Stockings

What's the word thunder bird??? Who's got who for stockings?
Beth, I don't want a whipper snipper anymore. Figure I can just get one off kijiji in the spring.

Peace to you all.

T:)

Sup Y'all

Hey Guys....how we all doing today?....hope all is well with everyone as we anxiously await the weekend! I am pretty excited, Adam and I are putting our tree up this weekend...getting in the mood for xmas nice and early! Not much to report on this end...just passing some time before my next class...we are doing a poetry unit in my english class..any suggestions from all you poetry lovers out there!

As for St. Paul...is it a place...the school is however also called St. Paul's High School....it's abnout 2.5 to 3 hours south of here...we are playing our first game at 6:30 on Friday evening..and then it depends from there....it's just a 2 day tournament though....so we'll be back here llate Sat. night.

Neil, I too love our mother! She is awfully tough and resiliant...hard to keep her down! Good for her for setting him straight...does something for her mentally as well I'm sure. Speaking of mom, I was talking to her for a while yesturday and we kinda re-worked the stockings and stuff....so that each couple is giving one stocking ($50) and will receive 2 stockings ($25 each). I will get the names from her tonight and post who is giving to whom tomorrow...I'll get both lists (gift and stockings) just incase we're not all clear on it.

Alright, gotta run...class is starting....J and Scott give us a shout tonight or something to talk about the bball tourney.

Love ya's
Beth

I love our mother, oh and you too jamie

First off, before i get yelled at, happy birthday jamie. I messaged you yesterday on facebook to offer congrats, i couldn't get a hold of you on your work phone and was smashed last night at our x-mas staff party in your honour. The Real world is going to suck, i love university hahah.

On to other things... our mom is halrious. Two days ago she had a really rough day, one of the worst since everything happened, but yesterday Irwin came back to get some stuff from the shed and she freaking told him where to go. It sounded like she was putting one of us in our place, afterwards she couldn't remember what she had said hahahah.

After a while she remembered and started laughing. Anyway, she needed it and you all should call her. School is basically done and work ends on Friday so i'll be home ALOT more which should help too.

I'll encourage you all to donate some money to spreadthenet.org, the campus challenge. I'm running the challenge here at StFX, we are second in the country behind Carleton in Ottawa, but they have like 20 thousand students. But the university confirmed today to me that they'd match whatever students raise so technically we are about 4 grand ahead of the competition. If we win we save live and get to be on the Mercer Report!

Fridays at 1pm our time here on the best coast, i do my radio show, you can tune in if you'd like, www.radiocfxu.ca, chose the listen live button and listen to me sound awkward live on air.

I'm getting pumped for the wedding now, i was really nervous but now i just don't care, it's going to be fun, we are going to drink alot, dance alot and drink some more. Except you jamie, you're getting a litte puggey around the waist.... Happy birthday J!

Love you all
neil

Wyndham Estate

J, for your birthday I went out and purchased a bottle of 2004 Wyndham Estate 555 Shiraz. It was wonderful! It went very well with the baked pasta we had for dinner. Thanks for the suggestion!

T
P.S And it was $1 off so it only cost me $16!!! Makes it that much better :)

Happy Birthday J!

J, Happy Birthday. Hope you are enjoying yourself. A little red wine will warm you right up :) I'll call you later on your work phone.

We lost last night to CPA. We had a 58% turnover rate in the second quarter. How do you turn the ball over more than 50% of the time you have possession of it???? We also gave up 22 offensive rebounds and shot 26% ahhh.

Neil, the ski idea sounds interesting. Makes me a little nervous thinking of all the intoxicated young skiers going down the hill but I'm sure I would have enjoyed it when I was in uni.

Gotta run; there are rings to hang from and balance beams to jump on!

Love you,
T

Don't complain J...-38 degrees here yesturday morning (with the wind chill)

Hi Guys...Happy Birthday Jamie!!!

Glad to hear we're all still trecking thought these winter months. Neil, I heard the xmas ball was a hit and that everything looked great..congrats. J, it's about time you found the time for us! And yes I have been calling that phone of yours....I figured there was something wrong with it...either that or you've been working for 72 straight hours..knowing you that was unlikely!

