Greetings!
It seems forever since I've sat down to update. I'll just say we've been "preoccupied"!!
It has been VERY cold here in Oregon this week. Monday night the temperatures dropped to below zero....the first ever since we have lived here. As I was showering on Tuesday morning before I went to work, I realized it was merely a trickle....and mentioned it to Bill, and it turned out that the well side of the pipe before the pressure tank was frozen. The only water we had was what was in the pressure tank....which is why I had a low pressure shower. However, I was very thankful for the shower. The rest of the family did without water until late afternoon. Praise God as we only did without water, and had no damage. We did put a heater in the pump shed, and wrapped up some pipes. A more permanent fix is in the future.
Last weekend Bill & I got away to Elizabeth St Inn in Newport. It was our traditional Christmas shopping weekend. The weather was cold but sunny and beautiful. Our room had a beautiful view of the ocean and Yaquina Head Light House. We spent Friday doing some shopping, and of course hitting our favorite place to eat, Gracies Sea Hag.
Saturday was a lazy day, and we enjoyed the sunshine and finished up some Christmas shopping.
Sunday we headed home, and stopped on the way to celebrate Alexis' birthday. She turned 9 this last week (we share a day apart birthday), and after a yummy lunch, and some birthday festivities, we headed home to pick up Kristin from Grandma Alice's and settle in for the afternoon to get some lessons prepared for this week and for Bill to study for finals.
This last week has been full of finals for Bill (which, we are waiting for grades, but confident that he did very well--his grades thus far have been A's--Yahoo for Bill), we are very proud of him, and the hard work he's put in this term. Now he has until the 4th off to take a break from studying, and to get some long awaited projects done.
Hoping to get our Christmas letter done this weekend. It's been a struggle to get things in order! The kids & I have gotten some of the decorating done, and we need to do the tree yet.....but it was frozen in the bucket, and Bill was able to get it out, and chip off some of the ice, but we have a ways to go before it can come in! Too funny. Guess we've been spoiled living where it never usually goes below freezing!
Until next time....
Thanksgiving day was a VERY lazy day for us. We had a few offers to join others for the day,but it was a decision we made to stay home..enjoy the day, and enjoy being together for a change. With school, work and our other happenings, it seems we've all been in different directions.
Kristin & I spent the day in the kitchen, preparing a few new recipes. Kristin made the table pretty with Nain's china and some thanksgiving decoration. 
Bill cooked the turkey, 
and it was a joint effort in cleanup. All in all, it was a lazy day, and we enjoyed being together, watching movies, and mmmmm, pumpkin pie!Enjoy the few pictures we got.....Happy Thanksgiving!
The Flu Bug Got US!! 
We've been through the whole house now....everything from fevers to bad colds....poor Bill has been sick twice. Just send your kids back to school, and they bring home everything under the sun! Haha....
Poor Kristin had a fever for a few days, and laid around like a wet dishrag. Those of you who know Kristin well, know this is not her! Thankfully, it was a weekend, and I was able to be home with her, and didn't have to make the "do I go to work or stay home with my kid" decision! This is a picture of her after she was feeling a bit better...trying to get a kiss....she thought the bag would keep the germs away!! 
Thanks to all who have been praying for us. Your prayers have helped us heal....now for the coughing....that never goes away! Other than sickness...Ryan spent the weekend with his friend Hunter. It was a big weekend...as it was his first High School football game that he went to "unchaperoned"!! A big step for us..but he had a blast, and enjoyed his weekend with Hunter.
Ryan's birthday on Monday was somewhat uneventful due in part to Kristin being sick, and it being the first day that I was up & around. Thankfully we had celebrated when my folks were here....so other than his gift from us, and his special dinner, it was a quiet day. His birthday came & went, and as hard as I tried to put a brick on his head...he still turned 14! WOW.
Things are going great for Bill at school. We are very proud of him. He aced all his finals, and is pulling A's in his classes....woohoo Bill!!
I am enjoying work, but not enjoying the time away from home. Its been fun to be collecting almost full time again...between Joe's and the Credit Union I'm working about 35-40 hours. It does make it tough to be away from the kids and to have to work when Bill is off, but at least the kids are only home 2 days without one of us around.
