I am up for August 6th for two reason. Buffy and I could be there. Labor Day Weekend I can not get off and Thanksgiving is a definate no. So if Kim wants us there sorry but it would have to be in August or January nowhere in between. Remember I work retail.
Thanks
Brent
Actually Mike doesn't graduate till the 29th, plus I want to stop in New Orleans, visit our house in Oklahoma, see our friends in Mississippi and my brother in Denver, my aunts in Utah. So...Kim, I thought you could maybe just wait until Labor Day weekend or Thanksgiving. You know, whenever there's a break for everyone that's in school. I mean, you are going to be together for ETERNITY, what's the rush? Ten years from now a few months isn't going to matter. I just have waaay too much sightseeing planned to fit in a wedding. Give it some thought. Love, Brooke
I thought Itazuke airport might be the name for Nagasaki, but I asked Hitomi-san at work and she said that it is the old name for Fukuoka airport. She said she thought it was a domestic airport in Fukuoka near the airport or something. I will find out more. If it is in the Fukuoka area, it should be fine. I just think it strange that they have to change a flight from the huge Fukuoka airport to some smaller airport 1 month before it even arrives.
Dave
Well, I've been waiting to have some time to tell you all about the cruise. You've seen the pictures but maybe a narrative would be interesting. I'm hoping to have time today to label the pictures so we don't forget who the people and places are.
To address a few questions....Dad did say "Yes". Also, apparently Mike and Brooke have some problems with July 30 as a wedding date. Mike finishes his advanced course on July 27 and they will be driving cross country---assuming they get Ft Lewis. What does August 6 look like for all of you? Is there anyone who could NOT make that? They could perhaps have it in the middle of the week but that would make it harder for many around here. Please let Kim and me know ASAP.
First...our everyday life. Things are going well for Dad at work. He had a conversation with an oral surgeon in Portland the other day about a patient and he discussed our decision on the practice. It turns out that that oral surgeon (at 53) is considering getting a younger oral surgeon in to take over the practice and going to work for Willamette or similar organization to reduce stess in his later years. Willamette does look better and better....some frustrations but a minimum of worries!!!
I am still sort of looking for a job. It has been discouraging. I think I may go to LDS Employment for help revising my resume and cover letters. They don't seem to be inspiring any great interest. I think I have a couple of things working against me...my short tenure with WestFarm Foods does put up a red flag, I've now been unemployed for six months, and my salary and level with my last two positions is pretty high...not too many jobs come available at those levels. I don't care about going down a bit in salary and level for the right job but they usually look at your resume and figure that you are overqualified and toss it. I may do some temporary work just to keep myself in the market but will not pursue that until after our trip to Japan when I will be home more. In the meantime, my life is filling up....Yesterday, I had a busy day. I had signed up for some volunteer time at the temple so I went down early to do a session and then spent my afternoon doing dishes in the cafeteria. I certainly have clean hands now!!!! It was hard work and I slept well last night for sure! Then last night I had a book club at our house. We discussed Jane Eyre and had a great turnout...9 sisters which is about the right size group. Our next book will be "The Secret Life of Bees". I think I loaned that to one of you but I'm not sure....did I? If so, have you finished it and can you send it back? I can get a new one if I have just lost it...can't remember what happened to it. I've been exercising each weekday morning at Curves which gives me a lot more energy too...and hopefully will help me lose weight. That both Dad and I need to do badly! We are doing better and have each lost some cruise weight already.
I am going up to Utah and Idaho next Wednesday through Sunday. I'll spend Weds and most of Thurs with Martha working on family history. On Thursday, I'll go up to Rexburg for the BYU-Idaho mother's weekend with Kim. Speaking of Family History, I am starting to print off the archive so we can have a hard copy in a binder for posterity's sake. It gives sort of a running family history.
I love Adina's idea of just writing about your "dull" day to day happenings. Remember...they are not dull to anyone but you. Dad and I love to hear about the ups and downs of your lives as do your brothers and sisters.
I've been writing this as I have been waiting for United Air Lines to clear up some confusion on our trip to Japan...I still want to write about our trip and will put another posting in after I go and exercise. This one is probably as long as you want to read in one post!!!!
We love you,
Mom
Hey Guys,
Buffy and I finally had a land line put in the house. The number is 661-222-9388. I should have xbox live up and running by next week. Kim, I also want to know if Dad said "YES".
See Ya
Brent
Hey Guys,
Buffy and I finally had a land line hooked up at the house. The number is 661-222-9388. And Kim I would like to know if Dad said yes also.
See Ya
Brent
Hey everyone!
So all is well here in San Diego. The weather is getting better. Well, it is always good but now it isn't raining. It is getting to that time of year when it is cold enough to where a jacket or long sleeves in the morning but then it gets to warm for a jacket by noon. Very annoying when you are at school as those of you that went to school down here remember. But I guess it could be worse. I don't have much to complain about.
I continue to keep my eye out for apartments and try to figure out what I will be able to afford. I am pretty much set on trying to live by myself. I am pretty sure I can do it. Probably just in a studio apartment but that is all that I need. I just don't like the hassle of roommates and it should only be a little bit more to get a place for myself.
Work is good. I am still at Sport Chalet and my internship. My internship is definitely a learning experience. I do something different everyday I am there. On Monday I edited a phone greeting (on hold music and vocals...thank you for calling blah blah blah...that stuff) and worked on my website. On Wednesday I had to write a script for a phone greeting for a vending machine company...weird...but I did it and was praised for it. Chad (my boss) said that is was really really good and he was very happy with it. That is always nice to here. Especially when I was having a not-so-creative day on Monday. It was good to know that I could come back and perform. I need to start sending out feelers for jobs in advertising when I graduate and hopefully I will get a job set up before I graduate so I know what I can do apartment-wise. That would be awesome.
