Exam Update

I got result today and I have passed my 3rd CPA exam. WOO HOO!!!!! I can't share the excitement that I feel but it is like a little kid on Christmas morning. I think I annoyed Cam a little bit by screaming for like a half hour.

The exam was kind of a stressful situation that I wasn't sure if I would pass. I had to take the exam up in Portland because Eugene was booked. I felt like I didn't get enough sleep and Haley was so young (just a little over a month old), I figured I couldn't have done very well on it but I got an 89.

Thanks Max, Gina and Jenn for letting me crash at your place and hanging out with my kids. I really did appreciate it.

One more to go. I will probably take tax in January. Be sure to keep me in your prayers. I will definitely need it.

LOVE YOU!!!!

Thanksgiving on the Coast

It rained! I was hoping for a little sunshine. But it rained. We had a great time with Grampa and Gramma. We had Thanksgiving dinner at 'South Jetty Betty's' a little commissary at the RV park. We decided that we missed the smell of food cooking. The meal itself wasn't anything to write home about...or blog about here...but we had all the fixin's for $6.95 per person with no cooking or clean up. During the day we went for a very long ride--the girls in one car, the boys in the other. We stopped along the jetty for Grampa to fly a kite--and you know Jason, he's always ready to pose. We stayed in a small 'garden view' mobile home in the park. The ranger first set us up with sheets that were too small for the bed, so we had to go get others. Then we had to go get the ranger to help us get the heat going. I think they thought we were a bit of a pain. After Thanksgiving dinner we went back to the Motorhome. Vickie worked on her computer while the rest of us watched a movie that Grampa had gotten in the mail. It was really a great movie...Walter Mathau and Glenda Jackson in Hopskotch. We headed out on Friday morning by about 7:00. We ate breakfast in Veneta at a great little place called Dixies, dropped Jason off and drove home. A great couple of days!

Oregon 65, Oregon State 38

Ducks won!! Who else besides me voted for them on the poll? The rest of you are fools of the highest caliber.

Another Christmas Dinner Idea

We are fine having it on Saturday so Jen can be there - if that works for Ben and Renee. But another idea was weekend following Christmas....I think the date is the 28th? Does that work better for folks? Sound off and say what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I posted an image heavy Thanksgiving post... So I left it on my own blog.

Check check check it out..

http://superjennyp.blogspot.com/

Wish List

Gina called me last week and asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I could not come up with anything off the top of my head so I have been working on the list and here, I will share some ideas:

1- (dvd) John Mayer, Where the light is
2- (CD) In Rainbows, Radiohead
3- (calendar) Preferably from Kristy filled with fabulous photos of the family where she looks hot and I have boogers coming out of my nose.
4- Socks sz 7-9
5- (book) Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
6- (book) In defense of Food by Michael Pollan
7- (cd) Gossip in the Grain, Ray Lamontagne
8- hot pads for kitchen use
9- a good cookie sheet type pan
10- (book) Don't go to the Cosmetics counter without me by Paula Begoun


So there... some ideas to make your lives easier. Want to return the favor? What do you guys want for Christmas? If you dont tell me you are all going to get rocks!

2 more cents...

Although I will be bummed if I miss the Christmas dinner... I dont want it to be inconvenient for everybody else.

So, Grown ups: Figure it out and let me know what the plan is. I was unaware that it was always planned for the last Sunday before Christmas. Our vacation schedules are done a year in advance. Now that I know that I will see what I can do for next year.

Love you all. Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you!

Thanksgiving Message--including Christmas Plans

Not sure where to post this so it won't be lost in the string of comments. So I'll make a new post so it's sure to be seen.

First of all Happy Thanksgiving to you all. The children are all a twitter over the prospect of 4 days off. I'm all a twitter about stuffing and cranberries!

Holiday Plans We are working toward spending two weekends in Portland. The only issue is our family...the dogs. (Whoever said our nest was empty?) We have a great neighbor who we rely on quite heavily and takes great care of our dogs while we're gone. Probably better than we do. We came home early once and she was in playing with them and spending time with them so they wouldn't be lonely.

So our plans revolve around whether our friend and neighbor can take care of our 4 legged family both weekends. We'll discuss that with her and get back to you about it soon after the Thanksgiving Day.

Love to you all!

Whoo Finals are OVER!!

So this would be my first time writting a blog. Whoppie! I was pretty busy with cheer and studying for finals. But I thought I would write one. My finals were pretty easy, I had a regualar math test, a 90 question spanish test, an open note street law test a speech for english and a in class essay on the atomic bomb for American history. How fun do those all sound? I am about to leave for Utah and I am so excited. A five day weekend with absoulutly 0 things to do. And I get to see my other family. I cant wait to see you all at the christmas dinner! I have enjoyed reading all your blogs. There pretty intresting. So whats new with me...cheer is dramatic, school is hard, I am getting a cold, I think I am going to reread Harry Potter 7 again because I am out of good things to read. Haven't had time to hit up the library latley, I loved the last office episode!! (I LOVE JIM AND PAM) but a personal favorite moment was Michael's reaction when he sees Toby, I watched that over and over again. Or when Michale trys to buy drugs. I love that show!! Well i am heading off to Utah.

10 Things I'm Thankful for

Hi. Its Isabel. I was going to write about what a burrito might say to a taco,but dad said i should write about Thanksgiving.So here are ten things i am thankful for...

1. 1. Milk chocolate
2. 2. Dark chocolate
3. 3. Family
4. 4. Um...education?
5. 5. Books
6. 6. Hobos
7. 7. Rutabagas


8. Ummmmmmmmmmm...
9. Where am i?
10. Pencils.

So at the end i just wrote random things. But on my account, hobos ARE important. I hope you have a better Thanksgiving than mine.

Thanksgiving Greeting

To those we will not be able to see this weekend, here is a wish for a wonderful day, spent with family, and loved ones. Renee and I will be in Florence, with Grandpa, and Joyce. We are going to pick up Jason Wed. afternoon and head over. Will be heading home early Fri morning since I work that day. Again, to all, have a wonderful, safe holiday.

Happy Birthday Max3!!!

Happy Birthday to you! Wow! 17. Is your Dad really old enough to have a 17 year old son?? Let's think about your accomplishments in the past year. You've survived a whole year of driving without an accident. You caught the smallest fish on the boat. You haven't lost a cell phone in a long time. You've had some practice being turned into a pretzel. You've eaten a few peeps and you've cheated at Text Twist. The previous mentioned fetes far outweigh the minuscule accomplishments of junior class VP and Homecoming Prince. What a full year! You are doing well in the world. May your day be filled with happiness and joy!!!! Aunt Renee and Uncle Ben

CIVIL WAR

While I am a Duck fan, I am sort of rooting for the Beavs this weekend. Only because it would be nice to have an Oregon team in the Rose Bowl. The Pac-10 needs to go to the Rose Bowl and kick the Big-10's hiney. Go Beavs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry if this offends any of the die-hard Eugeneites..

