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

Kelly and I doing cannonballs into the pool after being thrown in because it was my last day!

Kelly decorated my locker for my last day at Sport Chalet! Lots of inside jokes from 2 years!

It is hard to get a feel for how close it is until you are there but I will be taking more pictures later. I explored a little yesterday and it is amazing!

My new apartment is just behind that green and white house. I will have more pictures later but I couldn't when I went to see it because the woman that lives there now is SO messy!

Matt taking me and my roommate Sandy for a ride around downtown!

IT WAS ME!!!!

Love ya Mom

Brent

Me and Mike were trying to figure out who did the "You're not even worth $100" thing. Who did that lovely piece of work?

Dave

Marnie, Congratulations on the apartment. We are definitly jealous of the location. I am sure it will be awesome.

We are finally beginning to settle down here in Vicksburg. We are having tons of fun hanging out, enjoying the area. Peter's parents came in town for a visit and we were able to visit the National Military Park here and learn more about the Civil War. It was fun. Once Peter started working on Tuesday, It was just me and the in-laws. We were able to go and visit a couple plantations before they left on Wednesday. The plantations are beautiful. I want one soo badly now. I think if I were to live in the country it would have to be on lots of land like some of these plantations.

Mike and Brooke, Peter and I are both planning on coming the weekend of Memorial Day (like the 27th or so). Peter will stay the weekend and leave me there to play with you all because he has to get back to work. He is going to come the next weekend and stay and then we will both leave together. Please let me know if that sounds good or whatever.

The weather is HOT! Humidity sucks when you have to go out running every day. But it is nice, my skin is doing better here. The Utah dryness kills me. The only down side is that I am attractive to mosquitos. 7 bites in 2 days :( .

We love you all!

Love, Anne

Hey everyone! I don't have much time right now to post but I thought I would let you know that I found a place to live! And it is really great! It is a studio in...wait for it...LA JOLLA!! It is like one or two blocks from La Jolla cove and it is really nice. I know what you are thinking really expensive? well, sort of but not at all for La Jolla or San Diego in general really. I will tell you more about it later and will post pictures of the surrounding area and stuff. I move in on June 1st. Thanks for your prayers. Things are really falling into place. I will write more later! Have to go!

--
Marnie

Hey,
I feel a little out of the loop because I have no idea what story got into the chicken soup book. Could you possibly describe the story that was submitted? Sounds great anyhow!
By the way, I went to the doc since I had been getting worse. They hooked me up with a z pack and an inhailer which I was saddly very excited about. Turns out that the flu turned into laryngitis and bronchitis. I'm feeling a little better today but very weak.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Buffy

Congrats on the story making it into the book - we will be sure to get a copy!

Another Saturday of games and practices has come and gone. We are all sandy, tired, and sweaty. Parker managed to scoop a few base hits today...he was beaming. Taylor actually HIT the ball today - something we have been waiting for. It's not as easy as it seems. These kids play machine pitch, so the ball is coming at them at about 40 mph. And Isaac hit a homerun and two doubles! It was great. We shut the other team out. Lots of happy kids.

I had softball practice today - Dave helped out with coaching. He's been really great - helping me practice this week. Lots of constructive criticism, of course. Along the lines of, "Are you AIMING for my feet?" and "You do have your contacts in, right?" Well - I'm happy to report that the criticism works and I am doing better. I'm excited for our game next week.

Tomas - sorry to hear about your finger. I'm sure it was a great catch. I worry all the time about Dave injuring his hands during baseball, football - or whatever. One of his latest ambitions is wood working. Wants the table saw - the whole thing - and I'm terrified he'll saw off a finger or something. Anyway - you gotta live - just need to be careful. Hope you recover quickly.

The tooth fairy is making her rounds here tonight. Earlier in the day, Dave and Taylor were fooling around, and Dave bumped Tay or something and knocked a tooth out. It was ready to come out anyway. But, sure enough, Taylor heads outside to show all the neighborhood kids (and parents for that matter) and was sure to tell them his Dad punched him and it fell out. It's probably a good thing we are leaving soon - before social services shows up. Then, Parker lost a tooth at dinner. His first, so he's excited. Now Morgan is convinced her teeth are going to fall out at any given moment.

