First Day of Work

The guys had their first day of school yesterday....and I had my first day of work today. It was incredible. I have never felt so welcome anywhere before!

My day started with a tour of the place. The standard--get your badge, get your fingerprints, and have flowers delivered??? Yep, you heard right...flowers were delivered to welcome me to the OCCU team. WOW. Next...my boss took me to lunch....and it was incredible to be back in an office full of collections! Wow...I didn't realize how I missed full scale collections until I spent the day there today!

I am in training the rest of the week....and hope all goes well.

So far, so good...everyone is doing well with school...including Ryan...who did a great job getting his school done while he was here alone. We have one math problem to work on together, and a few spelling words to work on...but other than that...all is well!

Thanks for all the prayers. I was very overwhelmed by the love shown to me to day....the notes on face book, the e-mails....thanks so much to all for the prayers, positive encouragement, and just plain love. It is so awesome to have such a loving "family".

Kitty pictures for Kristin--she was worried that she was missing too much "growing up" while she was gone! Here they are Missy....they are growing! We are taking good care of them and your rats too. Just because they are eating dog food in this picture doesn't mean we stopped feeding them!

First Day of School

Here's two of my guys....on their first day of school!! Too bad Charlie wasn't here this morning..he could have gotten in on this picture too!! Notice the twin shirts...way funny! Good thing they are at different schools!

All went well for everyone today at school. Both guys have lots of homework already. Bill has a 10-10 day tomorrow. Keep him in prayer!

He wanted me to hang his drawing on the fridge tonight...I told him that's his Mom's job...so I'm sure you'll be getting a refrigerator hanging Margaret!

I start a new job tomorrow...keep me in prayer also please!

Kristin still in Ohio...feeling a bit homesick tonight. Think it might have had to do with the big thunderstorm they had last night, and then what she thought might be a black widow in the playhouse. Thanks Ryan for getting her wigged out about Black Widows! Praying that she feels better...and gets a fun day with Papa tomorrow.

Ryan is doing dry land events/swimming 3 1/2 hours each day, working on school, and helping with rentals when he can. Everyone is BUSY!

Stay tuned.....we're busier than ever...and it's about to get more so!!

Missing Our Girl

It's been two weeks today that Kristin has been gone...wow, do we miss her!! She does a lot of talking, and is a busy body around here...but wow, has the house has been quiet, but I'm ready for her to come home. She has a little less than two weeks left...and wants to spend as much time as she can with her Big Papa.

For those of you who don't know...Kristin has a very special relationship with my grandfather, who is 90 years old. It is a joy for both him & her to be able to spend some time together.

As we were sitting around the fire with my Aunt & Uncle just three short weeks ago--speaking about my Grandfather--Kristin came to Bill & I and asked if she were to give us her savings, and have an early birthday & Christmas gift...she'd love to have the money to go see her Big Papa. She stated she did not want to run around seeing everyone, but to visit for a long time with Big Papa. SO...with the help of Cec & Rudy--Kristin's birthday wish came true. They took her back to Ohio with them, (the bonus was visiting some great state & National parks as they camped across country) and Kristin gets to spend some time with her Big Papa & Grammy...who she loves to be around. She was given the opportunity to go to Michigan early to have some other fun...but she stated that she never knows when she might get back to Ohio...and being Big Papa can't travel anymore....she is committed to spending as much time as possible with him...and will fly back with my folks on the 10th of October.

In talking with her this last two weeks on the phone, she has matured so much.....the first week she was homesick....but this last week has been such a blessing for her to be able to fulfill her wish for her birthday. I think we can probably swing some Christmas gifts for you Kristin...but hope you are enjoying your month long birthday gift by spending it with your Big Papa & Grammy.

Thanks to Cec & Rudy who have hauled her across the county (LITERALLY!!) and helped fulfill her birthday gift! Thanks to Mom & Dad who will see her home safely...and spend some time with us too!!

For those of you in Ohio that wish to see Kristin....she will be at my Grandparents until approximately the 5th or 6th, and then those of you in MI can catch her at my folks on the 7th or after....but call first, since she wants to see her Grandma & Papa Richards before she flies home too. Thanks to all for understanding and honoring her birthday wishes.

Busy Week--Big News

It's been BUSY!! No pictures to post, but news to share--

Bill has all his classes for the fall term and will be attending Chemeketa College in Salem Oregon and as of this morning, things still weren't worked out. Thankfully, God is in control, and we just hang on for the ride. Bill finally dropped the math class that wasn't working out (we tried to make it work out--but God said--no Bill...this is what you need to do..wait til next term and take what you really need...), and he was able to add a communications class. He has 12 credits, and has a full boat on Tuesdays, going 10am to 10pm, and back again at 7:30 on Wednesdays--but Monday & Thursdays are light...and Friday's are off!! Yahoo! Our new motto:



I was offered (and accepted) a position with Oregon Community Credit Union in their collections department. It is 20-24 hours per week, with no Monday's, so I can still teach home school science & history, as well as continue my work with Joe (the dentist).