5 Amazing Things I Learned about Cameron this Weekend

5. He is seriously looking to buy a house in P=ville
4. Brandi makes the best meatloaf ever.
3. He is a closet watcher of "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" and even has a favorite multiple -- Aiden
2. Everytime he buys groceries, he donates $20 to feed someone else
1. "Extreme Home Makeover" makes him cry.

On Turning 55

Thanks all of you for your birthday wishes. It was a really nice day; lots of rememberances, little gifts, etc from my friends and co-workers. Camerson sent me some beautiful flowers ... and gets extra credit as he sent them to work and allowed me to show him off!!! (He also bought me a new phone and added me to his cell phone bill .... meaning he'll be paying my bill for the next couple of years... It was hysterical ... role reversal... "no texting, no downloading, i'll be checking the bill")

BUT ... I've discovered that if you MUST turn 55, you definitely should spend it with a group of thirty year olds.

After work Cameron had arranged a little drinks thing with some of my friends so that was nice. Then after that ended, he and 5 of the Prineville hotshots took me out to dinner to the nicest steak house in town. They all got cleaned and dressed up --- I'm used to them in nomex and yellow shirts --- and we had the best dinner ever. Lots of appetizers and shrimp coctails and roasted potatoes and red meat and bottles and bottles of wine.

Here's the funny part: they all play this game after a big meal called Card in the Hat. They all put their credit cards in a baseball cap, allow the waitress to pick one and that person pays the full bill. Luckily birthday girl didn't have to participate; our good friend Garet won the honor of paying over $400 for dinner.

If that kind of laughter and enthusiasm can be recaught at 55 -- even for the moment -- then I'm all for it.

Family Opinion

Well, it's official. For the most part we are a family of shower-peeing individuals. Apologies to those of you who think it is gross and never knew that your closest family members were possibly urinating in your shower. Hopefully this thought does not ruin how enjoyable and refreshing a nice hot or cold shower can be. I know I will never be able to look at my shower the same way again.

More Thoughts about Christmas Dinner

Jennifer just phoned and asked me to post since she is no longer near internet access. Since the goal of the dinner is to get the family together, it would be optimum to have all there. Would it be possible to do the dinner on Saturday afternoon the 13? (Jenn wouldn't be working and we would still be able to travel easily). She gets that if this isn't an option as a grown up we occasionally have to miss things due to work schedules, (I echo that sentiment if Sunday the 14th is the option). I am to pass along thanks and appreciation to Max and Gina for hosting this event every year. (I am echoing this also and totally bow to the needs and thoughts of the hosts!) Susan, jump in here and let us know when it works for you and Cam. I think Dad and Joyce should be available either weekend. xoxo

Comment Pop-Ups

Due to the difficulty some of you are having with the way comments appear in a separate window, I felt it necessary to change it back to the way it was. Sorry to all of you that voted in favor of keeping the pop-up format.

Christmas Dinner Celebration

In checking with the big boss - either the 21st or the 14th would work for the celebration. So which day works better for everyone? We have our ward christmas party that saturday night (the 13th) - but you are all welcome to come spend the night of either the 13th or the 2oth. Jen is working on the 21st - so she is already voting for the 14th. We can make both work. Anyone else want to weigh in?

Feliz Navidad...

Have we set a date for our annual Christmas dinner?

If requests are being taken, I am off Sunday the 14th of December. It's my only Sunday off before Christmas.

The Most Dangerous Cake in the World

This recipe comes well reviewed. Since it's a Sunday other wise known as a Free Day to those Eugene-ites, I pass it on to you. Enjoy a Sunday Treat!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Finally a Picture

Hey, I finally figured out how to add a picture to my profile. It took me a little while but I figured it out. This is an older picture (old hair cut) - of me in Mexico on the trip Gina and I took on our 20th wedding anniversary. So it is, admittedly of me when I was younger (by about 4 years I think). Hard to believe it has been that long! I picked it because it came up easy in our computer. Now that I've learned to post pictures this could be even more fun!

We picked our tree today. Gina has co-worker who owns a small Christmas tree farm not far from where we live. She knew we were going to be out of town for Thanksgiving - and said that we should just come out - pick the tree we wanted - and she would cut it down and bring it to us when we get back in town. I was all over that.....no kneeling in the mud - hefting the tree up the hill - scratching the top of the suburban getting it tied on. They lowered their tree price this year because they are worried people won't be able to afford to buy a tree. So all their trees - large noble firs - are selling for $20. Of course not everyone gets the free delivery! We are doing our part by pushing business their direction - hoping they will sell more trees.

Finally took the sail boat out of the water today. About a month later than I should have. I hate that job. But it needed to happen.

Love you all. Max.

I'm a....

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

http://twilightersanonymous.com/quizzes/quizzes.html

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Taylor's First Sleep over

Taylor got invited to go to Bolt with Jimmy Martin on Friday Night. When I asked what time they were going to be home because Cam and I were planning a date night. Jim invited him to spend the night. I was reading a text message to Cam when Taylor came out from the hallway.

Taylor - "Mommy, I need to tell you something." In a very sweet voice, "I love you and they have an extra bed."

He was so excited. Cam and I talked about it and yes we decided to let him spend the night. Jim picked Taylor up at about 3:15. He didn't even seem to be a little distressed. Running out the door. Jim texted me 10 min later to let me know that Taylor has been crying and wanting his mom for the last 10 min. It made me feel better. He does love his mommy.

I got a text at roughly 9:00 from Jim the boys had been playing with Grace (Jimmy's 1 year old little sister) for about an hour. They were all doing really good.

The date was fun. We went out with Nate and Lindsey. We started off with pizza, bowling and sweet life. I sucked it up at bowling and that's okay. Haley was a little angel and did quite well. I am so glad that Eugene is smoke free, otherwise I couldn't take Haley into a bowling alley. I did fall asleep quite early and crashed. I woke up this morning with my socks on and contacts in.

I was really looking forward to sleeping in but Haley and I woke up at 7:30.

On a completely unrelated side note. I ran/ellipticaled 6 miles yesterday.

Opening Weekend

I understand not all are Twilight Fans--Max and Morgan you need to reconsider your stand on this--but I'm excited about opening weekend. I took the quiz and guess what? I also made Ben take it. If you want to find out which character you are here's a website for guys:
http://twilightersanonymous.com/quizzes/which-male-twilight-character-are-you.html
and for girls:
http://twilightersanonymous.com/quizzes/find-out-which-female-character-you-are.html

Southridge vs. South Medford

I spent last evening at a football game. Usually, unless I'm emotionally attached to one of the teams, I'm not really interested in going. It was a new experience being emotionally attached to a cheerleader.

We got to the game and found ourselves surrounded by Southridge fans in the line to pay. They were all very nice people. Ben likes sitting at the top of the stadium so that we have back support. We sat on the 50 yard line. It was a great view of the game, but could have been closer to the student section and the cheerleaders--which is what I came to watch.

