Remember this?

That was me this last saturday for, oh...6 HOURS. Yeah...not exactly fun, but you have no idea how grateful I was to be there.

It all started Friday night, about 6 PM. I just got home from the grocery store, and my stomach was starting to grumble...and not in a good way. It was scrapbook night, and I hadn't been in many, MANY months, so I was so excited to finally be able to go. I went straight upstairs to take a hot bath and lay down for a minute to get rid of the wierd feeling I had going on. At 8:00 I knew I wasn't going anywhere. then from about 9:00 on, I was in the bathroom every hour doing something on the potty. (I'll spare you the details) :) at 3:00 AM I headed back to the bathroom and after doing my thing, I started crying. I was Dan's patient for his Dental Board exam. Me, and only me. I was his last back up after the other patients hadn't worked out. If I didn't make it there in the morning, he would fail. His next exam would be in August. In Dallas, Tx. He would have to fly himself and any patients out there. We would be unemployed until at least January when he could finally get his license.

NO way! I wanted to scream to my body! I have to be there. I WILL be there. No matter how I felt. But then I remembered this:

ARGH. Well, like I said, I was RELIEVED to have the thing in my mouth all day. I was so glad to be there. I prayed HARD that morning, as I slowly (2 hours) got ready, dropped the kids off at a friend's, and drove to school. I had bawled to my sister already that morning, and I knew she had been praying for me too. As I got closer and closer to the school, I felt better and better. Not great, but better. I could do this. I did do it.

It was a long day, but Dan did awesome! We're pretty sure he passed and he did it so fast! We thought I might have to come back on Sunday, but he finished it all on Saturday...with time to spare! He IS a great Dentist!

My baby is growing up!

It seems like just yesterday we were playing in her room...

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

and now she's all done with preschool! She went to preschool at Valley Christian Preschool. She went there last year too. This year, we couldn't get into the morning class with the friends she'd made from the previous year, so we went to the afternoon class. It turned out to be soo nice! I loved not being rushed in the mornings. There were about 12 girls and 4 boys. The girls were so sweet and cute! They often traded shoes during play time and loved to borrow things from each other.

There are only three girls in Chelsea's CTR5 class at church and one boy. We were so excited to find out that Brooke would be in Chelsea's preschool class too. They have become the best of friends. The teacher's presented each child with a memory book with a picture of each classmate, and a survey of what the children thought of each other. MOst of the comments were like "she's nice" or "I like her hair", but most of the comments about Chelsea were "She likes to play with Brooke" or "She likes to paint". (Many a day she came home completely covered in paint...in her hair, on her shoes...all over)

Getting her certificate of completion. :)

Her awesome teachers, Miss Shannon and Miss Laura. She had another teacher, Miss Lisa, who was also the primary president of our ward, but she moved to Colorado in January. We've really missed her!


She's very excited to start Kindergarten this fall, but I'm starting to get nervous as the time gets closer and closer, and I don't know which school she's going too! I'm sure she'll make friends quickly and easily, but I'm sure she will miss the friends she's made. The night of the graduation, she woke up crying, "I want to go to my preschool!!!"

Fun at Grandma and Grandpa's

This past weekend we went up to Tacoma to pick up some teeth Dan's dad had collected for Dan's boards. (He's a dentist..and yes, I know, that was an awkward worded sentence...kinda like this one...(sigh).

Anyway, like usual, we had a blast. It was the perfect weekend...Sunny and warm! AND it was Dad's birthday! Dad brought home some cupcakes he was given at the school he teaches at and we devoured them. Especially the frosting.
Um, Dad? You got something on your face....


Oh, me too!

Chelse loved the chocolate cake!

We played in the bubbles....

And played "pioneer" with the old handcart.


That night, we had a BBQ in the firepit. Michael is no longer afraid of the fire. Instead, he kept tromping back and forth from the fire to the woodpile, to make sure the fire kept going. Chelsea did much better, but still wouldn't get too close.

Dan was awfully proud of his gourmet hotdogs, slow roasted to perfection.



We each gave dad a box of whoppers for his birthday...


Which michael couldn't seem to stay out of.


Jumping on the trampoline is a blast...but when you turn on sprinklers...it's little kid heaven!




Does he look tired to you? Goal achieved! We left to get back to Portland about an hour after this picture was taken. both kids were passed out by the time we got out of the neighborhood. We ALL love Grandma and Grandpa's house!

I got my PhT!

Last night, Dan and I went to an alumni dinner. It was really fun to talk to all the friends we've made during the four years we've been here. I haven't seen some of the wives for a long time. There were a few of us who would watch the intramural basketball games every week, but the new gym they built didn't have room for spectators. It was fun to catch up with them, see pictures of kids, and learn about their plans in the very near future. We will soon be scattered accross the U.S to Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, Utah, Oregon, and Washington.

