August. I am applying for a job in Utah because it is exactly the type of work I would really enjoy and Anne would be able to finish her degree at UVSC that way. But it does depend on them allowing me to finish my degree while I work. The job is for the state's department of natural resources.

O.k. it's taken me like an hour to write this blog cause we're watching SNL and I'm not that great at writing or deciding what to write. I enjoy everyone's blogs. Oh, for all the book readers I second the recommendation for "The devil in the white city". I think that was the name at least. Mike said he read it. One of my teachers suggested it to me as a cool book. He liked it for the main story of the serial killer, but as an engineer he also liked the story about the ferris wheel since that world fair was where the first ferris wheel was built.

Peter

So, let me tell you about our Saturday. A long one it was. Luckily everything we did today was all at Nimitz Park near main base. It's great to have all of this stuff in one location. One thing that we are really going to miss about being here is the sense of community. We have been fortunate enough to get really involved in school (Adina's PTO endeavors and volunteering, my annual screenings of every child in the school) in sports (Adina's teams, my teams, and my coaching of football, soccer and baseball each year), and elsewhere. We have been able to meet a lot of interesting people and make a lot of good friends. It is kind of like a small town, and we like it. So, I am glad we are going to a small town, it fits us.
So, on to what I started with. We first went to watch Parker's baseball game. In between Parkers baseball game and Taylor/Isaac's baseball game Parker got to tow a car. He being the fearless child he is, he didn't mind asking so many questions to a tow truck driver that was towing a car, that the guy just let him push all the buttons and hoist the car onto the bed of the truck. As you can imagine, he says it was the coolest thing he has ever done in his life and he loved it. We then watched/coached Isaac and Taylors game. It was a fun one, they both did really well. We had a few minutes to buy some hotdogs and water (It was also Armed Forces Day, so there were some vendors, rock climbing, music, entertainment and games) then it was off to Adina's softball game. She was the pitcher and, in my humble opinion, did very well, although she doesn't think so. She tends to strive for perfection, but pitching in softball is never perfect. I thought she did awesome, especially since she has never pitched before. After her game, Parker ran a 1/4 mile race, which was hilarious..he wouldn't give up. Then Taylor ran a 1/2 mile race, boy does his face get red when he overheats. Then Isaac ran a 1.2 mile race, beating quite a few older kids. He really has a natural form that is efficient and looks effortless, plus a lot of endurance. I think he has a future with running shoes, we ought to buy stock in Asics now... After that we went to a barbeque and finally got home. It was a sunny 75-80 with a cool breeze, which was perfect. Luckily I had my wide-brimmed straw hat on all day to keep the sun off of my neck and head. It made a world of difference. And my farmer's tan is very strong now.
We just got home and are starting to watch Star Wars. We have to go through the 5 movies so that Taylor and Isaac can appreciate this last one, so that it makes sense. Who knows, we might have to watch it again, we might lose them half way through, they are really pooped. So, that was our busy Saturday, but really a lot of fun.
Marnie, don't worry too much about an apartment. You'll find one, no need to stress over it. Keep on looking for a good one, and we hope you continue to impress them at work, we'll be praying for you. Tom, our prayers are definitely there for you. Sounds like the surgery went fine. I don't know what your plans are for the clinic, but I have some suggestions. If you are one handed, this would be a good time to volunteer a lot in admitting. You don't really need a lot of dexterity in there, and if you figure out all the workings in there and get on their good side, it will pay off huge divedends in the next 2 years. Also, try to rotate through endo/perio/surgery and see as much as you can. That too will enable you to see how it all works. Don't just let this "lame hand" time be wasted, there is a lot you can still do.
Can't wait to see y'all in a couple of months. It'll fly for us with all that is happening. We had our pre-inspection for household goods the other day and it is only going to take them 2 days to pack us up, then we will move into the Navy Lodge (hotel) on the 21st of June and fly out the 25th of June. Everything will taper down to that point.
Miss you all, keep blogging updates and we'll do our best as well. Mike, is there anyway to vlog (video blog) on here? I haven't figured out a way.
Dave

Yes, those are vending machines in the middle of nowhere....a common thing in Japan. 

Lost tooth #1 (Taylor) both in the same day. 

Lost tooth #2 (Parker) 

Adina's team Hario 

Adina at bat. 

