here is the link that should work

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm?stfA=50,55,58,64,70,75,79,87,91,94,102

To get the political discussion going

Mel sent me this today. I think it's a pretty cool way of finding out who your political beliefs line up with. It's important, after you answer the questions, to toggle the weight of the issues that are most important to you.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm?stfA=50,55,58,64,70,75,79,87,91,94,102

Enjoy!

Ryan

Wow! I have such amazing, interesting, imaginative and
wonderful grandchildren. I hate to see summer leave because I had such a fun one with

all my grandchildren. I think we had fun in Utah with Amy, Riley,
Jon, Evan, Dad and my parents and siblings. The Reunion was a well organized and busy
event. I was proud to show off Audrey, Reese and Sadie. I got the nerve up to rent a "wave runner". Even tho my speed was a bit moderate, I had a ball on it. New Jersey was fun too! Jen is an amazing "New York City" driver. She rivals any cab driver there as she manuevers her silver Honda Odessey filled with 4 kids, her mom, and brothers all trying to tell her where to go as she dodges, cuts off, argues with police officers, and avoids pedestrians in and out of the traffic. Away she drives always seeking the quickest and least traversed highways and bridges,
making split second decisions as to what route to take in order to get us all to our desired destination for that day.
Thanks to Melanie and Ryan we got tickets for Les Mis and that was fun to see again.


The highlight of the summer was being able to attend Christians
baptism. That was such a sweet day. I'm thankful that Christian chose to be baptized. He is
such a special boy. He has such a sweet spirit about him. He knows the gospel well. He was
well prepared to understand his baptism and what it means to him. I am very proud of him.
Another special event that took place was Evan being blessed to serve as a Priest in the
Aaronic Priesthood. I am grateful for his willingness to serve in this calling. He has always
done his best to fulfull his duties in the Priesthood and I am proud of him for being able to now
move forward and serve as a Priest.
love from mom

A message from the real Montanan

Seeing as Bob and I are the only ones who should really be allowed to post under the title of "News from the Bitterroot" I thought I better make my big entrance onto the blog. Since I don't have any adorable kids, cross country races, hot dates or high school classes to write about I can guarantee you that this post will be utterly boring. The highlight of last week was the three delicious samples we ate on our trip to Super Target and the discovery that our library has every season of Scrubs on DVD. This week I am looking forward to one thing... the season premiere of The Office. I will thoroughly enjoy watching it on our tv while Ryan attempts to improve the reception be playing around with the antenna. I'm currently working as what they call an administrative assistant. I think they came up with that name so that I would feel cooler then a secretary. Basically I answer phones, water the plants, make cookies and think of ways to waste time. I sulked about my job all last week and was rewarded by getting three calls for interviews. I had a couple today and I have a couple tomorrow so I hope one of these works out so that I can proudly announce my new job sometime next week. Last night Ryan put me through a grueling interview practice session where I had to walk in and shake his hand several times until I got it right. He is a great mentor so hopefully it pays off. I will let you all know because I'm sure you are all holding your breath in anticipation.

huff trip

Check out my blog for pictures from our oregon coast trip. I loved it!

http://huffblodgett.blogspot.com/2007/09/my-trip-to-coast.html

from janelle

Audrey is so into "dress up". This is her latest concoction. I try not to stifle her creativity and allow her freedom to make her own decisions (with regards to her clothing) when we do not need to leave the house. She grows attached to certain articles of clothing. For instance, her red bathing suit...she tries to wear this everyday and those black tights mom cut off for her months ago.

It's a Wonderful World

Ryan on Friday Mornings and 8 hour blocks

Today, my friday morning class was cancelled and I don't have any other classes/review sessions today. So I made a delicious breakfast for Mel before she left for work, read some news on the internet for a while, then went on a run with Kings of Leon playing on my iPod. I now sit shirtless before my computer typing my update. The fact that it is only nine o'clock in the morning is pleasing to me, for I have eight hours of study time ahead of me. I will stop when Mel is home around six because eight hours is enough study time.

