Kids & Rooms

Tonight we had the pleasure of watching the O'Hara kids. Sean & Tracey needed a night out, and we were happy to have the kids. The arrived around 6:30, and played out side. Bill & the kids came in shortly before we were ready to eat supper, and watched the end of Sound of Music on TV. For those of you that know Bill....know this is not his favorite movie. However, he had two snuggly girls with him, and he endured the singing for the snuggling!!



Declan asked if he could pick blackberries since the bushes were so loaded (My picker has been in MI for the last two weeks). In a matter of 20 minutes the kids had about 2 quarts of blackberries. Delcan asked if we could do something with them...I suggested a cobler dessert, and we chatted about it, and then remembered that we couldn't because of Declan's gluten intolerance. He came up with a great idea of blackberry shakes...so we put them together...they were great!!

The kids played Cribbage with Bill while Tanya helped me sweep the floors...she thought our dust mop was pretty cool, and had fun chasing the dog hair from our shedding three dogs. Thanks Tanya!!

Now, I can share with you the rest of Kristin's room. We didn't want her seeing the blog while she was in MI and spoiling the surprise. What she does not know, and we have not shared is that we pulled up her 1979 orange, brown & tan carpet from her room. She had the only room left (besides the basement) with the original carpeting. We put down wood flooring in her room, besides all the other things we did in there...and boy does it look great. Ryan's room turned out great too...although he still has the same carpet. We just put his new closet organizer in,and sorted all the "stuff" in his room. It looks so much better.



The kids & my folks fly in tomorrow. We are SO ready to have the kids home. They were sharing great stories from the last few days...they had the "royal fireman tour" at the Lansing Twp Fire Dept today...both kids were SO excited. Thanks Todd & Erika for the "special" trip around the block, and the special tour and exploration of equipment. Both kids were excited beyond words.

Stay tuned for fun this next 10 days with Grandma & Papa Eyie....

Projects Finished!

From this....
to
This....

Much better, huh??!!

Really...this is better!! After the bottom shelf is fastened...the 2nd shelf will take some of the"piles" of games and the clothes will move down.

We FINALLY finished!! We set a goal of getting both closets torn out, organized, new shelving, and put back together....accomplished!! We finished Ryan's tonight (with the exception of a bracket that we were short for one shelf and his "curtains"--as he too doesn't want his doors back) and it looks SO much better!

Kristin's room entailed a lot more work, and took us almost 10 days total between the other things we had going on. Ryan's room took us two days, one to get all Kristin's "stuff" out, and one to get his closet done,and his room organized, and put back together. It was an "All day" affair today!!

The windshield on the suburban was replaced today. Albany Auto Glass came & picked it up...fixed it, and brought it back this afternoon. The service was great...I even got my oil change sticker back...it's the little things in life!! Bill promptly asked me what I was going to hit next??!!! Hopefully, I've had my three hits....two birds, and one very large rock....

We are taking tomorrow off..and going to head to the coast...just for a fun day. Staying home entails work, and I am ready for a break. I'm sure Bill is too....he has been working hard along with me! Thanks Bill...it's been fun working together again!

Three more nights & the kids come home...anxious to see and hug them!! Keep them in prayer as they finish up their last two full days in Michigan with Todd & Erika....and then for their travels home with Grandma & Papa Eyie on Sunday AM.

Wednesday Happenings

Kristin & her Big Papa--the reason this whole trip came together

Some serious talks...amazingly, he can hear most of what she says...
of course, two blocks over hears most of what she says (sorry Kristin, couldn't help it!)

Ryan giving his sister a ride....

Kristin is needing some lessons...apparently her brother wouldn't help her..
however, she didn't give up. I think she needs some lessons from
Uncle Mike, Brady or Eric!!

The kids have been in Ohio the last few days....Mom put some shots on the family website, and I know many of you don't have access or visit there....so I copied them, and put them here...thanks Mom, for taking some very candid shots!

R&K are back in MI tonight, and heading to Lansing with Todd, Erika and Abigail tomorrow. Saturday they return to Taylor, and then fly home on Sunday morning....both Bill & I are ready to have them home.