The kids are doing great in their computer school lessons....it's been a blessing for all of us....and Kristin is amazing me with her math--she's doing so much better...guess the computer is a better teacher than me! Praise God for that gift of curriculum from the Brownsville district. Ryan is enjoy his math as well, and both kids, although not enjoying it, are doing well in grammar, english & spelling.
Last but not least...Robert is doing great in school as well...acing his Algebra class, and of course pulling A's in his music classes....but we would expect nothing less of him....he's the smart one in the family! Not that he needs us to be proud of him, but we are...as he's just as much a part of our family. 
Sorry for the lag in updates...being sick & busy makes it tough to get it all done! Leaving you with a picture of one of our cute kittens (who isn't so small anymore)....Zorro, catching a nap...with his cute little paw under his face!!
Time seems to fly by now. We move from one item to another--getting through the day...just to make it to the next day. Thankfully, God has been good, and we are able to keep our sanity. This week was full of "stuff"!! Monday was a heart dissection at school--if you haven't seen it, you can check it out here. On Monday, after Homeschool Group, Ryan came into my class, and said he was not feeling well. I told him I had a meeting and we would be leaving shortly after. He said he would be in the car resting. Thankfully, he did that, and I found him with a fever of 102 when we got home. He continued to feel poorly for the evening, sleeping most of the afternoon, and then through the night. When I woke on Tuesday to go to work, he was 103 degrees. Every motherly instinct in my head said I needed to stay home. Bill had his long day at school (Tuesday he goes 9-11--that's AM to PM!), and he had some mid-terms, so him staying home was out of the question. I worried about calling into work, due to the fact I've only been there 5 weeks....oh goodness, what will they think? Motherly instinct won out, and even through Ryan is 13-almost 14...there was no way I could be an hour away in one direction, while Bill was one hour away in the opposite direction. I called work and was so relieved when my boss said I should be home with Ryan. Praise God--I have been so blessed with such an understanding workplace. Ryan started feeling better in the evening, and his fever was down to 100 by bedtime. Wednesday, I did return to work, and the response was the same...everyone concerned about Ryan. How lucky can I be?? A wonderful job, and great coworkers. Thankfully, no one else got what he had. Robert still has a touch of what Bill had last week...but other than that...all are healthy--Ryan is still coughing like he's going to lose a lung! 
Kristin worked on organizing some clothing. She was looking for someplace to lay out her clothes--Dad seemed like a good place....poor guy...but what a good sport! 
On Friday--Bill met with Alice. He has decided it's time to let the rentals go. We've been killing ourselves trying to get them worked on....leaving things around here go, and the stress of worrying has been tough. I was very worried about letting Alice down, which is why I've been protesting letting them go...but Bill was insistent and talked with her. She took it very well, said she understood, and will look for someone else to work on the houses. We will continue to do the "emergency stuff" for her, and small things, but the 1950 renovation is off our plate.
Saturday, after a lazy morning in bed (check out the photo Robert caught complete with kitties) Bill & I had some repairs to do at the rentals, so took off for a busy day. Our goal was to get the repairs done, errands run, and then Bill's desk set up for him, as his small table is no longer working for all his books and items. He had this great idea to use the cupboards from our old headboard--and make a desk. It turned out great....and the storage he has is adequate for all his school stuff. We also hit the Teen Challenge thrift store, and found this great oak shelf for my desk...just what I needed! We spent Saturday afternoon & evening sorting, cleaning, building, and boy does it look nice! 
New headboard(Thanks Vi & Gene!) Bill's desk creation above, from our old headboard! He's so handy!
Shawnna's new shelf on the desk.
Kristin's 1980's punk hairdo & costume......she put this whole thing together herself.
The Credit Services Department--7 of 10 of us....
Susma, Vickie, Bonnie, Chey, Shawnna, Raychel & Connie
Halloween arrived a day early in Sweet Home & Eugene!