Things are going well with Matt. We are both ridiculously busy; him especially. He just started a third job. He is riding petty cabs (the bike cab things) downtown on Friday and Saturday nights to pick up some extra cash for bills and stuff. So that in addition to working 9-5 mon-fri at the letterpress print shop and in the bike shop at Sport Chalet about 4 nights a week and training for triathlons makes him a busy, busy man. But I do get to see him sometimes. It is nice that we work together a lot at the Chalet so I see him there. And the print shop is pretty chill so when I get a chance I can go hang out there with him and his brother, Tim. So good but busy.
School is great. I have my two important midterms next week. So I guess it is good that Matt is busy so I can concentrate and get some studying done! I have to present my group's new product for my advertising campaigns class on Thursday. We had to develop a new lotion so we came up with one designed for men called Chrome. It comes in a silver "chrome" bottle that is shaped kinda like a rectangular box. It is pretty cool. The second half of the semester is coming up with the advertising. This half has just been the product and research. The second half will be much more fun. Only 9 weeks left of school!! Whoopee!! I can't wait.
Well sorry I decided to go off and bore you all with my life stuff but there you have it. I love you all and really enjoy reading all of the details and stories about your lives. It makes me feel like I don't live so far away from you all! Love you!
Marnie
Hey everybody,
I am doing good up here in Idaho. If all of you didn't know already, Treven did ask Dad for "my hand in marriage". We have already made the temple date. It is on July 30th, 2005 in the Portland Temple at 10 am. Very excited! He still hasn't proposed and I don't know when... sometime this month or when I go home during the winter/summer break. Peter I was wrong about this weekend... oh well!
We still haven't found out if Treven has got in to BYU-I. Still says that they are reviewing everything so we will still wait! I didn't get my acceptance until end of March last year. So maybe then. If he doesn't get it we will just move to Vancouver and go to Clark. Classes are going well. I have 6 weeks left of classes... thank goodness.. I miss home a lot! I did start a new class on the block. The "Preparation for Eternal Marriage" class. I am loving it. Very good teacher.
Also the sun has come up here in Idaho! It is 58 average this week. SO NICE! Different from the ice world before. So Mom don't bring too warm of clothes next week.
That's about all from this past week... Love ya all!
Kim
Ok, Brent and I have become very good buddies with our upstairs neighbors who are LDS as well and have a ten month old boy named Alexander. We've really enjoyed having neighbors that we hang out with all the time, play games, go out, drive to church together etc. One of the funnest things is our verson of the old "stone soup" idea where we get home from church, discuss what we each have in our perspective pantries and put together a great mish mosh of a dinner. For me, a non-cooker, this is the best invention ever... I highly recommend it!
Also, we have a new favorite board game that I would recommend to anyone... Settlers of Catan. I have no idea if any of you have heard of it, but it is only sold at specialty game and hobby stores (or online I'm sure). Basically, it's a strategy game that will be a completely different game every time you play it. Also, you can purchase expansion packs to make the board game itself fill up an entire kitchen table. Anyway, we are definitely hooked and are sure you would like it (mostly for big kids and adults).
Have a good weekend everybody!
Alright, I agree with Adina. I really enjoyed reading about their daily life, plus I feel like I get to know my niece and nephews better. So here's our mundane- Mike just started Captain's course. So far it is just signing in and briefs at odd hours so he and our friend Ryan are hanging out at the house alot. It's nice to have him home. Our dog is still scared to death of him and I know you are all thinking, "Of course she is, it's Mike." Honestly though, Mike has never been anything but nice to Bailey, it's just that she is not very used to him and so yesterday while I was gone he wanted to bring her in from the porch to hang out with him. She freaked out, ran in and tinkled on the rug (I was so happy she had gone through all her potty training without wetting on the rug). So Mike puts her on her leash to take her to the back yard while he cleans up. She twists out of her collar and jumps in the driver seat of our neighbor's Expedition just as she is about to climb in. Bailey won't budge and Mike won't go near for fear she'll go to the bathroom again. Janis and her daughters have to coax Bailey out. Mike will be leaving Bailey on the porch from now on. Bailey does fine if Mike comes home while we are all hanging out, he just can't approach her for about half an hour.
Meanwhile, the female members of our family are at YW and Activity Days. The YW are learning about missionary work and for fun are practicing door approaches. Sadie comes up to me and knocks on my chair. I say "yes?" She's holding a black Book of Mormon. She says "I have a book for you." and with big eyes she says "it's black, ...it's scary." It was very funny. Jane decided she wanted to memorize the 13th Article of Faith last night so she did. I left to go walking and Mike let her read for a little while and this morning she surprised me with the whole thing. Smart cookie. Sadie has done so well after having her tonsils removed. She has never complained. She is such a sweetheart. You know she's not quite up to snuff though because she's not nearly as energetic as usual. Ellyn is almost 13 mos. with no sign of walking in sight. She will stand but if you try to take a step with her she goes down to her knees. If you try to stand over the top of her and walk with her, holding her hands, she pulls her feet up and laughs. She's not ready to give up being the baby. Basically, these girls keep us happy and laughing every day. Okay, hopefully I didn't bore you.
Brooke
I think this blog will be more of a success if we don't assume we have to have some amazing news or information to share in order to blog. I, for one, am perfectly happy reading about the mundane and everyday happenings in your lives. So, that's my theory and I am running with it...
For instance, today:
Isaac has decided to do his upcoming science fair project on the effects of coffee, tea, soda, milk and water on human teeth. Kind of gross, but should be interesting.
Taylor has the most interesting after-school snacks: Cream of Chicken soup and hard-boiled eggs. Whatever.
We cleaned the church tonight as a family and while we were there, Parker took a break, picked up the phone in the foyer, and said, "Hello? Oh, Hi Jesus. We're just cleaning your church."
After cleaning the church, we went to dinner at CoCo Ichibanya - the kids' favorite place. Morgan was frustrated at some point during the dinner and went to hit Parker, only to miss and hit his half-eaten plate of curry rice and milk. Of course, it landed right on Dave. I really had to stifle the laugh there and I didn't do a very good job of it.