Pooped 

Pooped 2 

I think our trunk will be filled with this type of stuff for a while. 

Tracy, Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear that the fracture was complicated. The pins sound like fun (just kidding), are you gonna post a picture (again, kidding)? But seriously, I wouldn't mind seeing how they fixed him up and we are really praying for swift healing. Hopefully pain meds are in supply and good luck with xbox!
Buffy

Tom, that sounds terrible. I am so sorry. I hope you aren't in too much pain. I can't imagine how you wouldn't be with a screw sticking out of your finger. Maybe the whole Stinchfield clan should consider moving into a big bubble.
Brooke

So Brent and I just got back from Star Wars... the best of the 3 new ones by far. Great battle scenes, no annoying characters. We know some of you already have plans to see it but for the others, it is worth the ticket price.
Happy Friday!
PS- choice of "rocks" was Brent's :)

The surgery seemed to go well but it took longer than planned because his finger was in worse condition than they thought. He broke the bone in the middle section of his pinky into 4 different pieces, plus some debris. So they put some pins in it to hold it back together and put a long pin through his whole finger sticking out the top. Sorry if that's a bit graphic! Anyway, he actually has a cast on his hand about half way up his arm and has to wear a sling to keep it elevated. He will go back in a week to get the large pin out and hopefully get a smaller cast. But the good news is he has found a way to to manuever so he can still play x-box! His biggest stress for now is finding a comfortable way to sleep, next week it will be what to do about cleaning teeth and such with one hand! Anyway, I'm off to bed but wanted to let you all know! Take care!

Dave,

That is an excellent option. One that I had forgotten about. I need to call though, and figure out how I would do two locations for drop off. I guess we could rent a U-haul for the day up there to take things to the other location. I will call and get info. Thank you for the suggestion. No, I didn't see the comments. I sometimes forget to look.

Brooke

Well it’s Tom big surgery day. We’re trying not to be nervous but seeing as how neither of us has ever had a broken bone before this is all new territory. Although, with the active maniac Hayden is I am sure we are heading down a long road of broken bones! Tom leaves in just about half an hour. I think most of all it is the fear of the unknown that is getting to us, we don’t really know what they are going to do to him and we don’t know what condition he’ll be in when he gets back. Most of all, Tom is really worried about what kind of splint they will put on it because he has to still be able to play x-box of course!! I’ll give you an update later tonight.
In response to a few questions about my pregnancy: things are going pretty well. I am now 9 weeks along… which means I still have a long way to go! A friend of ours didn’t tell her family until she was more than 5 months along because she figured she didn’t want them to have to wait the whole 9 months! Oh well, you guys are stuck waiting with us. I had my first doctor’s appointment on Monday and they did an ultrasound which was fun to see. The baby didn’t look like much more than a little spot but we could see a little arm and a leg, and we could see her heart beating. Everything looked perfect and just the right size. I have decided to call the baby a “her” until we find out for sure what it is. I’d be just as happy if it’s a boy but I like to spite Tom so I always say “her!” :) We will hopefully find out if it’s a boy or girl right before we come out in August, when I am around 18-20 weeks.
I have continued to feel really sick but can’t really complain since it’s for a good cause and I know some people get so sick they end up in the hospital and such. The doctor was able to give me a new prescription for a prenatal vitamin with more B6 in it to help with my constant nausea. I took it yesterday for the first time and it actually seemed to help. The nausea was mild enough that I was able to actually get up and make dinner for the first time in weeks! Hopefully this will be the beginning of feeling a little bit better. I know Tom and Hayden will be grateful to have me off the couch and to have some real meals around here! But either way we are all just so excited that we know we’ll get through it, how ever long it takes.
Well Tom is heading out so I better go. I’ll keep you posted!
Tracey

I figured it out.

Thanks though

Marnie

Can you use MSN Messenger on a Mac? If so, where do you get it?

Marnie

ps: I bought an iBook on Monday and I am setting it up, that is why I ask.

I have e-mailed the complete brochure to taysaac....but here is the phone # and website for the Kids Club near us.

360-546-5437, www.kidsclubfunandfitness.com

Also, Brooke and Mike, David's option for the move really is quite slick. I had forgotten about it but I think Tom and Tracey used the same company.