Things are going alright here. I mean when you take away the fact that we hate it here!! hahaha...other than that...things are fantastic. We picked out bball team last week and have only a week or two to whip them into shape before we start playing...should be quite the challenge but I am looking forward to getting into the swing of things..It's so nice too that I am doing it with Adam...we both add varying perspectives and strategies..so that's always good.

School is going well....I am having a pizza party with my next class because they did well on their mid term...they'll do anything for pizza! Busy with work though...the work never ends...and there are always things coming up that take my time....oh well, it's not like I have a whole lot of other things to occupy my time! I have no idea though how ppl teach and have a family and friends and stuff...blows my mind to even think about that right now.

Scott and Jamie I doubt we will be making it down there this weekend as planned. We are broke and I have a tonne of work to do this weekend....at this rate I don't even see us getting there between now and xmas....I'm sorry I know we had that arranged it just can't happen right now...unexpected expenses just keep putting us behind the 8 ball...are you guys even off this weekend? When are you going to that Oilers game? I hope you're doing something for your birthday tonight J...wish I could be there.

Alright, well I better take off here. Tammy, didn't mean to leave you out! Thanks for the stuff you sent me...I haven't had a good chance to go over it but I will call you this week to chat...I think we play our first game next week so we have to get busy putting some sort of an offense together.

K, love you all...keep posting...it's the highlite of my day (how sad is that!)

Love Beth

Okay,Okay,Okay.What is this all about.I hear I'm getting trash talked and I'm here to defend myself.
I wish I something to tell you all but life is pretty boring right now and my depression gets worse every degree it drops outside.Been working lots and it's great to have Scott out here to living things up a little.
Any decision on the suits yet Neilster?
As far as Mom goes,she has given me her new account information and I am starting this month to deposit money into it.I have spoken to Beth and she is going to do the same.My deposit will be made on the 30th of November.
Not sure if some have you have been calling my phone the last couple of days but it's not working right now so my work cell is all I have.
Hope your all doing well,talk to you soon.

James Bradley Stephen

- Flowers, fun and frowns -

It feels like forever since i've posted here. Last week was hell and this one isn't shaping up to be much prettier. On the plus side, my presentation went very very well and we killed it, i spent the next two days(friday and sautrday) setting up lights and decorations for the christmas ball here at X

It's basically a party where we decorate our entire building in a christmas theme, there are bars everywhere, martinis, jazz, different bands in different rooms, lots of fun! Anyway, lots of work but it was worth it. Kirsten was the lead decorator and did a great job.

How does this sound as a name for an event? "The Bud Lite East Coast Snow Fight", we are planning a day and evening at Wentworth where we book the entire hill and students from the different universities come and party. Ski all day, drink etc. live band at the bottom of the hill, Labatts is on board a presenting sponsor and want to push Bud lite! Thoughts?

Other than that, i got drunk with kirstens dad last night, whiskey from england, it was messy, He is heading back to england tomorrow. Dinner with mom in about an hour, heading to the house for that. Speaking of mom, if we are going to pool money or anything, we need to figure it out ASAP because she is getting nervous i think.

Love and miss you all,
Neil

Red Deer, Reindeer, Keith's I.P.A.

Had a get together at our house last night. Dinner, wine and a movie. Our roomates all wanted to have a good meal and some drinks and it was a good time. Good times in Red Deer - 1.
I am so proud of Jorja and her ability to say reindeer and pick out a good beer, I'll have to keep an eye on her. Worked today and we're on again tommorow might be on my way. Love you all!!!

Scott.

Fun Times

Saturday night here and just sending a quick note.

Had a lot of fun with the girls. We also had Philippe (Karyne's nephew) since Thursday morning and they all just left tonight so it was long but fun. They were very well behaved at the Rainmen game. The Rainmen suck and I will need copius amounts of beer if I am to watch them again. Jorja kept pointing and saying "Reindeer". I couldn't figure out what she meant until we went for a walk and she went straight to the "Keiths Pale Ale" sign, ha ha.
Today we had pancakes, made a ginger bread house, watched the movie Elf and played Skip-Bo. Inbetween all of that Brianna played on the Webkinz website and Jorja watched a million episode of the Wiggles.

Beth, did you get the bball emails I sent to you?

Jamie, where are you????

Good night, love you all,
T :)

Thanks Tam and Neilster gone AWOL.