There - that was our mundane day. Would love to hear about yours!
Adina
I'm not going to do an official blog update today. I'll spread it out so we don't "fall into the same trap." However, I do want to wish Brent and Anne a Happy Birthday. I hope you both have alot of fun and don't just waste the day working or doing school work. As I always say "work Shmirk." Now while I ALWAYS accuse Adina of being an overacheiver NOONE can EVER say that about me, so follow my example and enjoy the day. We love you both.
Brooke
Happy Birthday Brent! We hope you have a good one.
We are doing well here in Provo. Just going on with normal day to day life. Peter's interview last thursday with Shannon & Wilson in Washington/Oregon went extremely well and we are crossing our fingers about the job in Portland. We love you all and miss you all very much.
Love, Anne and Peter
Taking Adinas lead would have really involved witing a few days then making a post. All we are doing now is falling into the same trap that we had before. If there was a post a day that would be ideal, but, not happening. So, I will continue the tradition of feast or famine and I will post. So there is little sign that there is going to be a spring here in Cleveland. It is snowing today and it has just been really cold. We just went on spring break so we will be going to a waterpark in sandusky tomorrow, so that should be fun. We will see how much there is to do. We have all become big Indians fans so we are very excited for the season to start. Just thinking about it brings the hope for warm summer evenings. We really do love the summers here, they at least balance out the horrible winters. Having said that, this one has not been too bad, just long. And when they are long, you start to get tired of them. As for my life, Dental school is fun. We are really getting busy now as we prepare to go down to the clinic where the real fun begins(as fun as it can get with somebody constantly looking over your shoulder). But, that is what I need right now. I just envy the day that I understand what to do, why to do it, and when to do it, like Dave and Dad. So, that will come with time. Speed will also come with time. Other than that, not much to say. Hayden is just growing up and he cracks us up everyday, doing new things, saying new words and sentences. I will go for now, but perhaps tracey and blog in a few days. TOM
Ok, so I guess I'll post as well.... plus I am very tired of studying for pharmacology so this is a good excuse to take a break! As I mentioned, I have been heavy into exams and won't see the other side of them for a couple weeks. But I did just learn how to manipulate the thoracic spine today in lab so now I'm taking victims... er volunteers to practice on!!
I just joined a gym last week and took a kickboxing cardio class on Saturday that wiped me out and made me feel muscles I didn't know could be so sore... I can't wait till next week's class! And I am going to help out a local high-school's colorguard team through the end of their spring season for fun and extra cash.
Brent is still in his pre-training phase for the marathon and is trying to keep up with the schedule. I just visited him at his store this weekend and the employees all seem to really enjoy working for him... I'm very proud!
Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well and thank you for all the Birthday wishes for both of us!
Wow, it really is like Adina said. When we blog everyone does but when it goes down it sure goes down. Well just wanted to update. I am at my internship right now and I probably should be working but, hey, I need a break! Things are going well. I am starting to stress or worry I guess about where I am going to live and work in June. It is coming up fast. It feels like it was January just yesterday! I am looking at some apartments in San Diego but it is difficult to figure out how much I will be able to afford when I don't really know where I will be working! I am getting my resume together and starting to research places to send it out to. I need to contact some people in the old PQ ward for some networking so I will rely on you, Mom and Dad, for their info. Hopefully everything will go well with that. Pray for me and I promise I will put in my side of effort. Other than that things are great. I am coming up on midterms in the next couple weeks, STRESS!! I have to start getting on it! But right after that is over I have Spring Break! So I think my friend Nicole is going to come down from Utah to visit. I am trying to convince her to move back to San Diego to be my roommate again but who knows what will happen with that. Anyway, just thought I would send out my part! I hope everyone is well and while I am on here, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENT AND ANNE!!! Have great days both of you!!
--
Marnie
It seems that everyone is either blogging - or no one is. Anyway - time for a little catch up.
Life in Japan is great...had some snow this weekend, but it didn't stick for long. Just long enough for people to get uptight about having to drive to church in 1/2 inch of snow. C'mon, people...
Dave received proofs of the colored phone book ad that will be "published" this summer - made a few changes, but it really makes everything seem surreal seeing his name in the ad. Really cool, though.
Isaac went to Webelos tonight - he enjoys scouting and we hope he goes all the way. He made A/B Honor Roll again and is doing well in school. Still wants to be a Marine, still wants to shoot guns...but also knows his Articles of Faith and bears his testimony in church. It all evens out, right?
Taylor also loves school and reading. He is a Tiger Cub now and loves to have scout meetings like his older brother. Still the teacher's pet, I think. His best friends are the cutest girls in the class. Smart boy.
Parker is anxious to start school and would do so tomorrow if he could. Still eats all the time, but you'd never know it. Favorites are bananas, yogurt, string cheese and apples. Can't get enough of them. All three boys are getting ready for baseball season to start. Besides swim lessons, this will be the last sport they do here in Japan.
Morgan is the diva of the house. Walks around in her pink Dora the Explorer sunglasses...won't tolerate interruptions when she is talking...and makes everyone look at her painted toenails. She drags around a new stuffed animal victim everyday and subjects it to her two-way conversations: "Are you pretty?" "Yes - I am pretty.", etc.
Dave is still training for his marathon - running six days a week, sometimes a mile, sometimes much, much more. He is intent on the marathon this year. As for me, I wish him luck and continue to do my standard 2 or 3 miles...2 or 3 days a week. No marathon in my near future. No one has ever accused me of being an over-achiever!
Anyway - life is busy, but it is good. We look forward to hearing from all of you! Take care!
Adina
Mom and Dad get back on Monday the 7th of March. Just to let you know!
All is well here in Rexburg. Heading down to Provo Friday to visit Anne and Peter. Also Brent and Buffy what was the year of your wedding? January 2nd, 200??? It would help for something I am doing..
Love you all!
Kim
Does anyone know when Mom and Dad get back from their luxurious cruise? Just wondering.
Hope everyone is doing well. Things continue to be grand in San Diego!