I am machine-like in my sleeping patterns. I must have exactly 7-8 hours of sleep or else I can't function optimally. I don't know if it is something with my physiology or if it is the peace of mind that 7-8 hours provides. If I don't sleep enough, for example, I feel angry that I didn't sleep enough rather than slow and groggy. I am alert and able to perform physically and mentally, but frustrated that I didn't sleep enough. Likewise, if I oversleep I feel angry that I've wasted my day. Is this a normal reaction?

Anyway, getting 7-8 hours of sleep is key to my happiness.

Amy's Job

Why am I working for a professional animal trapper? I ask myself this question every time I go into work. I'm only working 10 hours a week now, but it still seems like my time is dragged out at work. I want to work for the local court house in some way or at a local museum. Yet, I am working for a man who finds pleasure in trapping animals. I guess someone has to do it. I just have other ambitions. Let me give you some insight into my boss's personality. (sorry if i've told you this story already, I don't remember who I've told) One day, we were having a team meeting. At the time, I was working with two other young males in the office. My boss was talking about how we need to make sure we have clear instructions on procedures in the office written down for future workers of Wildlife Solutions. I quote him talking to the three of us, "Now Derek, when you're off singing on Broadway, Aaron when you're wrestling in China, and Amy (he hesitates, desperately trying to think of something) when you're off making babies, employees of this company will know the procedures without having to call you guys." I looked at him and started laughing. He said, "What are you laughing at?" I said, "Why can't I be running in the Olympics or something?" His reply with all seriousness in his face, "Well you made a promise at the altar to multiply and replenish the Earth." Of course I will one day be a mother, but realistically are those other two guys really going to be singing on Broadway or Wrestling professionally? No. He couldn't make up some far off dream for me. I just thought it was funny that because I'm a woman the only future he sees for me is to "make babies." By the way the picture above are some raccoons he's trapped.

Hello everyone. Surprised I finally posted? This is the youngest child of mother and father writing this. Life is going well, except for the strenuous courses I am taking at Kamiakin High School. Amongst these are Basic Art, English III-IV, Honors Geometry, Honors Physics, German I-II, and of course Seminary. Geometry is much different than I expected, it's like logic, rather than measuring angles and lengths. I have Mrs. Kutschkau as my teacher. Harder than I expected, too. Honors Physics is pretty much a second math class, solving equations measuring the time and distance(called displacement) objects move with certain accelerations and velocities. I am a poor artist, so art is a hard class, and I've always hated English. German seems like it will be pretty easy, although my teacher, Herr Matthes, has a strange sense of humor. He's from Germany. Seminary is a fun class. Oh yeah, I'm also taking zero hour Weight Training. Currently, I am not involved with a sport. Come Spring, I will be in Track and Field, participating in the 400 and 800 meter races, and possibly the long jump. My band, which I can't remember our new name(it used to be Rude Awakening) is beginning. The members are: me on rhythm guitar and backup vocals, Kevin Lewis as lead vocalist, Nick Meng on lead guitar and backup vocals, Conor McDaniel on bass and backup vocals, and a kid named George, on drums. I can't remember his last name.Yes, finally winter is almost here. Cold, gray days and leaveless trees are what I live for. I just hope we get a lot of snow. Conor McDaniel says we will, because the squirrels gathered the nuts earlier than usual this year. Another plus to winter is that I don't have to mow the bloody lawn anymore.Well that's it. This is what my uncreative mind came up with. As I wrote this, I was listening to The Beatles.

From, the teenager Evan
Further bulletins as events warrant

An update

FYI school is going better for Christian and Claire. The second day of school, Christian had talked to some girls he sits with and he felt much better about the day. The third day of school, he played soccer at recess with some boys. I think he'll be fine. Claire is doing OK still as well. They had school off for Rosh Hashanah Thursday and Friday.Joseph gave his first talk in Primary today. He told the story of Ammon. I purposely picked that story because I knew that as long as he could say the phrase "chopped off their arms" in his talk, he would be OK with it. He did a really great job.Gracie made it out of our bench and almost started climbing the steps to the stand in Sacrament Meeting. She is very busy and loves being able to walk.We spent all day yesterday trying to organize our garage. And its still not done. But we are slowly getting the house put together.