Marnie is looking for another apartment now since the La Jolla one fizzled. The current tenant's mother had a stroke over the weekend and she has decided to stay...kind of a flake. Marnie has been very nervous on the lack of progress over these last few days and her worst fears came to pass!!! Right now I am talking to her as she is looking for another one in University Heights. It is a larger apartment for a little less money...but not the great location. That apartment was really one of a kind....Please keep her in your prayers.

Love,

Mom

Brooke,
Did you read my comment on your blog the other day?
Dave

Brooke- We will most certainly be at the wedding. I think we will be there for a week. Just didn't think we'd be around when you moved up... hey, when are you planning to move? Books: I also read Reading Lolita in Tehran recently... very enlightening about life over there.
By the way, my last practical exam is over- yah!! So now it's just 3 more exams and I'm officially a third year!
Love Y'all (that's for the southern families)
Buffy

Adina, I appreciate your consideration in regards to Sadie's present. The lamer the better.

anne - tracey and adina both can give you the lowdown on CM but they really are the best. check out www.creativememories.com to look at stuff - and i would be happy to send you a catalog and my suggestions. probably in the $80 - $150 range to get started...i will waive shipping/handling if you want me to send you anything and can tuck in some extras! if you want to email me directly(cmalexis@aol.com) , feel free to:-) out there where you are - one thought might be to sign up as a consultant - for $195 and you would get over $400 worth of stuff to get going with your own books and decide if you want to pursue it as a business or not. no obligation and if you have nothing, you would get it all at a great cost! i can send you that info as well. just a thought. ok, off my business soapbox! love- lexi

I read Follow the River in high school and it was excellent. I second the recommendation. Adina, I started reading Professor and the Madman right before we moved here the first time and it was very good but I got sidetracked by the move and never finished it. We have it around here somewhere, unless that's the one Barb has/had. I just started Reading Lolita in Tehran. I'll have to let you all know.

Marnie, I'm glad you like your new job. I hope the apt. works out well. Buffy, are you not going to be up for the wedding? Did I miss that somewhere? I hope that's not the case, but I understand if it is. Barb, I have to agree with Buffy about the whole healthy lifestyle thing. I greatly admire you for making such healthy changes.

Okay, I just posted last night so I am done but I couldn't miss out on a book discussion. Buffy, I also look forward to the next Harry Potter book. I have a feeling I won't be doing too much reading during the next two months. We'll see.

Brooke

Lexi, Adina, Tracey, or whoever would know:

How much is stuff from Creative Memories? I really would like to get into scrapbooking but I need to know prices to know if I can at the moment. Thanks.

-Anne

love your blog guys - had to share on blog BIG THANKS to tom for making my dvds for my kids performances this spring - i need a techie lesson and a new camera i think! also, read devil and the white city as well - it IS pretty fascinating. also suggest - follow the river - mom just finished it. it is really great. so good to see what is going on with all of you guys - much love - lexi

There is a fantastic internet book club. It is called Zooba. Basically this is how it works: They have 95% of any book you would want to buy, even new ones. All the books, hardcover or not, cost $9.95 if you are a member. The only requirement is that you buy one book a month for which you fill up a queue like Netflix. They send you the 1st book in your queue the same time each month for the $9.95 charged to the credit card, with free shipping. If you ever want to buy any more books for $9.95 you can any time. They have children's books as well. Basically, if you only buy one book a month, it saves you money. And for the non-readers, maybe you could get started? URL is www.zooba.com. And they have Freakonomics Adina! Although, I don't know if they send to APOs.

Adina, I did read Guns, Germs, and Steel. I have to say it was a little dry if fascinating analysis. It isn't really the pinnacle of fun, summer reading. But, you will learn a lot. In other words, a bit better than a good textbook:)

Mike

A very rainy day here in Sasebo. Spent the day buying decorations for the last PTO cakewalk of the year (yeah!), preparing for my talk on Sunday (the last of many that I will give here - everyone speaks about every 3 months) and searching for a place for the kids to have swim lessons this summer...which brings me to a question for Kenn & Barb: What is the name of that indoor recreation center near you? I am interested in seeing if they do swim lessons. Through the internet, I have found Marshall Community Center - about 8 miles down I-5. Clark County YMCA also does swim lessons, but not sure how close they are. Anyway - if you could find out, that would be great!