There weren't many people sitting that high but we managed to sit right next to a young man who is a coach in a neighboring town. As soon as the coach's friend arrived there were three men who pretty much sat with their heads together and became 'Stadium Coaches'. I lost my football companion. I could say things to him...and he wouldn't hear. Oh, well. It gave me plenty of time to answer all the texts from Max3 who had stayed home to attend a friend's birthday. How's that for school spirit? A little questionable if you ask me.

Max3 began texting at 5:45 and texted all through the game wanted to know scores, time left, offensive drives. I did my best John Madden--hopefully without being so annoying. I included Max2 who also began texting me half way through the game. It wore down the battery of my little iPhone that had been fully charged when I left for work in the morning.

Southridge dominated after the first quarter which hailed comments like 'yes!' 'we kill' 'our kicker's a beast' 'heck yesssss' and finally 'Take a look at your future state champions'. I was thanked profusely for my updates and was assured that Southridge coud 'take' Beaverton with a little concern expressed about Jesuit.

I totally agree with Ben. The Southridge fans were great. No booing or disrespect to the officials when a call didn't go their way. Of course by the end of the game--when the score was 52-21--what would be the point?

During the game, I wended my way to the student section to catch a closer view of Morgan and get photos of course. (I'm sorry they're just iPhone pics). I love Morgan's bounce and spirit. I only giggled once that the cheer squad put 'cheerleader' on the back of their coats so that others would know who they were and why they had pom poms in their hands. I may be a little biased, but I think Morgan's enthusiasm for the cheer and her extra little bounce she put on things made her stand out among her peers. She tolerated her hug, goodby thrown kiss, and pictures with the least degree of outward embarrassment. Bless you sweetie for tolerating your old auntie xoxo to you all!

KUDOS TO SOUTHRIDGE

A great game in the first half, after that it was all Southridge. What a well coached team, and a great group of young men. The fans were great as well. Very respectable, and gracious in winning.

When should I be expecting....

Cuties in my local store? I saw clementines at the store the other day, but haven't seen Cuties yet. May still be too early, but I seem to recall them being available around Christmas time (I think I have recieved some in stockings) so it can't be long now right?

Obama 1-BCS 0

Check this out!

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4862849

Problems with Pop-ups?

My popup blocker won't allow the comments to come up unless I am also hitting alt or ctrl when I click the link. What I do instead is right click the link, and open it in another window or tab. This allows me to stay on the blog in one spot, but read the comments in another. This works on whatever update of internet explorer I have, I can't testify to anything else.

Lots of Stress

Happy Birthday Susan!!  I'll add my birthday greeting - and try to not think about your age this birthday, since I have always been able to subtract 10 - and get to my age - and even that seems old to me!  But happy birthday wishes from the Williams family.

I've had a lot of stress lately.  I'm sure you have been watching the general economy - the falling indicators - the rising unemployment  - etc.  I'm sure it's giving us all stress.  Yesterday the current state budget revenue forecast was released - and I'm sure you saw that we are down by about $1.3 billion - and it is going to get worse.  I've managed an $80 million hole in my billion dollar budget since June of 2007 - and now with only about 6 months left in the period - I've got to try to squeeze out another $15 million in cuts between now and June 3oth.  Add to that - huge cuts in the next budget building effort - nearing the 100s of millions possibly - and it creates a lot of stress.  I have found myself lately secretly coveting the jobs of people working at Subway, or the gas station, or the guy who picks up our trash and recycle.  At the end of the day I doubt he carries his work home with him.  I suspect he isn't waking up in the middle of the night worried  about a decision he made earlier that day.   "Welcome to Walmart"  has a really nice to ring to it.

Tonight I came home from a full day of awful meetings - and the house was full of teenagers - friends of Max getting ready for the Powder Tuff Volleyball game, our friend Suzi and her kids (since Ron is in Germany on business) and all our kids.  Gina had made Cafe Rio Pork (great recipe) and everyone was finished.  I was late - from the great day I had.   The kitchen looked like it had suffered a terrorist attack - and all of them were walking out the door - to games, pack meeting, Enrichment night, etc.  So after putting my cold plate together - and eating alone at the kitchen table - I tackled the kitchen cleanup.  Now you are wondering what this has to do with stress right?  Well - we have this cupboard that has all our Tupperware, and lots of other crap etc. in it.  You have to bend over, find the container - and then search in vain for the right lid.  All the while everything else is falling out of the cupboard - and you find out the container you used DOESN'T HAVE A LID ANYMORE!  So there I was - pulling out with great force ALL OF THE TUPPERWARE - and THROWING IT ALL ON THE FLOOR - in a total Tupperware temper tantrum.  And that is when I decided I probably have a little too much stress.  I guess it is a good thing we don't have a dog.

Eventually, I gained control, reordered the Tupperware.  And did the dishes.  I actually enjoyed washing the dishes.  In a job where much of what you do is esoteric and sitting in meetings - and trying to look like you know what your doing - there is something gratifying about just doing the dishes.  It may be the only productive thing I've done today.  And that probably includes writing this post.  

My Five

Mine are very similar to Ben's. The only thing I'd add in ...probably substituting for the weight ('cuz heaven knows I didn't maintain)... would be Sunriver for Memorial Weekend. Oh and the 2 trips to Dufur with Grampa and Gramma. I recognize I've got more than 5 but I'm sticking to them anyway.

Another Year Nearly Gone

2008 is drawing to a close, and what a year it has been. A new grand child, (a really cute one at that), new directions lives have taken. As we lookback over the past year, what are some of the great things that we have done or have happened to us. Let us limit our list to a top five. Here are my five, not in any particular order.
1. Fishing with Grand Pa.
2. Spending a week in Ketchikan fishing.
3. Welcoming a new grand baby.
4. Maintaining my weight, (ok gained five pounds) sheesh!!!!!!
5. Being married to the greatest person I know, (soon to be 15 years).
Yes Jason I know that the Married thing did not happen this year, but every year it will still make the top five.
You guys all have a great Friday

New Comment pop-up

Don't really care for the way the comments now pop up, irritating

Peeing in the shower

I just have to say, I will no longer be showering at any of your houses when I come to visit. GROSS!!!!! (Don't get me wrong I have peed in my own shower a few times but I still think it is rather gross).

Jennifer - don't you typically take baths. I hope your not bathing in your pee.

Mommies Boobies

Taylor attends a christian preschool and today I was picking him up and he was showing Haley off to some other little family. As we walked out of the school it was raining and the little boy said to his mommy "Babies don't drink water." The mother replied and they were having a serious conversation about it. We were a little bit a way from them when Taylor decided he should join in on the conversation. "My mom's boobs have milk in them." I of course just kept walking and the mom said something like that's what babies like best. It was quite funny.

Is she being ironic?

Mom has used the term "da bomb" several times on this blog. Are you being serious or ironic? I used that term in my personal blog to make fun of people who used extremely outdated lingo but thought they were with it.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=74513463&blogID=436902340&Mytoken=C025BECF-B073-4DCA-8CC857F556EB2FAF216350317

Someone Else Wants to Blog With Us

So -- how does the family feel about inviting Jim Strunk to our blog? I was telling him about it on the phone this morning and he'd love to be included. His email is jstrunk@papemachinery.com. Would the administrators please invite him to join?

