What I meant to say was that I knew I was born that way; that it was not just an acquired trait. :)

Of school that is!! I just attended the first day of classes here at CSUN and am happy to get going again. I'm not sure what the semester holds for me but I guess I will find out... I don't know exactly how hard it will be with the comprehensive exams and all.
Yep, I do have a place to live rent free with a family in our ward here. They are a very generous family and they have a very large home complete with a tennis court, pool, and the most well manicured gardens and yards I have ever seen... so basically you don't have to feel too sorry for me with Brent leaving me alone here.
Marnie- I will be down in San Diego this week from Wednesday to Sunday morning for the national PT conference. We are staying at the holiday inn select in mission valley. Call me and we can hang out. I'm sure you would really like to stroll the exhibit hall with me at the convention center with all that physical therapy stuff... fun!!! Just kidding. Do you have my cell? 661-210-7002
That's it for now, we have a lot of packing and errands ahead of us but have yet to begin.
Take care all,
Buffy

I knew the lord had a hand in my creation. I'm just so grateful that he is passing it along to my progeny. Thank you, Peter and Anne, for exposing the truth and increasing my testimony.

Love, Dad. Were those Borla exhausts?

That is one awesome ultrasound. It does sound like it has dad's genes. Very cool!
Dave

We just got another ultrasound, this kid must be a Kenn Stinchfield grandchild.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4234102463596322432&q=baby+funny

Well Peter you did almost get me for about 2 seconds...I was thinking, uh oh what did Anne do!? She married a con!! but then I remembered that it was Peter writing this and he wouldn't do anything wrong.

It has been so good to hear from all of you! We have got to get a steady stream of blogs going though. We have like famine then feast over and over again!

Gramma - Hi!

Mom - I am trying to read the Historian when I have time so I can get that back to you! I promise!

Dad - lucky you getting to see all those cars! I missed the auto show down here this year but I can't remember why...anyway, sounds like fun.

Brooke - You have to get a video of the girls doing American Idol auditions...for posterity's sake!

Mike - I will definitely censor myself better about the tv programs...sorry about that!! I will wait at least 48 hours to make a comment on anything.

Adina - I like the creativity of the jumprope in the garage...bonus points to you. And don't feel bad about the volleyball thing, at least you don't get laughed out of the yard when you try to join in on just tossing the volleyball around with your little sisters.

Dave - Good job on the running thing! I know that is really hard (well not personally but from watching) but sounds like you are doing really well keeping on top of it. Good luck with that!

Buffy - Good luck with the end of school!! and congrats on finding a place to stay! Are you going to be down here soon? I think I remember some talk about that? Give me a call and maybe we can have lunch or something.

Brent - You will be a Californian no more pretty soon...how does that feel? Good luck with everything anyway. I have February 20th off but it looks like you will be in WA then so I don't know if I am gonna make it up there to see you before you leave.

Tracey - Sounds like everyone is well there! Thanks for the continual updates! You guys should post some pics of Danica soon if you have them. Babies grow up so fast!

Tom - How far is cleveland from NYC? too far to drive?? let me know, oh yeah and Lost is a re-run this week in case you didn't know.

Anne - How are you feeling? showing at all yet? (disclaimer: I don't know anything about the stages of pregnancy so if that is a stupid question...I apologize)

Peter - I already talked to you above but...hey! zup

Kimmy - "Do you know him? Does he call you at home? Do you have a dorsal fin??!", sorry had a momentary lapse into Ace Ventura...yo Kimmy, what's up?

Treven - How is Bath & Body Works? school? actually I don't think that you have ever blogged on here...it is always Kimmy. So how's about we hear from the Trevster?

So anyway now that I have had my conversations with all of you through the blog I will put in my end...

Things are good here. Just chuggin' along. I get to go see the Ellen show next Tuesday!! I am pretty dang stoked about that. Hopefully it is a good guest and I get some free stuff. That would be awesome. I am going with Matthew, Michelle, and my friend Kat.

That is the news from SD. It is sunny and beautiful outside and the cool weather is slowly departing. Maybe I can wear chanklas (flip flops) again soon!!