Kristin was able to go trick or treating downtown with "Grandma" Betty as Mom had to work, and Dad is sick with the flu or a bad cold. We are blessed to have "family" here that will help out when needed. It killed me to be at work today, while Kristin was getting ready to go, and heading downtown. It's been 10+ years since I've not been there with them. Ryan of course didn't go, as he's almost 14 and too old for that stuff...and he had other plans with the big boys anyway....Skillet Concert in Salem!
I did brave the "uncomfortable zone" and dressed up this morning, and headed into work. What Susma didn't provide in the costume...Kristin embellished. She was so excited to help me get ready today, that she was awake at 5am! She was afraid I'd let her sleep, and leave without her help!
It was a fun day at work...Kristin had a blast with Betty...Bill is feeling a bit better, and Ryan is off to the Skillet Concert tonight with Robert, Charlie and Charlie's brother. It is a new adventure for Ryan....and, all in all, it was a new adventure for all of us today. 
Enjoy the pics! Too bad the flash made Kristin's hair look more off pink than it was....it was a great 80's outfit!
This week I've been struggling with a Halloween Costume for a contest at work. The theme is the roaring 20's....and I have to dress as a "flapper". Those of you that know me, know that this is WAY out of my comfort zone....I am not comfortable in a dress of sorts...at least not "flapper style"!!
My good work partner Susma helped me out by bringing in an outfit that she thought would look great...well...it does...on an 11 year old!! WAY too short for me.
Kristin thought this was the greatest thing in the world (WHO's Daughter is she anyway??!!) She is begging to go to work, and hang with the other flappers....who knew??!
SO...I'm in a quandry...what to wear...then again, maybe I'll send Kristin in my place. Wonder how she is at collecting??!!
Loving the new job...getting back in the saddle, and learning a new computer system. It's frustrating knowing how to do the job, and not being able to put all the pieces together for getting things done in the computer...but it's coming along. The biggest thing is working on melding the other 2 jobs in and keeping up with the kids school. So far, it's going OK...but tiring. The new online math for the kids is working out great. Thinking about adding the English/Language Arts as well.
Hoping the rest of the house stays healthy...Robert & Ryan have had the cold...Bill came home sick from school today...so far, Kristin & I are doing OK...airborne & a prayer!
OK...have had several comments on the new header picture. I guess I had a great one here, and didn't realize it. Several want to know where the crow is in the new picture! Sorry...he didn't hang around for the fall picture!
I try to change the header with the seasons....but, for those of you who really missed it...
Here it is. I'm also adding it down below on the side bar. Never get tired of this view....and people wonder why we live in Sweet Home! Now, if we could only make the barn invisible!
It was a beautiful fall sunrise, complete with streaks of pinks, reds and oranges across the sky above the mountains. I love to lay in bed and look at God's perfect creation (and no Bill...not you, although,you are pretty close to perfect for me) as I gaze out the window each morning. What a blessing.
I finally got out of bed, and went out on the porch to take a few pictures. The camera just never does what the eye can do, and although both pictures were taken seconds apart, look at the difference that the camera picks up. Regardless, take my word, it was very pretty!
As you can see in the picture, we had a load of wood delivered, and Robert was a madman (and a blessing) as he got the entire pile of logs cut up and ready for splitting. Now we need to locate a splitter to borrow, or put the guys to work as a splitter is certainly not in the budget!
Bill & I spent all day yesterday at the rental. We put molding in the laundry room, and fixed a few things inside, as tenants were moving in yesterday. We then headed outside to fix the big mess of termite, carpenter ant and water damage that we found in a corner. I repaired and replaced one side of the corner last weekend, and Bill & I worked on the other corner and managed to get it painted, molding up, and it looks great! We now only have 1/3 of the trim left on the house to do, and a few wood repairs and we are finished with the exception of those wonderful overhangs and doors. However, Alice is leaning toward awnings....so praying that she will allow us to do that.
Work is going well for me...loving what I do sure helps. Having great co-workers, and a great team effort is the other part. The kids are doing well with school,and adjusting to doing their math online through the school district. It's a great help to me! Bill is doing well in school...he's had nothing by good grades, and done well so far...hooray for Bill!