Happy Birthday Susan!

Happy Birthday To You! I hope your day is Fabulous! May the Happy Birthday Fairy shine down on you today! As a kid, I don't remember many birthday celebrations, but I do remember the time we had the fancy candle light dinner together and got to invite all our friends. The other fun birthday memory I have is the family parties we had with the Heaps, Hansons, and Coyners in Craig's red carpeted family room/den. Don't you share a birthday with Jim Strunk? (Sorry, that just popped in to my brain.) Have a wonderful day and know that we love you! xoxoxo

10,000 BUCKS?????????????????

Well I agree with my wife, way to go honey, especially the Alaska fishing part.

Communication

I have to be one of the worst communicators ever. This morning as I am rushing around the house to get out the door, Cam asks where I am going. I reply "To work. You did know that I was supposed to be back at work, right?" I go back to work and I forget to tell my husband. Yes it's quite funny, I often blame him for not listening when he doesn't know about something but really it is most likely just me forgetting to tell him. Its understandable I tell so many people that I forget who I have told and just figure that he knows, besides I did post it on a blog, shouldn't that be communication enough.

Honey, I love you and I will try harder to tell you about the important things in my life.

$10,000....Wahoo!

I would put some into the house. New floors, sink, and countertops for the kitchen, and paint the outside. I would put the rest in savings...except for another trip to Ketchikan Alaska. We had such a great time. (I'll add a few pictures to the post later). We wouldn't need to stay with our friends. We could stay at Clover Pass and fish from there. How great would that be!!!!

You Just Won $10,000

So -- you buy a scratch ticket and luck of all luck, you won $10,000. What would you do with it? Would you put it towards your mortgage? Pay off those student loans? Maybe do something wildly extravagant? What would you do if Luck smiled on you today?

Kristy is da' bomb!

Kristy I love going to the website and seeing things changed up a bit. The new subtitle is really nice. I really love the poll. I can hardly wait to see what other questions we'll be asked. Thanks for your administration of this great family tie. xoxo

Recipes

Hey Max,

You know that yummy delicious tritip you make. I was hoping that you could put the recipe for the marinade on here. Also I know Gina makes that yummy cheeseball. YUMMY cheese ball. Can you get that recipe to?

Thanks
Kristy

In the... In the.. In the future....

I cooked some of our catch from our fishing trip the other day. When are we going again? Wasn't it just too fun? And I don't think I have ever had such yummy fish. I made fish tacos with shredded cabbage and a delicious chipotle (chipoodle, chipatuple) dressing. They were pretty dang delicious actually. They looked like this:


Recently I have been feeling ready to advance in my career... Maybe I WILL move to Mexico.. some beach town.. and open a taco shop. It could look like this:



And I could learn how to do this (and look like this):



And here is my new boyfriend... we met at the fish market. His name is Diego. Sometimes he gives me specials on his catch of the day:

(BOYFRIEND DELETED... WE ALREADY BROKE UP)
I may have to look into this. I am open to other suggestions if you all have any ideas of what I should do when I grow up.

Here's an Interesting Holiday Thought

First Name/Last Name

We have a new speech pathologist at school this year. She brought me in two IEPs (Individualized Educational Program) for students in my class who would be getting speech services. One is named Frank, and the other Cropper. For privacy purposes I'll call him Cropper Morgan. I didn't question either of the IEP's for reasons I saw in class. (Cropper says his name the way Kristy would have in 1st grade: Cwoppo. ) I also took sage advice that I remember mom repeating many times. I wanted to know for myself if they had other issues before I read their plan.

About a month into school, I sat down and read Frank's but was interrupted and never got back to Cropper's. At the end of October, Cropper's mother stepped into the room and told me the Special Ed director for the district had called her and Cropper shouldn't be receiving services. I was stunned. 'But I have an IEP for him', was my response. I went to my file, grabbbed it out to prove my point.

There on the name line was his name Cropper Morgan. I looked at Frank's IEP. His name was listed Last name then first. I examined a little more closely. The signature of the parent was not Cropper's mom, but someone else. I looked up in dismay. I felt so silly. Then it said, Pre-K for the grade level. Now I felt stupid.

Would you believe there is a Kindergartener whose name is Morgan Cropper? So Cropper Morgan was getting speech services when Morgan Cropper...the Kindergartener should have been getting them. The worst is that the Kindergartener is a girl. If I had even glanced carefully at the IEP I would have known there was something wrong.

I guess even after 17 years, I still have lessons to learn. Boy, I wish they were private lessons instead of something so public!!! But I feel even sorrier for the Speech Pathologist. Yikes. What a way to impress the district!

I could blame it on the weird names kids have these days...(sorry Morgan)...I mean the ones that could be first OR last names--Sorry Again Morgan. But it really comes down to my oversight. Thanks for reading my tale of woe! xoxox (The names in the above post have been changed to protect privacy).

First Time Bloggin

Hey so this is my first time blogging! It looks pretty fun and a great way to keep in touch with the fam. Ill give you guys the low down on whats been going on with me latley. To start i got a fresh new pair of nikes last night which were amazing and a new pair of dang good looking jeans. I quite enjoy getting new clothes but I absouletley hate going shopping and wandering around like an idoit in washington sq mall for 5 hours. My last couple of weeks have been pretty laid back but this week coming up has some potetinal to suck. Finals are t-minus 1 week and i've got 3 border line A's. I just want to get 1 of them up and get the 3.6 so i think i can pull that off but school is pretty stressful. Our football team is 9-2 and kicking butt in the playoffs which is fun because and now that XC is over i actually have free time and that is the only sport our school focuses on.
Next week there is a game in south medford but because finals are the following monday i doubt ill go. Lets see what else is new. I'm sure your all wondering how the girl fronts going... no news to report on that haha. Went on a date last weekend which was fun but i am defiently single haha! that is okay with me for now.
I've been in the gym latley trying to get ripped before the end of the year so that is fun! and Cam L. that is an awesome calling to get with the churchball thing! I play churchball this year and were hoping to make a run at the stake championship! Track starts in febubary and i'm really looking forward to that! hoping to be Varsity Highjump if i can do some preseason training before it all starts. So thats whats been new with me up here in P-Town. OH the office this week was halirious. my favorite line was by far when he was drinking the memosa( sorry have no idea how to spell that) and he gave Andy Bernard a sip of it and andy says "Mr Micheal Scott rollin like a pimp!" haha i thought that was absouletlyy halirious.
Max

I don't know. Do you?

Taylor and Cam are in bed snuggling. Since Haley has been born that is how most nights go. I miss the snuggles with Taylor but I know that once she is a little bit older we can all snuggle together. Hopefully, he will still like to snuggle. Haley is asleep on my chest and I am here bored. Hoping somebody has posted a comment or something I haven't read since 6:00. But dang-it nothing I guess that means I will write to you but then what do I write about. I could give you a

list of all the things I probably should be doing: studying for the cpa exam, laundry, dishes, working on next weeks church lesson, plucking my eyebrows, cleaning my bedroom or the biggest thing cleaning my bathroom.