With Bill's schedule, and my schedule, we should be able to continue home schooling, and the kids are committed to do their part while Bill returns to school, and I hold down a third job to make the ends meet in the unemployment, which actually now is trade act payment, since Bill gets paid while he attends school. We will keep you posted on how things go.

In the midst of all this...we are trying to beat the rain with painting the final rental that we have to finish. Once it's done, the outside work is pretty well squared away, with the exception of 4 new doors, and some overhangs (which will be a challenge). Once those are done, we move inside for the 1951 retro renovation!!

Pray for our sanity the next few weeks as both Bill & I meld into things we haven't done in years...school or work in a collection department.

James Taylor Weekend

Our weekend started off after Bill’s appointment with TAA. Being his program of study is closed, with no openings….he has to once again, either find a school close enough with his approved program of study, or change his choice of schooling program—all by Tuesday afternoon. Frustrated, he decided to make some calls while we traveled.

We departed around 11am, and had a beautiful drive to Central Point where Roberts folks live. We set up the 5th wheel in their field, had a great chili supper, with fresh okra. It was AWESOME! After supper, we headed off to the James Taylor concert. We were amazed, since we’re used to Pine Knob outdoor venue’s in Michigan…where it takes hours to drive there due to traffic, an hour to get through the gate, and then fighting the crowd for a blanket seat. The whole two hour experience takes 10 hours! Now, our James Taylor scenario: We arrive at 6:00 at Sonic across from the venue, meet up with Tom, Sherry, Hannah, Dave, Diane & Mike, and at 6:30 we arrive, park, pick up Ryan’s ticket at Will Call, go through security, and are on our blanket by 6:45—15 minutes—incredible….bummed I could not take my camera in, but did use Bill's cell phone for some fun people pictures.

We had lots of time to visit with friends. We did realize that Diane really does have a husband....even though she does not have Michael McDonalds autograph!! We visited, and sorry, no pictures of Hannah & Dave....Hannah would have killed me had I used the one I took. They were there, just no proof!!


James Taylor was incredible…he did not keel over on stage as some thought might happen! I found myself singing along with everyone else, amazed that here I was, hanging with James Taylor for an evening. He is still worthy of having Ryan’s middle name after him!! We hope for another opportunity in the future to see him. The coolest concert experience ever! Robert wanted to beat the rush out of the parking lot, so while they were playing the last song….we split…and headed to Taco Bell to satisfy some hungry bellies. Had a caramel apple empanada—it was awesome!

On Saturday—we did some visiting with Robert’s folks…then headed to downtown Medford to Blackbirds, which was a fun outdoor, sporting goods, tools, hunting and automotive kind of store. Afterward we headed to CK Enterprises, which was a small store, PACKED with “stuff”—it was quite an experience!!

We headed up Hwy 62 towards Crater Lake…and stopped at Phil’s Frosty in Shady Cove for lunch. It was the coolest burger joint….great food! Next stop was Natural Bridge on the Rogue River. We had a great time up there, and enjoyed walking the path, and seeing the Rogue River Gorge as well as the living stumps….it was a great day!
Back to Robert’s folks for supper of corn on the cob, steaks, OKRA & potatoes…followed by home made butterfinger Ice Cream…yummmmmmy!!

Had a nice evening, and to bed early.

Sunday was a beautiful morning….church with Robert’s folks, and then on the road home around 11. Met Harry & Flo in Sutherlin for lunch, and arrived home around 3pm. Great weekend…..lonely drive….check out the photo’s below…and you’ll see that even though there were three others in the truck with me….it was pretty quiet!

Four Fantastic Days......

Monday evening, we tossed around the idea of heading over to the coast to do some camping.....Tuesday by 1pm, we were on the coast with two trailers, and a very neat campsite. It took some doing, but we managed, and it was well worth it!!


Bill was suffering a migraine and a neck ache...so Cec, Rudy, Ryan, Kristin & I headed off to see some nearby things. We visited the Yaquina Bay Light House, walked on the beach, and went to old town Neport to visit the sea lions. One of them was pretty upset, and kept barking something about a crock? We headed back to camp and put together a great chili with fresh bread...YUMMY!! We enjoyed a nice campfire, and headed into bed around 10pm. Pictures from Tuesday...both Rudy's & my cameras.




On Wednesday, we packed a lunch, and headed South down the coast to Seal Rock to enjoy the tide pools there. Bill had his TAA meeting on the beach, and it looks like things are a go, since she told him to register, and get his classes. Praise God!! We enjoyed tide pools, watching the pelicans, and then headed up the coast toDepot Bay to get some Clam Chowder base, check out the Whales, and then head down the coast to Cape Foulweather. We also visited Devils Punchbowl, and saw a whale really close to shore....so close, he gave us quite a show. It did cloud over, but never rained on us. Yahoo!



Thursday, we headed North up the coast and did the Three Capes Scenic drive. It was another beautiful day....and we had a blast playing on the beach, having lunch at a neat gazebo, and enjoying the company of one another. We visited Cape Meres Light House, and the big Octopus Tree there as well. We of course ended the day with Tillamook ice cream, and a tour through the cheese factory! Back to camp for supper and another nice fire.




