Check it out Grandma 

Well it was 86 degrees here for Halloween. Does anyone else see anything wrong with that? I know it is a little late to fill you in on our Halloween but I'm going to anyway. It was hot. Mike had to work all day of course so the girls and I went to two parties- our old ward's and our new ward's. Our post decided to keep Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oh the drama! Jane made a good choice and decided we should stay home so we went to the two parties instead. Way too much candy and stickiness. The girls were darling, someday you might be able to see and not just take my word for it. Jane was the new modern Strawberry Shortcake, Sadie was a fairy princess, and Ellyn was going to be a Lady bug but it was too dang hot so we took a Sharpee to a onesie and made her a little ghost. Baths and bedtime were never quite so sweet.

Everything here is going well. Mike was able to return to his human form for two weeks during cycle break and we all realized how stressful this is on our family. I know you aren't supposed to wish time away but I am anxious for February. He is now in the middle of total control and has more than the average amount of "winners" in this class. Jane is playing soccer again. This year it has become pretty competative and much more structured than past seasons- good and bad (I think the refs really enjoy the power trip). We are getting used to it. She has started piano and the upper grade choir at school. She is very busy and I feel like I've become one of "those moms." She still has plenty of play time and has a great time with all the little girls in the neighborhood. Sadie had her 6 week check up for her leg. The Dr. said it looks great and she doesn't limp at all anymore. What a relief. He wants to check her again in 6 mos. All of the sudden Sadie is becoming more of a helper than a chaos causer. We went to three Dr. appts. last week and she sat quietly through all of them. I was amazed and grateful. Ellyn spent last week teething and had a rough time of it. Poor baby. She is such a sweet and happy little soul normally it just breaks your heart when she is so sad. We had alot of bonding time- mostly from 12am-3. Good times, good times. I am fine. Just doing my best not to kill MY dog. She basically takes up more of my time and patience than all of my children combined.

Sadie just ran in with no diaper on and told me she needs to go potty cuz she tooted. No, she has not once actually gone potty in the toilet but she strips out of her diaper about 5 times a day. Dave and Adina, Jane got a UTI when she was two and a half. I gave her the medicine and told her she would feel better if she wore underwear (manipulative, I know). She was trained in two days. I think Sadie will be a different story so I have no advice except to lie. Terrible, I know.

Hello everyone. A sad tale is about to be told. It is a story about a girl named Marnie, who is usually very responsible and keeps her valuables with her at all times. This young girl works at Sport Chalet and on one pleasant and calm Thursday night she went to work. Alas, it was 5pm when all of the hustle and bustle of young professionals are rushing to the gym that is situated next to Sport Chalet. Because of this she had to park to the right of the store where it is somewhat dark and shadowy. Marnie went to work and had a grand ole time. Upon leaving the store at 10pm she arrived at her car, only to find that the front passenger window was shattered in pieces all over the inside of the car and the surrounding parking lot. Like a good little girl she called her parents to find out what to do next. Soon into the conversation she found that she did not have her Dell mp3 player in her purse. Alas, she had left it in the car! What a foolish girl! So now this poor girl is tonight without a dellpod but has a brand new window and a cleaned out car with only an emotional scar. Poor Bonnie! She was so sad! I am sorry to say but this tale is true and it happened to your sister Marnie yesterday. I am dealing with the pain and will hopefully soon be reunited with a proper replacement for Belle (my dellpod). I hope you are all well and keeping safe. I am fine and now I know that I will NEVER leave such valuables in my car again.

Hello everyone! Georgey did it again! Yeah! Thanks for sending your halloween pictures. Very cute, as usual. San Diego is good. It is cooling down so that is nice. I am making it through school and having fun in the process. My classes are getting pretty interesting so that is good. Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend. I love you all and miss you a lot!

love, Marnie

Poor Morgan. Her body got ahead of her feet and she took it on the cheek. But, she's still smilin'!

I went to my first Japanese onsen (public bath/hotsprings) yesterday. Now that was interesting! Pretty cool actually. Very relaxing! Sorry, don't have any pictures to share with you. Trust me, you wouldn't want 'em.

We have officially begun the flag football season. I am coaching Taylors team. It's going to be a lot of fun. Isaac is in the older league and loves it. That season will go through mid-December.

Would love to hear from some of you. . . are y'all still there?

Dave

The Scooter 

Wanna see Monstas? 