--
Marnie

Well, I guess sometimes a person's past catches up with them no matter how hard they try to get away from it. You can't deny who you are I guess. It seemed like everything was going great too. I'm out of school finally with a descent job, a new home, a baby on the way and a new city to explore. But just when we thought everything was going our way.......I'm going to prison. I don't know the exact date, but it is sometime in mid to late March. I'm going with a few others from our ward and we're all preparing 5-10 minute talks. I thought it would be an interesting experience and I always love new experiences like this. They do background checks so we have to commit this far in advance. For those of you who know the story of my arrest by the Fresno State Police as a young buck, you might have been wondering, but I thought I would try and have a little fun with the blog. Anne just rolled her eyes and smiled when I told her my plans. Just another dorky thing about her husband besides thinking that there are only four channels on cable TV: Discovery, TLC, History, and ESPN. I will give you ABC, but that's just because of LOST, which I must agree with all the other shout outs that this last week was a little bland. Happy trails 'till next blog.

Peter

It was nirvana in Portland this weekend. I journeyed, alone, down to the annual Portland Auto Show, wandered the aisles of cars and didn't have to look around me to see if anyone was in trail. I guess this is my get-away time. Mom offered to go and sit and read; umm, I think she found something more productive to do at home and waved goodbye to me as I drove off.

My main goal of this trip was to try to find a yellow, 2006 ZO6 Corvette. Well, to shorten the story, I did and ummmm, ummmm..................it was as beautiful an automobile as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my 2002 but, new is new. I think I spent about 40 minutes going around and around, checking it from every angle and of course, sitting in it. Next goal, drive away in one. That may be after finding one in about four years with low mileage and a price that is more affordable. These go for 75000 plus a 10000 dollar market value mark up by the dealers. Anyway, my goal was met and I have to admit it was a great way to spend my morning.

And, to top that, when I got home, mom let me purchase a Borla tuned exhaust for my car for my birthday present. Pretty bold of mom; but, so supportive in my hobbies. Could it be that she is bucking for blue walls in her kitchen? And, beige ones in her bedroom? :) I think so!

I have to be honest that ever since I viewed the walls at Dick and Martha's home and the ones in David and Adina's.........I'm sold on the idea. Not sold on having to do it, but sold on having it done.

Oh, I have to get off the computer as I was just called to breakfast...and being late in this home could buy me a week of making my own breakfast.

Love you all. Dad

Just got home from dinner and games with a family in the ward with kids the same age as ours. He is a chiropractor - nice family. They moved in just weeks after us.

Started the morning with volleyball at the church with a few other interested parties. I swear there is this one guy that we play with that must let out a sigh of disappointment when he sees me walk in to play. I always get put on his team and he always ends up jumping in front of me to hit the ball. I guess that gives you some insight into my volleyball talent. I'm no Anne Olsen, that's for sure.

Then Dave and I worked out. That means he went on his 13-miler in Forest Park near Portland and I stayed home and jumped-rope for 30 minutes in the garage while the kids watched a movie. Yes, my workout is not so glamorous, but I have to improvise with four kids. I do get out and run whenever I can. Anyway - Dave came home like four hours later, totally muddy and beat. It was a trail run, and more strenuous than anticipated. It looks like he will run the Yakima marathon in April - it ends in Selah, where Brian & Paige live.

Church is early, and it's late, so buenos noches.

Adina

Get the defibrillator out, the Blog is dying again!!!!!!

Hey Everyone,

Well I am officially done with Sport Chalet as of 5 pm today. It is weird to not have keys to bring home and not have to go back to that store. Anyways we have great news that Buffy and I found a place for her to live with someone in the ward while I am in Portland (until she graduates). We just did not want to have her live in such a large place and the lack of rent will definately be nice. I start Gap on Monday, in Camirillo, here in L.A. for a period of three weeks. On the 18th of Feb (Happy Birthday Kim), I ship out for Vancouver and begin at training at another store in Woodburn, OR for one week. After that week I get to start at my own store and will be there for one week. The week of 3/6 - 3/11 I will get to have one week off to go back to L.A. to pack up the house and move the stuff up to Vancouver to get it in the Storage. I am excited for the oppourtunities that I will get to have and the ability to get into a new job. I will definately miss my wife for the few months, but we know it is very temporary. She graduates on MAy 31st and then will be up in Vancouver after that. I hope that updates everyone. Love you all.

Brent

Duck Hunt 1945 (Click "Play this Game") I don't know if it will work on Macs. Make sure you use cover (up and down arrows) and reload (CTRL) and mouse to aim.