Friday was a lazy morning, complete with eggs, bacon, sausage & toast for brunch. Afterward, we enjoyed the rest of our campfire and headed home. The weather was great the entire time out, and we were certainly blessed with safe travels, good times, and beautiful weather. Thank You Lord!!

After arriving home, both Bill & I hit the computers. I to fill out an application, and Bill to register for school. I no sooner sent my application, than I received a call--and have an interview on Wednesday. It's a part time position...collections (go figure) and hopefully, will fit our schedule to allow for homeschooling, teaching and still allow me to work for Joe....if not, then it may not be for me...but praying if it's God's will, that it will happen. Bill was discouraged, since most of his classes are full, and he was unable to register until he was approved...which just occured. Please keep us in prayer for God to guide us through this.

D-Day with the Richards'

Dairy & Doors was the theme for today.....

We woke and enjoyed a leisurely morning around the kitchen table. I am convinced that we could visit endlessly with Cec & Rudy if someone would bring us food and clean up after us!!

After getting a few chores done....we headed out to the dairy where Robert works. He is building a silage pit--of incredible size! It has 40 ft tall walls, and trusses for the roof that stand at least 60 ft tall, and not sure how long, but it went forever!! One side is for Cow Poo...and the other for Cow Feed....it's the FIFO system...first in, first out..Corn in...Poop out! This is a pretty good size dairy...all organic!! It was fun to see where Robert worked, and am glad I didn't know earlier this summer how high he was off the ground!

Kristin's goal was to pet a calf....and there were pens with bulls in them in the barn. We headed back and Kristin got to pet a cow....how exciting. I was licked by a cow...how much more exciting is that??!! EWWWW!! Actually, it was a baby, and wasn't much different than being licked by a dog!

The afternoon took us to Holleywood Ranch, where we picked up some incredible doors for Alice's rentals...and a beautiful mahogany door for ourselves, with two side lights. Thanks Brad, for such a great experience, and for enabling us to replace our front door in style!!

Uncle Rudy went along, and boy was it worth it to him. Petrified wood to us before today, was nothing more than a forest or a national park....no touching, and not really understanding what it was all about. While we pulled doors with Brad....Rudy visited with Brad's father-in-law, who also lives on the property. He was out digging petrified wood, and was glad to explain it all to Rudy. It was a great experience for Rudy, and Brad spend more time later, showing us his collection of petrified wood, and gave Rudy a beautiful sample to take home to share with the grandkids. Rudy did nothing but talk about this place all night. What a special treat...and he thought he was just going along for a ride to get doors!! Sadly, we did not take cameras, since we too, thought it was just a door adventure.

If you're interested...you can check out this incredible place, and go get your own bucket full of petrified wood right out of the ground.....click here to check out Holleywood Ranch.

We tossed around pulling the trailers over to the coast tomorrow or Wednesday. This leaves Robert home with the animals....poor guy. Missing out on the fun--and/or enjoying some quiet time for a change!!

Lazy Sunday

It has been two wonderful days of relaxation!!

Cec & Rudy arrived yesterday afternoon, and we've had nothing but fun catching up, and enjoying each other's company.

Today started off with church, and a great message from Pastor Tom. Cec really enjoyed the service, and shared with Pastor Tom after the service. It was one of those days that we didn't want it to end....and the bonus was communion. I can't even begin to share how much that means to this old Lutheran gal....

After church...we stopped for some groceries, and pizza to bring home for lunch. We visited all afternoon, got some pears peeled and sliced for drying, and Cec & Rudy caught up their postcards, and before long it was time for supper.

We enjoyed supper, and then we talked Robert into playing for us. First on the piano, and then he played and sang with the guitar. Great worship songs Robert....we love to hear you sing!

Everyone off to bed...looking forward to some sunshine tomorrow, and nicer weather forecast for all week. High 80's by Thursday....looking good for a coast trip!

Plugging Along

Working hard at the rentals this week to get some time in with my Aunt & Uncle who are traveling across country, camping along the way. They should arrive on Saturday...and we hope to spend a fun week with them...some projects and some fun time...hopefully some camping on the coast for a few days.
The Mess.......it was a full pickup load when we were finished!

We've finally finished the siding. What started out as a "few pieces" that needed replaced...ended up being MANY pieces that needed replaced. It took us about 5 days to cut out the old siding (without damaging the good siding), rip out the rotted wood underneath, replace wood, reside, caulk and now we're onto painting....finally! We will be replacing trim as we go, but want to get the paint on the house, and work on the trim later. We have doors to replace and those "neat" circular overhangs....those are going to be a bugger! Uncle Rudy is coming though, and he's always a great source for helping us get on the right track when we're stuck! Not that we're stuck...we just don't have a good direction on these things!

Both kids have been at friends for two nights....it has allowed us some time to get some things done, and organized...although I'm missing them tonight!! I've been on cat, rat, doggie & fishy duty the last two days....poor fish...forgot them until tonight! I guess the kids DO do something around here....I know I'm tired!

Here's some fun pictures of the cats....Zorro has taken over Ashley's basket...in a whole new way!! Still missing her...but these two kittens sure have taken some of the hurt away!
They were watching Bill on the driveway...he was taking their picture!!