Janelle

Reese has been wanting to join the circus for a long time in his short life....he finally found his talent....contortion-ism!

From Ron: In Defense of an Old Kitchen Table

Kitchen tables are like spouses, religions and memories. Once you find one that is good and true, you should hang on to it at all costs. Rare it is, indeed, to find one that provides nourishment, comfort and something to lean on during the dark times. And, the longer you keep it around, the more you grow to love it.

Not only will a superior table accommodate food and diners, but it must also corral one’s younger children, adjust for the width of one's girth, be adjustable for easy sweeping, fit perfectly into any kitchen space, be durable enough to handle frequent abuse, and have conveniently located drawers for easy storage. In addition, the table of choice must have an inviting aura and comfortable demeanor so that people want to spend time around it. Add to these single accomplishments attractive vinyl benches and a yellow faux-wood particle board table and you have real treasure. One should not lightly part with such a find.

I’ve been enjoying culinary delights at my kitchen table long before I found a spouse, knew much about religion or had many memories. This table is where I learned to use a fork, knife and pasta spoon. It is where I learned not to slurp my soup, not to sword fight with carving knifes, and that it is inappropriate to dance on the table during dinner. The old table has always been there for me. It was there when I came home from my first days of elementary school, junior high and high school. It was there when I left for my mission and, more importantly, it was there for me when I came home (which is more than I can say for a few others). It was at my wedding reception, and has joined with me in welcoming my children home from the hospital.

It has always been faithful, never wavered. When I have put something on the table, the table has always held it; never dropped it to the floor. No matter how many times milk is spilled on it, it never cries.

Yes, the old table is getting on in years. But, so am I. And, there are lots of things, like spouses, religion and memories, which we don’t trade in just because they show a few signs of age. The passage of time only serves to make us more dependent on -- and more grateful for – them.

So, here's to you, old kitchen table! Please pass the mashed potatoes.

The Office - Dwight Schrute Don't call me a hero

I was inspired by Ryan's blurb about the office and particularly Dwight K. Schrute. This pepper spray scene was rewatched dozens of times by me and michael...so funny.

from Ryan

Today we are going to the Colorado Supreme Court to observe oral arguments on a couple of different cases. So that'll be interesting to see how it all works. Things are going good for us here. I spend most of my time reading and studying. Although, occasionally I watch an episode of the office (we have the season 3 dvd) to replenish my sanity and to keep in touch with the world. I find the character Dwight to be hilarious--especially his fanatical loyalty to his company. Another thing I like about his character is that even when he is not the focal point of a scene, he finds a subtle way into it by scowling or glaring at the workers from a corner. I can't wait for the next season to begin.

Here's a New York picture for Jon. Mel and I loved New York this summer. We did so many things that we will probably never have a chance to do again. Though we were working long days, we never felt like it was permanent and so it all felt like a long vacation. Mel was actually offered a job with the ad agency she was working with. I wonder what it would've been like to stay there, to attend one of the 9 law schools there. That was certainly a possibility for us. It was funny listening to Jon say that he knew his way around the city after a day of being there. And it was fun to take evan and jon around the city for a few days. Evan, Mel, and I went jogging along the east river with a spectacular view of the manhattan skyline and evan outran us by a long shot. And of course, Jen and Ron's family was great to be around. Where are posts from Mom, Evan, and Mike?

My New Job

This is me at the hotel. I am being yelled at by an angry customer. Their is a lot of slow time at this job so i have time to post many things.

