Christmas Afternoon/Evening

Christmas was great this year! The kids had fun, were so happy with what they received, and it was neat that the favorite things were the simple things.



Look closely in some of the first pictures...we had snow flurries for Christmas today! The kids had mixed feelings about the snow, on one hand they wanted to play in the snow and take the tobaggon off the wall to use it, and the other part didn't want snow so we can leave on our trip tomorrow. As of this post...the snow level has dropped to 500 ft--but the temp is 37, so we don't expect to have anything stick. Since we no longer own a snow shovel, we will be waiting for a melt off in the morning if it snows so we can get the trailer out!

Our afternoon/evening was spent with Tami, Evan & their new baby Olin. We had a great dinner of ham, special potatoes, candied carrots & salad. Ryan made dessert--toffee bars from a cookbook that Tam & Ev gave him for Christmas. They were great! We played Apples to Apples, and had a great time visiting.

We pray that you had a great Christmas--and celebrated our Savior's birth. We will be on our annual Christmas break camping the next 12 days....so will bring you all up to date either in a wireless cafe' or when we return home. Happy New Year!

Christmas Morning 2007

Good Morning! Merry Christmas--He is Born!



Our morning celebration started at 6AM--everyone was awake by 5:30--you'd think our last name started with H (sorry, only some of the family will get that one!) We were not disappointed by getting up so early. We had a beautiful sunrise, which I will put in a separate slide show below.

Kristin and Ryan both received new DVD players for the car, and Santa brought Ryan a NERF Long Shot and Kristin the new High School Musical 2 movie, and the High School musical game. With the items Aunt Beth got her...and the tea set she received for Christmas--she wants to have a "High School Musical/Tea" Party! Make it a big sleep over--watch HS musical 1, then 2 then have some tea and snacks, then play the HS musical game. I'm sure that Bill & Ryan will have somewhere else to be for the evening/night! Ryan of course is in his glory with a new CD game for the computer, and several new movies for his new DVD player.

It was a wonderful Christmas for all of us. Bill received a nice case for his metal detector, and a back massager (No, Shawnna's not being replaced...just giving Bill "options"!). Shawnna received a Sirius Radio for the Suburban, and can piggy back on Bill's current subscription for a mere 5.00 per month, a nice espresso/steamer and some great snowmen gifts from the kids.

Enjoy the pictures...don't miss the Sunrise, and check back later as we are having dinner with good friends Tam, Ev & Olin.


Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas from Sweet Home!!



Today started with dogs waking at the regular "wake up time"....so our day started early. We spent the morning and a good part of the afternoon baking. We started with banana bread (we need Tracey's recipe), as ours turned out "bland and not like Tracey's" according to the kids! We then moved to Holly cookies while the bread baked and then made pumpkin bread. Bill & I caught a nap (isn't that what vacations are for?) while Kristin made Gingerbread and sugar cookies. The weather was beautiful and sunny, almost 50 today, a perfect Christmas Eve.

We spent the evening unwrapping gifts from Michigan & Georgia, and will leave the rest of the gifts until morning. The kids both received bibles from Grandma & Papa Eyie, and each read the Christmas Story from different chapters of their new bibles. Ryan received "A Christmas Story" from Grandma & Papa Eyie, and that's how we spent our evening. The kids have put out a plate of cookies and assorted goodies for Santa...and are working on making oatmeal for the reindeer. (It's a mixture of oats and glitter that they put on the porch railing to help the reindeer find our house, and give them a treat. ) Kristin was excited to get out there and put it on the new porch railing. Both kids think I should make Santa a mocha with my new espresso/steamer--but we decided that it would probably be cold before he got here. We are off to bed soon, It was a great day of family time, and we are looking forward to tomorrow.
Christmas Blessings to you & your family!

Catching a Sunset in the Snow

Yesterday as Ryan & I were coming home from town, and coming up the ridge to our house, the sunset was shining on all the snow in the mountains, making a spectacular view. We raced home to get the camera and catch some of the beauty as the sun was setting fast. Needless to say, this is all we caught, but were fortunate enough to do so. This is Iron Mountain taken from our front porch.

Birthday's & Christmas with the Nida Clan

Today started off with a new experience for the three of four of us....Indian food. (Dot not feather!) We met Rod, Lissa, Jen, Brady, Mike, Kathy, Tam, Ev & Eric for lunch in Corvallis to celebrate the triplet's 31st birthdays. For those of us that were used to walking through apartment buildings near Dearborn, the smell of curry powder was a bit overwhelming, but the food was good, a bit spicy for me, and Ryan wouldn't touch it, Kristin did try some, and found some things to eat. I must say, I do like goat (yep, goat!).