Bill & I are working on Ryan's room now. His closet is patched and painted, and we picked up his organizer pieces tonight. We were hesitant to buy for both closets without having put one in before...but customizing your own and buying separate pieces is the way to go. Not necessarily cheaper, but more to you liking. I will spend the day in there tomorrow going through and organizing Ryan's room (You should have cleaned Ryan...hahahahaha)--as I did for Kristin. They will both have a clean slate when they get home, and it will be much easier up keep.

Bill & I met Harry & Flo (our camphost friends from Washburne and adopted family) for lunch in Corvallis today. They are doing great, and it was wonderful to see them & visit for an hour or so. After that, I dropped Bill at work, and then headed over to Home Depot to get Ryan's closet pieces--then I went to check out the new Michael's. Very nice, and I spent an hour and 15 minutes wandering the craft aisles. I found a few birthday gifts for a crafty friend of mine, some Christmas items to paint, and a birthday gift for a great little friend. After I headed over to pick up Bill--as two and half hours passed quickly. We then headed to Eugene to the Dentist, me to work, and Bill had a cleaning. Poor guy has sure had his share of Dr/Dentist/testing this last few weeks. He said to a friend tonight "I'm falling apart"!!!! Thankfully, he has lots of "glue" friends that keep patching him back together.

Getting There

It's Tuesday night--the kids have been gone for 13 nights....and we've accomplished a lot in those almost two weeks. A few nights we haven't worked....but we've tried to get something done each night that we didn't have plans. Actually, now that I count, we've only worked 7 of those nights...so it's been pretty even. I've been busy sorting out things in Kristin's room...but overall, we've been busy! Bill said the kids are never allowed to go away when we are home...because he's had to work so much!

Bill installing shelving

Kristin's room is now finished...except for the curtains that I will make for the closet door area. No doors, just pretty girl curtains! We've totally emptied her room, painted, cleaned her carpets, refinished her woodwork, gutted & revamped her closet, and put everything (well..not everything) back into her room in an orderly fashion! Bill had some great "organizational" ideas, and we have left no room for "stuffing" things under beds, in closets, and into corners. No hiding places left....I will put full pictures on the blog after she's had a chance to see it...we want her to be surprised.

Very nice....good job Bill!

We did tear Ryan's room apart tonight--his closet is empty, patched, and waiting for paint tomorrow morning....so his room is still a disaster--but nothing like it was before when Kristin's entire room was in his room!

Ryan's room scattered with contents of closet...

The old "organizer" that was way to big & bulky--now in pieces

We hope to accomplish everything before the kids come home on Sunday. Hoping that Mom or someone will have pictures from the last few days. I hope they got some pictures from Cow Country PA! Stay tuned...as soon as I get some, I will post them!

Having Fun

Yesterday (Monday) was a great day. It started off with Audrie arriving at 8AM. We enjoyed breakfast together, watched Sesame Street (yes, I still miss that quality show--so enjoy catching up with the characters), and had some fun play time. She actually had a blast playing with her baby.




Around 11, she was showing signs of being tired...so I put her down for a nap, and got busy in Kristin's room. It's just about back together. The woodwork looks great...and is ready to go back in. The rest of the room is in great shape, and the closet organizer will go in tonight.

Around 1:30, I went and woke Audrie...and we headed to Corvallis for Bill's appointment for his MRI. She was awesome while we waited in the waiting room for him. We entertained all the old folks in there waiting! It's amazing how a little child can bring a room full of people together. She made everyone so happy....we should start touring old folks homes....she would bring so many smiles!



After Bills MRI...we had a few hours to kill before meeting Nate & Katie for supper....so Bill suggested taking her to the park. We haven't been there for a long time....we used to picnic there when our kids were little. Audrie had a great time. She was a bit afraid of the swing at first, but Uncle Bill helped her overcome that fear, and she had a great time. We then picked up sticks, and walked all over before heading to Albany to meet her folks. It was a fun day with Audrie!!