BTW, here is the proper order to watch the Horatio Hornblower DVDs for those interested:

Duel (first one)

Fire Ship

Wrong War

Duchess and the Devil

Mutiny

Retribution

Loyalty

Duty (last one)

It is so fun to read everyone's blogs. I have attempted a few times to get on and post but the lack of anything interesting to write about deterred me.

Anne, I am so sorry that I didn't at least get on and tell you how much we loved your pictures. I showed the girls and my mom and Meags and we were all so excited for you. I should have said something sooner.

I am with everyone else in regards to the disappointing Lost episode. Good thing American Idol has started or my Wed. night would have been totally blown. Did I mention I had nothing exciting to write about? I swear I watched more commercials than show. Marnie, I also wondered about John.

Nothing too exciting with us. Ellyn is now scheduled for home visits with her PT, OT, and Educational Therapists. I'm so happy they are all coming to the house. That will be good for her. Sadie and Jane and I have really enjoyed watching A.I. The girls tryout for me on every commerical. Too funny. Jane started Tae Kwon Do last week and really likes it. Ellyn has an ear infection. Her ear drum has burst twice. Sadie is begging me to show her the princesses (LDS Bridal. com). We can not wait for Mike to get here. We are counting the days- literally.
We love you all. love, Brooke

Well I could waste time with excuses things like having family visit, having a newborn, having a three year old who hogs the computer all day, etc. but I’ll just say “Hey, at least I am blogging now.” Like Tom said, things here are good. We are having a very spring like January and it delights me to no end. We have been able to get out and go for walks and it has been sunny at least every other day for the past few weeks. It’s awesome! People said that last two winters were particularly bad and I am now inclined to believe them since this one isn’t so bad. There is snow now and it’s quite cold right but still livable. Today we took the car into the auto shop down the street and I was able to walk home with Danica in the stroller and Hayden just loving running everywhere. We had on hats and gloves but in past years that wouldn’t have been possible in January!

Hayden still cracks me up every day with the funny things he says. I wish we had a tape recorder running all the time because I always forget the things he has said. I will try to remember and right some soon. Tom had a basketball game tonight, he is playing on the Lakewood ward team with Dennis Debaltzo. They did really well but lost by three points. Hayden had a blast running around with the other kids. He has really become very social and out going. Today we went to the Children’s Museum and he started talking to other people while we were in the parking lot and he never stopped talking. He would just go up to other adults and kids at the museum and start telling them about his life or about what he was playing with, etc. It actually got embarrassing because he just kept going and going… He still loves his “Danca” and has to play with her every time she is awake, it’s very cute.

Danica is doing really well. She is as sweet as can be and still so mild tempered. She finally smiled for the first time the other day. Most of the time she just sits around looking content and not exactly smiling but definitely happy. She is so cute and fun, I’m waiting for an email with some cute pictures we took recently and then I will post them.

It was so nice to have Barb come to visit. Brooke thanks for staying with Gramma so that Barb could come. We really got the good end of that trade situation since we don’t have to do anything! It was so fun to watch Hayden with his grandma and to see him building memories. He has a such a good memory for things that he loves to remind me of all the things that he did with his Grandma Barb, it’s really cute. And it was so nice for me to have the company and the extra hands so I could do those really hard tasks like shower! It’s amazing how you just take things like that for granted! Barb thanks again! Brooke our prayers are with you and little Ellyn, keep us posted.

Well, I have a million things to do and only a few minutes before Danica wakes up to eat and then hopefully I can go to bed! It’s great to see all the bloggs. Marnie, thanks for the insight on Lost, I had forgotten to watch for thsoe little hints. Tom and I were discussing that the drought in bloggs comes from the fact that so many of you live near each other now that you don’t have to post anything since you can just talk. But, please don’t forget the rest of us and we will in turn remember to keep you informed! Anne, I know it doesn’t mean as much after the fact but if I had been able to post sooner I definitely wanted to tell you how much fun I think those ultrasound pictures are. I am sure I remember better than anyone how exciting it is to really see the baby and to know how real it is! It's great your doctor does those. As I am sure you have figured out, the pregnant mom has the ablity to see the baby so clearly when everyone else looks at the picture and says “what is that?” If you decide to scrapbook the ultrasound get a color copy made of it because the ultrasound itself is not acid free. Congrats on approaching the second trimester! I can’t believe time is going so fast (well for me at least since I am not the pregnant one!) If you don’t already have it you should get the book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” It’s great. Okay, Danica is waking up, I took to long.