From there we headed to Rod & Lissa's for an afternoon of visiting, exchanging gifts with the kids, and enjoying the babies in the family. Brandon still isn't sure about me, but did give me about 15 minutes before he got fussy with me. He did get some quality time with Bill and really liked the same spot that Petee likes! Olin was pretty tired, but blessed me with settling down and falling asleep while in my arms. He had about a 30-45 minute nap, and it's so nice to have the joy of a snuggly sleeping baby. Shortly after that, Brooklyn woke from her nap a bit early, and laid on me while she woke up. Being she isn't much of a snuggler, this was a special treat for me. It was great fun watching the kids open up their gifts and playing with them. Brooklyn received a doll that she immediately snuggled, hugged and kissed. Jason received each gift, and said "Just what I always wanted"--he was a lot of fun--I wish we could be there on Christmas morning to see his excitement. After the gifts, Jason & Kristin spent a long time running a pizza restaurant. Jason of course was the chef, and Kristin was the helper...they made wrapping paper pizzas with a shirt box for a pizza box...the imagination was incredible.

We had birthday cake--and then headed for home. It was a long day, and for some reason, everyone is tired. I think it's the anticipation for Christmas. Check back in a few days. Tomorow is church, and a hopefully a low key family day....and then there's sure to be a post or two over the next few days! Merry Christmas!

Week of Christmas Fun & Friends

The week started Sunday with a great afternoon/evening with friends (which is in the previous blog post).



Monday we had home school group, and a fun Christmas celebration after lunch prior to heading for home for the holiday time. We made fun "Christmas Trees" with sugar cones, green frosting, and all sorts of decorations. It was our answer to the "gingerbread house". The kids had lots of fun, and some were very creative!

Tuesday was spent catching up around the house. That laundry seems to pile up no matter how busy our schedule is. Kristin & Shawnna also made some fun gifts for the O'Hara girls....it was a great project, and I'm sure we'll do it again!


Wednesday started with the kids heading toward work with Bill. They were dropped at the O'Hara's when Bill caught his ride to HP with Sean. Shawnna headed into Eugene to work, and to run a few errands. At noon, almost everyone was done with "to do's" for the day, and we all met up in Lebanon at Sean & Tracey's for an afternoon with the kids exchanging gifts, and a nice evening together. I was so proud of the kids, they all spent little money, yet were very creative with what they chose to give each other. There were many happy faces, and I'm not sure if they had more fun giving, or receiving. There was a true spirit of love & Christmasn in the air with those kids. It was so neat to see. Tracey painted Shawnna a beautiful snowman...probably my favorite gift. It's incredible, and a labor of love.

Thursday we wrapped gifts for all our "neice & nephews" here in Oregon, as well as a few gifts that were shipped here from Michigan and GA that were unwrapped. We then headed to our Pastor & wife's home for supper and a nice evening. The kids did very well considering there were 7 of them that were pretty wound up. The closer we get to Christmas, the more wound up they get!

Can you say "Christmas Flurry"?

This has been an incredibly busy week! Monday was home school class. That is busy enough for one day, but we added more to the mix! Bill, the kids & Margaret went shopping to finish up their Christmas shopping. Tracey & I had the opportunity to get out "just Mom's" again for supper and an evening to pick up stocking stuffers. We had a nice evening out, and came home at a respectable time of 9:30!
Tuesday we spent the morning doing laundry and getting some of the decorations up. Grandma wrapped her gifts, and packed our "Michigan Gifts" in her suitcase for travel tomorrow. Afterward, we dropped the kids at Tracey's and went out to finish shopping for them.
Wednesday it was up & off to the airport. The kids stayed at the O'Hara's so they didn't have the long drive, plus, it was fun for them, and they didn't get the mopey Grandma went home faces! A quick run to Costco to pick up some items, and then back to pick up the kids. We then headed into town to pick out our Christmas tree. After a succesful venture, we headed home to get supper and watch "White Christmas".
Thursday we spent at home getting ready for Friday's Christmas party. The kids were great in helping to get things done, and we did a lot of decorating. Ryan & I spent most of the afternoon working on the porch. With new steps and railing it was a challenge to get it all covered! After supper, Bill helped us get the tree in the stand and we decorated the tree and watched "Miracle on 34th St" It was the 1st time I'd seen it!
Friday we went to Kristin's last dance class and then off to finish shopping for Daddy and to pick up the last minute party items for tomorrow. Everything is finished except the cooking, and the floors..which would be silly to do before tomorrow!