Back in Ohio--the kids, my grandparents and my folks headed to Rural Valley PA for the day to visit Aunt Erma & Uncle Sonny....(OK..I'm jealous!) and they had a good day. Kristin shared how fun she thought Aunt Erma & Uncle Sonny were. See...I told you Kristin!!

Lots of Bluegill....fun fishing

Speaking of fish....

Ryan has had a great pal this week...
my folks dog Schatze.

Here are a few pictures of Ryan at the lake that my Mom sent....he's had fun fishing & swimming this week....only 5 more days before they head home...I'm ready!

One More Week

The last few days have been busy. We had a full day on Friday in Corvallis with errands, and Bill's Dr. Appt. He has been on the Topamax for a month now, and his headaches seem to have reduced some. Those that he's had this month have been much less intense, and for this we are thankful. We are praying the treatment continues to work for him as he goes on full dosage this week.

The kids have one week left in Ohio/Michigan. They will head to MI from OH on Wed afternoon, and Thursday morning head to Lansing area with Bill's cousin Erika & husband Todd...along with Abigail....the kids are excited! I'm getting anxious to have them home. Two weeks and two days is a long time....but the kids have done really well.

We've been working in Kristin's room. It's been more of a job than we thought, with all the "STUFF" she has!! We're not going to show you any more progress because we want her to be surprised with her new look in her room. All we're going to say is that pepto pink is still there as you've seen....and we've re-arranged her room, and did decide to put the door back on, because she likes her music loud. A curtain & hippie beads aren't going to cut it for us!! We also hung Miss Millie's pictures properly. They look like they were custom painted for her room. Miss Millie would be happy.

The kids are having fun in Ohio. Kristin is at my grandparents...Big Papa & Big Grandma (Ryan gave them this name at the Grand Canyon when he was two because he didn't want to say "Great"--so they've been known as Big Papa & Big Grandma Eyie ever since!)--and Kristin has been eating out of their garden daily....fresh tomatoes, string beans, corn & green peppers! She told me she must have eaten 30 cherry tomatoes, lots of beans, corn with her supper, and a whole green pepper for dessert!!! She is in HEAVEN!! I guess we will have to let her put her own plot in next summer, since she is big enough to take care of a small garden if we put it near the house so the deer don't get it all. Big papa set her up with seeds to start next year. She has had fun just hanging out. When I asked if she were bored...she said "oh no--being quiet is when I get to hear stories"!! It has truly been a blessing to her to be there with my grandparents--and I'm sure it has been for him & my grandmother as well.

Now...a funny story...and Grandma B, please don't be mad with Kristin. As long as I've baked snickerdoodles with Grams recipe, they've never tasted like hers....Grams are the best....flat & chewy...always perfect. Mine are always puffy and while we manage to eat them...no chewy ones...no flat ones! SO....I told Kristin to watch Big Grandma when they made them....as she must do something different. Kristin calls me in the middle of the day...and says "MOM--get a pen" I asked why she was whispering....she said "I swiped the recipe card--listen up & write this down"! We got a great laugh out of that one...and Kristin felt like a secret spy!!!! She said.."OK got all that Mom?---I have to sneak this back before someone notices it is gone--or they miss me...love you"!! Too funny..

Ryan is with my folks at the lake getting some "fishing & shooting" in. Haven't heard from him since Friday...as they have no cell service there. I'm sure he will call tomorrow as, my folks, Grandparents & kids are all headed to "Cow Country" (What I called PA when I was a city girl...ironic that I live in the "other cow country" now!) to visit my aunt & uncle in Rural Valley PA...(even sounds cowish--doesn't it?!!). I'm jealous....as it was always a favorite place to be when we got a chance to be there. If I only knew I'd live across country....I would have driven to places I could have driven to a lot more!


Here is a picture that Bob got of the kids at the coast guard in Michigan--where his brother Brian got to take the kids on a tour. The kids loved it. (Bob, if you have more pictures, I'd love some) They also enjoyed getting to know Uncle Brian & Aunt Carole..as the kids were way too young to remember them when they last met. Thanks for the tour Uncle Brian!