Today I was in the bathroom when Taylor came in. He had his pull up pulled down and said that he needed to wipe. I asked him if he needed to use the toilet. He said "No, just need to wipe. Juicy toot."

I love that little kids have no inhibition. The other day I was at play group and it was really hard to not laugh. One of the little girls went and stood in the corner to poop. She was grunting and all. Taylor has been potty trained for two years, I had completely forgot that this happens. I couldn't help but imagining a grown person just pooping in the corner. Just talking about it makes me giggle again.

I start back to work this week so wish me luck.

Still hating UNITED!!!

So I may just open my own "I hate United" blog - so the rest of you don't have to read my rants. But I must say - being able to express my traveling frustration in such a direct and immediate way has really been quite enjoyable - and probably lowered my blood pressure.



So here is the deal - I sat at the airport in San Diego - because my little commuter flight was delayed. Of course - the two later commuter flights went out close to on time - but they kept you stuck with your flight - so people going to LA who came later than me - were flying out sooner. Even then - the agent believed I would make my flight - so I jumped on the very short flight from San Diego to LA (prop job) - thinking that I could driven it faster. Things are very smokey in LA from the fires - which I'm sure is effecting airport operations - so my flight to PDX was supposedly delayed as well.



Just as we were about to land - we shot back up - and had to go out over the ocean and do the whole approach again. Apparently we came to close to another plane so they waived us off - and we lost about 15 minutes having to do the whole landing over again (on 30 minute flight). As we rolled up to the gate - I saw my plane still sitting at it's gate - and made the mad dash as soon as I got off. I arrived to see them backing the plane away from the door - as I looked out the window......so much for good seating.



So I write this to you from my extended stay in L.A. thanks to United, United Express and all their helpful staff, pilots and gate agents. The smell of smoke is strong - and at noon - the sky is literally orange from the haze and smog! I have a flight that is supposed to leave at about 4:00 PM - but at this point - I have some serious doubts. So what little bit of a weekend I was hoping to have with family - will now be spent in a lonely airline terminal watching football with strangers and writing you - with an itchy throat and watery eyes from the land of silicon and botox - where even the homeless people look like movie stars - I bid you farewell for now!



Max

Close Call

Got a little scare yesterday and today. I was standing in line getting ready to go into Autzen Stadium to watch my beloved Ducks squeak out win against Arizona yesterday when I got a call from a number that I did not recognize. I answered and the man on the other end explained that he was brother so and so from the stake young men's presidency and that he wanted to meet with me this morning about an assignment with the stake young men. I said, "Sure, what time"? In my head I was thinking, "Ah, crap. I could sure use something else to require a lot of time and effort right now." I met with him this morning, nervous that I would be receiving a great deal of responsibility. He sat me down and said that my name had been submitted and approved by a number of people and that they would like to offer me an assignment, not a calling, within the stake young men's organization. I thought, "Sweet! I'm not a counselor or something like that". Then he extended me the assignment to be the stake young men's athletic director to organize and run the youth basketball league and possibly some summer sports. What a relief (Outside of individual wards dragging their feet about getting teams together). Now I can go and enjoy the rest of my Sunday.

am I a blogger???

Ok...I have to say I love this. However I am not good at it. I love to come on here and read about what everyone has going on in there lives. Living so far away leaves me feeling very much out of the loop.. So I absolutly love Rutabaga Lovers! But, I dont know what to write about. So after thinking about it for two weeks, and being told I need to contribute, I will tell you all about what is going on here in arizona:

We have had a pretty busy few months....In october I celebrated my 25th birthday...(ahhh)...then we had a hug princess party for Mahelia's 4th bithday. And I just started a new job. I work at Mercy Gilbert Medial Center as Health Unit Secritary in the ICU. AKA HUC, AKA everyone's B*@#$ ( is that bad to say?) But I LOVE IT. My job is so fun. I have been waiting a really long time find a job that I truly enjoy, and is so close to my house. I am planning on working at Mercy for a year or so then hopfully moving home and getting a job at a hospital there. I want to go to nursing school but want to do it in Oregon. So we'll see! I miss you all so much and cant wait to come home. But until then I want to say thank you to Kristy for starting this, It makes me feel closer to home, and family even though I'm so far away.

LOVE YOU ALL

Em

Only One Rock n Roller for this Girl

Only one man is rocking my world right now and it's the kid ..... rock. So you want to be a cowboy, baby? I dreamt the other nite we were having a birthday party for Dad and Kid Rock was performing. Now ... to make that even weirder ... it was at the old LDS church in Bend, right across from the old bowling alley. Wrap your mind around that one.

Seriously --- if you've never given him a try, pick up the Rock N Roll Jesus CD. It's amazing. I can listen to it three or four times in a row. Once you get your groove on with that one, you might want to try some of his earlier (slightly more profane) CD's.

BTW ... does anyone know what "Baditawa de bang de dang diggy diggy diggy said the boogie said up jump the boogie" really means?????

Love the Inernet

I have a love - hate relationship with the Internet.....but this morning I sort of love it. I am still in San Diego - but this time at the airport waiting to fly home. In typical United Airlines fashion I get to the terminal - only to learn that I will be flying on a little commuter plane to LA - which is at a different terminal - with a bus ride - etc.

But the cool thing was - once I got check in - I looked up my seats on my computer (free Internet access) and was able to sit in the terminal and rearrange my seats to better (aisle) seats - all the time I'm watching these poor saps I'm sitting around who are going to get stuck in a middle seat! Now that is INTERNET POWER.

Of course the other thing I was able to do - was to read all of your very funny and humorus posts, which without the power of the Internet wouldn't happen. There is a lot to hate about it as well - but today - I improved my position - read about my family - did a little work - checked my declining retirement accounts - updated my football scores - and wrote this mindless diatribe. Not bad for a Sunday morning.

San Diego is BEAUTIFUL. The weather has been in the mid-80s this whole time. Not a cloud in the sky. I was able to run every morning along the harbor front - in front of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and lots of other cool ships. Of course, for most of the day I was stuck in a hotel ballroom in the meetings - but I really enjoyed the area to the extent I got to see it. I would love to bring the kids to do LEGO LAND - the ZOO - SEA WORLD and the Museums. It would be a great long-weekend destination.

I've missed the family - so I'm glad that I'm headed home. Of course the bummer of weeks like this is you never have a weekend - so it feels like a very long couple of weeks.

Love you all.

TITLE I DON NEED NO STINKING TITLE

I have been informed that I need to title my blogs. My apologies for not doing that, it shant happen again.