Saturday we had a leisurely morning, and then we finished a few things. Bill & I even snuck in a nap before the party. We were just working on the floors when Rod, Lissa & Brandon showed up early to help out, and give us chance to visit. It was great to cuddle Brandon, but he cried every time I got him. (See Jen, it's not just you!). The rest of the party crew(such as it was) arrived at 5:30, we shared a great meal and had a nice visit before the exchange. As usual, the exchange was a ton of fun, and this year, the Starbucks Coffee set and a night light lamp from Christmas Story were the big hits. It was a mellow evening, and we enjoyed the slower pace. It was quite different. The only kids there were our own, plus Brandon & Audrie! We've been used to a house full, and laughed that we only needed 8 gift exchange slips! We were over 20 last year!

Sunday we woke and went to church. It was if Pastor Tom had been with us this week, as we both felt he was speaking to us. We enjoyed fellowship at the potluck after church, and then the O'Hara's followed us home to spend a nice relaxing afternoon together. The kids made crafts, cookies, and then played games together. It was a great afternoon for all of us, and certainly put us in the Christmas Spirit. We have another busy week slated...so watch for more updates!

Busy & Fun Weekend

This weekend started out with Ryan making breakfast for all of us! It was a special day as it was Grandma's birthday. Pink pancakes with chocolate chips adorned the table. Make sure to check out the previous blog!

After breakfast we all got dressed and headed out toward the coast. It was a beautiful morning, and we were hoping the same would be true on the coast. We were not disappointed, as the skies were blue, and the traffic on the way over was light. We stopped at the elk viewing area, and were greeted by several large bulls up near the viewing platform. Too bad they don't come this close at home!

After our stop, we headed into Reedsport and hit the Myrtle Wood Factory. We took a tour, and learned more than we thought possible and bought a nice piece of wood for an upcoming project. We then meandered down the coast and hit the big Myrtle Wood Factory near North Bend...they had nice things too, but were much higher priced.

We then hit Charleston, and stopped for dinner at the Fishermans Grotto..nice place, great food, prices decent. After supper, we finally got to Shore Acres, and cars were lined up to get into the place. We got in line, and enjoyed the lights....we did however, learn that we needed to continue our annual tradition AFTER Christmas, as we'd never been before Christmas. The crowds are definitely better after the holidays!! We headed home in the fog.....thanks to Bill for driving and thankful that God guided us home safely.




The next day took us to church and then lunch out, as we headed to Brooklyn's First B-day Party! Her birthday is actually the 4th, but as all out of town birthday parties, they occur on the weekend! She was fun as she looked around while we sang happy birthday. The kids had fun playing with Jason & Brooklyn, and Jason is always looking for a horsey ride from Ryan! We headed home, all ready for bed!

Grandma's Birthday

We woke this morning to the sound of clanging in the kitchen, then the oven beeped that it was at temperature, then the smoke alarm went off. So, as we laid in bed not wanting to spoil what we were sure was a surprise, we were patient. Then we began to laugh, as we knew what he was doing. Grandma had shared a story of Daddy (Bill) making BLUE pancakes one morning for everyone for breakfast. Ryan questioned Grandma later in the evening if it changed the taste, Grandma said NO, so I was sure we were getting pancakes. The thing that was funny though, was I only had red food coloring left...so it was sure to be interesting.

We got dressed, and came down, and yes Ryan had made PINK pancakes for Grandma's birthday breakfast. We enjoyed yummy pancakes, and a leisurely morning....

Heading to Shore Acres today...stay tuned for more pictures...

Friday Fun with the O'Hara's

Today started early with Bill knocking on the trailer door to tell us goodbye and to wake us up. I can say that it was quite an interesting night. Kimberly slept with me, and let me say, I will never complain about Bill stealing covers again! She is little, but she is mighty!

We woke the kids, and everyone did great getting themselves ready. I came in to get breakfast laid out, and all three girls were ready to go by 7.

We headed out the door, and toward Alyona's school where we got in line like cattle to drop her off. After dropping Alyona, we went to drop off Alexis and Tanya at their school. I had an idea of where it was out, and assumed that the school would be marked from the main road like the Jr High was....guess again. After two stops of people walking for directions, we finally found the school. Just as we were about there, Alexis said she wasn't feeling well, and was sick. So, Tanya took me into the school office where I explained that she had gotten sick, and I was taking her home. I was so relieved I had put my shoes on, and taken my slippers off! I was still in sweats and my sleep shirt--but at least not my slippers! If I learned nothing else from Aunt Dolly, it's don't take the kids to school in your bathrobe & slippers, as you're sure to have to get out of your car!! Tanya made sure I was taken care of, then we said goodbye, and I headed home with Alexis....who slept a bit after we got home, and then wanted breakfast after she got up. I think she either was worried about us not finding school, or had gotten car sick. At any rate, we were thankful that she was feeling better.

Ryan stayed home from Kristin's dance class with Alexis, Declan & Kimberly. They were all great, and Ryan did a good job keeping things in check. He even put water on for Mac & Cheese (but forgot to turn the burner on!!!), but all was well when I got home after Kristin's class and had dropped off Margaret to get her hair done.

