A Day In Sisters

Jennifer & the kids at the gallery

After disappointing news of not camping this weekend--we were sorting through mail on Thursday, and found that our artist friend Jennifer was having a Christmas show this weekend. The kids immediately said "Can we go?". It was settled....the sorrow of not camping was soon forgotten!

We woke to another foggyish morning. We showered, dressed, and hit the road at 10:00, and headed toward Sisters. There was snow in the pass, but it was 47 degrees at 4,0000 feet, so we did not get snow, only rain (Praise God!) on the way over. As we started our decent from the mountains into Sisters, the sun was shining beautifully on the East side of the Cascades!

We did some shopping in Sisters...I found NOTHING to buy in the Hen's Tooth--my favorite store. Oh well. We did find some great deals on some good Christmas gifts for family back in Michigan.

After some shopping, we headed to Jennifer's to check out the Christmas Show. She had finished her Sisters at Christmas which we saw when she started it in September. It was only Mountains at the time. It was beautiful. I wish we had a million walls and an unlimited budget! We visited, and caught up, the kids got door prizes (Great Jennifer T-Shirts)

Very cool t-shirt gifts for the kids from Jennifer

We looked around, and of course Bill's favorite painting was right in eyeshot! We have looked at this painting at least five times, and Jennifer, being the wonderful person she is, made us an offer we couldnt' refuse. SO...for Christmas, Bill & I got another Jennifer Lake painting! She personalized it while we went to get lunch and check out the Sisters Christmas Parade. (We didn't have much choice, as our car was parked on the parade route and there was no way to get it out!)

The personalization in the snowflake...all our names & hers too!

Lunch was enjoyed at The Galley...our favorite place. Bill had his favorite sandwhich, complete with tear drawing horseradish sauce! We had a good laugh remembering when both Bill & Mom slathered their sandwhiches with the same stuff and both were crying and trying to catch their breaths! Good Stuff!! After lunch, we enjoyed the parade, and Kristin was in her glory, making her way up to the front to see better.

Afterward, we headed down the street to pick up our painting, and head for home. Jennifer finished a snowflake with our names on it, and her name across the middle. She also included a nice card, and wished us well. However, the best of all, was that she gave me the frog bulb that she had been painting when we were there in September. It is a gift I will treasure forever. Someday, I will pay her to paint me a frog building a snowman...my two favorite things! I did see both her snowman and frog (in seperate paintings) and they are awesome! Thanks Jennifer--for the wonderful deal--that was more than a gift to us--and for the wonderful frog...you melted my heart and it was the most special gift ever! Words can't even begin to describe our gratitude. We Love You!

The GREAT Frog!

Kristin checking out the painting & looking for the mouse

Bill & I hung the piece tonight...cleared the top of the piano, and will just decorate for Christmas. Will take another picture when it is complete...but here's an idea of what it's like. It matches the paint perfectly!

Stay tuned...Christmas events coming up soon!! These next few weeks will be busy....but have no fear...we are around and will post when we can!

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today was one of those "I guess we are supposed to be by ourselves" kinds of days. Kimberly O'Hara ran a fever of 104.7 at 10PM on Wednesday night--Alyona had been in bed from 3:30 PM Wed and other than a short stint up around suppertime, she pretty much slept through to this morning....so...the O'Hara's were not able to join us for Thanksgiving today.

To make matters worse, we recevied a call from Jennifer (Mike & Kathy's daughter) stating the Kathy had been taken to the hospital, and that the weekend of camping was cancelled. We are pleased to report that Kathy is home, and feeling better. Prayer is so powerful! We are still bummed about the weekend, but we decided this morning that we would go over to Sisters on Saturday and enjoy the day as a family and have a fun outing....as our favorite artist is having a Christmas Open House. We'll manage a stop at the Hen's Tooth--just because Margaret can't join us (Margaret's and my favorite store in Sisters!).