Anyway - so glad to hear that everyone continues to do well. Time for baths and bedtime stories here. Love you all.

Adina

Well, we got home from the temple tonight and found this email from "Peg" at Chicken Soup to indicate that my story has made it to the final cut. I sent you the email from her which indicates it'll be out in bookstores in September. So, pick up a copy. Chicken Soup for the LDS Soul.

They are doing another book, Chicken Soup for the LDS Women's Soul and are looking for stories. You can submit through the website for LDSLiving.com. Check it out. May be fun and worth some spending money.

It'll be interesting to see the final text and bio after they have chopped on it.

Anyway, this was a good day here. Hope the same for all of you. And, Marnie, today is you last day of school? Congrats. Love, Dad

Well, this will be short but I wanted to report on the latest here in Cleveland. I had a softball game last night that we won by a lot, like 25-10, but in the 4th inning I dove for a ball in center field, caught it, then broke my pinky on my right hand. It was all bent to the side. So, this is new. Now it is in this temp splint and I have to go to the doctor on monday to see if it needs a pin or anything like that. SO, it is sucky for multiple reasons. But, we figure, if I could break one finger. other than the pinky on the left hand, this would be the one to break and also, at least it is not an arm or something. The bad thing is that we start clinic in a week and I am not going to be ready by then obviously. So, we will see what happens. It will all work out somehow so, that is life. 4 weeks they are saying . Tom
P.S. at least I can still play xbox

The interview went well but I don't anticipate that I will be called in for another interview. It is a supervisor position for a call center working with four other supervisors as peers. The income also is significantly less than I have earned before. I told the woman that I would only consider it at the upper range of the income scale for that position. I think she felt I was good but overqualified for the position. Which is good since I am really enjoying staying home and it will take more and more for me to be willing to give up my freedom!!

Love you all,

Mom

Hey All,
Thanks for the well wishes. I wish I could say I was better but just got back from urgent care again to find I somehow have pink eye along with my continuing flu fun. This doesn't quite work out with school since tomorrow we go over both my neurology practical and spine practical that are both next week. I don't think anyone will want me up close and personal practicing spinal mobilizations on them! I'm waiting to hear what my professor thinks I should do via email. All I can say is get the flu shot like I will be next fall!!!
Buffy

I think that is the tagline to something and it's definately true about the blog! I can't believe how many posts have been written since I last checked. I usually check several times a day but I just haven't felt up to it lately. Congratulations Marnie! Your big news must have posted at the same time as my Oprah blog because it wasn't there before I wrote my entry, sorry I missed it. Your job sounds so exciting! I bet all those interviews were grueling! I can't imagine the stress of meeting with the President of the company! Good Job!!! I can't wait to hear about the details once you start there! Good luck finding an apartment!
Mike and Brooke, we wish you the best. Buffy good luck with your finals, I sure hope you're starting to feel better. I am so happy that Dayne has been able to come home, thanks for the updates. There is so much more that I would like to say but for now just please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers even when I don't get a chance to write it. As it's been said before I feel so blessed to be a part of such a fantastic family, I love you all. Thanks so much for your love and support.
Tracey

Hey Everyone!

Thank you so much for your congrats. It really means a lot, you have no idea. It can be hard to be out here away from family by myself but I know that this is where I am supposed to be. It is nice to be recognized. Thanks.

Mom and Dad - Can't wait to see you guys next week! Will be so fun! Hopefully we can squeeze Star Wars in because I am so excited for it to come out! Thanks for everything.

Mike and Brooke - That is too bad that you didn't get Fort Lewis but I am sure that everything will turn out great. At least it isn't Iraq. Should be safer in Korea. Hopefully you will be able to get in a visit to Japan to where you served your mission! It will be good to have Brookie and the girls in WA near everyone. Comforting to know that they will be taken care of and around family and lots of people that love them. Good to hear that baby Dayne is going home. I hope everything is well with them.

Dave and Adina - Sounds like things are winding down. Can't wait to see you in August! I got the new fender for my bike and as soon as Matt and I have time to put it on I will be sure to post a picture of the bike.