Brooke - count on us to help with your move! It sounds like a good decision, regardless of what a pain it may be. And I likely will send a little something for Sadie, but I will try to choose something as lame as possible. :)

And Dave will kill me for sharing this, but I have to. He was at the gym today and a lady that we know was also there. We don't know her real well, but through another friend. Anyway - she comes up to Dave and says, "You are a hottie! Your wife is lucky to have you!" I guess I should wonder or worry, but all I can say is, "Amen to that!" I thought that was pretty funny.
Anyway - dinner to prepare! So good to read all of your blogs - makes us feel close!

Barb - enjoying "The Professor and the Madman". Thanks for leaving it for me to read. Planning to read, "Guns, Germs, and Steel" soon - Mike: did you say you had read that? Looks good. Saw an interview with the author of "Freakonomics" - am interested in reading the book, but haven't seen it at the Exchange as of yet.
Take care!

Adina

Marnie...
I really do hope you get that great apartment! I miss La Jolla most since I worked there right next to the beach on Prospect at Ann Taylor. Those were some fun days and I'd sure like to visit when you move in. If you need help, let us know since you helped us when we first moved up to Valencia.
Buffy

Hey Everyone!

Just thought I would leave an update. I started my job yesterday, so far so good. I like it there. Everyone (only 6 people) is really nice and easy to get along with. I figured out today who the president reminds me of...Beppie Ann. She looks a lot like her and sounds EXACTLY like her. She is also really tall. So I always get caught off guard when she says something behind me or something. I am adjusting pretty well to the full time deal with waking up by 6:30am every morning and working all day. I have stuff to do all day so it goes pretty fast.

I still have to sign the lease for the apartment. There are some complications going on with the current tenant because she had to fly to Canada for a family emergency but hopefully everything will turn out fine.

Matt comes home from New York tomorrow night which is exciting for me and Mom and Dad come to San Diego on Friday. Then I get to spend the whole weekend with them and see STAR WARS!!!! I am almost more excited to see Star Wars than to graduate!! Ridiculous, I know.

Well I am glad to hear that you all are well. It is fun to read everything from everyone. Buffy I don't know how you do it with all your schooling but I have to say that I understand what you are going through better now because of living with my two athletic trainer roommates!

Can't wait to see everyone this August! Love you all!

Marnie

Mike,
I'm sure the cross country move will be a blast! Just kidding, but I will pray for a truck that lasts the whole trip and has AC!!! I am glad that the family is moving to Washington. We'll be there in fall 2006 I hope!
Brent has said that Sport Chalet is planning to invade WA and Portland in 2006 and they typically open new stores Nov. 1... so that could mean Brent could transfer with them and be up there by September. I of course will be looking for a job (job market is very ripe for PT right now in the northwest)and hopefully will have taken and passed my boards by then.
I have one more practical exam this week for neuro eval (stroke and traumatic brain injury patients) and then three finals next week. Don't feel bad for me though cuz I'm so used to this student thing that I'm not stressed out any more... I know what I have to do.
The book recommendations: Did we forget Harry Potter #6??? I preordered it months ago cuz I'm just that cool! I read the series 2 summers ago and can't wait.
Barb, I am so proud of you for your diligence in working out. It's nice to know so many in this family have such healthy active lifestyles so we can all stick around for a long time. I have not worked out for 2 weeks with being sick and it's killing me... especially since I still have to pay for the gym membership. Did anyone watch the recent Oprah episode that was all about healthy lifestyles and food advice? I thought it was great and very worthwhile info that they also have online. Or you can always ask our family dietician, Adina (hehe).
Anyway, thought I would blab for a while too and erase any guilt of not posting.
Oh, sorry Brooke, I do wish I could sit with you and watch the guys move boxes, but my schedule doesn't permit it (I'll probably be interning).
Take care everybody and Anne, I'm jealous of your late mornings!!
Buffy

What I meant was Bachelorette party! We'll just all sit and watch the sweaty guys in wife beaters...and buff Barb. Not a party to be missed. With much anticipation, Brooke

Thank you for breaking up the dry spell. We really do remarkably well, as Martha noted, but I still look eagerly many times a day (I won't commit to how many times as it might show the lack of other activities in my life!!!)