We enjoyed a lazy morning at home, and then Kristin & I started in the kitchen, Kristin making dessert for today. She made Pumpin delight (our name!). It included crushed vanilla wafers in the bottom of dessert bowls, topped with the pumpkin mixture that included pumpkin, vanilla pudding, milk & spices. And, of course topped with whipped cream! Very yummy! She did a great job.

Next, we got the turkey in from the grill (a great place to thaw a turkey when you buy it on Monday, and don't have fridge space to keep it in)--It was never over 40 all week with the foggy days, and COLD nights this week. We've had frost twice. The only problem, was it was still very icy inside the turkey, so we spent a few hours with cold water baths! Finally at noon we got the turkey in.

Bill & I worked on some music for the truck....for the purpose of the new stereo he bought me for my birthday (I know, my birthday is not for another week--the 3rd), but he and the kids couldn't wait once it was here. So they gave it to me yesterday, and Bill installed it last night. It's a great stereo, with a USB hub for my MP3 music. So thrilling for me to put only in my favorite mix that lasts longer than a CD that I cut here there at home. Anyway...it's a great gift, and the installation was painless. Thanks Bill & kids!

Of course, you can't forget the afternoon nap. We laid down for an hour, and I kept thinking of all the things I needed to do for dinner, so after a 20 minute snooze, the turkey timer woke me (remote) and off I went downstairs, joined by Kristin to put the rest of dinner together. I'm not sure that I've put an entire dinner together before, as we usually combined efforts with someone--but it went great.

Kristin peeled potatoes, chopped veggies for salad & stuffing, and even got her American Girl Cookbook out to properly set the table!

I worked on the sweet potato cruch recipe that I got from a friend. It sure was fun to put together...lots of sugar!! We put together the stuffing cups (another very yummy treat), the famous potatoes, Bill carved the bird and we made gravy. By 4pm we were sitting down to a great feast, just the four of us, sharing our thanks. We all were in comfort in either sweats or very relaxed clothing...something that's a benefit when you don't have to go somewhere, or have company!

After supper, Bill carved the rest of the turkey and packed two containers of meat...Kristin & I packed up the other stuffing cup tray, gravy, the 2nd sweet potatoe crunch, and Ryan & I headed for the O'Hara's. We dropped off the "goods", picked up some VERY yummy pecan bars, and headed for home.

Once home, we finished up the kitchen, started a puzzle, then played a few rounds of cribbage, before heading off to bed. Being we are not camping this weekend...Bill & I are going to brave the crowds at 5am, and hit a few shops. Wish us luck!

What a blessed day....we have SO much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving--From Sweet Home to where ever you might be!

This year, we had plans to be with the O'Hara's and have a relaxing day tomorrow. However, once again, illness has taken over their home, two down with fevers. Maybe some miraculous recovery will happen today, and we can still be together tomorrow. Regardless, please pray for health to return to this family. They certainly have had their share of sickness this fall.

Regardless of how we spend the day, the turkey will be in the oven, the meal will be served, we will be terribly lazy, but we will give thanks to our Lord and wonderful maker for all that we are blessed with.

My Grandfather sent me this--I just thought it was hilarious!

Happy Thanksgiving--may you be blessed today and always!

We will catch up with you Sunday or Monday, as we will be camping out at Posse Camp this weekend. No electricty, so praying for good weather...and strong batteries!!

Just Another Blessing

Nothing more than just another way that God shows us how much he loves us....a beautiful "Good Morning".

Lost & Found

Lost & Found

He spent the night in turmoil..

Being left on the soil...

and woke with a fright...

by a dog holding tight...

Call or write to claim your fishy!

PS. He is actually fine...the dog's really just sniffed him over well...

Happy Birthday Ryan (And Kristin too!)

As I type...it's 11:59--Thirteen years ago--TO THE MINUTE---I was looking at Ryan for the first time...Wow...how time has flown by. It seems like yesterday when we brought him home, yet, again, it seems like more than 13 years ago...