--
Marnie
ps: Kimmy, guess what? I found a Golden Bagel down by where I live!!! Very exciting
Just want to start off by saying we haven't found out if Treven has gotten in yet. Some things didn't get processed fast enough. Long story. But it did get processed on Thursday so they are looking over the application right now. We should find out next week. Also I do like this setting for the blog better than before.
Happy birthday to both Buffy and Peter! Hope you both have a great one! Have fun with it!
Brooke- I do understand Thank you very much! I love you and miss you lots. Hope to see you this summer!
Anne- I want to come down next weekend... I will see how that will work out. I will call you about it tomorrow (Saturday)
Everybody who has Verizon.. I do have a verizon phone also now that Treven's mom got for me so we could talk for free. So Call cause its free! (360)635-2864.
I love you all! Can't wait to see you all this summer!
Also I did watch CSI... it was pretty sweet! It was a good one...
Love always,
Kim
We wanted to join in the fun of sending birthday wishes on the blog!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUFFY!!
Hayden's getting pretty good at saying Happy Birthday so don't be surprised if you get a phone call from a little friend sometime in the next few days! We hope you had a great birthday and wish we could be there to celebrate with you!!
FYI: The name of the CSI episode is "Big Middle."
Best Wishes!
Tom, Tracey and Hayden
Hey everyone!
By the way that means "What's Happening"
Buffy I know your birthday is tomorrow but We will wish you a great birthday and hope you get to do all the things you want to.
Mike we are sorry to hear about the job but I think it is great that you could end up in the Northwest...where by the way we could possibly be in January 2006...Peter has a job interview with an engineering firm from Washington on the 3rd of March. We will still be going to Mississippi this summer and are hope to visit you guys at your house in Georgia and hopefully we'll get to visit Tom and Tracey too.
Everything is going well here in Provo. We are having a great time not having to worry about traveling with volleyball in the off season. School is going well for the both of us. It looks as if this will be a great semester for the both of us.
Dad- I am looking to take a photography class this summer and I was wondering if you still owned the 35mm camera that is good for something like a photography class. Hope you guys have fun on your cruise and believe me I wish I could be there with the both of you.
Kim- Call me, I need to talk to you about coming to visit sometime soon, Also we want to know about Treven and whether or not he got into BYU Idaho.
Everyone else, we love you and hope everything is going great.
BTW Buffy, our athletic trainers here say that I am getting tedonitis(?) in my ankles. Just thought I would let you know what they are saying is my problem with my ankles.
We love you all and are looking forward to seeing you all hopefully this summer and maybe sooner if possible.
Love,
Anne and Peter
I agree with Dave. I most definitely liked the old format better. This one is a little too much like I am reading a term paper. If we could fix that it would be awesome.
Happy Birthday Buffy and Peter (early)! I hope you have fantabulous days!
For everyone regarding Tom's iPod thing - it is legit. A guy at my internship did it and he got one. Actually he is interested in selling it if any of you are interested in buying one. It is a 40GB, but I am not sure how much he wants to sell it for. He just has figured out that he doesn't use it enough.
Anyway, other than that things are going well down in San Diego. The rain has stopped for now and it feels a lot more like San Diego. I am getting into midterms in the next few weeks so I will have to actually start concentrating on school. Hope all of you are well!
Marnie
Is there another format/design for the blog. I liked the earlier one better than this one. For some reason it was easier to read. Or is there a better one? If I am in the minority, please ignore my obvious lack-of-something-better-to-do-with-my-time.
By the way, Merry Birthday to all!
Dave
Hey Buffy - a Happy Birthday to you! We haven't forgotten you, either - we're just behind! I found some really cool wooden cat figurines at a local shop here and if you are still "into" cats, I would love to pick some up for you - but I will wait to hear from you. Maybe you have tired of cats...let me know.
Also - what is the name of the CSI episode that debuts your apartment? I ask because, over here in Japan, we never see anything on time, which means that we haven't had that episode air here yet. We would love to watch it and record it!
Mike - sorry about the job, but we are excited at the prospect of living near you...so we are happy for all of you!
Kim - did Treven get into BYU-Idaho?
That's it for now. Love you all...
Adina
Do you like my forever long title? According to my handy dandy birthday folder today is Buffy's Birthday. So...Happy Birthday Buffy! Is this the big 29? The last of the twenties, now you have to be a mature adult. You could always hold off like I'm doing. I hope you've had a wonderful day. We love you very much and wish we could celebrate with you.
Kim- I want you to know we did not forget about your birthday. I just wanted to call in person and then never got to trying to find your number. I hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday. We love you so much and we're so happy that you were able to come out and visit. I'm sorry I didn't write sooner. I think you put your number on here once. I'll have to look it up and call soon. Please forgive me.
Peter- while I am here with the time and access to the computer I want to wish you a Happy Birthday on Monday. I'm going to use a new adjective- I hope your birthday is Fabulous! I'm sure you'll do something great like celebrating with a hike or a rock climb. Have fun.
Okay, this should be the last Blog post of the day for the Mike Stinchfield clan. I think this is a record. We love you all.
Brooke
Me: Sadie, come here.
Sadie: No.
Me: Sadie, I said come here.
Sadie: I said no.
And the other day, I had told her no about several things like " I want a sucker" "I want chocolate milk" etc.
Me: No Sadie.
Sadie: Don't you ever say yes?!
Looking forward to some great teenage years with this one.
Tom, you are incorrect. It was the 9th inning. Quit trying to dramatize it by adding flamboyant words like "extra innings".
Mike
I could not help to notice that mike had not mentioned the highlight of the day. Playing MVP baseball Mike took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 8th only to give up a homerun. 4 more runs were scored in extra innings as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland Athletics in 10 innings.
For everyone that was wondering, I didn't get the job that I was forced to try for. Happy I didn't get it, only dissapointed that I didn't for competitive reasons. You know I hate to lose.