Here's Another Thing We Can Do With this Blog

Since I dont really eat candy bars any more, I will dredge the memory banks for my favs back in the day.
1. Pay Day
2. Milky Way
3. Abba Zabba
4. Chic-O-Stick
5. Big Hunk (couldn't remember this one had to ask the wife unit)

So there ya have it. How about five favorite days.
1. Christmas
2. Thanksgiving
3. Any birthday
4. Saturday
5. Sunday

The Mom person mentioned the sunset this evening, ot was really spectacular, probably one of the TOP FIVE I have ever seen.
You all have a good Sunday, in case you did not know I am no longer the Sunday School Pres. instead I am the High Priest Group Leaders Secretary. Whoo H00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Wonderful Saturday

The weather began bleak and foggy today. It made me want to stay snuggled in the house with a good book and all the paperwork from school. However, it was our Relief Society Super Saturday. So I struggled out the door and arrived late. So I did my token Christmas Craft and came home to help Ben rake the leaves. I was ever so happy as I walked out the door and the sun was shining. It could even be said that it was warm.

After the leaves, Ben and I went to do a little Christmas shopping . We started off at Harry and David's. We had a coupon for 30% off our purchase. So we picked up a few things and instead of spending $68 we spent $47. We also walked around the local Clayfolk pottery sale. There was some really beautiful work there. By this time the sun had set and the sky was beautiful. We decided to go to Jacksonville for dinner.

As we drove out there we passed a relatively new restaurant...or Ristorante as the sign says. A friend of mine had eaten there recently so I mentioned it in passing (literally) to Ben. We decided to try it out. I should have known from the sign. When the sign reads Pomodori Ristorante...you have to know that it's a little classy. Note to self: Next time wear a bra. It was a lovely place. Very quiet. Some people came in with kids and were seated in a different area that was more kid friendly. When I needed a water refill, they took my glass and replaced it with a new full one. Wow! I was impressed.

We had the best meal I've ever eaten. the bruschetta was fabulous. I had salad with Balsamic vinaigrette . Ben had minestrone soup. Both were great. Ben had Sausage Gnocchi. I had Pan Seared Scallops with Risotto and Asparagus spears. OH MY GOSH!!! It was amazing. It was a little spendy, but well worth the price we spent! Mmmm! Good Food!!!

It was a great surprise and I think it was better because of that. But...next time...Like a good boy scout I'm going to be better prepared...and wear a bra. (c:

My 5 favorite EVERYTHING

Um Hello? Jason? Morgan? Max 3? Emily? Where are you and why arent you participating?
Has anyone shown G-Ma and G-Pa yet? What about Cam Dan?

TV Shows: (of all time? Maybe not)

1-The Office
2-Arrested Development
3-Sex and The City, the edited version on the WB, I swear ;)
4-So You Think You Can Dance
5-Greys Anatomy

Candy:

1-Reese's minis
2-Ritter Sport dark choc with hazelnut
3-Mr. Goodbar
4-Jordan almonds
5-choc covered gummy bears

And here is my addition!

5 favorite Bands/Musicians:

1-Radiohead
2-Matt Nathanson
3-Adele
4-The Shins
5-Azure Ray

This is super fun!!!

I don't know how the rest of you feel but just for the record. I LOVE THIS!!! It has been so much fun. I hope you are all enjoying it as much as I am.

So do we need to list five favorite candy bars or five favorite things??? Like your mother Kristy I have a weakness for chocolate, but for sure good home made chocolate chip. But there are other things I like.
1. Our family
2. Fishing
3. Going to the coast
4. Any holiday, (especially Christmas)
5. Our dogs, (and cat)
These are just a few of the things I like,

Favorite top five Candy Bars

After Aunt Susie's fun post of what she thought about in the middle of the night, (wish you were closer would have given you Haley so I could sleep). I thought well that was fun we should post our five favorites of whatever to get to know each other better.

1. Peanut Butter Cups (Especially one's in bowls that people don't see and we get lots)
2. Midnight Milky Way (Yumm Yumm Yumm)
3. Take 5 (How can you not love this peanut butter, pretzels? hmm)
4. 5th Avenue (Cam's and my candy bar)
5. Peanut Butter Snickers (They made these back in the day and I still split snickers and put a layer of peanut butter in between the pieces. YUMMY

Some candy bars to note that I love but not top 5 worthy. Peanut Butter Twix, Carmel Twix, what was the one we use to freeze ????, skittles, starbursts.

I love candy!!!! (obviously)

Friday

I love Friday it's the weekend soon. Just Joking, lately everyday is the weekend. The nice thing about during the week is their is something to look forward to, Cam coming home from school, the weekend has become just another day. (It's sad to say but I am missing work, it makes me feel a little bad, I should enjoy my calling more as a mother.)



This Friday is a particular fun Friday. This morning we got our BUMBO. Haley has sat in it and seems to really like it. I really like it and think it will work great at work. This is not Haley. One of Mom's friends daughter. If you haven't seen pictures of Haley and would like to Cam posted some on his blog the other night.



Then Taylor and I went to a play group at church. We made Pilgrim cookie hats and colored. It was really fun. I will miss that in a few weeks.

Tonight I am having my friend Lindsey over to meet Cam's friend Nate. Lindsey is the daughter of one of mom's friends from high school. It will be great. Wish us luck. Hopefully all will go well and my pictionary skills will be rocking.

Love You!

Now you can see me.

Going through my work email this morning, I found one from Mom with 6(not very attractive) pictures of me... I took the hint. There I am... (and it appears as if I might be mildly attractive. Where did you get all those bow wow pictures and why haven't you deleted them? Please do so at your earliest convenience.)

Today is FANTASTIC! Sunny sunny sunny! I keep waiting to be miserable as I take my public transit treks to and from work and around the town. Winter can be the most miserable time on Tri-met. Stinky people are only stinkier when they are wet. I am thinking that I might very soon have to put myself on a budget, like a responsible adult and buy a car. (Mazda 3 Hatchback... dont care what color as long as it is silver or maybe red.) It would improve my quality of life and I would spend more time with my people. I miss you Williams fam! Sunday dinners? Do they still exist?

My friends Robyn and Josh(married... to each other) just bought a house near Mt Tabor and this weekend is the big move. Also on Thursday they picked up their brand new yellow labrador pup, to which I have been named godmother... [Maybe because there is a surplus of bow wow pictures of me out there in the universe (DELETE THEM!)]. Little Zoey is pretty cute.. It does not come natural to me to love furry things, thanks to my Proett genes! (No comments about Sasquatch boyfriends. I already thought it.) I have been comandeered today, in my role as godmother, to make sure Zoey is entertained and safe while some moving gets done. Already she has peed on the carpet from India. I am doing a good job, don't you think?