Brent and Buffy - Get well soon Buffy! It sucks to be sick and it seems like it is going around. Matt is getting sick right now but he is going to NYC for a week so hopefully it will go away while there so I don't get it! Brent I will be needing a discount card now because Saturday is my last day at good ole Sport Chalet. Alma is pretty upset with me and I don't think that Ted is very jazzed about it either. I just don't have time to continue working there. I was going to do the Friday night and Saturday thing but I don't need to and I don't want to overwork myself. So I put in my two weeks on Monday but I can't work next week because I start on Monday! So I got people to cover my shifts and helped them out a bit. I have a feeling that I will be going in the pool on Saturday! I will have to bring a change of clothes (we throw people that are leaving into the pool on their last day).

Tom and Tracey - I had forgotten about sleeping through Braithwaite's class! Funny! Tracey that is exciting about Oprah. I caught the tail end of it at work yesterday but didn't see you but I did tell everyone that you were there! I got an email today that I forwarded to everyone with the new Cedar Point rollercoaster! I just might have to come out there so I can ride it, and see you guys of course! :)

Anne and Peter - Looks like fun in the South! The guy that I work with at my internship just went to New Orleans and was showing me pictures. Looks like a really cool place! That is where Harry Connick Jr. is from! :) I am sure you will have lots of fun South stories. Keep us posted!

Kim and Treven - Seems like things are coming along with the wedding. Let me know if you need help with anything. I went to Amber Bessey's wedding last Saturday and she had the reception in her grandparent's backyard. I took some pictures. I will be sure to send them to you so you can see how she did it. Hope Idaho is treating you well. I wish you could have come down for my graduation too!

So things are going well here. I continue to search for an apartment and I am enjoying my last week of this life before I move into a completely new routine with a real 8-5 job. Like I mentioned above Matt is leaving for a print conference in NYC tonight and will be gone for a week. I will be finishing up my finals on Friday due to a mix up with computers and annoying professors but it will be done. Next week I start the job and next weekend Mom and Dad will be coming down for my graduation on the 21st. Crazy times! I will be moving the weekend after that as well. Can't wait for things to settle down so I can get used to the new routine. Don't know where I will be moving but I will probably still be living more towards downtown San Diego due to ridiculously high priced living in coastal north county. Again thank you for your support. It means a lot. I love you all.

--
Marnie

Michael,

Remember that all things happen for a purpose. I know this is awfully disappointing for you but remember what you told me about the advantages. It isn't what you really wanted but it might get you your advanced education more quickly and is probably safer.

I think it is the type of thing that has happened a lot to us in our lives...something that is very much of a disappointment at the time but that years later you look back at as a blessing.

We are estatic about having Brooke and the girls come out to Battleground for the duration....

We love you,

Mom

My assignment: Korea. Do not know where or what or how long yet. Brooke and family will move to Battle Ground for the duration where they can be close to MAC flights. Yes, I am very dissapointed that Fort Lewis didn't happen.

Mike

Marnie, I'm sorry I left you out of my revised Blog. I am so excited for you. That is awesome. You know with all the graduates every spring out there pounding the pavement it says alot that you have a full time job with benefits right away. I'm very, very proud of you. Love, Brooke

P.S. Dayne is out of the hospital as of yesterday morning. She will be hooked up to oxygen at home for the next month, but all is well. Thanks for your concern and prayers. I love you all.

Boy, do I love the blogs. I don't think the vehicle has any magic properties...what is the best is that everyone is using it and, as David says, it keeps us all in the loop on how everyone is doing.

Marnie, you are great! What many of you don't know is some of the details. She will be assisting with the marketing for this communications company. Her degree is in Communications with an emphasis on advertising so this job is right down her alley. She was telling me that one of the people that she met during her interview had been there just over a year and had already been promoted. As she hasn't had office experience yet, this gives her a great opportunity to get it in the same field that she studied. She interviewed along with two other women with far more experience. When she left, she was under the impression that those two would be having an interview with the president in the next few days. Marnie couldn't do that because of a final so they arranged for her to have the interview while she was there. The president must have been impressed by Marnie because they didn't wait for the other interviews...they hired Marnie that afternoon. As with any job, there are unknowns but I hope all goes well and it is a good initial experience. The $ is good, in the $30,000 range with full benefits. Not bad for a first entry level job! I'm sure Marnie will blow them away!