Very Silly Girl 

Silly Girl 

It was really fun to see all of the pictures that were sent. Tom and Tracey sent a picture of Hayden in his baseball outfit....since I haven't learned how to attach pictures I can't scan and send it. Tom???

I think Mike and Brooke probably took pictures but Brooke is in the same boat with me in being ignorant on how to attach pictures...and Mike in the throes of a new class coming in.

However....we got a real kick out of the rest of the pictures.

Dad handed out toothbrushes and candy in his SpongeBob outfit. It was funny to hear the comments. Our house is getting known from last year for the toothbrushes. I guess we will have to keep it up!

Kim has a new hearthrob....I'll let her write about it....

I am still unemployed... I got a call about a consulting job on Friday and he said he would call me back on Monday for an initial meeting. However, I heard nothing today so it may be a false alarm. I keep reminding myself to be patient and things will work out in the end. However, I am not naturally a very patient person. Awwwwk!

We love you all,

Mom

Here is the clan on Halloween Eve - we had a Trunk'or'Treat the night before at our church. I DID dress up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, but I managed to stay on the other side of the camera all night (he-he). The kids had a great time, have way too much candy, and there are wrappers everywhere! The base is busy because everyone can bring on up to 5 Japanese to come trick-or-treating and they do! Anyway - Brent & Buffy - looks like you had a great party! Wish we could have come! Take care and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Adina

Aaargh...shiver me timbers...it's DAVE! 

Isaac the Evil Court Jester - from Gauntlet X-box game, of course 

Skele-Taylor 

Count Parker von Stinchfield 

Morgan the ladybug - considered "lucky" in Japan 

Morgan takes a break from pumpkin carving 

Cow Central ( they're not sisters) 

Best Costumes 

Royal Tanenbaums & Poison Ivy 

our graveyard 

Strawberry Shortcake, Huckleberry Pie, and the Evil Purple Pie Man (our next door neighbors) 

We are dorks 

I'm Dead 

For all those with children with Halloween costumes....please send pictures on the blog....

And we'd love to see pictures of Buffy and Brent's Halloween party...

We love you all...

Mom

I thought you all would enjoy what we've been able to enjoy with the what seems like a 10,000 year storm for Utah. It's snowing in October. It looks beautiful up on Mt. Timp. 

Have you ever had a truly horrible exam that you thought you would never survive? Well, I did. I have been cramming for a cardiopulmonary exam for the past few weeks and never thought I could remember all the drugs, lab values, protocals, EKG's, etc and actually be able to get through the practical exam either. But I survived my day yesterday that lasted from 8am to 7:30pm and I think I'm still in the program (we could get kicked out of the program if we get below a 75 on any exam)!
I celebrated my survival last night by going pumpkin shopping with my friend cuz what else would I do to celebrate?
Brent is still out of town (since Thursday) and I don't mind the lack of sports on all media in the home or the surprizing way things are not getting messy. But I do really miss my husband & best friend so if the Georgia Stinch's could send him home I would be greatful!
Take care everyone!

Well, what is going on here? Not too much! I am having a great opportunity to be able to have peaceful hours to get many things accomplished. One thing I have taken over is cleaning the house. My housecleaning person has been frustrating me since she spilled the coffee on the floor that summer when you were all here. I had been debating stopping when I stopped my job but then that was confirmed when she cancelled out twice on me!! So I took it over myself and, as I have plenty of time for it, it's not too bad.

I also am enjoying exercising at Curves four days a week, practicing the piano, reading scriptures regularly and working on other assorted projects. I'm trying to work on the "Big Five" Scripture reading, personal prayers, exercise, nutricious food, and doing some service to others each day. Otherwise, I am applying to opportunities that I come across that look interesting and calling the consulting company weekly to remind him that I am here. I am trying to be patient enough to wait to see what doors will be opened for me....while putting forth enough effort to do my part. The challenge is that I want an interesting job that only is Mon-Fri days...(ideally Tues through Friday days)...that will also let me take time off without pay when I want to go with Dad. Kind of a hard bill to fill!

We bought a new dining room table and hutch. It really is beautiful. It seats 10 when extended...but now we will have it down in the 6 person configuration. It is a medium oak...and is really beautiful. It was delivered last night so my project for today is to reload all of the pictures etc into it. It is a rainy day so it is kind of cozy to be inside a warm house and setting it in order. I have a pile of CD's that I haven't listen to for a while to play while I do it.

Dad has to speak in church on Sunday so he is stressing about that a bit! He'll do a good job though...he always does. He is the accordian speaker which adds a bit of challenge since you never really know how much time you will have.