What is going on here Neil? You swooped in and took a shot at just about everyone and you were out. Now we have replied and still nothing from you. What are you doing getting ready for a wedding or something? Maybe you drowned in Diet Coke.
Beth-Anne please let us know when and where for that tournament. It looks like it is Northeast of Edmonton and we aren't sure we can get up there but we will certainly try. Whenare you guys coming down here?
Thankyou Tam very very much for taking Brianna and Jorja to the rainman game last night and for a sleepover. It means so much to me that my family step up and do something like that and give Linda a break while I'm out here and she is stuck doing everything at home. I haven't talked to Linda yet today but I'm sure a good nights sleep last night and a day at the spa today will certainly be a nice break. So thanks again Tam for making it possible. Love you all!!!

Scott

I love the pointless banter!

Hey guys...it's Friday morning and I am sitting at my office waiting for the day to pass me by...half a school day today and there's an assembly! yeah for me! As for the copnfusion about St. Paul...I don't know is my answer...I'm not sure if it's a school or a place..allI know is that it's about 2.5 hours south of here...and anywhere south of here sounfs fantastic! I will find out today and let you know where it is.

Adam and I picked our basketball team today...we had the last tryout at 7am this morning...bright and early! We are going to suck but we'll have some fun doing so. That's all my news for right now...not a whole lot happens up north here!!! surprise surprise, I hurt my knee again last night...I was playing basketball and hurt my mcl again and tweeked my miniscus...I swear I could be an orthopedic doctor with my diagnosis skills....ok really, nothing going on here...I'll stop wasting your time! ahha...gotta run

Love you guys.

This message was brought to you by the second youngest of the Stephen clan, Beth, or as she is more affectionatly refered to as, Beth-Anne.....just to clearify!

This message is from Tammy

Just in case I forget to sign my name at the bottom I put it in the Title.

I don't think the Rainmen are doing too well but I haven't been playing close attention. I will make sure that both Brianna and Jorja have an awful time. :)

As for Christmas gifts we are doing it together. I think Beth and Adam have our name. Beth I really want a whipper snipper. After that you can surprise me/us :)

TAMARA LYNN STEPHEN

My Name is Neil and I am Smartassacus

Thanks Neil for your input and don't worry we'll get around to our fittings maybe we'll use google maps to find the tux shop. St. Paul you think it might be the right place but you're not sure...maybe we'll find out from Beth and be sure. When I post put my name at the end of it? Why don't you put on your glasses and take another look. Enjoy your Diet Coke - this is fun.
Love you all!!!

Scott

maps, ediqutte and more.

First off, http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Saint+Paul,+AB,+Canada&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title
that is a link to google maps and St. Paul alberta, not sure if it's the right one but it's a starting place.

Second, when you post, put your name at the end of it, it's just easier.

finally, i need the sizes for those tuxes ASAP so we can get them ordered. I need them like now pretty much.

Now that business is out of the way... I think Brianna being allowed to hang out with tammy is a great punishment, Linda really knows the way to take the fun out of things! j/k Tam, have fun at the game and with the sleepover! Are they getting much attendance at their games? is team any good? I'd like to catch a game over the break. So, your coaching at Citidal high, i thought it was JV or whatever, are you coaching the Main team now too?

Looks like Jamie is too cool to post anything one here. Suprise surprise:)
Anyway, gotta go to bed, Marion is spending the night and i think her and mom have some diet coke around here,
love you all,
Neil

Stockings? Tux's? St. Paul?

Hey Tam I don't care about the names being redone but I was wondering does this mean you guys are sharing or you are seperate in the draw? Linda and I just share it's cheaper that way. I heard you called Linda today is Brianna getting to go to the Rainman game? Neil what's the latest on the Tux's we'll send you the sizes for J and I probably tomorrow. Beth where is St. Paul we'd like to go but neither of us know where that is. Is it a place or a school? Let us know and we'll try to get there. Love and miss you all.

Scott

Heads Up on Stockings

Just to give you all the heads up that I have asked mom to redo the stockings. Karyne wasn't included and I didn't want her to be the only person in the room without one. I'm not sure if she has already or not.

Hello from "The Fort"

Hey Guys...Neil good ideas...we gotta do something to keep the ol guy connected! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw our sweet little Brianna is grounded! She's growing up so fast and following in her daddys footsteps..isn't that sweet.