People say to us "Oh no, the "TEENS""--little do they know, we've been there since he was two! Haha..OK..realistically, the last two years. He's always been ahead of his time...and this is no exception. He is going to be the easy teen....and we wait and pray, and wonder what the next sibling is going to bring us in the teen years! We pray God will bless us!!

Today we celebrated not only Ryan's birthday, but Kristin's as well. Being they are only 33 days apart, we've been combining their birthdays, and it has worked out well. Kristin had a small tea party for her birthday, and she loved it...so didn't feel so left out by having to wait.

Jen, Brady & kids came down early today so we could get a visit in. They arrived at lunch time, and Jason said "Is it time for cake?" We told him "No, not yet...later." About an hour later... "Is it time for cake?"--again he was told no. This went on several times throughout the day....poor guy had to wait SO long!

Lissa and Brandon (Rodney had a Beaver game that he was attending) came early as well, showing up around 4pm. We got to do some catching up, and spend some time with the three kids, and the girls before the rest of the party crew showed up.

The O'Hara clan was unable to join us :( as Kimberly had the flu...so we were short 7 people tonight. We will have to have a "party" sometime soon, just so the kids can celebrate together. Tracey did bring Declan to drop off his gift to Ryan....it was great. A game the boys play together at Sean & Tracey's is now reality for Ryan. Declan took so much time making a nice card for Ryan and the packaging was awesome! Great job Declan.

Mike & Kathy, Nate, Katie & Audrey, along with Grandma Alice rounded out the group for this evening. We had pizza and salad bar, the kids opened gifts, and we rounded out the evening with Cheese Cakes. FINALLY the moment Jason has waited all day for. We made sure he got the first piece! Both kids opted for Cheesecake, as we always end up with cake left over that no one likes. The cheesecakes were a bit of work..but well worth the efforts!

Happy Birthday Ryan & Kristin...We Love You!

The Never Ending Project--Finished!

I won't even begin to try to figure out how long this desk has been in process--I do know we bought it many years ago, when it was yellow! It sat in our barn for several years, and then the task of stripping many coats of paint began. It was a challenge for Bill....as it was black, pink, yellow, and we think maybe green as well.

I've spent the last week putting the finish on it. We stained the top veneer, to match the oak, but the rest is natural, with only polyurethane on it. I must say, it turned out nice, and was well worth the wait.

We moved it into the bedroom yesterday, and it looks great! We are waiting on the handles for the drawer--and they should be here in about 3 weeks. Until then, the draws will be slightly open, so we can access the inside.

The new handles (well, actually new to us!) that are ordered

Bill & I managed to get out for a date night last night...and while running our errands found these two great lamps..in a combo package...that matched our decor in our room and were ON SALE!! They look great and Bill set me up with dimmers on them for just the right light for working day or night!

Thanks Bill--it was worth the wait!

A Wave Pool Day

We woke today to lots of gloom, very heavy rain, and just one of those "I should crawl back in bed days". Unfortunately, I feel guilty when I do that, as Bill heads off to work. I had lots to do for Joe today anyway, so stoked the fire, put on my slippers, got my coffee and headed to the laptop to get to work. After about 2 hours, Tracey skyped in, and asked what we were doing today..after a few minutes, it was decided that the two of us would take all 7 kids to the water park in Springfield and make a day of it.

The kids worked hard this morning, so that they could have the privledge to go. They both worked on their homework for writing and agreed to double up on school tomorrow for the subjects we didn't get finished before leaving at 11:30.

I managed to get another 2 hours of work done for Joe, a coat of polyurethane on the desk, and a few loads of laundry done before we headed off to meet Tracey & kids.


Cool Rain Mushroom


Kristin on the slide
Ryan on the slide Declan on the slide

We arrived in Springfield about 1:15, and the kids were all in the water by 1:30--having a blast. There was a huge wave pool--and for those of you that have never been in one, it is VERY tiring after awhile with the constant motion. After what was about 2 hours, I went to check the time, to find it had only been 45 minutes!!! Tracey & I looked at each other, and decided that maybe staying 1-5 was not an option.

Of course I forgot my camera...so the cell phone saved the day again!