We are all amazed at how fast the four years went by, especially when it seemed it would take forever when we first met that first year in '04. I hope that most of them will continue this blog stuff so we can keep in touch. :)

The dinner was held at an Alumni's house, who is also a parent of one of dan's classmates. Of course, it was an incredible house, and the food was delicious, especially the desserts! YUM!

In the middle of the evening, the Dean of the Dental School gave a presentation. He told the story of an alumni member who graduated in the 60's and who's wife recently passed away. This passing caused him to reflect on all the memories he and his wife had an her influence on his career. He and his children got together and decided to create the Ann Wilkins Ellis award. This is the PhT award "Putting him/her Through" award. Students could nominate their spouses by writing a 500 word essay on how their spouse "Put him/her through" school. Dan left a copy of the essay he wrote on the table they day he submitted it. It was the sweetest letter, and of course, made me cry. I didn't care if I won or not, the essay was prize enough. But, due to his amazing literary skills more than my "support" I was one of 6 selected. We were given a copy of the letter on formal paper along with a cash award. We were instructed that the money was NOT to be used to go towards paying off debt, or anything but on ourselves. :) I think I can handle that. In fact, I was able to get myself a new dress for the evening, some jewelry, and makeup. It was so fun to get dressed up. Unfortunately, though, I think most of the money will go towards our move. I am so grateful for Dan's thoughtfulness. I love you!

Nephew number #12 is born!

"What the heck just happened?!" --new Staiger boy

My sister had her baby tonight! He's 8lbs and 20 inches long! My mom got a new i-hone so she was able to take a couple pictures when he was only an hour old!

Look at that cute dimple in his chin! (from dad)
And that adorable nose!
And that scowl! (all the staiger boys have had that...) comes from mom. :)
He's sooo cute!!!!


I have TWELVE nephews! (That's from both sides) with one on the way, 2 nieces... and an "it" on the way. My lil' sister is due June 4th, but the kid was too darn stubborn to let the doctor get a good picture to find out what "it" is. Whatever the baby is, it'll be cute!

I'm so excited to meet the new guy...but not sure when I'll get too, since he lives in Texas with his mom, dad, and two brothers. The brothers are really going to have fun now! If you really want to see how awesome they are at being sneaky, click here http://staigerstar.blogspot.com/2008/05/fun-in-sun.html

Aren't they so cute! Congrats Tami!!!!

I had one of the best mother's day ever this year. Michael threw our door open and turned on the lights, just like he does every morning, at exactly 7:20 A.M. He's more reliable than our alarm clock. Dan hopped right up and took him downstairs, turned off the light, and then I fell back asleep. An hour later, all three came in with breakfast of french toast, scrambled eggs, fresh strawberries, and grapefruit juice. I ate my breakfast, then went back to bed. AHHH.....SO nice. It would have been great if that's all I got.

But, I finally woke up, took a long shower, and then got ready to go to the rhododendron garden here in Portland. We've gone the last three years around mother's day...but this year it was exceptionally beautiful. I told Dan I wanted lots of pictures...with ME in them. :) Here are some of the better ones. The first three crack me up...just because of Michael's smile. Do NOT ask Michael to smile, or this is what you'll get.



Chelsea and Michael really liked the ducks. We told them we were going to feed them, but when we arrived to the garden, there was a big sign that said "Please no bread!" Sometimes they will sell bags of seeds for the ducks, but they were all out. So, Chelsea and Michael kept throwing rocks and leaves into the ponds, but couldn't understand why the ducks weren't eating their "food."




Chelsea wanted to get into the photography action, so we let her take a few pictures. She did a great job...I think she's got the knack for this picture stuff.


Lately, Michael has been asking to hold my hand! I LOVE it. It's not often that he'll let me hold his hand, so I'm taking advantage of every moment that he'll let me.


The flowers were gorgeous and the sun peaked through the cloud a few times to make the garden extra beautiful. Here are some pictures of our favorite rhodi's.






I love being a mom, even though it gets hard sometimes. I'm so grateful for my family. They are the most important things in my life.

I'm also so lucky for both of MY mothers. Each of them has influenced my life so much and I love them so much. I miss my mom so much but am so grateful for phones and the internet to help close the distance between Portland and Texas. I'm also so grateful for Dan's mom, who always makes me feel at home and part of the family. I couldn't ask for greater parents. Happy Mother's day!

Trying to stay little....

I've finally come to the realization that my baby boy is no longer a baby...and is probably way past the age when he can be taking showers with mom. I don't feel I've ever encouraged him, but I rarely get a shower before Dan leaves...so I usually have to when Michael is awake. I try to preoccupy him with a movie or a toy, but he's not easily entertained..unless it is with food or dirt. For this reason, I have to leave the bathroom door propped open so I can hear if disaster strikes while I race through my shower. I usually don't even notice he's in the bathroom until he asks for help to get his shirt off..the rest of him already completely naked.