For those that didn't know, my Brigade Commander nominated me to be the Deputy Commanding General's Aide. It is considered somewhat prestigious and pretty much sets you up with "advantageous" connections for the rest of your career. Six Captains across post were "competing". We all had interviews the other day.
He was kind enough to call me on my personal cell phone and tell me himself that he did not pick me. He said with my timeline in which I did degree completion and then the Command time, it would be disadvantageuos professionally for me not to be moving forward to an Army Division for another Company Command. He said other than that, I was his top choice. Probably just said it to be nice, but that is fine. I really didn't want the job where I would be a very small fish in a shark tank. Also, this means we have the potential to be up in the Northwest this summer.
Mike
Hey, I am doing this thing online to get a free iPod. It is legit, other people here at the school have done it and they got the iPod. You have to get 5 people you know to sign up and do one offer. The offers are really easy to complete as they only involve signing up for free trials and stuff. You do not have to do anything except for cancel it. here is the link to do it under my name. If you have any doubts, let me know.
http://www.freeipods.com/default.aspx?referer=tom@dankus.com
again, sorry for posting this but, you guys can do it too.
We were watching CSI tonight and the edisode with our complex aired tonight. So I hope we can get a tape from someone or buy the season. Whatever.
Talk to ya lata
Brent
Sorry,
Just a FYI. The episode of CSI which stars our complex airs on CBS at 9 pm or 8 pm utah on March 10th.
Brent and Buffy
I spoke to Lexi and outlined the spaces that we would need. I was too late for the 2 King bed rooms...but got the King suite (the disabled one!!)
She is holding those for us...just need to get your deposits in as soon as you can...but by March 15....
I'm excited!!!
Mom
Barb, that list looks good, we talked to Buffy and reserved a room with them. If you have not yet called Lexi to get your room please do it, her number is (216)228-3266. Anne, thanks for calling about sharing a room with us, it would have been fun and I am sure we will be in rooms next door to each other so it will still be a lot of fun! I know the trip is still far away but we are excited! You can check out their website if you want! http://theredmooselodge.com Thanks! Tracey
We already secured a Double King Deluxe, and there are only 3 of those. Lexi said they are going fast, so don't hesitate if you plan to go.
Dave
I suggest that we do the following:
Mom & Dad & Marnie---1 2 King bed unit
Peter, Anne, Treven and Kim- 1 2 queen bed unit
Brent, Buffy, Tom and Tracey- 1 2 queen bed unit
David and Mike's family would each need their own room.
We do need to get this in quickly. Let me know if there are any issues...Lexi does take credit cards for this. That is how we will have to do it.
We want all of you there.
Love,
Mom
We would love to share a room with someone. We're looking at the rooms with two queen beds. We're thinking Hayden can sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag and if we have another baby by then they can just sleep in the bed with us. Please let us know if you're willing to share with us so we can let Lexi know ASAP. Thanks!!
Tom and Tracey tracey@dankus.com (216)707-0207
February 23, 2005
Dear Family –
Hello to one and all!
Finally, I have gotten the bits and pieces together and am DELIGHTED to invite you to confirm now to attend the 2006 DUKER FAMILY REUNION!
WHEN: JULY 22-29, 2006
WHERE: Red Moose Lodge
Eden, Utah
We have just returned from Utah – our family was there skiing for the past week – and I have reserved the entire lodge for the reunion week. Now it is up to YOU to confirm so we can guarantee the reservation!
If you don’t want to read all the details…proceed to the end to choose your lodging
For those detail oriented people…
In selecting this location, I have taken the previous reunion requests into consideration.
o Everyone would like to be at one location
o Interest in catered meals vs. the work load of making meals
o Variety of activities for all ages/interests
o Somewhere new and different
o Less work/more fun
Red Moose Lodge meets our requirements.
o 26 rooms – some variety in types of rooms
o Exclusive use of the entire facility (with a slim chance that they will add on an additional wing by 2006)
o Outdoor recreation on site includes a small swimming pool, grills, play “fort” for kids, volleyball, etc.
o 6 catered dinners to be served on site
o Daily continental breakfast from 7:30-10 AM
o Full maid service, etc as it is a “hotel” – your rooms will be made up daily.
o Pool table and upstairs alcove for hanging out, large seating area in the lobby with tv, fireplace, etc.
There are MANY recreational activities right in the Valley…terrific hiking from very easy to very challenging, golf, boating/swimming at the reservoir, jet skiing, Gondola rides and hikes at Snow Basin, horseback riding and more.
Within 1 hour, you can go to Lagoon (an amusement park), visit a Dinosaur museum and park, go to the Family History Museum in SLC, see historic Mormon sites, additional golf, the list goes on!
I will send an extensive packet to all attendees at least 6 months before the reunion so you can plan the activities that you are most interested in. As at prior reunions, we will have some planned “FAMILY” activities but also want to allow everyone the flexibility to do what you want to do on vacation..
In interest of keeping costs more reasonable, I am not planning lunches – everyone will be on their own for that. There are several places nearby as well as a small grocery store. This should allow more freedom in what you choose to do each day as well. Based on your lodging selection, you may have microwave/refrigerator in your room.
The reunion cost includes: your family’s lodging, 6 dinners and 7 continental breakfasts, and hopefully t-shirts. I am pretty confident that the cost is fixed based on my talks with caterers, etc. If there are any slight adjustments – you will know by January 2006.
According to my best count – we have a potential 130 attendees. Last time I sent reunion info out, Northport was filled within 24 hours. I think it will be the same this time as well. I need a $250 deposit by MARCH 15 to reserve your room. Room types will be assigned on a first-request basis.
Payments are non-refundable unless you are able to find another family to take your place. The second payment which will be 50% of your balance due will be due January 15, 2006 and the final payment will be due May 15, 2006. I can still accept credit card payments – Visa, MC or Discover with a 3% handling charge if that is more convenient. If you wish to just have me bill your card on the specific dates, just let me know and you will be all set.