We spent the afternoon hanging out, until Sean, Tracey, Alyona & Tanya arrived for supper. Just before we sat down to eat, my gift for my birthday from my sister Tammy (and family) showed up. It is a beautiful nativity advent calendar.....magnetic, with doors around to open, and add a piece of the nativity each day. It is so much more than I ever dreamed in a calendar. THANKS TAM & ERIC!! I LOVE IT!! The kids enjoyed putting up one day each...I had a few flying sheep, and one brave wiseman, but they are all back in place now that the kids have gone home!

We had a nice visit, and then cake for Grandma Richards' birthday tomorrow. The girls had a blast decorating the cake that we baked this afternoon.

After cake...a huge nerf gun fight broke out. EVERYONE but Grandma & I were involved....what fun. Even Kimberly, who is little managed to ninja under everyone's fire, and pick up all the stray darts...check out the handful she has at the end of the pictures! It was fun...I wish I'd take a video clip!

Off to the coast tomorrow, and praying for great weather!

More than the Brady Bunch

Today was a BUSY day! We didn't divorce and marry another couple wth more kids.....but we did aquire five extra for today! We started off with Sean & Tracey dropping off Declan & Kimberly and they took off to Portland for the night. Ryan & Declan worked on Declan's school, while Kimberly & Kristin played "store". It was a quiet morning, and Margaret & I got the Thanksgiving stuff down, put away, and some laundry done.

After lunch, we headed to Walmart and picked up a few items for supper and some other needed items. We then headed to Sean & Tracey's where we waited for the bus to drop off Tanya, Alyona & Alexis. As the bus pulled up all three came off the bus...and Tanya came running excitedly to the truck with Alyona & Alexis right behind. They were anxious to come to our home to spend the day and evening.

After arriving home, and having snacks, the guys went to play a game, Tanya, Alyona & Kristin were playing on the PSP & Leap Frog games (lots of early english learning on that Leap Frog....) and Alexis & I worked on her book bag that we gave her for her birthday. Shortly after that, the girls started playing with hats and they all went to play dress up. They had a great time, and Alyona had so much fun helping the girls dress up, doing their hair and the "smell pretty's"--it was fun to watch all five girls play so well together.

We had supper, and put all the leaves in the table...and were all able to sit down to dinner....it was a noisy, but fun supper. Afterward, we watched Santa Clause 3, and the girls all showered and headed out to the trailer to tuck in for the night. It's like a girls dormitory out there! I plan to join them in a bit after a "quiet time" with my husband! Kimberly wanted to make sure that the monitor worked, so she started whispering "Shawnna--and before I could get off the couch, she as whispering louder, and I'm not sure if she thought I'd magically pop into the trailer, or answer her over the baby monitor (I'm so glad I've kept that thing!)--she was just wanting a "drink" when I got there. I tucked her back in and came back into the house to finish the blog. Tomorrow will be an experience as I get three girls ready for school and get everyone where they need to be on time. Enjoy the photos....and we'll be tuning back in soon!

Christmas Storybook Land & Birthday

Tuesday started off with a field trip to Christmas Storybook Land in Albany at the fairgrounds. It was Alexis' birthday, and there was no public school, so we all enjoyed the day together. It had been many years since we had been at this display, and boy had they improved it. It was more than triple the size it was when Ryan was two!

After the Storybook Land, we headed to Burger King to enjoy lunch together. The kids sat at one booth, while the adults (plus Kim) sat at the other booth. It was fun. Tracey & the boys (Declan & Ryan) took off for Declan's archery class in Lebanon while the girls (Margaret, Alyona, Tanya, Kim, Alexis & Kristin) & I headed out to do some shopping at the "Magazina"--Russian for "stores". Margaret & I both had lessons on stores, cars, and Grandma's---as I was certainly saying "Babushka" wrong--it's BAAAAbushka. It was even more funny as Alyona & I were in Costco, and she is trying to help me get the beautiful ly sound in her name that I just can't manipulate with my tongue....as she has my cheeks, going loy--loy---and even writing it doesn't seem to help....and the strange looks we got from one man as we were in the aisle making these weird sounds....it was funny.

We had a lot of fun with the girls, and then headed for home to drop off the girls, pick up Ryan and head home for supper and to get ready to head over for Alexis; party.



We arrived at the O'Hara's and the girls were getting ready to do some beading. They had fun, while the boys played nerf. Since Alexis & I share a special birthday (I'm the 3rd, she's the 4th), I found her a neat snowman. I know it was a hit, since Kimberly asked me if I'd get her one for her birthday in February!!

We had tons of fun....Tracey was kind enough to share her pictures, not only of this morning's events, but of this evenings party for Alexis....check them out....I hope she doesn't have them copyrighted!!