We will keep you posted on events, and hope that Mom will have time to add a few pictures from Sonny & Erma's visit soon.

One Full Week

It's been one full week since the kids left. I haven't cried in three days now!!! The truth is, I've been so busy this last few days I haven't had time to think much about it! I've had lots of "projects" while I have uninterrupted days! Other than getting Bill's lunch packed and working for Joe, I've been working on those things that I never get to. Bill & I have been working in Kristin's room--repainting, redoing woodwork, and working on closet organization! We emptied her room, and will put it back piece by piece. During the day, I've been able to get through all my books and organize those. I have those that I use for Science & History for the homeschool group organized, and am now going to work on cataloging them so I can put them in the office. Next I have all the kids home school books sorted, and am prepping for their start up in a few weeks. It will be a challenge this year, as Ryan & I will be working side by side in math...yikes!! Stuff I don't remember (or more likely didn't want to remember). I've also been able to organize things for our homeschool group meetings and get things together for our return this fall. Where did summer go??

The kids are having a blast. They passed off from Grandma & Papa Richards (and Aunt Beth & Aunt Karen) to my brother's on Tuesday night. He left for Mexico Wednesday AM, but the kids stayed overnight and had a blast...so much that Ryan stayed a 2nd night, while Kristin went back to Grandma Eyie's to sort through piles of clothing that Erica left her. She was in "girl" heaven! Ryan came back to my folks today to get his clothes washed, and packed and they are off to Ohio tomorrow AM...where they will spend a few days with my grandparents, then head to PA where they will visit with family there, and then to the lake for a day or two of fun..before they head back to MI to get passed off to Todd, Erika and Abigail for a few days. Its been a whirlwind for them, but they are having fun doing a few days here and a few days there. No one feels like they get them much...my folks will see them as they transport them from post to post in Ohio & PA...but they;d have to be there 12 weeks to get everyone in for more than a day or two!! I would never survive.....or, get used to them not being here and not want them back! Haha...just kidding...

Here's a shot of Kristin's pepto room.....

And the newly emptied and painted closet--awaiting shelving and doors!
Notice her bedroom door is gone...no more slamming!! We're hanging a curtain and adding to her hippie beads.....

JUST KIDDING KRISTIN!! LOVE YOU!
Stay tuned for updates!

Kids in Michigan--Kid at Home

Aunt Beth--boozing & shooting!

Safety First

PSP Wars

The kids called home several times this weekend and early week, stating that they were having a good time. Today, after they switch homes (now with my folks), these pictures hit the web!! Thank heavens I didn't know Aunt Beth was drinking and shooting!! Haha....we know they were in good hands...just glad I didn't see this before they left, or I'd have worried!
Enjoying Smores around Aunt Karen's & Uncle Jeff's fire pit

This morning, Miss Audrie came to visit. We had breakfast together, watched Sesame Street and got ready to go to our meeting. It's a lot of work to take care of her...it's been awhile since I've done the baby thing on my own. I didn't realize how much help Kristin & Ryan are to me when she's here!!
Audrie was a hit a the park at our home school meeting, and collected enough sticks to make a small log cabin!! Thanks to Tracey & her girls who kept Audrie entertained during the meeting.

Audrie & Aunt Shawnna Hang out...
Bailey helps with breakfast cleanup!

We headed to Nate & Katies for supper...great pizza (even without the tomato & spinach!) and good company.

On a side note...

Ryan--I'm not sure how you got the spider or beetle in the washer, but--you got me...and I owe you one! I'm not sure where all the rubber cock roaches have gone to...but I'm sure I'll find them when I clean your room...so beware when you get home!! Love you!!

Kid in Michigan

Kristin at the water park....looks like fun!

If you've been following, you know that Ryan & Kristin are in Michigan. They have been with Aunt Beth the last few days, and last night (Saturday) spent the night at Aunt Karen & Uncle Jeff's with Beth along. Tonight, they are back at Beth's with cousin Michael in tow. Friday was the zoo....Saturday the Arts & Crafts/Indian re-enactment & Sunday was the Water Park! They had fun, but are exhausted tonight. Both kids called home and were homesick..which breaks my heart since they have 2 more weeks before they fly home. They both sounded better at bedtime tonight.