Anyway, nothing new with Adam and I really. Adam started his new job there last week and is enjoying it a lot. He's doing accounting work for them and gets all the free juice, pop and water that he can handle..so he's a happy guy! As for myself, things are going well. Starting to balance the workload a lot better now. Getting into a bit of a routine and even getting to the gym now and then so I'm pleased with that. Adam and I are coaching the Sr. Gilrs bball team at my high school..tryouts are this Thursday and Friday, so we'll see how that goes. Scott and J, we have a tournament in St. Paul on the 7th and 8 th of December..you should come watch...how far is that from you guys..are you off that weekend.
Tammy, glad to here you are still having xmas with dad..I was worried about that...I will be only a few hours topo late for that get together...we get in around 10pm on the night of the 23rd...maybe you guys can come out to the airport or something cause I really want to see dad before I head for Antigonish and Sydney.
Other than that, not a whole lot else going on. We are planning a trip to Edmonton for sometime...hopefully in the next couple weeks...Scott and J we will keep you posted.
By the way, if you haven't already been notified, we have picked names for gifts and stocking...if you're not sure who you have, mom has the list and if you give her a day or two she will find where she wrote it down adn get back to you! Whoever has Adama and I...we have a list of great items to choose from!!!

K, gotta get back to my job here, love you guys...adn lets post often..even if there's not much to say..it's nice to hear we're all doing ok...can't wait for xmas and the wedding...it's gonna be a time...and this time Adam and I are going to the pub WITH you guys....love ya's

Beth

Can you read this?

New to this, so not sure if I am doing it right. Karyne and I just spent the last fifteen minutes starting at the computer and managed to get this far, ha ha!
So Neil, good idea. That older brother of ours is awful stubborn isn't he.
Scott when you say Brianna is grounded and no sleepovers does that mean no Rainman game and sleep over at our house friday night? I'll call Linda this morning to find out.

Not too much is new with me. I'm coaching tonight. So far my team is 1 - 0. I think I might be the only coach in NSSAF history to go from a winless season to and undeafeated season. I just had to switch schools, ha ha! I'm coaching at the new high school so we have a combination of st.pats and qeh kids so they are pretty strong.

New job is good. I really, really, really like not working for Donnie. Did I mention I like not working for Donnie? I've been very busy learning the ropes but so far has been very satisfying.

Karyne is good and the dogs are doing well. We are still on Oxford street. It's been seven whole months! Plan is to stay here until a house is purchased unless the landlord sells and the new owner jacks the rent.

I know most of you wont' be around but I am still planning to do my annual christmas with dad on Dec 23. I'm with K's family the 24th and 25th and then in Antigonish after that so it really is the only time.

Ok, gotta get to work. Talk to you soon,
Love you,
T :)

I'd like to thank the Neilster for starting this i can now stay in touch with you all and still avoid being caught up in the facebook craze. I'm doing well in Red Deer hoping the cold will come soon so that business picks up. Linda and the kids are doing well Brianna is grounded for not listening to her mother over the weekend so no computer or playstation or sleepovers for her this week. Go Linnie that's what I like to see - you gotta be strict. Jorja is not talking to me, everytime they give her the phone she pushes it away she's got important playing to do. Went to Calgary last night and got together with Kenny Boutilier and caught up on all the old seismic news. Still staying in touch with alot of my friends at home and friends from Manheim. So I will check this blog daily and update stuff from me when I got stuff. Even though we are all spread over the country and each of us are very busy it is so important for us to keep in touch. I know the rest of you stay in touch with facebook etc. but now I'm in on it too. I'm really looking forward to seeing you all at christmas and doing some catching up and maybe even having a drinkiepoo or two or ten. Love you all especially J cause we share a bed at night. By the way he's all hands.

Scott.

Since the oldest won't join facebook.

Alright,
since Scott won't join facebook, i thought we needed an electronic alternative to allow us to communicate together, so here it is.

The five stephens is run by a basic gmail account. The account is fivestephens@gmail.com and the password with thebulls .
So just log in an post stuff when you need to. Then we can all see it can make comments on whatever you post. Make sense?

Ok, first off, mom is doing well. It's important though, that if you call or talk to her, take 5 minutes before and write down some things to talk about other than the irwin situation. She gets stuck in call after call about irwin and it really drags her down.

Anyway, these is the first post. Let's see if our lazy Stephen asses can keep up a blog.
Note: yes beth, you are still included even though you''ve converted.

Love neil