Mike, we are certainly thinking and praying for you this week on those tests. It is hard for me to imagine the pressure! Also, it will be interesting when we get the final, final news of where you will be heading. At least we know the household goods will end up in Washington! I think the move idea does make sense especially with all going in storage. During our many moves, we would have to open up almost every box to find everything that we need...the movers have even packed rotten potatoes!!! I'm sure we can all pitch in for an unloading day followed by nice soaks in the hot tub!!I'll even help since I'm getting STRONG!!! Not as strong as some of you but it does feel nice to be developing some muscle and not just flab. I am finding that my stamina is much higher!!

Thanks for the book recommendations...I am reading a lot but always have about 5-10 books on the shelf waiting. The one by the Tipping Point author sounds very interesting...I liked Tipping Point a lot. The others sound like good page-turners. I'll have to check them out!!!

Also, to all who wonder...although everything is not necessarily commented on...we all read the blogs voraciously...and love it all. Sometimes we just forget when we get writing.

Well, I'd better go get ready for Enrichment tonight. I am always so relieved when I get it over each month. I think I will be ultra-relieved whenever I get released which I have a feeling may not be for a while. The RS President commented that the bishop had been great at "protecting" us from being taken for other callings. Oh, well!!! At least I've been able to get to know the sisters in our ward!!

Love you all,

Mom

Before you all become bitter and resentful because we are moving ourselves and counting on you for slave labor, let me explain. Yes, we will make more money than a regular move but the thought of moving ourselves in the middle of summer with three children makes me want to curl up and cry. Here are all the other reasons. First, the students in the class that is just before Mike's still don't have their orders and cannot set up their transportation yet. Their class graduates in 2 weeks. We wouldn't be able to guarantee that we would have movers and be all packed up in time to leave and make it up to the wedding. Secondly, when we moved across post I had the whole attic organized into sections and explained to the movers that is was important that it was boxed that way because...blah blah blah. Not only were things totally mixed up but I had 20 boxes in my new basement labeled "Attic Items." I will be putting alot of our stuff in storage but I will also need alot up at mom's and I will need to have a complete inventory of what is in each box. I think I would be doing so much of the packing before hand that it will work out better just to pack it ourselves. Plus, I know the movers would probably shove it all into the storage unit and this way I can organize it (color code or something). The idea of moving ourselves makes me nauseous. I vowed never again, but that is always a big mistake. So, as soon as school gets out and the kids can sleep in a bit I will be spending my mornings in the basement. Too fun, I know. So maybe for a bachelor party you can all put on some wife beaters and unload a U-haul. If it is any consolation I will be going through EVERYTHING and giving away or throwing away as much as possible. We are a bit worried that we won't fit in a U-Haul anymore. So picture, if you will, our cross country trip this summer. A U-haul and the Honda filled with three kids, a dog, and cat, and probably a stray squirrel from Ft. Benning. I know you are all soooo jealous.

Adina, I don't think you should worry about Sadie. Then this overpowering feeling of guilt I get with each of your darling presents won't impair my packing abilities. If you feel you care more for my child than for me and my guilt complex then she likes everything. She loves dress ups (which she has enough of, actually), coloring, sports, outside stuff, craft stuff, etc... The kid loves to play. We really do have enough books right now. For that matter, she's not really hurting in any area, a birthday card would do just fine.

Okay, I think I have rambled enough. I have to go bathe my brown, sleepy babies and then watch American Idol w/Mike. Anne and Peter, we cannot wait. Our number is 706-687-1708 if you want to call to work out details. Just let me know. Dave and Adina, I can't believe how soon you'll be done. Tracey, how are you feeling and how far along are you?
Peace out. Brooke

Well, I will post. We need to do a better job of responding, i.e. leaving comments. My deterrent to writing on the blog is I feel like they go unread, even though I know we all read the blog 10 times a day (or 15 if you are Anne:))

This is my big mid-term week, or at least the equivalent. I am not to happy with the plan I have to brief tomorrow. Luckily, it is the practice for the real thing on Friday. To put it simply, you get half an operations order the day prior for which you stay up all night creating graphics products and develop the enemy and terrain analysis part of the brief. Then the next day you get the real order for which you must develop the friendly plan in 3.5 hours. It is a bear...here are your 15 tanks, 20 vehicles and 150 personnel... and here are about a million things to accomplish...figure it out quick! and it had better be neat! So I am a little frustrated today because I am tired and am just not happy with what I produced during the 3.5 hours. (they lock all your briefing products up until 30 minutes before you brief, so "no" I cannot change anything now) I will do better Friday.