Tracey and her only legal 6 yr old & under in the kiddy pool!
Oops...14, 10 & 8--hmmmm....6 & under? Just kidding!

Alyona & Kristin in the Wave Pool

The kids went down the big slide a few times, got into the regular swimming pool, and then back to the wave pool. After an hour & a half, the smaller ones were cold (even though the wave pool was around 90 degrees), so they hit the kiddy pool along with Tracey who also appreciated the warm. I hung out with the other kids in the wave pool, and then as Tracey and some of the kids hit the showers to get dressed, I headed to the adult hot tub (no one under 16 allowed) and relaxed for a short time before I hit the showers to get dressed.

Tanya....and Alexis below

We headed out around 4, meeting the guys at Tracey & Sean's for pizza. Everyone was exhausted, but we managed a few games of cribbage....one skunk game for the girls (Yahoo Tracey with a 23 hand!), and two games for the guys...which, I guess, when you get down to it, is really a tie!!! We like the new seating arrangement guys...look out!

We headed home for showers, and to head to bed...been a long day but fun day!

A Weekend At Home

It felt SO good to be at home this weekend. We did not strain ourselves too heavily this weekend, just because we've been on the go so much these last few weeks.

We started off on Friday night for supper at the O'Hara's. Our intent was to view each other's pictures from the cruise, but the kids were playing so nicely, and we had a chance to play some crib, and visit as adults, so we let it go, and shared our pictures via computer to look at later, and just enjoyed the evening and each other's company.

We brought 3 of 4 O'Hara girls home with us and left Ryan there with Declan & Alyona. Alyona was having a friend visit on Saturday, so she did not come with us. Next time Alyona! We missed you!

Saturday brought a beautiful morning, and the girls allowed us to sleep in until 9am!! We were awake earlier, but being the living room was full of little girls, we rolled over, and went back to sleep!



After coffee, we headed out to the barn to get some pictures of Bill's truck canopy to put on Craig's List, along with a few other items we need to get rid of. We did a few outside things, while the girls played, and then hit the garage as it started to rain, to work on the desk...a long overdue project.



Bill finished sanding while I listed our items for sale. We then worked together trying different stains on a scrap piece of veneer to find the best match for the piece that we laid on the desk top.












[A little history on this desk........

We picked up this desk at a church rummage sale for $25.00. It was painted yellow, but we could tell by the inside of the desk that it was oak. The drawers had been painted PINK inside, and upon stripping, we found that it had been black, green, pink and yellow. Once stipped, we found beautiful oak, however, the top was veneered, and the oak was badly chipped. Bill & I went to find some Oak veneer, to learn that they only had the laminate, and it was VERY costly, so we opted for a veneer sheet, and decided to match it to the oak the best we could. It looks great!

Another surprise, was that this was a government desk at some point, as it is stamped US on the side. We decided to leave that character, and leave the desk it's history. ]




Bill finished fine sanding the desk, we stained the top of the desk, called it a day and went in for the night.

Sunday, we woke to rain, rain, and more rain!! We headed off to church with 4 giggly girls, and arrived early enough to give Ryan clothes for church. We enjoyed being back at our own church after too many sunday's away. We attended church on the cruise (Al had a Service on Monday) and we attended church in Washington, but nothing feels as good as your home church. We had a great service today, and are enjoying the book of Joshua. If anyone is interested, our messages from Sunday can be found here on Lebanon Calvary Chapel Home Page. It's a great way to stay in touch if you are away from home, or just want a great message. Our pastor is GREAT!!

We headed home after church, did some prep work in the garage, put the heat on in there, and what else was there to do while we waited for the garage to heat up, but the usual Sunday afternoon nap!! We enjoyed that today, especially with me fighting a headache, that did not respond to Ibuprofen. I was much better after the nap, and Bill & I headed out into the garage to get a coat of polyurethane on the desk. It looks great! Thanks Bill for all your work. It's been a long project, but it will be worth it!

One coat of Poly.....it is going to look so great!