Jonny

Jonny
Well, gosh i'd better put in my two cents too! What an exciting opportunity we all have to post blogs in the complex blogosphere! Ryan promised me that he would e-mail this blog to me, but after waiting several days in high anticipation their was no hope, i had to find it myself. Nowadays it is hard to know who you can trust. Anyway, i luckily stumbled across "newsfromthebitterroot" on janelles blog: their happened to be a link to it through a video of me dancing at chuckie cheeses' which i did not give permission to anyone to post.Right now i have two jobs and am saving for my college education that will begin in the winter at BYU (the real BYU). I am working as a night auditor again, this time at best western cotton tree inn. I can get you all low rates if i feel you deserve it. I also work at an italian sub shop where i cook and take orders. Its fun. My work load is heavy, up to 72 hours per week, but sacrafice brings forth the blessings of heaven! In this case, the blessings are in the form of monetary gain.Currently my intellecual interests include american foreign policy for the last 100 years and mitt romney. I believe he can get the nomination if he starts gaining groung in florida. The political implications are too far above the rest of you to comprehend so i will not attempt to explain why that is significant.Socially i am doing fine. Nolan is my roommate this semester. I got off to a rough start with my new ward. I have made friends with many of the people in my new ward. However, 2 girls in particular hate me. I was hanging out one night with these 2 girls' roommates, performing magic tricks for them, when i thought of pulling a prank on these 2 girls. They were fast asleep and i thought it would be funny to go in their room and pour water on them as they slept. I recieved the green light from their roommates. I did it! The next night they came up to me in ward prayer and expressed how disappointed they were in me. So, now they hate me and they are uptight unforgiving utah mormons. oh well.Last night was a fun night. I was invited to a birthday party of a girl i did not know. It was fun. Alot of people were there. We each took turns saying something we liked about the birthday girl. I was among the majority of people there who did not know her. When it was my turn to say something i decided to say something really general that could apply to every BYU student, i said: "i really admire how Taylor has an unwavering testimony about the restored gospel." Some thought it was funny others were offended.I look forward to many posts on this blog and from hearing from all of you.

Ron

Dad

This is from Bobby B.

On the beginnings of the process of conversion (from my mission publication in North Germany in 1970):

"He mused.
His mind stirred.
Contemplation was an action foreign, feared,
Yet he wondered, pondered as intellect said yes to a thought that thrashed the past:

"Reject", screamed Ego,
"Accept", whispered Conscience,
"Verify", added Reason."

I am going to the Bitterroot this weekend to take Hazel to Missoula to visit Lois and thereafter to go to Bozeman to watch Amy in her cross-country meet. I love going over to Montana this time of the year. It will be soothing and beautiful.

I support this blog. I support the troops. I support our family. I love the dear mother (my wife) of this family. I am a closet environmentalist and gun control advocate, which is inconsistent with Montana roots, but there you go.

People need to listen more, talk less and utilize fewer words. Meetings in and out of the church need to be generally of a shorter duration. Too much poor quality television--I plead guilty! Exercise is good which is why I admire the Amy and Riley Cooks.

Jen and Ron--consider a kitchen table upgrade for your new home!
Janelle and Michael--keep Reese clothed in public!
Michael B.--keep fighting for yourself!
Ryan and Mel--consider a future business plan around the concept of advertising for legal services!
Jon--remember, "the transaction is not complete until the receivable has been collected"!
Amy and Riley--consider it your mission to teach your siblings the virtues of healthy living!
Evan--"Attack"!!!

Please share your various truisms and philosophies developed thus far in your young lives. I am interested in more fully understanding what makes you all tick.

Signing off for now--let's keep this blog full of randomness!!

Johnny's Moves

This is footage captured at Chuckie Cheese at Christmas time last year. Hope you enjoy.
This was taken by Riley.

From Amy

First day of school

Well, yesterday was the first day of a new school for the kids. Claire seemed to do OK but Christian had a rough day (While Christian was telling me about his awful day, Claire kept saying things like "I have 5 new friends" or "my new best friend is Erica." So she feels fine about it.) Christian wants to make friends but feels shy and scared to talk to the other kids. So we had some major pep talks last night and I'm praying he does OK today. His teacher is supposedly excellent--she's young and energetic. Claire's teacher is supposed to be good as well.

Joseph of course insisted that I pack him a lunch and a backpack just like the other kids. We had "school" for him while Gracie took her nap. He learned to write the letter A and we played football at his "recess."

You can see pictures on my blog:

http://jenbahrens.blogspot.com/

You're The Best Music Video

I was a little disappointed to see that no one has posted anything in the last day or two...so I was hoping that this would get everyone pumped to post!

from evan

i am teaching evan and mom the blog.

This is Jen signing in.