Anne, we are very excited to have you guys here. It is fun just to think you are enjoying the humidity this week with us. Now you see, other places really don't get very hot. At least AC is the standard. I think the northwest can be very miserable in the summer just because of the lack of AC. What is wrong with people up there? My house is a cool 68 right now.

The girls are all out playing in the backyard right now, moving from the kiddie pool to the sandbox 2 doors down, then to the tree house next door, then....you get the picture; it is a fun neighborhood. It is a great feeling seeing your kids wear themselves out having fun.

I am reading a another great book again. Did anyone read my recommendation of Freakonomics? Anyway, this book is called The Devil in the White City. Basically it is about the architect of the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair and a serial killer during the fair. Very fascinating read that I think anyone would enjoy. Brooke really liked both books as well. I just had Blink recommended to me, so I think I will read that next (author of Tipping Point).

Dave finally got his computer fixed so he asked me what were the PC games to play. I thought about it a lot because you all know I am obsessed with those things. So I thought I would make a list even if no one cares but Dave. Here are the games to get, all others are not worth getting until you play these:

Action: Half Life 2

Strategy: Darwinia, Soldiers:Heroes of WW2, Rise of Nations, Act of War

Pure Fun: Trackmania Sunrise

Racing with a wheel (only me I think): FIA:GTR, Richard Burns Rally

Tactical (Rainbow 6 type): SWAT 4

Simulation: Silent Hunter 3, Lock-on: Modern Air Combat

Adventure: Psychonauts, Beyond Good and Evil

RPG: World of Warcraft, Guild Wars

Ok, since anyone of those will steal 20-100 hours of your life, I think that list will keep interested folks busy. I didn't even mention the XBOX list. Too much good stuff, no wonder I did not finish Halo 2 yet. I love the XBOX but PC gaming is still superior because of, like Dave said, sharpness of the graphics. I also thing the PC controls are just more responsive. The new XBOX360 and PS3 should change all that with HD support. I think PC games will be out the window in a few years because the consoles will be faster than the fastest PCs for a lot less. But, PC games are incredibly low cost compared to XBOX. Most those games above can be had for 20 bucks or less.

We are still waiting to hear the final word about Korea or Fort Lewis. Like I said, I don't feel like intervening anymore. So, it is wait and see at this point.

We have decided we are going to move ourselves to Washington. The distance will pay too much to pass up and let someone else do it. So all start lifting now in preparation for the piano!

My leg is finally recovering. I actually passed my PT test with a decent score. Ran a slow 16:16 2-mile, however (13:30 is my usual time) But, it is progress. What is not is that I weigh 230 now because of the lack of running. So misery lies ahead for me in losing the chubby hubbiness.

The A's stink this year and so does my Fantasy Baseball team. The Braves are a lot more fun to watch this year with Hudson at the helm. So while I still proudly wear the green and yellow, I am anxiously following Atlanta. The AL east is sure an interesting battle this year.

Well, that should give you all plenty to read. Marnie, I am very envious of your new pad. It sounds like you are having a great time in life. Good luck with the new job.

Love you all,

Mike

I've probably looked at the blog 15 times today, and I finally decided that I would blog just to have something new on here.

Well, I love sleeping in. It is wonderful to be able to wake up and have it be almost 10am. I know for some that is not that late of sleeping in, but it is very late for me considering I am up and at school by at least 7:30am every day when school is in session. It has been a nice relaxation from the hectic volleyball and school (it is very nice not having to work either).

Mike and Brooke and the Girls: Let me tell you, I am so excited to come and spend a week with you guys. It will be so exciting to finally see Ellyn for the first time and to see all of the girls in action. I am having kid withdrawels. I was staring at one of the babies at church last week thinking how much I just want to interact with kids(especially my wonderful nieces and nephews) let alone have my own.

Tracey hope everything is going well with the pregnancy. Are you guys going to find out the sex of the baby and if you are... When do you find out?

I love you all and can't wait to hear more from you all. I also would like to see some pictures. I miss seeing the kids in action.