We love you all...and I am impressed with how well all have come through with their blogs in the last month. I am very blessed to have such great children, in-laws and grandchildren who are doing such great things with their lives.

Mom

(Just to make sure to correct any misconceptions...Marnie just turned 23 not 24!!

Keeping up to date seems to be harder than it should be for some reason! Summer is definately over and I am trying hard not to get depressed about the impending winter and just enjoy the brilliant leaves. To say that Cleveland has a lot of trees would be a gross understatment and so the fall leaves are fantastic! They are in full swing right now with bright reds and oranges. However, it's already dropped to the 50's and has been really windy. Luckily that doesn't bother Hayden one bit and he still insisted on going on a wagon ride yesterday around the neighborhood.
We had a lot of fun with Kim here, she was a great help and kept me good company during the days. We drove out to Nauvoo and had a great time with the family there. It's amazing to see how grown up the girls are getting, especially Jane. Hayden has finally taken to saying a lot of words and they seem to get better every day. His favorite things continue to be playing baseball and football and coloring. Oh, and of course he is a Stinchfield male and loves to play football on the X-box, he now even wants to play during the day when Tom isn't home- it's getting out of control!
They realigned our ward boundaries for the second time in 6 months because there are so many students out here. Even with all the families we lost we still flow out into the overflow! Tom and I are still both working in the nursery. Kim got a good taste of the Shaker Heights nursery when she was here visiting. She agreed helping us out and I think she is sorry she did. There is nothing like a hot little room full of 14 kids ages 18-22 months old who are still adjusting to nursery and missing their naps...she was a big help.
Tonight we are dealing with the fun of living in a old Cleveland house and we are feeling really grateful we don't own a home. A pipe in the basement broke and they can't fix it until tomorrow because the stores are closed so we haven't had any water all afternoon. As you might imagine tomorrows FHE lesson will be on Emergency Preparedness and we will be filling those empty water containers we have in the basement... I can't believe we actually have them but they are empty when we need them! :) Well I have to go get started on putting Hayden to bed, it takes quite a while these days because we put the pacifiers away and now he doesn't want to lay in bed. Hopefully he'll get used to it soon! It's great to hear from everyone. We hope to see a lot of you soon!

Hello everyone,

According to my volleyball team here at UVSC, my name now is Rhonda because it is a good "bully" name. I have been dubbed the bully and the mother of the team by everyone. We are having lots of fun and I am enjoying my time here emensely(?). I just returned from TEXAS, where we had the wonderful time of beating both teams (Texas A&M-Pan American and U of Texas-Corpus Christi). I am having so much fun playing volleyball this year and am definitly glad I made the decision to play. We are now 8-8 and are doing very well for it being the 2nd year of Div 1 play.

School is going well for me...I had it kinda rough for a little bit but I am now back on track and working hard to get good grades. Peter is enjoying his last semester of his bachelor's...it isn't too demanding for him now. He got accepted into the Civil Engineering Graduate program at BYU and will be starting in January on that. He is trying to finish up by next winter when I am finished with my Senior season of volleyball and then we could end up anywhere really. I am hoping for Washington but who knows, we will go where he can get the best job.

We are having tons of fun being married and it will be 10 months for us on the 30th of this month. It is amazing how time can fly by. Wish we could have been out there for Janey's baptism but just not at the right time for the both of us. We love you all and can't wait to see you all as soon as we can. We are going to be at Mom and Dad's from December 18th to the 27th. Hope to see some of you.

Love always,

Peter and Anne(Rhonda)

Make sense? 