Have a great day all!

Tracey

OK - it will be more than two cents, but oh well...

Tom- I feel the same way about Lost. Whenever they decide to show a new espisode, I watch and walk away completely frustrated. Don't get me wrong - I STILL watch it, but I think I have forgotten so many important details...if they could just answer a few of my questions...

Mike- also a fan of The Killers. How long has Flowers been Mormon? I just read an interview with them in SPIN and he sounded anything but. Ah well - still great music. We are real excited for your visit and hope to hang out as much as possible. I know you'll be juggling families a bit, but we're looking forward to seeing you. And seeing that huge grin on Brooke's face. :)

Anne- I'm sorry that we didn't blog or call when you posted the pictures. We did comment on them and talk about you guys, so you were in our thoughts - but we should have let you know. Thank you for posting them - so glad your first visit went well. And the V-ball opportunity sounds great...

Marnie- Parker is in love with the gift! Let's just say...he hasn't parted with them since they came out of the box. Not sure if you wanted everyone to know what you got him - since you are doing similar for other neices/nephews. But thank you!

Kim- glad to hear you are doing well after going under the knife. Keep us posted on all that stuff!

Brent- share your timeline with us all! Mid-Feb, right?

Currently reading The Historian - first book I have ever read about Dracula. Anyway - this is so not me - but it freaks me out. Last night Dave was out late playing basketball, and I couldn't even pick up the book. A good read so far, though.

Got to go VTing. Love you all and love the blogs!

Adina

Hey to let you all know, I just found out that I was having surgery on tuesday and I have been so busy since then. The surgery went well. I am in spanish now trying to hold myself together to take a test. Anyway, love you all!

Kim

Marnie, please postpone all comments about any TV show until at least 48 hours after US showtime. I had to skip half your blog:) I will watch that new episode tonight.

I truly believe all-Mac is a wise decision. The whole apple thing is much more suited to 95% of computer users in America. Now with the 360 and high definition, there is little reason to keep a PC around, even for games. Unless your me:) Seriously, there are no high end simulations that work well on a mac, and me love some good simulations. But there is not one of you that needs a PC. Macs sure are not cheap though.

2 weeks until I get to go home for a while. Of course I am very excited. I am trying to stay very busy to keep my mind off it.

As for my latest recommendations:

1. Battlestar Galactica. Yes, I am mentioning this again, but it is that good. Rivals Star Wars for sci-fi excellence. Again, not for kids. You can't catch this one mid-way though, you should start with the first season DVDs, starting with the mini-series (the first DVD in the Season 1 pack). They are currently on the 13th episode of the second season.

2. Horatio Hornblower. An A&E DVD series I found at the library. Unbelieveably good old British navy stuff. It caught my eye because one of the actors is the new Apollo in Battlestar. Better than Master and Commander. There are 8 episodes, first one is called "The Duel"

3. The Lincon Lawyer. By Michael Connelly. Great Grisham style legal suspense. Many of his books are good, and receive great reviews from all sources.

4. The March. By E.L. Doctorow. We gave Mom this for Christmas. I just started it and it is very good so far, and I picked it up based on many trustworthy suggestions.

5. The Killers. I am sure I am late to the party on this one, but I really like this band. Yes, I know the dude is Mormon now. He even looks like a good Mormon kid in the concert show I saw on tv here. His lyrics contradict that at times however.

6. The Jim Rome Show. www.jimrome.com You are missing out if you haven't given this guy a chance to enlighten your life. He takes some time to get used to, but he is hands down the best radio show on the dial. And, he is on Portland sports radio. Otherwise, his podcasts are available (for a monthly fee), which is the way I listen here. He also has an ESPN show called "Rome is Burning" but I do not like it as much because he restrains himself too much on TV. He might be going to Sirius radio next year.

7. Ricky Gervais Show. Podcast here. Free. This is the boss in the British version of The Office and the producer of the American version. Pretty funny stuff, if you get past the fairly thick accents.

8. Garmin Forerunner GPS. I got one for Brooke for Christmas. I have one myself. I am sure Dave has something like it. It gets me out the door and on the road every day. I guess it is the gadget hound in me. It truly makes me work as hard as any training partner.