Type of Room #available Reunion Cost
King room (1 bed) 3 $1250
King deluxe (1 bed) 2 micro/sm.refrig. $1300
Double queen (2 beds) 15 $1450
Double king deluxe (2 beds) 3 micro/sm. Refrig $1500
“Honeymoon” suite (1 bed) 1 fireplace, Jacuzzi, micro/fridge $1400
Lg.King suite (1 bed) 1 stove/fridge/Jacuzzi,handicap access $1400
(*there is ONE adjoining room set, it is a double king deluxe with a king room adjoined)
*Also, note that these are the rooms as they are right now. Obviously, if the hotel shifts things around prior to the reunion, adjustments in room type may need to be made.
I look forward to hearing from ALL of you When I have an idea of who is attending –(which I hope is EVERYONE!) – I will send out an additional survey for interest in boat rental, Lagoon group rates, etc.
Much love –
Lexi
Thought to google Stinchfield today. Came up with this interesting page of fellow Infantrymen. Pretty Cool!
http://www.rootsweb.com/~tlmorris/stnchfld/data/military/cwsoldiers.html
Including a Parker Stinchfield!
Mike
I just want to say thank you so much to Dave and Adina for the GAP gift certificate. I just received it today. I love you!
Nothing really is going on here still.. Just starting 2nd block next week so I will add another class for the rest of Winter semester. Mom will be coming up in March for Mother's Weekend. Should be fun! We don't have any days off all of March though.. haha! Just playing. We have a day off conference weekend like our spring break. But that is about it until semester break. The end of Winter is April 22 and Summer starts May 2nd. So I will get a nice break to be able to go home. I miss home alot MOM AND DAD!!!! and it isn't just Treven I know what you are thinking. HAHA! I really do miss being there.. :(
I love you guys all.
Kim
P.S. I am doing something for everybody in the family.. But I need to make sure I have the temples right for everybody.
Mike and Brooke: Portland
Dave and Adina: Oakland
Brent and Buffy: San Diego
Tom and Tracey: Salt Lake
Marnie? : San Diego?? Is that what you would want?
Anne and Peter: San Diego
Mom and Dad: Oakland
Very cool site...just put in a name.
http://babynamewizard.com/namevoyager/lnv0105.html
Mike
I updated the site for the new year when we have all committed to blog on "the Seven" a little more...;)
Mike
Well, this week with another bank's turndown for financing, we have decided to be content with the great job that Dad already has. Great income, vacations and benefits and minimal worries! The banker was really nice about it but one of the problems is that we are so highly leveraged (banker-speak for have a lot of debt) that if anything did not go according to plan or better we would be dead in the water. Lesson for all of you...debt really limits you! We are doing alright with it and made our final plans to go to Japan in April. Not a bad consolation prize!
We have two other financing organizations that would finance us when I get a job. Who knows when that will happen...and I'm not sure it would be wise for us to do even then.
We went to see the Aviator tonight...good movie! He was one weird guy. We are going down to Sacramento tomorrow afternoon for Paul Wecker's 50th birthday returning on Sunday morning. We got really cheap tickets so we decided to do it. We'll also get to see Gramma while we are there which makes her really happy.
Anyhow...I'd better get to bed.
We love you all,
Mom and Dad (Dad's not writing but his heart is in this!)
Happy 19th birthday! You are almost out of the teens!! Hope you have a good one and have fun.
We love you!
Love, Anne and Peter
Well Tom seemed to really enjoy his birthday and was happy to get so many birthday messages! We have been having a great time in Cleveland. Last weekend we drove to Hocking Hills State Park which is about 45 minutes outside of Columbus (a 4 hour drive from our house). We went with 5 other couples and stayed in these two bedroom cabins (tow couples per cabin). On Saturday we went hiking and saw the most beautiful frozen waterfalls! They were gorgeous and the sun was shining making them sparkle. It was relatively warm and the day was perfect. We had a wonderful time. On Valentine's day we went out to Red Robin, with Hayden. Not exactly fun or romantic since Hayden just ran around the restuarant but atleast I didn't have to cook! Yesterday for Tom's birthday we had sugar pancakes in the morning, he went to the driving range in the afternoon and then we went to the CAvs game, you can't ask for much more than that!!!
Hayden is really starting to "mature" (if there is such a thing for a two year old.) He is grasping the idea of consequences and gaining more control over his behavior. It's really nice. He still has a lot of energy and just likes to run around but now we do circle time in the mornings and he's really enjoying learning his colors, numbers, shapes, etc. He gets really excited about things so it's been a lot of fun.
I've been doing a lot of scrapbooking lately. I went to a four week class at Lexi's house, it was great. I'm actually almost done scrapbooking Hayden's first year of life so I only have one more to go... hopefully I can catch up!!! I'm reading the 4th Harry Potter, it's great. Adina thanks for the book ideas, I'm always looking for something new. Also, my birthday is April 29th.
It's fun to hear from everyone! Keep us posted. Take care!
Tracey
It took 5 minutes to get Parker into this shell - he was convinced it would close on him! 
Happy Birthday to Kenn, Tom, Kim, Ellyn, & Peter! Did we miss anyone for February? Sorry we are a little late - it has been a slow recovery from our trip. Dave is still dropping off to sleep every night at like 9:30!
Jane - you look gorgeous with those pearly whites! We are anxious to get to the states and find a good ortho for Isaac - he has quite a mouthful (thanks to me). I hope his smile is as great as yours when he's done with braces!
Not too much on the home front. We had a great trip to "America", including visits to an Egyptian Museum, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Winchester Mystery House, OMSI, and more. It was great! Now, we are awaiting official orders so we know what day we can catch a plane back to the states. Dave is in the elementary school today doing screenings on the kids for Dental Health Month.
Dave and I watched "The Grudge" the other night - scared the snot out of me. It is set in Japan, so that made it even more interesting.