Love, Anne

Simple enough title for a little blog.
As I said to Marnie, anything that is going well for you is due to Parkers prayers that bless everyone in the world. You have him to thank, if you are part of this world.
Not much excitement here, just preparing to prepare to leave this place. Trying to fit in all the baseball and softball games and practices (5 of the 6 in our family playing on 4 different teams....we love playing baseball), arranging last minute trips to places we haven't been yet, arranging going away parties with a few different groups, and being torn over what to pack to have with us on the trip, in 6 weeks, and possibly in 6 months. Hard to forecast exactly what we'll need. But, it makes it exciting. Only 38 days left until we leave. It isn't so much the excitement of leaving, it is the chance to see everyone, be back in the US (nicer than you know), and getting on to the next phase of our life that we have been preparing for for that last 11 years.
I am doing ok and have just surrendered to the fact that I have OMS. It is just the way it is going to have to be. Actually the shoulder doing much better, but the knee a consistent problem. Been biking to stay in shape instead of running. Intend to bike until it gets better, then continue running. Dang football...
We finally got our computer back from HP repair in the states and it continued to crash, so I traded it in for a brand new one after 3 months of headache. So far so good (fingers crossed).
Well, good to see everyone is doing well....all of you take care and keep on truckin'!
Dave

Brooke - enjoyed reading your post. Like you, I have become so aware of how much I love where we are. I try to really appreciate the beauty here. Unlike you, I don't know when we will be back. We look forward to hearing about your final moving plans. Although, I know "nothing is ever final in the military". But - we are anxious to hear nonetheless. We hope you get what you want, but know that you will do great either way. I admire your faith and optimism.
As for the question - what is Sadie "into"? She's turning 3, right? Just looking for some ideas. Can't wait to see those girls this summer! Let me know when you can.
Anyway - more later - love to everyone!
Adina

Greetings from Cleveland. Things are going pretty well. One more week before Tom is officially a “Third Year!” I’m very excited that one more year is done! His finger is still hurting him quite a bit but he doesn’t complain. Hopefully tomorrow he can get things set more permanently. Kenn, I had never heard that story before, it is truly inspiring and I can’t wait to read it in the book. I hope you have that in your personal history somewhere for us to remember as well. Congrats on the apartment Marnie! Tom and I are so jealous of your awesome location! You should definitely come out here to visit Cedar Point and maybe we’ll get lucky enough to come visit you and to see the awesome beach there! Good luck at your new job tomorrow. Buffy, glad you got that z-pack, those things are awesome; I hope it works for you. There are always so many exciting things going on with Stinchfield’s around the globe, keep the reports coming! I wish Georgia was just a little closer so we could get down there to visit and swim with you too!
We went to the Indian’s Game yesterday but after waiting an hour into the second rain delay we decided to call it a day and we headed home. They resumed the game after nearly 2 hours and the Indians won, we watched it from home. Actually, I fell asleep and Tom told me to good news later!
Last night we were driving in the car and Hayden just kept being negative. Here’s how the dialogue went between Tom and Hayden:
“Hayden, do you love baseball?”
“No”
“Do you love food?”
“No”
“Do you love the Indians?”
“No”
“Do you love mommy?”
“No”
“Do you love daddy?”
“No”
“Do you love x-box?”
“Nnn….yeah, I love x-box!”

I don’t even know what to say to that… it must be in the genes. Well I’m off to bed, I’ll write more later!
Tracey

The story I submitted via LDSLiving.com is a true story about my last year of high school in West Sacramento (James Marshall High School, now River City HS). I was closing in on the end of my senior year and was pulled aside by my Biology teacher, Mr Jeters. He was the most superior of the teachers at James Marshall and taught like a college professor. Our school was mostly white, hispanic and japanese. Mr Jeters was the only black at the school. He pulled me aside one day and asked where I was going to go to college. I told him I thought American River JC out near Winding Way in Carmichael. He asked me if I was a Mormon. I told him I was and apparently he already knew that from the people I hung out with at school. When he heard I was settling for the JC, he said, "No, you are going to BYU". He informed me that he wanted me to bring in the application papers and he would sit down and help me fill them out. We did that and applied late in my senior year..probably very close to the deadline. I was accepted and found my way to BYU. Of note is that I was inactive my junior and senior year and was dating girls outside of the church. I had considered BYU but wasn't sure I could even get in. So, I settled for the JC life. Mr Jeters changed all that, and by doing so got me back on track with the church....and of course I met you mother who led me up the right path back into activity. He literally was the person who changed my life by stopping me from making a poor choice, got me in the right direction and allowed me to take part in that life-changing event. So, when you see the story in the book, to be released in Sept this year, you can compare the text and see if I remembered what I wrote to the authors of the book. My thanks to Mr. Jeters. I tried to contact him recently but he is deceased. I did speak to him about 15 years ago. He was living in Alabama.