It seems like it has been a while since we have shared much news - but we sure do check often to hear from all of you! Things have just been "crazy-busy" and time seems to be scarce and precious...saved for things like eating, sleeping, soccer...the usual stuff.
The shirt - it belongs to a cute little Japanese girl named Hitomi that comes over ever Friday to play and work on her English with me and the kids. Think I have mentioned it before - their parents want them to learn English, so they send them to American homes here on base to practice. Anyway - she left her sweatshirt here and I thought I would give you an idea of some of the crazy phrases you find on shirts, etc, here. They sure try hard, but it usually comes out a little "off"!
Last weekend we went hiking in the Nagasaki Prefectural Forest, a State Park equivalent. It was beautiful. Waterfalls, steep drop-offs, lizards, dead animals, the kids loved it. We did have a scare, though. Morgan was standing near a drop-off, throwing rocks over the ledge and lost her balance. As I stood off about 25 feet, I watched as she wavered, her knees buckled, and she went down over the edge. It was like slow motion. Just as I am ready to sprint over there, this total stud comes sailing in out of nowhere and jumps off the ledge and halts her fall with his own body. Yes, that would be Dave. I felt like I was watching an Indiana Jones movie. He totally sacrificed himself, but he stopped her from falling and became my hero. Morgan clung to us for the rest of the day.
We went to our last soccer games of the season today. Now we will await flag football, which both Isaac and Taylor want to play. Dave has injured himself in flag football - torn or strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder - so he is bummed. They will miss him on the team. He played at the opening of our new turf field, and the commentators kept yelling, "Yeah - there's Stitchfield!". Yea - that's right - STITCHFIELD. Oh well. I stay extremely busy with Primary Prez stuff, PTO stuff, English class stuff, Reading Committee stuff, and home stuff. But I love it.
We miss you all, love you all. Wish we could have been there for Jane's baptism, but we plan to be around for the rest! We are so excited to be "coming home" in a mere 10 months, but there is a lot here that we will miss! The T-shirts, for one thing! Take care!
Adina

Well I figured since I live at home... there wasn't much excitement going on. It would have been boring for me to write on here! Anyway, I just got back from a great 2 week trip that I needed! Thanks again Tom & Tracey and Mike & Brooke! I had a blast! I love you guys and miss you all A LOT!!! We went to Niagara Falls, Cleveland Indians game, Mike's graduation, Nauvoo and much more. It was soo much fun! Once I figure out how to post pictures I will get some on from the trip. I also got a job at Old Navy for the Holiday. I had my first day on Wednesday. It was just Orientation so it was watching videos and filling out paper work for 2 hours. I get my first schedule tomorrow. The sweet thing is I get a pretty nice discount. 20% all the time at Old Navy then 30% on five items a month at GAP and Banana Republic then 40% on 4 items a month at Old Navy that I could wear to work. I am pretty excited about that!
I will be heading back to BYU Idaho around New Years Eve so Dad won't have to take days off work. I also have to be checked in at my apartments by January 3rd. I am so excited to go back! It will be tons more fun now because I am not attached to anyone anymore so it's pretty nice. Can't wait to be in the snow! I am heading to Rexburg on Halloween weekend with one of my roommates from the summer to check out apartments and to see some people. It will be fun! Hopefully!
David! I need to know what sort of things you would want for Christmas. If you could get back ASAP that would be great! Thanks!
Love you all! Hope to see you all soon!
Always,
Kim

(Matt, Michelle, and Marnie. and we all where "chanklas" (sandals, in Spanish)

Hey everybody! Thanks for the birthday wishes! I had a great time this weekend. My birthday was really fun. Now back to reality. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Hello All,
I'm guesing by the number of posts that all of our lives are just so exciting that we don't want to post and make everyone else jealous. Unfortunately that wouldn't be the case here in Santa Clarita but I thought I'd do my part to keep the blog going. Brent and I are both keeping busy with work and school. Brent unfortunately has to fire a manager tomorrow for unprofessional interraction with employees among other things. Hopefully he'll be able to get another manager to cover for him so he can still visit the Georgia Stinchfields (Brent's not worried). I have just survived another round of midterms only to cram for more in two weeks (really I do like this whole grad school thing).
Halloween is fast approaching and I can't wait to have our party. By the way Marnie, you are still invited. And I am really hoping that we can all post Halloween pics of the trick-or-treaters cuz I'd love to see them!
Brent and I really miss everyone and can't wait till the time we can be together again. By the way, I'm so excited for Dave, Adina, and the kids to move back and settle in WA. It seems so far away, but in 2 years Brent and I should definately be up there as well. With all of the family (both sides) that have moved up to WA, we couldn't concieve of settling anywhere else!
Buffy

We didn't get a card off so we just wanted you to know that we hope you have a fun birthday. I am sure you will with all of your friends down there, but we wish we could have a family shin-dig too. That'll be tough though. You are 24, right? Wow, hang in there! We love you!
Dave, Adina, Isaac, Taylor, Parker, and Morgan