Things I Think About When I Can't Sleep

Went to bed really early last nite (I was exhuasted) so by 2am, I was wide awake but unwilling to get out of bed. Trying to force myself back to sleep, I used some of the following thoughts:

- mentally sang "Heaven on Their Minds" and imagined the scene from Jesus Christ Superstar
- Hugh Jackman -- yummy enuf to sit thru Van Helsing .... twice!
- worked on Cameron's wedding invitation list (no -- nothing happening there, just preparing)
- figured out the five greatest television shows ever
5. Northern Exposure
4. Six Feet Under
3. Seinfeld
2. Firefly
1. The Sopranos
- reviewed my last dirty dream
- tried to mentally create my friend Janellie's beet salad
- created a new six word memoir for myself: Totally Excellent Mother; Apparently Shitty Partner
- figured out what kind of dog I would get if I was getting one (labradoodle)
- Hope Won
- tried to come up with a weighted formula regarding how many times I'd been dumped and how many times I was the dumpee: which was most painful of the two
- developed a list of names for grandchild (again, nothing happening in that area)

As you can probably tell, I finally forced myself out of bed at 4am and came to work early. Oh well.

Random Thoughts at School

It's Friday! It's funny how much I look forward to the weekend even when it passes quickly and is full of weekend chores. I also laugh that I look forward to Friday when I've only been to work 3 days this week. Am I getting too old? It really doesn't matter. With the hit the stock market has taken I'll probably be working till I'm 80. I'll take Uncle David as my inspiration.....

Today I'm looking forward to lunch. Some parents got together and gave me a 50 dollar gift certificate to a lunch delivery company for my birthday. The company charges 5 dollars for the delivery. I order lunch from one of their specified restaurants and they deliver it to me. I can order online or phone. I think I'm going Asian. MmmmMmm.

A few parents got together and contributed to buying an Air Purifier for my classroom. I contributed too. It arrived on Wednesday. I set it up without the children in the room. When the children came to class on Thursday morning all the lights on the control panel went from green to orange as the children came in bringing the 'germs' with them. Being in a small classroom with very little air exchange had me concerned for the winter and the passing of germs. It was really nice that someone else saw the need. I'll post pictures of it later.

And I have to say, life is wonderful when you have a student teacher. Judi is great. She is right on and is working hard doing morning calendar while I type this. Yay Judy!

I Wanna Blog

Hey Kristy -- this is such a great idea that I think I'd like to set one up for my chickie-babes, a group of womyn from across the western US who get together every year for a long weekend in October. Can you point me to some place on this site that shows how to set up a new blog? Including a picture of the CB's taken in Hood River a couple of weeks ago when we got together there. Everyone either currently works for the FS or did at one time.

Got Me A Job

So, if you haven't heard yet, I started a new job today. It has been so long since I actually had a real job, it feels kind of weird. With school, kids, and Kristy's work schedule, it really hasn't been an option for me to start working again. If I were to work, I would need to find the perfect situation. Well..... I did. My friend Nate's dad runs his own courier service, called Gordy's Courier Service, and was looking for someone to help him out so that he wouldn't have to work so much. So if you can call it a real job, he pays me about $40 a day to drive and deliver/pick-up bank bags (not with money in them) from 3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. every Tuesday through Thursday. He also will give me occasional gas money and he will increase my pay in accordance with increases in gas prices. So basically, I drive from our house to a storage unit in Springfield, pick up a bank bag and a set of keys, drive to Oakridge and deliver/pick-up bank bags, drive back to Springfield, stop at a bank in Springfield, stop at a bank in downtown Eugene, and meet my friend's dad at a bank in West Eugene. It is really easy money and the drive is actually really enjoyable. The fall colors are beautiful right now in the mountains. All in all, it is about 100 miles round trip. Having the extra $400-$500 a month will be a great blessing. The time of day is perfect for us and it really does seem like the perfect situation. It allows me to have enough time for school and family, and that extra money will come in handy until I graduate after Spring term and find a career. Needless to say, we are very grateful that this all worked out the way it did. Hope you all are doing well. Our little family is thriving and happy and we are grateful for each one of you. Take care.

Sorry to post twice in a row but yesterday we were at Wal Mart and somebody walked by. I am not quite sure what Taylor saw but he said to me. "That guy looks like Grandma Ne but he is a guy." It totally made me laugh.

Swim Lessons

Taylor has been in swim lessons since roughly April. We are currently in Advanced Flippers. It has been fun and he really enjoys it. One of his biggest accomplishments was when he jumped off the high dive. I couldn't believe it and it scared me but all ended up okay.

Once every four weeks or so we change teachers. This time our teacher is male. I don't really know why a male teacher would bother me but I do think it is a little funny. Each time we switch teachers Taylor regresses until he feels safe with the teacher.

Taylor however is doing great and it is exciting to see him learn how to kick properly and really begin to swim. We are excited for him to be able to swim because that means raft trip. Hey we need to plan the raft trip for next summer, to make sure it absolutely happens. I missed the river so much this summer

I am feeling some solidarity with Aunt Susie.

I was out of the Internet loop all weekend and I was really excited to come in to work and declare my place in this lovely Rutabaga family.

But what do I share with you? Really when I think about it there is nothing monumental.

I could tell you that I was in quarantine all last weekend after a Noro Virus outbreak at work. You know that cool virus that we frequently hear about that knocks out entire cruise ships? Yeah, that is the one. I was not really very sick but I was locked in my apartment for 72 hours until I was no longer potentially contagious. I watched a lot of movies and just hung low. It was very very boring! I was a little embarrassed when a boy called me on Friday night and it was obvious that he had woken me up from a nap. (It was not a BOY boy, just a friend... but still, I have my fun single girl image to uphold.)

Fall in Portland has been lovely! It hardly rained at all in October and that left all the leaves in the trees to turn lovely colors. In the last two weeks I have gone out to Forest Park a couple of times for some quality time with nature. It looks a little like this... just a little more yellow.



I ran around amidst the falling leaves and the mud and it was nice to get dirty, get out of the city and get the blood flowing through my veins... especially after being cooped up all weekend.

This is a fantastically fun way to keep us all informed of what the others are up to!! Great Idea!! I promise to come up with more exciting things to share with you all that have nothing to do with being quarantined.

I HATE airline travel

Sitting at PDX....waiting. United is the worst. They charge you $15 bucks for your first bag. All the employees are worried that the company is going bank-o so the service is horrible. They changed the gate - didn't announce it - and caused me to almost miss the flight I've been waiting for - for 2 hours! I hate flying, airports, airlines, shuttles, etc. Particularly today.....I hate United. (Probably a bad thing to say right before I get on the plane.....)

So -- the purpose of blogging is to share pertinent information to a group of people, right? About what you think, what you're doing, what's happening in your life, right?

Here's what's happening in my life: pretty much nothing. I can't believe I have become so boring and so staid in my later life. What's up with THAT?

The number one thing I've been dealing with is a colony of feral cats who invaded my home thru my (now disabled) cat door. These things figured out how to go in and out, live in my home and get taken care of without being actual pets. So far, Cameron and I have trapped and disposed of 21 cats. There are still four or five we need to catch but these are the SMART ones. Once they've all been caught, we'll pull up carpet and try to restore the house to BC (Before Cat) conditions. It's been painful.

My Cam and His Brandi

At (almost) 55 .... I'm a Virgin

Hey all .... my first time blogging. wow. What a good way to keep up with everyone. Loved the pictures Renee sent me of the trip to the coast plus the Proett children's Halloween Hijinks. Hayley as Yoda cracked me up. Thought I would attempt to add a picture of Cameron and his girlfriend Brandi celebrating their first year together in (of course!) Newport.