Well, believe it or not, I have an interview today. I got a call out of the blue from a resume I sent in in March... At the point that I am getting satisfied with staying home, this comes up. Of course, I don't have a job offer yet. I'm not sure that this can pay me enough to make it worth it. It is working for Kaiser as a supervisor in Membership Services. The bad thing is that it is not a manager title....However, I want to get into the medical area and this would give me some experience there. I have very mixed feelings so I won't feel bad either way.

Buffy, I hope you are feeling better. This is not good timing for the flu...but when has flu waited for good timing!!! Tracey, I watched Oprah...you are right that there were few views of the audience. I missed the first 5-10 minutes but recorded the rest so I may go back and study it and see if I can recognize the back of your head!!! Brooke can give more details but, when I talked to Mike on Mother's Day, I heard that Dayne was coming home from the hospital this week so things must be going well. David, I am printing up the blogs and putting them in a binder. This is really priceless!!! Anne, loved the pictures! In fact, I love it when any of you put anything in here!!. Brooke, I would suggest the Word option for your blogs...I am always so disappointed when you lose your longer epistles!!! That way when Ellyn hits it off, most of it will still be saved and you can just copy and paste it in the blog when you are done.

We love you all (speaking for me and Dad!!)

Mom

It amazes me every time I get on this thing how easy it makes it to keep in touch with everyone's lives. When everyone offers input, it really enables us to see how each of us is doing. What I mean is, I can think back to the last 3 years that we have been over here, and I can think back to Case and BYU. Never during that time have I been so in tune with each of your lives. Like the first year we were here, I couldn't tell you at any one time what was going on in each of your lives. I couldn't see how big the kids were getting or what they were like. This enables that. I am not praising the blog or anything, it is just nice to be able to think about the family (which I have alot of time to do driving to and from main base with only one radio station in english that sucks) and actually be able to picture what they are up to. By the way, mom or anyone, is anybody printing the blog for a family-journal thing. This would make an amazing family journal for our children/grandchildren to see years down the road. Just a thought.

Can't say enough about Adina's abilities, I am very grateful that dad's practice failed. Maybe that doesn't sound right. If that hadn't of happened, plus many other things, I wouldn't have met her in the Fremont 1st Ward. Have I made every decision perfectly, heck no, but I am happy where I am now, and happy with my family, and feel blessed for all that I have.

On a new note, pray that you never have to take part in an IG (inspector general) inspection. They come an inspect the clinic to determine whether it is operating like it should. Not too bad, but some of the questions they come up with?????? At this point though, my ability to give a hoot is lacking, so whatever.

Adina got me some magic stuff for my birthday, so I will be practicing up on some stuff. Takes alot of practice to get it right. I love doing it, but have a long way to go until I am good enough to do anything public.

Glad to hear you are perfecting the aquarium stuff Tom, that way when we redesign our practice, you'll know what is best to put in there. Keep it up and enjoy the clinic, get your units done early so that you can try other stuff.

Marnie, can't be prouder of you. As Adina said, I am too amazed at your abilities. You have alot of spunk and a good spirit about you. Don't get discouraged with anything that doesn't go right in the new job, just take it as a learning experience and move on. Still haven't seen a pic of your bike yet!! Oh, just remembered that it came dented and you are waiting for a new one, sorry. We love you are confident that you will excel.

Mike and Brooke, we expect an immediate blog when the destination and departure date are confirmed. We are waiting anxiously...as are you I am sure.

Dave

We continue to have computer troubles. Our computer just got back from HP, where they supposedly fixed it, but it continues to crash and restart whenever it feels like it. So - it is back in the box and we are hoping they will simply give us a new one. So - we are back to the laptop that Dave so wisely purchased. Yes, I said it. It was a wise purchase.

Anyway - congratulations to you, Marnie on all of your accomplishments! Dave and I constantly marvel at the motivation and ambition that all of you possess. We are very proud of you and wish we could be there to see you graduate. Good luck with the new job - you will be great! Please keep us posted on all the details.