We ask that you keep us in prayer as we struggle to put together our work, school, home and rental schedules....pray that we get a good balance, and still have fun while accomplishing all those things we need to!
It was a full day today! Up at 8 to make cheesecakes...as no one in our house likes cake!! At any rate, we made a peanut butter chocolate chip cheese cake--and a pumpkin cheesecake...both of which turned out very yummy!! Dad & I headed to the rental to get some painting done, as it was a beautiful morning. We got two hours of painting in, and the sky opened up. Done for the day with the painting! Bill has been suffering with a major headache for two days now. He spent 80% of today in bed...getting up at 5 to pull it together long enough for the kids party. He headed back to bed around 8 as he just couldn't do it any longer. Continue to keep him in prayer for relief. Mom & kids spent the morning "spiffying" up the house. They did a great job, and they even did windows & cupboard doors. SO nice, and I appreciate all the help they've given this week. I didn't realize how stressed I too have been with all the busy things going on. Thanks Mom & Dad...love you tons.
Kristin turned 11 on the 14th of October....
and Ryan will turn 14 on the 16th of November. Time flies!! The next birthday for him will be drivers permit time!! Yikes.... 
We had a great evening with Rod, Lissa, Brandon (Who is growing & talking like crazy), Grandma Alice & Grandma Betty, Katie & Audrie....another cutie, the O'Hara Clan, and the VonRoudens rounded out the crowd, and of course Grandma & Papa Eyie.....was the whole reason we had this in October instead of November as usual! It was a fun night of visiting, and our kids are so lucky to have such great friends and family.
Off to bed--before 1am! Only a few minutes before one, but some are better than none! Will add more pictures tomorrow...check back! Too tired to wait for the rest of the download.
Wow...I pulled my camera out today for the first time in weeks...shame on me!
Busy is the name of the game around here. Here is some of what has been going on:Kristin turned 11 on the 14th (This past Wednesday)--we celebrated by taking a trip to Sisters with Grandma & Papa Eyie. We will have a party this Saturday for both she & Ryan--so that we can save all our family a trip!
Bill is doing well in school. He's a bit overwhelmed with all that is assigned at school, along with the rental responsibilities, and all the responsibilities here at home. He has been having a lot of fun in his drafting classes, and enjoys the AutoCad he is working on. He had a great experience this week with hopefully getting hooked up to be able to set up some old Alan-Bradley robots that the school has. He worked on these same ones back in Detroit--in the day!!
The kids have had this week off of school, since Grandma and Grandpa are here, and it's really not a routine kind of week. I finally got around to checking their work this week, from last week!! Yahoo...thankfully, they are doing well, and other than not wanting to use a dictionary to do some dictionary skills (BOTH are guilty of this), we are doing well. The commitment to continue to home school seems to be there, although our schedule has changed greatly! They are willing to work independently while we are at work or school, going over the next days assignments before bed and then save what they really need help with (if they need help) for when we get home.
The new job at the Credit Union has been going very well...and they even let me have the time off while my folks were here this week. So far, I've been mostly training, but getting my feet back into the collections department in an office has been invigorating for me! This along with my other 3 jobs (Teaching Monday home school enrichment class--history & science--Working for Joe at the Dental Office, and helping with the rentals) has kept me busy....I think between the three of those not including the rental, I clocked 54 hours the first week...ugh..that didn't include rental, laundry, and food. Thankfully, everyone at home has been pitching in where needed. We are ironing the kinks out, all getting back in the groove, and acclimating to our new schedules as well as moving out of our comfort zones! Keep us in prayer as we all adjust!
Gosh...didn't take many pictures today. We headed for the coast this morning, and it started off chilly & windy, but got very warm...almost 70 over there. Very nice! No sun, but warm & no wind! We had a picnic lunch (in the truck as it was sprinkling just a tad) and enjoyed some sight seeing, of course the outlets, Depot Bay, and our favorite...Chowder at The Sea Hag for supper before heading home!
We got home around 8--watched some TV with Charlie & Robert, and then headed upstairs to get some bills paid, some paperwork done, and find the top of my desk! Yahoo!!
Enjoy today's pictures!