Some recent reads:
"The Rule of Four" (similar to "Da Vinci Code", but not quite as interesting)
"God's Secretaries: The making of the King James Bible" (interesting)
"The Kite Runner" (liked it very much)
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (an easy, entertaining read - I think you would like it, Tracey)
Anyway - we are sure looking forward to seeing everyone sometime this summer! We miss you all and love to read about what's going on in your lives! By the way - when is Tracey's Birthday?
Adina
Happy Birthday to Tom and Ellyn! Hope you all have a great one!
Thank you Tom, Tracey and Hayden for the birthday card. I appreciate it greatly!
As for other things, Treven finds out in an hour and an half if he got accepted to BYU Idaho. Thats at least what we believe by what they are saying on the web site. I am having a good time here in Rexburg, It is freezing... this morning it was -1 but felt like -15 because of wind chill! fun stuff! I have a biology test tomorrow and an american heritage test next tuesday so this weekend is study, study, study! I miss everybody and I wish I could be home. I don't know what I am doing for my birthday.... there isn't anything planned yet so maybe nothing. Oh well..
By the way Mom, I need a oil change for my car and ink cartridge for my printer...
Love you all!
Kim
Happy birthday Tom! Hope you have a good one!
We love you and miss you!
Love, Anne and Peter
Hey everyone! Happy Birthday Ellyn, Tom, and Kimberly (in a couple days)! I hope you are all having a blast on your birthday.
Per the title, Matt is sick! :( He got an ear infection last week and we think he is having a bad reaction to the antibiotics he was given. That combined with running 13 miles in the rain and getting a little dehydrated has turned into no fun. He was really bad on Monday night with a fever and a serious stomach ache. He slept and rested all day yesterday, pretty weak from not being able to keep any food in. I went and saw him this morning and the fever has gone down but he is still feeling pretty crappy. I guess Valentine's is going to have to be postponed for a while. Sad.
On a lighter note, I went and saw a taping of Will & Grace last night. It was really fun and we almost got backstage passes but the taping went too long and the actors had to leave. But it was fun to watch the LONG process of filming a hit sitcom. And I got to see all the cool actors and have fun with my friends. Cool experience.
Well enjoy your birthdays and pray for Matt to get better! Love you all.
Marnie
Boy, did I blow it!!!! As soon as I sent my post, I saw Brent's Happy Birthday..and I didn't even mention it.
Happy Birthday, Tom! I have been thinking about it this morning and will call you this afternoon when you are back from school....27....Wow!!
Mom
Hope your Birthday goes well. OLD MAN!! Also Baseball is coming up, anyone for Fantasy Baseball.
See ya
Brent
I am finally trying to figure out pictures for myself. I helped Martha set up a blog for her family this weekend and she tried some pictures that did not work out for me, at least. So I thought I would experiment..not sure whether the one from "hello" will come through. I was trying to put it on our profile but couldn't figure that out...Help, Mike!!!
Anyway, the Schickies do have a blog...since I opened ours up for them to look at for an example...I'll give you their site....Superschick.blogspot.com.
I had a great weekend with Beppie Anne and Martha. We saw quite a few old friends including having lunch with Peter and Anne and Betsy in Provo on Saturday. Diane Kort Johnssen is living in American Fork with her husband and went into premature labor and is in Utah Valley Hospital so Betsy was there helping. We also saw Jay and Martha Ball (where we had the lunch after Kay-Kay's burial) on Sunday. On Monday morning we went to breakfast with some friends we grew up with in Berkeley. Very fun!!! In addition to all the entertaining, we went to the Spoken Word broadcast...and a Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum in Ogden. Martha has really gotten into geneology and I'm going to be doing it with her...very fun.
Still no further news on the practice..we have another bank looking at it who will give us an answer by the end of this week....No job yet on the horizon for me!!!
We love you all,
Mom
Hi, I am now 1! (Notice Sadie in her new favorite outfit, red tutu with big blond wig, with nothing else!)
Ellyn,
Sorry We are late, But Happy 1st birthday! I hope you had a good day and had fun with your family!
We Love you!
Love, Auntie Anne and Uncle Peter
Happy V-Day everyone!
I saw this article on cnn.com and thought I would post it:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/02/14/valentine.town.ap/index.html
-Anne
Hey everyone,
Well this afternoon, Peter received an email supposedly from Washington Mutual saying that it had suspected fraudulant activity with our account and that it was currently deactivated and that we had to follow a link to reactivate it. It sends you to the normal wamu.com sign in page to sign in. Then it asked for the card number, pin number, expiration date, and the 3 or 4 digit number on the back of the card(basically everything you would need to use it). So after Peter had done this, because we assumed it was Washington Mutual, we noticed on the wamu.com website that they said that they would never ask for our pin number over email. So immediatly we figured this must have been something wrong so we called the Washington Mutual number and we were told that it was not them who sent it to us and that it had been a random person trying to get our information. We ended up cancelling that card and changed basically anything that would have to do with what info we had given to them.
I am just alarming you all that this is something that can happen and to delete the message as soon as you receive it or let washington mutual know about it. Anyways, we have everything resolved now and are going tomorrow to make sure everything is changed. I really hope you all will never have to deal with this.
Other than all of that stuff, we are doing great and having fun here in Provo. We love you all and can't wait to see you all again.
Love, Anne and Peter
David- Brent and I told my mother about the dental practice you are planning to buy and funny enough, my mother is in the market for a new dentist. She had mentioned the description if the dental office and said she thought it looked like a nice place. She then asked us to find out the name of the dentist and sure enough it's the same one that she was already considering! Congrats on finding a place that you were looking for and hopefully all the details work out well.
By the way, Happy Valentines day to everyone!
Buffy
Well we got home. Let me just give you a quick synopsis of our trip back.
So, it was a long trip, but the flight only cost $13 per person. We'll take a little of inconvenience for several thousand dollars in savings. It may take the kids a while longer to get adjusted to the time change again.