Three of four Richards cousins

It was so quiet around here, that after painting Kristin's closet, and deciding we needed to touch up some paint in her room, Bill got ahold of the O'Hara's and told them we needed a kid fix...so we headed over for supper, and to spend an evening with them...which helped us too! Thanks guys for having us!!

Fourteen more nights kids....but I know you will be having the times of your lives this next two weeks, just like the last three days of fun!

Busy Weekend without Kids

Friday brought us another HOT day--Thursday was 98, Friday was 100 and we still managed to get some things done around the house. Bill brought home Taco Bell for supper since it was too hot to cook. We watched some TV until it cooled down a bit, and then we it Kristin's room. We cleaned out her closet, and pulled everything from her room (what a job that was) and put it in Ryan's room, all the while sorting out the "junk" that was in there. She is certainly a pack rat! We managed to get everything moved except her bed & vanity before we went to bed. We took some short breaks on the porch where it was cool, and caught the moon rising. Very Cool.
The mess in Ryan's room....

Saturday we woke at 7, and it was nice & cool in the house (OK...70)--but we knew by 11 it would be hot again, so we got started and moved the bed, vanity and dresser into Ryan's room. Needless to say, there is no where to walk in Ryan's room. Boy does he have a mess to clean out when he gets home!! Haha...just kidding Ryan. Your room is next!! Kids not being home to say "I want to keep that" is great! Don't fret kids...nothing important left!

Ryan's bed is under there somewhere

After a shower (it was 85 in the house, and almost 100 outside), we took a nice long nap after a hard morning of work. We woke around 4, and headed out to purchase the closet organizer parts. Instead of a kit, we "designed" one, and we'll see how it goes. We never knew the "stuff" you could put in a 5' x 2' closet!!! (Or behind your captains bed for that matter!)
The temp today topped out at 104 in Albany--102 in Sweet Home--good thing there was no humidity with that...phew!! You know we went somewhere air conditioned for supper!!!

We are hoping tomorrow to get her closet patched & painted and possibly put the organizer in. We'll see how the heat is, and how long our after church nap is!!

The kids are having a great time in Michigan--they have been to the Detroit Zoo, been to an arts & craft show/indian re-enactment, and tomorrow they are heading to the water park. They are having tons of fun.

Being at home has been better this weekend with Bill home. I can say that Friday I missed my morning chats with Ryan and Kristin's snuggling when she wakes up. All those things I take for granted. I miss you guys!! Have fun, be safe, and know that we love you!!

Quiet

Michigan Bound Kids...

The kids & I spent yesterday packing, organizing and getting them ready to head out to Michigan today.

We woke at 6am to have some family time together instead of our devotion. We did some praying and before long...three of us were in tears (I'll let you guess who was not!) but it was good for us to have that morning time before Bill left.

Once Bill headed to work, Ryan went to check his mail, and of course kill some bad guys, because it will be two weeks before he can kill army guys on the computer.....and Kristin & I went and snuggled in bed for a bit.

We finished packing their carry ons and I re-vamped their travel books that they took to Canada. We took out some pages, added some new word searches, crosswords, seek & find pages, and of course a note from Mom & Dad.

Around 10:30-we headed to Portland...it was already 80 degrees...and it promised to be 98 before the day was over. We made it to the airport by 12:35 with a stop on the way for some lunch. We checked baggage at the curb and said our goodbyes. Poor Margaret lost her usual fanfare send off, as I was wrapped up in the kids (sorry Margaret!) with Kristin & I having a hard time. Ryan was the strong young man today, and I'm almost sure he matured a few years between Sweet Home & Portland. He got luggage, took his sister by the arm, and off they went through the big revolving door.....