Tracey - Oprah, huh? Wow. Sounds like you and your friends had a fun trip! Glad you like the PJs. My favorite part of the day is when I can slip into some comfy pajamas - thought you might feel the same way! I got them before we knew you were expecting, so hope they fit for a while anyway.
Anne - love the pictures! Can't wait to hear about the culture down there. There are a few ladies here from "the South". I can't get over how much make up they wear - is that a southern thing?
Kim - we love the pictures and can't wait to see the invitations. Are we allowed to see a picture of the wedding dress? I hope I can be of some help when we arrive. I would love to help you run and around and get things done if I can!
Brent - give Buffy our best. We will keep her in our thoughts and hope she recovers quickly. And it is always good to hear from you!
Brooke - how is your neice? I think I missed an update somewhere. Is Fort Lewis a definite? And you are waiting for a date? Would LOVE to be living close to you guys.

Anyway - Parker, Morgan and I drove over to Imari and went to the Noritake factory. Completed our China set, which I love and hope we have a lot of opportunity to use. Then we went to a great park overlooking the valley. It was a gorgeous day. Made me think of how much I have loved living here and how I will miss it. Something I will miss - the humility of the people here. The other day, I was driving home and the traffic came to a halt. A shopkeeper was helping a patron back out into traffic, so she stopped a car so the car could leave the parking lot. I was about the sixth car back. She then proceeded to give each car a deep bow and a smile in the procession that had stopped before going back into her shop. It's been great.

Kids are all great. Isaac is a stud in baseball. Fields those balls and sends them back to first like a rocket. He was responsible for about 5 or 6 outs last game - they won! It was a sweet victory. Taylor continues to check out dictionaries from the library and make crabs out of origami. He is at the table as I write, doing some Japanese Sumi-E painting. Parker has broken his training wheels. He has also picked up my bad habit of wretching his throat when it tickles - I think Dave is about to toss us. Morgan carries around the calculator in both hands, yelling, "I'm winning, Mom!" I think she's ready for X-box.

Love you all - love all the blogs. Take care!
Adina

Hey Everyone,
I know I have not posted for quite a while and I am being a very bad non-blogger. Anyhow First I would like to say congratulations to Marnie on the job and the graduation. I am sitting here on my day off while Buffy is in the bedroom sleeping to get rid of a sickness she has had for the fourth straight day. We had to take her to urgent care on Sunday morning because she had taken some Sudafed the day before and her heart was racing. They took her heart rate at 130 when we arrived at the clinic. Please pray for her to get better she has finals next week and needs to study. She has tried to go to school the last two days and could not make it. I am trying my hardest not to get sick. I cannot afford it with work.
Sport Chalet is doing well and my store is running. Sales are there some days and gone on others. We are supposed to start getting nice weather coming up so we should be able to get some water sports business. We had a visit from our CEO a week and a half ago that went very well. His quote was the store look better then it ever had. Dave I am trying to keep up the running. Mike and Tom, I have shoes for you that you wanted I just need the money. Mike's were 50 bucks and Tom's were 35. Dave I will keep my eye out for good deals for you.
I am still teaching Primary. One plus years now. I am teaching the CTR 6's and I have 8 kids in the class.
I love you all and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family. I look at the news and the employees that I deal with and here about their families and in laws. Boy do I count my MANY blessing for what Heavenly Father has allowed me to be a part of.
I will stop typing now, but I swear I will blog more. Buffy is yakking up a lung in the other room. Please forgive me.

Love Brent

Sunny day here in Cleveland and we won our softball game. I am enjoying my 2 week break from school and am excited to go to the clinic, and nervous. That is awesome Marnie that you have reached that point where you have a real job. No more all nighters with the text books and cramming for midterms when all the teachers decide to use the same day. You will have to keep us posted on how you like it. Seems like just yesterday you were sleeping through Dr. Braithwaites lectures on invertibrates. Guess you found your thing so this stinchfield clan is stoked. You are spoiled to be in SD. It is a paradise.
Today there was a thunderstorm for like 5 minutes and I found myself racing into home depot to avoid getting drenched, but the rest of the day was very nice. But, overall wierd weather. I had to put another light into my aquarium so I had to wire the cord myself, spin the wires. It was one of the first things I have done that required home depot. That used to be the outing I looked so forward to with dad so maybe I need to start learning how to do things. I just remember going in each time and walking by the lights that line the walkway of a house and wondering if that would be the time that we would get them. Talking with dad about how nice they would be but how they are not a reality then, but someday. Well, I am pretty sure you got that but I still got to go to home depot with you a few visits ago. It is funny what our minds will remember and how they spark feelings inside of you. Something so simple, yet a memory. Well, I am getting to sentimentle so it is time to go. Love you guys. Tom