Well, I finally figured out how to post on this blog. We've been busy the past couple weeks. We've moved into a house. Thats a really big deal for us. Its an old house in a nice neighborhood. Its a bilevel--there are 3 bedrooms upstairs, a living room, dining room and kitchen. Downstairs is a family room, 4th bedroom that we're using as a storage/school room , laundry room and 2 car garage. The landscaping is not great, but Ron mowed and edged last Saturday and it made a big improvement. Deer come through the yard every day. We have no furniture so the living room and dining room are completely empty. When I find my camera battery recharger I'll take pictures. I love it so far and so do the kids.

OUR NEW PHONE NUMBER IS (973) 933-2406.

Christian Claire and I went to the school tonight for "New kids Scavenger Hunt." School starts on Monday. The school feels like a much better environment already then the last place we were in. Christian's teacher is young and has a really good reputation. Claire's teacher is nice as well. While we were out tonight, Joseph and Ron played Star Wars Legos. Gracie is walking and she loves it! When she first started walking, she kept laughing so hard it would make her fall down. Ron's job is the same and we'd still like to find something better. Last Friday the kids and I drove to Woodbridge to have dinner with Dustin Blodgett, his companion and a member they were on splits with. It was a lot of fun to see him. He's doing great.

I am so excited about this blog! I hope everyone posts on it so we can be more involved in each other's lives. Thanks for setting it up Janelle and Ryan.

janelle

So, mom and dad bought Martina Mcbride tickets. The show was like a month ago, but it was super fun. We had pretty close seats. I had never really heard her stuff, but it was a fun show.


Thanks mom and dad!

FROM AMY

I just wanted to make sure I could add my own picture correctly. I just polished off the rest of the pringle salt and vinegar chips we had in our cupboard and am now ready to type. I know you all have been eagerly awaiting my comments. J/k. I'm really excited we have a family blog going. I really like to hear updates of what everyone is doing. Thanks goes to Jen, Janelle, and Ryan for creating this idea. I hope we can keep this up, so that we may grow closer as a family. Well, Riley had a soccer game tonight and of course he dominated. The highlight of the night was that he assisted a goal. His team ended up winning. Riley as you all know is a sports fanatic, so he keeps busy with that stuff while I'm doing homework or running. I still work for the professional trapper. My hours have now been cut down to about 10 hours a week because of school. He's still chasing squirrels, raccoons, and pigeons and driving me nuts but it's a job that pays. I had my first cross country meet last Friday up in Logan. I think I did pretty well, I placed 9th overall and ran a time of 18:13. It was probably a little less then a 5k, but that's a pretty good start for the year. Our next meet is September 15 in Bozeman, MT.

from Ryan

Hi everyone. I endorse News from the Bitterroot as our family's communication interface. I know once I've endorsed the blog it will become popular and everyone will use it. Nice job on the design, Janelle. I think it looks great.

School is going well. Melanie and I went to a bar party last week and it was funny because we didn't know what to do. We went with this girl I met who is in all of my classes and her Medical school boyfriend of seven years. They are very nice and we get along with them very well. We sort of just remained in the corner of the bar with this other couple and made fun of everyone from a distance. Thus, I was in my true form that night: both social and anti-social at the same time.

For labor day, Mel and I went to Boulder, Colorado in the afternoon just to see the town. It is a combination of Park City, UT and San Francisco, CA containing a variety of bearded hikers and unbathed hippies. It's very pretty there and they have a famous outdoor pedestrian way with unique shops, etc...We happened upon a local fair with a band performing. So we watched that and they were a really good jam band composed of 60 year old men.

Our weekdays are pretty much the same everyday. I spend most of the day into the night studying and Mel works at Chicago Title as a secretary. She wants to find something that she'll enjoy more and she does a great job of getting herself out there and finding opportunities. And I'm enjoying law school. That's what is going on with us. I hope you all use the blog to keep us updated because, as you know, we are isolated out here.

from Jan

so, anyone can change their picture or change the colors. i didn't have a decent picture of mike or mom and dad...so please add one if you have it.

y'all want this party started, right? RIGHT! y'all want this party started quickly, right!