We just went for a walk and it was beautiful. It smelled wonderful as well. I can't believe how much I'm going to miss this place. Chances are good that we'll be back.

Marnie, I am very excited for you. How fun to have your own place. You are officially a grown up now. I'm so happy that everything has gone so smoothly for you.

Anne and Peter, that plan sounds fabulous. You'll get to be here for Sadie's birthday on the 28th. Anne, plan on alot of pool time and hanging out in the back yard. That's what we do around here.

We are feeling more comfortable with the Korea plan. As I'm sure some of you have heard, Mike's old chain of command now know about his assignment and seem pretty peeved. It contradicts everything he was promised and it sounds like phone calls are going to be made. Mike and I aren't going to fight it. We'll see what happens. We have been praying to go to Lewis if it was Heavenly Father's plan for us. Maybe Mike is suupposed to go to Korea. We don't want to manipulate the plan too much. We did our part to get up there and now it is in the Lord's hands.

Well I have to go. Time for scriptures and prayers and Jane to bed. I am so ready for school to be out. We are all ready for a more relaxed schedule. Soccer ended yesterday so at least our Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings are free again. We love you all. Love, Brooke

So, I guess I will fill in on the apartment story fully. So I got this job is Solana Beach which is somewhat far from where I live right now. So I wanted to get an apartment as close to Solana Beach as I could without being too far from San Diego where are of my friends and Matt live. For those of you that know San Diego geography you know that the farther north and west you go the more expensive it is. I was still set on living by myself because I don't know anyone that I wanted to live with and it isn't much cheaper than living on your own. So I was looking for a studio or one bedroom place as north as possible and for a rent that I could afford with my new job. So I continued searching. I looked on craigslist.org, the San Diego reader, the San Diego Union Tribune...I was on top of it. So on Wednesday when I was sitting at my internship on my last day with nothing to do I kept looking and refreshing the page every few minutes. When suddenly on one refreshing up popped a studio in La Jolla for only $790! I know, wow, that is really a lot for a studio but not really when it is in San Diego, much less La Jolla! Most studios in La Jolla are upwards of $1000/month. So this was an amazing find. And since I was aiming for La Jolla (without much hope of finding anything I could afford) this was perfect. So I called the lady (current tenant) and let her know that I was interesting and I wanted to see it. I went by that night and checked it out. It is really nice. It is tucked behind that house in the picture in a building with 2 other units. There is a small well landscaped yard in between the house and the building which is cute and perfect for a little boston terrier!! just kidding right now they won't let me have pets, but I want one! Then the main room is pretty good sized. The current tenant is living there with her two about 7-year old daughters so 2 beds and a large Mom&Dad-sized chair with ottoman and still not too crowded. Then in a separate room a full sized bathroom that is about twice the size of the bathroom that I have now. Then there is a full kitchen in separate room with full refrigerator, stove, oven, sink, and cute little cabinets. Then when you walk out the back door there is a deck with a bbq and patio furniture that she says she will leave for me and a storage shed. So I talked to her a bit and said that I wanted it. She actually, small world, works just across the street from the place I am starting at and she was going to interview for the job that I got! Small world, super crazy! So she said she would tell the other people that were coming by to see that place that it was rented and she would tell the management place that she found a renter! Score! So I filled out everything, turned it in, and I was approved! So I think I will be going to fill out paperwork on Monday night and I will be moving in on June 1st. One less thing to worry about! So tomorrow I start my job, scary!! And this weekend Mom and Dad come and I graduate! Then I can deal with packing, ugh! Things are great, life is good and I am glad I am moving pretty smoothly into this change. Sorry you had to read all of this but I thought you would like to know.

--
Marnie