Now...for those of you who know me...know there I was on the sidewalk...watching them head towards security...crying....wishing I'd parked so I could go just those few more feet with them. No such luck though, and I needed to move the car. I'm pretty sure I cried almost all the way to Salem. Poor Bill got his sobbing wife on the phone as I pulled away from the curb. He was a good sport, listened....told me the kids would be fine...all "good husband" statements! I know they are in good hands with everyone they are visiting--but for some reason, I have a hard time letting someone else take care of them. The kids are with me 24/7--homeschool, work, being home...we do it all together! The only other time they've been gone was 6 days to Jen & Brady's...and I could drive to get them there! Other than a weekend here & there, the only other time was the cruise...and they were here at home with Grandma Richards. So...pray for this Mom that I feel peace and enjoy our time apart. Yes, we will miss one another, but this is good for all of us. Pray for the kids that they have a safe, enjoyable time with their family--and for Bill...as I will drive him crazy...because I won't have anyone to talk to all day!

The kids have landed safely in Michigan and will be spending the next few days with Bill's oldest sister Beth, and getting together with Bill's youngest sister Karen & her son Michael...they will have a great time!! Hoping to get some pictures to post from them...we'll see!!

Weekend Update

Saturday was a lazy day. Kristin & Papa picked berries--Bill & Margaret read, and we took a leisurely trip to Costco, Coastal Farm Supply & Walmart. We made a blackberry pie on Saturday, and enjoyed it warm from the oven with ice cream on top!!

Sunday we headed to Sisters, and anticipated the McKenzie Pass Scenic Drive. Our anticipation was squashed when we arrived and found the pass to be closed for some bridge replacements. With 30 ft of snow there this winter, it took until the end of July for the snow to melt off enough to fix the road. Better luck for us next time!

We kept our chins up, and headed to Sisters for some shopping and a picnic. We spent a few hours and then headed home for some great clam chowder (the bucket we brought home on Friday) with some fresh bread from Safeway! Everyone headed to bed by 10.

Today (Monday) we spent doing some housework, laundry and just relaxing. We've been running a lot this last week, and it was nice to have a stay at home day.

Stay tuned...you never know what tomorrow may bring!

Crabbing on the Coast 08-08-08

We gathered crabbing items--borrowed crab rings from Eric and headed to the coast about 10AM. We arrived and found the docks to be pretty empty on Friday--yahoo-and Good Call Bill!!







We set up shop and quickly got our rings in the water. Then the waiting began. After a few hours of lots of either large females, or too small males--we gave it up....and headed up the coast to have some fun. We did some sight seeing along the coast, and then hit Depot Bay to do some shopping at have some good grub at Gracies Sea Hag. They have the BEST clam chowder ever!!

We headed for home--arriving around 9:00--everyone helped unload the truck and headed to bed.

Historic Columbia Hwy & Mt Hood 08-07-08

We woke to a beautiful morning and headed out by 9:30 to head towards Portland. Our goal today was the Historic Columbia Highway & Mt Hood.




The Historic Columbia Hwy was built between 1913 and 1915 to travel along the Columbia River on the Oregon side of the river. It is a beautiful stone walled highway that passes about 7-8 waterfalls and passes through beautiful forests and along stone walled cliffs. The highway has a high viewpoint to see the river and also the "Vista House" that is run by the state parks, and is three levels--all beautifully done in marble. Be sure to check out the pictures!





Along the highway there are many places that you can pull off to picnic, view falls, and even a few you can play in the water. Some falls are right on the road, and others you can view or hike up farther to. It was a beautiful drive, and the fog that was there when we arrived quickly burned off.






We went through Hood River and did the Mt Hood Loop. It was getting late, and we opted to not head up to Historic Timberline Lodge--even though we were only 5 miles away. We did get some great pictures and then headed off to get some dinner.



We arrived home around 9:30, unloaded the car and then got a few loads of laundry done before Bill arrived home from diving class. His dive for this weekend was canceled due to the cardiologist wanting more tests before his 60 ft dive. He has rescheduled his dive, and we are praying that all tests will be good, and he will be cleared for a dive prior to his scheduled dive in September.

Stay tuned for Crabbing Fun!!