One of the three going on the invitation 

Hey!
I guess I have some stuff to say since it has been a while. I just have been doing a lot of homework lately. First of all, CONGRATS ON THE JOB MARNIE!!! I am so excited for you! I hope you will love it! I wish I could be down in San Diego for your graduation… dumb school… I still have to do it. LUCKY!
Tracey, that’s awesome about the Oprah Show. I watched part of it today!
So, what is going on with me…? I got my wedding dress last weekend from down in Provo. I love it! (Of course) Wedding planning is going along great. My classes are awesome, especially women’s health. I did go to try outs for volleyball last Friday, but after the conditioning and everything my knee inflamed again and I decided that I would be going straight into competitive play again and I need to ease myself back in so the advanced volleyball class is doing that for me. We play games everyday so it is getting my knee back into shape slowly. I am also doing aerobics so that is too. I might assistant coach one of the teams but we will see!
Nothing much else is going on with me. Just school!
Dad, my roommates and I want to make a sock monkey and we want to know how… do we need to talk to grandma or what? Could you help me with that? Thanks.
Love you all and see you in August!

Kim

Hey Marnie, Congrats on the job! Are you still looking to get an advertising job? just wondering. Anyways, hope you find a cheap apartment up there in solana beach. We've been very busy lately and haven't had time to blog but I will blag later on all of our stories from the week. We love you all and wish we could be there for Marnie's graduation.

Love Anne and Peter

FIRE!!! No fear Dave! 

Aim... 

Ready... 

Ellyn kicked my hand and I hit a button and so my whole blog is gone. Basically it said- Tracey, your trip sounded like a blast and I will try to watch today. Anne and Peter-are you both coming or just Anne? We would love to have both of you, but we'll take just Anne if we have to. Mike's schedule begins to free up at the end of next week. Jane's last day of school is the 27th. I'm thinking the best time is from then on, however if that doesn't work for you let us know. I know that Mike will be able to do absolutely nothing next week. Kenn and Barb, thank you for my mother's day card and check. I promise to spend it only on me.
Buffy, I have a huge favor to ask. Would you please watch the tape of Sadie's baby blessing sometime when your schedule is freer and give me some of the details of what Mike blessed her with. I would really like to have that written down for each of my girls. Also, if it has a date on it would you let me know. For some reason they have lost the blessing certificate info for her and I've checked my old calendar but I want to double check. Thank you. I know I'm a pain. I just want to make sure I have it all taken care of before we leave here. If we leave here. I have been counting down to this day for over 10 days only to be told this weekend that this is just the day the general signs off on the assignments. I had been calm, now not so much. Well I love you all and now I have to go set up the slip n slide and give my dog a bath. Brooke

Sweet photography skills by none other than yours truely...Anne! 

All of you moms...this is a potty training chair from like the 1850s...how would you like to potty train with this? 