So, the trip was successful. We accomplished what we wanted to do and have found a practice. It is in Washougal, WA. It is 21 miles from mom and dads front door. It is a small town right on the Columbia River down East of Camas. It is the same place where Buffy's mom moved to recently. It has a small town, rural feeling to it, yet it is 15 mile from downtown Portland. The best of both worlds. It is growing well though with a lot of houses being built. I have signed the letter of intent to purchase the practice from Dr. Howard Davis who has been practicing there for 25 years and has a very loyal patient pool. He does just the kind of dentistry I am interested in and is very supportive in making me successful. The practice has a view out of the treatment rooms that is very relaxing, looks right out into the woods, nice big windows. The equipment is brand new and the practice has a very homey feel to it. It really is just what I have been looking for. I will be starting to work there in August and will purchase it 1 year from that date. We've got an excellent CPA/Lawyer team going through all the details and they agree it is an excellent opportunity.
Good to be home.
Dave
Awesome stuff here...
Beats any other online mapper.
http://maps.google.com/
Hey everyone!
I realized nobody knows my address... so I thought I would just post it!
440 S 2nd W #411
Rexburg, ID 83440
Just got home from a trip home to see Dave and Adina and the kids. Had a blast at home! Especially playing pounce! haha anyways! Just the same old same old. Just studying and hanging out with friends. I am trying to look for a job so I can save up money. There are new restaurants and stores opening so I am going to apply there.
It snowed a little this weekend. Wish it would snow more so that when I go snowboarding it won't be so icy.
Also all of those with Verizon phones I have a Verizon phone now so it is free. The number is (360)635-2864. I still do have my Cingular one. It is just one to be able to talk free to Treven.
Mom and Dad... I also need an oil change soon on the Durango. I am guessing about the beginning of March. I just talked to you Mom, but I forgot to tell you that.
I love you all and miss you! I will post more pictures soon just have to download them onto my computer.
Hey Everyone,
I thought I would let you know that Peter had accepted an internship for the summer(May and June) at the Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, Mississippi. We will be there for two month and then will be back in Provo until December. This is a possible permanent job opportunity for Peter when he is done in December but we will not know anything about permanent stuff until next fall. I am excited to experience the South and actually somewhat know what Mike and Brooke are talking about. We will hopefully be able to visit both Mike and Brooke and Tom and Tracey sometime while we are there. We will see!
We are both doing great and hope to see you all soon.
Love you!
Anne and Peter
Well, this time has seemed longer than it actually was. That is a good vacation. I have been able to accomplish a lot on the dental practice side of things. I have discovered that the practice I was looking at initially is nothing close to what I wanted, so it has been left in the dust. However, there is an excellent opportunity that I am pursuing right now in Washougal, WA, about 30 mins from Mom and Dad's. Good practice, well equipped/staffed, with much potential for growth.
We fly back to Sasebo tomorrow morning, but won't actually be back to our home for 2 or 3 days. It is a long trip. We wish we could have seen more of you all, but we did get to see B&B and Kim while we were here. Great trip overall. Makes us really want to get back in August. Well, hope to hear from all of you soon. Blog away!
Dave
After discussion, we have not totally given up on the idea of a practice. Our CPA had the great suggestion for a middle road solution. We will give up our bid for this space that we have been working toward and I will exert stronger efforts to get employment. As soon as I get a steady permanent job, we will proceed forward. In speaking to both lenders, if I had employment, it would go through without something in writing from Willamette and without a 2nd on our house. We would then look for what spaces might be available at that time. We both feel very peaceful about that solution....except that it is sort of up to me to get the job...so I can definitely use your prayers and fasting to help me in that endeavor.
Thanks for all your support,
Mom
Our adventures in Santa Clarita continue with the filming of CSI Las Vegas in our little apartment complex. Yep, that's right, a whole crew of well over 100 people, five semi's, trailers, security guards, fake cop cars, fake prostitutes, a fake villain, cameras, lots of lights, and a few of the stars were all chilling in our tiny parking lot last night. They used our friend's apartment that they had just moved out of to film a stake out of a criminal living in a white trash apartment. I'll admit that our apartments aren't the most stylish but they made it even more ghetto by shining neon blue spot lights on the sides of the buildings (very Vegas I guess). I also got a peak at the inside after the "art department" was done with our (Mormon) friend's old apartment. It looked exactly like a trashy crack dealer's place complete with alcohol bottles and cigarette butts everywhere, multiple phones, little mirrors with razor blades and all the cheasy 70's furniture you can imagine as well as clutter and trash. I hope to get copies of the pictures I took with the apt manager soon.
So last night instead of watching TV or reading for entertainment, I went up to my friend's apt and watched the filming from her bedroom window while eating pizza. I think it will air next month but I'm not sure what date. All I can say is it was VERY surreal!
Brent just got back in town last night from Mammoth for work meetings and snow boarding. Unfortunately the film crew was completely packed up and gone by the time he got home at around 10:30pm (sorry Brent). He is still in one piece but I don't think he feels like it. It was his first time and apparently everything hurts.
Barb and Kenn, we will pray for you as well and hope you are at peace with the decision you make.
Buffy
Actually, Brent...I may NOT be getting Dad a practice for his birthday and he may thank me for it.
Just to keep you all in the current loop, both financing companies have asked for some conditions that we may not want to do....such as a 2nd on our house, and a written contract with Willamette for the phase out. We don't want to do the first and Dad thinks we would be killing ourself by asking for the second item with Willamette.
We haven't made our final, final decision but are leaning on giving up the idea of the practice and enjoying our later years with a guaranteed income...and a lot fewer worries. I am sure Dad would be successful at the practice but it takes time...and if the financing isn't there, you can't do it. We definitely do not want a repeat of Poulsbo.
We have been praying fervently for a clear answer as to the direction we need to go and this may be our answer. We will be fasting this Sunday for the right thing to happen and invite any of you who would desire to join us in that fast. We need to make the final decision by Monday.
We love you all and the most important blessing we have in our life are each of you!!!
Mom
We would love to wish you an excellent Birthday and hope that Mom can buy you a practice for your Birthday. Have a nice one. We love you.
Brent and Buffy
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