Well I am graduating my 3rd class of soldiers on Friday. One more full cycle before I change command. After graduation, we will head up to Nauvoo for Jane's baptism. It will be good to see many of you there. I think Kim is having a good time here. She is atleast bearing with us. I have not been around much (like usual) but she has had a lot of quality time with the girls. I get a new group of soldiers on the 22nd of October, at least I can look forward to the 2 week break for Christmas this year. We are not planning on going anywhere this time. It will be our first Christmas in our own home, isn't that crazy? My girls are awesome, I love all their little characters, just wish I had more time to spend with them. Getting home at 2000 every night just does not cut it for family life. Jane is getting so dang old.
I have a recommendation for a good movie, best one I have seen in a long time and well worth multiple viewings. Beware, it is a mind bender by the same people that did Being John Malkovich. It is called Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
As far as any game time I get, late at night, I find myself playing Rome: Total War, Tiger Woods, Full Spectrum Warrior and Burnout 3. Would like some more football game time against the brothers but they are as busy as I am it seems. Brent and I played some Tiger Woods last night and that was very fun. Well I better get to writing my speech for tomorrow's ceremony. I love you all. Write when you can, the updates are great and I know we do all read them

Yeah Mom, I was just thinking that this blog was bogging down. I have been so busy and haven't had anything exciting happening in our lives. Well, let's see, maybe there is something that has happened.....
Morgan is resisting potty training. Any tips for girls? We got some 'pretty' underwear, but it is not enough of an incentive, plus, Parker just wants to wear them. Just kidding of course.
Speaking of Parker, he got his cast off. Only now we are dealing with the phantom cast. Still holds his arm at the same angle and plops it on the table while he eats. He also continues to refer to it as his "broken arm". I think it will be forever broken in his mind.
Taylor lost his other front tooth, so he looks toothless now. He is doing well in first grade. Thinks he is a big kid now. His is tall and skinny. It seems to be the way all of our children will go. Even Parker is headed that way, but at least he has a bottom to hold his pants up.
Isaac is an active 9 year old. Never stops moving, loves to stay up late doing whatever. His is in 4th grade now and has the same teacher that Taylor had for Kindergarten, so at least there is some continuity there, for us.
Adina is very busy as Primary Pres. and PTO treasurer (with an inept Pres. and Vice Pres. in my mind). So she is really busy with fundraising, meetings, activities, etc.. Plus, of course, maintaining the house, helping the kids with homework, running, reading, and trying to have some fun. Busy lady that I don't know what I would do without.
I am continually busy with soccer coaching, church, and work. We are going through a big integration with medical and dental in the Navy. Really a headache that I can't wait to rid myself of. Dad had it good. Tom, hope it all smooths out by the time you get in here. Again, we will be in the states the 28 Jan - 18 Feb. The whole family will be at Mom and Dad's the first week and a half at least. After that we may be in and out to Fremont. I will be job searching, so during most of the days I hope to be somewhat busy. There are constant opportunities that I see in the Wash. St. Dental Soc. listings, so that looks good. I really am not worried though, because there is always a need for dentists. We hope to get there, stay with mom and dad next August, then start looking for a home. Exciting times and we can't wait until everyone else (whoever can or wants to) gets up there. I think it'll be so fun.
Well, hope to hear from you all. Tom? Are you there? Kim?
Dave

Dad and I just flew in from CA this morning. It's nice to be at home...even if Mt St Helens may blow up. I doubt if we will get more than a little ash so I am not too concerned.

We had a great week with Carol and Pepi...they really are good friends and so fun to do things with. I have decided, however, that it is good we don't live closer to one another since we would each weigh 300 lbs or more!! They are in the enviable situation of having Mike and Kinney living in the house to the right of theirs and Katie and Chris to the left. I'd love that but don't see it in the near future. Just be nice to have any of you just in the vicinity.

Gramma enjoyed all the cards she received from you for her birthday...for those who haven't it isn't too late...she counts her cards and is delighted with the high number!! Anne and Peter have the distinction of being the first card that she received. She's been wined and dined for the past week and a half with a few more surprises this week. When you are in your nineties, birthdays get attention. In 2010....if she is still around...plan on attending a really big shindig. At the surprise party last Sunday (the 26th), she got her wish of having all her four children together. As I get older, I can appreciate the joy of that.

This afternoon we are going over to Terry and Ron's house for a barbeque (they live on the Washougal river...for any who may be confused, Terry is Buffy's mom).

This blog is bogging down....I admit I have not been writing very often...I think most of us check it regularly and are disappointed when there is nothing new...but we have to be adding ourselves to keep it going. I am going to be working on getting a newsletter together with some other things added that I have found...old family stories etc. Getting that done by the end of October is a goal of mine!!

Love to all...

Mom