So, what am I supposed to do? Say no and accept the risk of having a disgusting accident happen on my carpet? NO WAY. So, I plop in the tub while I quickly finish showering...get dressed, get him dressed...and of course..stick him in time out.

Okay, now that I've give my excuses....this morning I was trying to get in the shower and Michael runs in the bathroom tugging at his clothes
"Macko Boy showah wit momma!"
"No, Michael. I'm sorry, but you're just getting to big to shower with mommy."
His face hurt and dejected...looks up at me and says
"No, Macko boy still liddle!"

It broke my heart, but I remained firm. Got him out the Dora tent and got him excited about making me a picnic ready for after my shower. Why do they have to grow so quickly?!

When you need a good laugh...

Preface: This video is not intended to offend anyone. Dan posted it originally, but he was too worried about offending someone, so he took it off. Guess that just says what kind of a person I AM. :) seriously though, we hope no one will hate us for posting it...we just thought it was really funny. Blame me, not Dan. :)


I feel for Pres. Bush when I see this clip. I'm always mixing up my words and staying stupid things. I usualy hope that know one has caught what I said...but instantly Dan is teasing me about it. I'm sure some of you have noticed my unique words and phrases, like "quiss" which is my word for "Quit bugging me and Kiss me". Maybe that's why I keep so quiet. Anyway, here is a clip of all Bush's bloopers. (There are two parts where he flips the bird...so beware.) At the end there's some wierd song...yeah, just ignore it. :)

Chelsea's face update

I wanted to post this one week after Chelsea's fall, but other things came up. :) I am amazed at how fast her face has healed. Even just 3 days later it was almost gone. Before



After:This picture was taken one week after she fell. We just put neosporin on it three times day, and wahlah! It's gone! :)




I thought this was a cool project Chelsea brought home from school. They stuffed dirt andgrass seed in a knee-high nylon and then twisted the body to make four different sections. We watered it every day and it grew and grew to make this awesome worm! Now, Chelsea loves to give her new friend hair cuts.

YES! I AM original!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

An old friend is found....and let go.

At 3:00 AM this morning, we got a call from the Police stating they had found our car. The conversation whent something like this:

Police: Hello, Mr. Perry?
Dan: Yes?
Police: We understand you have a car missing?
D: That's right
P: Well, we've found it!
D: That's great!
P: Yeah...not so great.
D: Uh oh.

They found the car at a local park about 5 miles from our house, totaly gutted and stripped of everything. We could either come and get it or they would call a towing company and get it hauled off. We decided on the latter, since we didn't exactly own a tow truck.

This morning, the towing company called us to see what we wanted to do with the car. We decided to head out to the junk yard to take one last look, with hope that maybe, just maybe, we could salvage it for just another month or so.

My heart was beating so hard as we drove into the lot and I saw our poor little car. I expected the worse...but part of me didn't want to see what it looked like.


the outside didn't look too bad until we got a little closer and saw the inside.

I found it interesting, amusing, and shocking the things that they took...and didn't take. They stole one of the wheels...but not the brand new one we put on a few months ago.

They took the sun visors...


Each door was completely stripped...

They took the middle buckle on the back seat, but left all the other seat belts...

They took the passenger chair, and unscrewed the driver seat.

They took the middle console.

Of course they took the CD player, but the air vents? Maybe I don't know much about cars...but I certainly had no idea there was any value behind those little guys besides nice, cold air!

Dan had a bunch of Dental stuff in the trunk, like old teeth models, and they took all that. Dan says it's completely worthless, even to him...I'm just curious to know what they think they will get from them. NOt sure what a pawn shop would do with someone else's teeth model.

They left my trunk organizer, a quilt that we always leave in the car, and one of Chelsea's drawings. She was very happy to see it. They even left some important papers Dan needed for his board exams coming up. It really confuses me why they took the time to stick all this stuff in the trunk, although not before they cleaned out the spare tire and car jack.

However, we can't be completely upset about the whole thing, because they did leave Dan a present. They left a Bone Thugs CD for us! Dan is actully pretty excited about it and says it's now an even trade. He listened to it the entire way back home and up to school. (Yes...I'm cringing while typing)

So, the car is gone. Sometimes I feel like bursting into tears that someone could be so thoughtless. But then I feel sorry for them that they feel they have to do this to get whatever little money they can for it. The thing that makes me MOST angry, is that we are now responsible for the towing fee of $240.00!!!!

And no, we won't get any compensation from our insurance company, because we only had liability on it. We just didn't feel like it was worth enough to pay for whatever dammage might come to it. If we had had it, we probably would have come out for the better, but it was a gamble and we lost.

We just hope that we are the lucky ones who get to be one of the few statistics of victims of stolen and gutted cars and that you all will just get to say you "knew of a friend" that it happened to. Thanks for all your calls and concerns! We do appreciate it!