Peter's great picture of us over the Vickburg Port  

The USS Cairo...steamboat sunk during the Civil War on the Mississippi 

Me and the Cannon 

Looking out on the Mississippi River in New Orleans 

Bourbon Street again 

Bourbon Street...yummy smelling 

I finally have a minute to write a post! My life started to spiral out of control a little over a week ago when I found out that my friend had gotten last minute tickets to the Oprah Show. We have been trying to get tickets for over a year now. One of the ways to do it is to send emails when they list on their website that they have some last minute openings. So anyway, we had only a few days to get everything in order and we were off! We left on Tuesday night around 6 when me and one other girl got done working. Fortunately Tom had finals (as did the other husbands, 4 of us went together) so we were able to leave our children home and we only needed a babysitter for a few hours on Wednesday morning.
We arrived in Chicago around midnight and checked into a really nice Intercontinental Hotel on the Millionaire Mile. We got a great last minute deal on the hotel through Hotwire. We had a hard time settling down to go to sleep because everyone was so excited but I think we finally fell asleep around 1:30. The alarm went off at 4:30 and we began getting ready! We caught a cab at 5:45 and arrived at Harpo Studios at 6am. We had to stand outside for an hour waiting for the doors to open, we wanted to be early to get good seats! I was the 25th person in line. We then went through a long screening process and such, and then waited and waited and finally got seated and the show started at 10:00am. I was shocked at how small the studio was! There were only about 225 people in the audience and we were all really close to the front because it was so small. The whole stage was was about the size of the average living room!
Anyway, it was very exciting to just be there and to see everything. We got to see Ty Pennington, Clay Aiken and James Denton (the plumber on Desperate Housewives) as well as the people whose dreams were coming true. It is a Wildest Dreams Episodes; it will actually be airing tomorrow so check it out if you can. I doubt that I will be on TV because they don’t show the audience very often but you never know! It was awesome to see Ty, he was so “normal” and just seemed so relaxed and kept joking around when they had to re-shoot a few scenes. It was so strange to be so close to Oprah as well. We ended up on the second row; I could have practically touched her if I tried! You really felt like part of the show! On the episode there is a boy who had his legs amputated, we were able to meet him after the show and get our pictures taken with him. We didn’t get any cools prizes but we were all given a box of Kleenex tissues because Kleenex sponsored some portion of the episode. Overall it was really exciting to be there and we had a great time. After the show we drove back home and I got here just in time to go get my mom at the airport!
I had a great time with my mom here and my brother Ryan and his family came for Saturday and Sunday. We went to the zoo and just had a fun time being together. I dropped my mom off at the airport this afternoon and then Hayden and I took a nap. I am trying to get the energy to get off the couch to get the house cleaned… oh maybe I’ll get it done tomorrow! I’m still feeling very nauseas all the time and I’m pretty tired but it’s all to be expected! We have an ultrasound next week, I can’t wait! Tom has been gone all day to a golf tournament, I’m sure he’ll give you an update about that later. Happy Mother’s Day a little late, I hope you all had a wonderful day. I had a fabulous Mother’s Day. Dave and Adina thanks for the great pajamas for my birthday, I was wearing them this morning and Hayden came up to me and pointed at my pants and said “Mommy, you look pretty”. I don’t know where he learned to say that but I liked it! And Kenn and Barb thanks for the gift card, I used some of it to get a new shirt to wear to Oprah because I didn’t have anything to wear! And thanks again to everyone for the birthday wishes!
Brooke I just read the update about Dayne, it made me cry, I hope things improve soon. If you could please send me the address of the Provo house I would love to send them something. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing all the fun memories, it is great to read! Take care and have a great night!
Tracey

I GOT A JOB!!! I am so happy and so lucky to have found a job this quickly and easily! I found the ad for this job last Monday and sent them my resume and cover letter on Tuesday. Wednesday morning they called me for a phone interview and Wednesday afternoon they called me and scheduled an in-person interview for today (Monday). So I went in this morning and had a group interview, interview with the vice-president and an interview with the president. And this afternoon they called me and offered me the job! Talk about being on top of it! I will be starting next Monday.

The company is called Gordon Training International. (www.gordontraining.com) They are a small company that does training for parents, teachers, and companies for effective communication. I will be their new administrative assistant. It is in Solana Beach so quite a drive right now but I will be looking for a place a little closer to them. I am moving end of the month so now I can be more focused on that. It is a full time position with benefits, M-F and I get off at 1pm on Fridays. Nice. I am really excited about it. Thank you so much all of you for your prayers and thoughts. I am really grateful for what I have right now. Today is a good day. Now you just need to pray that I can get used to having a full time 8-5 job! and that I can deal with traffic!! haha! Now on to finish finals and try to concentrate!

--
Marnie

Well the title just about says it all for my memory of mom. Snapping her fingers telling us to go get the underwear out in the backyard. For those who are thinking this is a little weird....Buffy and Joey (the dogs) used to take our underwear out to the side of the house. It was really weird and Mom was constantly tellin g us to go pick them up. Probably only the girls and mom will appreciate this one.

Love, Violent....I mean Violet :)

Anne

OK, Mom is remembering this one. Does anyone remember the value of his or her mother? hmmmmmm? 

Yes, I will post but I will also call.