Nothing new on this front. I finally got in contact with the brigade I am going to. They are still at Fort Lewis; they don't move to Germany until the summer. It seems like a very good unit, and I am very excited to go up and meet some people while I am there next month. And it looks like Brooke will have a sponsor to contact very soon. That will be very nice.

We have no water this morning. Not the way to start the day, especially after a sweaty run. Gross. But I better get changed and off to the "penalty box", as we so fondly call the Ops pit.

Mike

Tom, the all mac thing...do it. I did and I really don't have problems at all. I love it. I don't play games at all though so that could be a reason to retain a PC. Anyway, thought I would give my two cents on that...

--
Marnie

Well I would have posted earlier but when I posted pictures on the blog and only got a phone call from mom and dad, I was a little bummed and decided to wait and see if anyone said anything. Anyways, I am over it and am in my 13th week. I am doing well except that I am still extremely tired and even though I love sleep, I have found myself at night not wanting to go to sleep because that means the next day has to come.

I got an assistant coaching position at the Club Idaho Volleyball Club here in Eagle. I will be helping out with the 16 Gold team which is going to be pretty fun. I can't wait to get back into the gym. Even though I won't be playing, especially being pregnant, it will be good to have some involvement with volleyball again. Plus the tourneys for the girls are all in SLC(yeah sucky to have to drive there every tourney...and I thought driving to LA for every tourney sucked) so I will be able to see my teammates from UVSC more often. Exciting to be able to see them again. It is weird to not really have friends here except for those I see at work and church but I am getting better and am loving Boise more and more.

School has gone well and I have found out that I did not gain residency and since we don't want to have to pay the extra 3700 dollars for nonresident fees, I have decided to take 6 units now, 6 units in the summer, and 6-7 units in the fall. By next December I should have residency and will go full time until I finish which should be too long after that happens. I know it is extended it out a little longer but we can't afford to pay non resident fees at the moment. Anyways, BSU has been good however I am getting frustrated with my advisor in that he is never and i mean never reachable, and he doesnt have his office hours posted anywhere so I never know when he is going to be in his office.

Work is going well. Starting next week I will rarely have to close which I have been doing for the whole time really I have been working. I am so happy because I will be able to spend time with Peter after we both get off of work rather than going to work when he gets off work and not seeing him until 10:30 or 11pm. But I am getting good hours and it is nice to have the extra money.

Anyways, I should get going. I am hungry and need lunch. Hope to hear from you all soon.

Love,

Anne

Wow Tom, I guess you jump started the blog. I was planning on posting today if no one else had. I love you Parker but I just couldn't stand seeing the same birthday wish over and over again...

So about Lost...I would agree with you Tom that is was a little dull last night. As I was watching it I was saying to my friends that I knew that people would be complaining about this episode because no big revelations about the island came. But there were some small things that I picked up. What was that whole conversation with Libby and Hurley? There is definitely something more to that; is she an other?? was she really on the plane?? And then the whole Locke being weird about the baptism and hiding the mary statues?? There were some mysteries to be thinking about but it was a character episode. We haven't seen much from Charlie this season and I think the writers needed to give him his dues. Now that I am done rambling on that..I would also have to say that I am stuck on watching The Office and American Idol as well. I haven't watched AI for the past couple of seasons so it is fun to have the time to watch it this season. And The Office continues to have me rolling with laughter at their ridiculous antics.

Mom, calm down. Everything will be alright. I can see how that would be frustrating though. It will be good for you to get out of the house tonight. Glad to hear that Kim is ok (although I had no idea that she was going into surgery in the first place). I am really glad that I have never had problems with my ears (knock on wood).

Things are going well down here. I am just working away and hanging out with friends as much as possible. We are taking our monthly trip up to Disneyland this weekend which should be fun. Nothing too exciting to report. Remus is well and really likes his new sign...for those of you that don't know, Dad bought me a sign like one of those old metal signs from this 50s place up there that is for "Uncle Remus' Syrup". It has a picture of Uncle Remus on it, you know the old black man from Song of the South?, anyway it has his picture holding a can of Uncle Remus' Syrup and the slogan is (this is the best part)"Dis sho' am Good". It is pretty great. I am not sure where I am going to put it yet because, as my friend Michelle says, it is too big for the back window of Remus! So we will see where that ends up.

I hope all is well with everyone! Hope to hear from the rest of you!!

--
Marnie