Taylor's Pranking

I was taking a shower this evening after going to the gym to find my son with my cell phone calling someone. After he hung up I checked the call log...he made three or four phone calls to random people (well not really they were all the J's in my phone). So yes my boss Jim got a phone call. Jenn's work got a phone call and a few other people.

So if Taylor pranks you please accept my deepest apologies. He likes the phone.

My Name Is Isabel

Hi. Its Isabel. No not Isabelle. No not Isabella. I-S-A-B-E-L! I'm 8 years old which means 8years of fun! I love dogs and have been known to write extremely short blogs. But not today!So I'm gonna try starting a web show about fashion designing. A thing I LOVE to do. I don't know what to call it. What about.. Fashion Fiesta! Well maybe that's not such a good idea because I'm not Spanish. Well I'll think about it. Bye!

P.s.we were testing pictures. THAT'S ME!

RENEE'S B-DAY DINNER

Yes the meal we had was very interesting, and very fun. No silverware!!!!!!!!! The pumpkin cheesecake was the best.

My Crab Pot

On Saturday my friends got together for a birthday dinner. My friend Wendy recreated a dinner we had on the Wharf in Seattle last summer at The Crab Pot. The meal consisted of crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, potatoes, corn, sausage, artichokes, and sea bass. Everything, but the sea bass was steamed together in the most wonderful...er..ah.. I don't know what else to call it but a brine... and then poured out on the table. No plates allowed. It was the most tasty, messy, wonderfully delectable meal I've eaten in a long time. The 'no plates' rule was difficult for some of the attendees and quite a contradiction to the gold lame` table cloth. The dinner was finished up with a pumpkin cheesecake served in shell dishes. Yummy!

Happy Birthday Jason!

Today, Jasius the Greek God of Groove turned 'oh, no--30'! He was born on a very cold November day in 1978. The temperature was in the teens. Because it was so cold I would shiver. That shiver would set off a contraction that I would have to stop and breathe through. It took me a very long time to get into the hospital because I kept contracting. He was born at 2 AM--a beautiful big boy with amazing blue eyes and a gentle personality. Thank you, Jason, for blessing our lives for the past 30 years.

Murrietta's are here too

Hey everyone! This is going to be so much fun. Much better than Myspace!

Love ya all
em

11/6 Office

So Cam and I were just sitting around talking about the office. (we didn't get to watch it together because I was in Medford for mom's birthday).

Our favorite part of the episode Dwight practicing his sales call with Jim. Jim saying something about buying a million dollars of paper if Michael fires Dwight and then Dwight saying Don't do it Michael.

Our least favorite part of the episode was that weirdo loser guy asking Pam to stay in New York. She better not stay that would absolutely ruin the TV show. Pam and Jim must end up together. I hope that the writers of the TV Show are just trying to trick us into thinking that they might not end up together but then they really do. I don't think I can handle a Ross and Rachele (Friends) relationship that goes on for years.

I hope it is on next week and we find out what is going on with Pam. She needs to be back in Scranton quickly. I just don't know if I can take it much longer.

So I signed up.....

I am on here too, I guess. Will still be doing my myspace blog as well, I guess. I don't want to dominate this.

Uhmmm....Do we trust our Administrator?

While using MY computer this weekend our administrator may have taken liberties. While Kristy is an extremely charming child, I would say that I love all my children equally. They are all very bright, engaging, and creative. Creating a post that was supposed to be me might be considered less than commendable.

I would also say that a text message is a very appreciated communication on most occasions. However, when it happens at 12:01, wakes me from a deep sleep, and contains foul language, it is hard to consider it better than a phone call. (Love you JennyP.) But it cannot be repudiated that it was my first birthday wish.

xoxo

We Are On Board

The Williams Family is now on board - Rutabaga Lovers! This is the primary post - and I'm sure that Max and Morgan and Isabel will want to make their own posts from time to time. I hope that Jason will make sure to post his best work on his blog as well - so I don't have to look in multiple spots for it all. More importantly....who is going to train Grandpa and Grandma to access the blog? (I nominate Jason......).

Things here are busy as usual. Morgan cheered at the varsity game last night (Go SkyHawks - 49 to 9!! - On to State). Max had another date with Roxy! Gina and I and Isabel went to the game and Isabel reminded us that she "doesn't even like football!" Today is running errands and taking shelter from the rain. We'll miss not seeing everyone over Veterans Day - and also for Thanksgiving this year - although we are planning on the big get-to-gether for the Christmas experience. I will miss de-briefing over all the election issues with everyone. As always, everyone is welcome to come up whenever it works - even if you want to do that before our Christmas party. Just because!

I'm in San Diego next week from Wednesday from Sunday - so maybe I'll get a little chance to get out of the rain - but will miss everyone while I'm gone.

Isabel here.Yes I don't like football. Go on dad.

Okay - so now Isabel has confirmed my point. I'll be anxious to see how this blog actually works as means to communicate - but it will be fun to stay a little more caught up in everyones life.

Love you all. Max.

We

I just want you to know......

KRISTY KAY is my favorite child. I love her more than Jennifer Renee. Especially because Kristy called me before Jennifer did on my birthday and texting doesn't count.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I was semi surprised by Kristy, with Taylor and Haley, and Jason for my birthday. They came to my classroom at the end of the day on Thursday. I say semi surprised because when Ben started cleaning house--especially the bedrooms--something fishy was happening. And just to be on the safe side, I cleaned the bathroom. The final clincher was when he bought bacon. That may not seem odd to everyone. But the only time we buy bacon is when Kristy comes to visit. I don't know what it is...but she loves our bacon brand. When Ben put the pound of bacon in the basket, I knew something was up. When they walked into my classroom I was overjoyed. I didn't expect my surprise visitors to come into my classroom.

I had fun showing off my family to my class. One of the students went home and told her mom that Mrs. Gardener's baby came to class today. I don't let it go to my head. This is from my same class who had someone guess that I was 100. One thinks I can have a baby and another thinks I'm ancient. Go figure.

We have spent the day shopping, (I've been to the mall twice today--2 more times than I've been there since Kristy's last visit) eating (great Italian last night with leftovers today, lunch at the food court, and Marionberry pie--a gift from one of my students), and huggin' on those grandkids (what can be better than rocking a 2 month old?).

I mentioned to Kay while we were sitting that a family blog would be fun and not 2 minutes later she had Rutabaga Lovers set up. It will be fun to keep close via blog. I hope everyone takes part. I think it will be fun to stay connected. Thanks, Kristy!

Hey Kristy, great idea to keep in touch, much easier than multiple e-mails.

WE ARE Here!!!!

If you love Rutabagas you have come to the right spot. We are a rutabaga loving family and hope to keep in touch through blogging. Let's make a commitment to blog at least once a week.

I sent out a text asking for e-mail addresses but if I forgot someone please don't take it personal let's just get them added.

Love you guys.