Since the trend seems to be "memories of Mom" I will share one of many that has relevance lately. I am addicted to Bit 'O Honey candies. They carry bags of them for 33 cents in store down the hallway from my classroom. I blame Mom for getting me hooked. You see, this was the sole wages by which we slaved from 3-6 a.m. every morning. After the paper route, Mom would take Dave and I to the "Mooney" store up on 142nd and Greenwood and get us Bit 'O Honey candies. I don't know how many times she did this to be honest. But, to me it is a great Mom memory. I can even remember listening to talk radio in the bus while we unwrapped each one.

Mom, you and I had great talks those mornings that framed a lot of the way I think today. Despite the early hours, I cherish those memories. In that book Freakonomics, he studied parental influence on children. He wanted to see if parents really make a difference. The conclusion he came to was profound: All the parental techniques everyone recommends are bogus, what really matters as a parent is who you are. Not just who you are demographically but who you are as a person. I think looking at the "Sundry Seven" that you must be a pretty dang good person:)

"By their fruits shall ye know them"

I love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day

Oh, I shall not forget all the other Moms. Brooke, Adina, Buffy, Tracey - you are awesome Moms. Brooke puts up with me. Buffy raises Brent. Tracey puts up with Tom. Adina married the golden child so she gets no credit for putting up with anyone, but dang'it, she finished Halo 2 while raising 4 kids. That is pretty cool. I love you girls. Happy Mother's Day to you too.

Mike

Barb,

I know that Mike will call or post as well but I wanted to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. I whole heartedly agree with Tom- not about the french fry day, I wasn't privy. You have raised an amazing family who, in turn, are raising their own amazing families. You are a wonderful example of motherhood and womanhood. You have accomplished so much in your life and your neverending quest for knowledge is inspiring. I love you and enjoy spending time with you. I couldn't have married into a better family. I hope you have a wonderful day.
Love, Brooke

Happy Mother's Day Grandma Barb! (Ellyn is trying to appreciate it)

That was tom, this counts as 2 posts so now I am homefree.

happy mothers day, I am sure I am one of the last to say it but I will call later. It has been quite a while since we have been out there to enjoy your cooking and puzzles and everything else that fills my memories from my childhood. I was just remembering the other day the treats that you had in the afternoon for us and the babysitting kids in Fremont. My mouth was watering just remembering the french fry day. That was the best. I am not sure how you put up with us for so long and now it pays off in the end. happy kids with happy families. Thanks for everything you put into raising us. There is a ton of patience and energy involved in raising children and you gave it to us. Thanks.

Happy Mothers Day Mom! You are the greatest! I can't believe you have survived raising us all! 7 kids, wow! I am just now starting to realize how crazy and/or brave you must have been to have 7 kids. Thank you so much for everything. I love you.

Marnie

Gramma Stinchfield's flag now resides in the White House. She received a thank you note from President Bush and a TV interview on a station in Sacramento.

Dad and I have had a pretty fun and eventful weekend. Last night we went to a play at Clark College last night. Sort of a mistake!!! It was well done but a bit more graphic than we felt comfortable with. Unfortunately we were right in middle center of a very small theatre so there was no escape....The theme was molestation of a teenager in the 60's by her uncle. Not terribly uplifting. They had warned that it was PG-13 but I would probably have classified it as an R. We'll be a little more cautious next time!

This morning we started out with cleaning the church...actually just half of it. We then came home and went down to the Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Portland. It was in the park right next to the river. We had carne asada burritos (nothing like San Diego) and watched a mariachi band and some folk dancers from Guadalahara. They were all very good. We then walked downtown to the Pioneer Square mall. After Dad buying me a pedometer for Mother's Day, we went to see "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy". Very strange movie but entertaining.

We then went to "visit" our hot tub. Dad had some questions he wanted to ask them. The tub is here but has to wait for the deck to be started. We'll need to time it with our deck contractors. After that, Dad took me over to a golf course near his work that has a jogging path around it. We walked..not jogged...around it. It is a beautiful walk with many trees and green, green grass. It's also kind of fun to watch the frustrations of the golfers. It's about a 2 mile walk. Dad then went to CarToys to price out what it would be to put a new music system in the Z. He found out that it is a little beyond our current budget!!! We then had dinner at Rubios...and came home exhausted!! We skipped the trip to the grocery store as we just didn't want to walk into another store!!!

We love you all....it would be much more fun with all of you here...

Mom and Dad