Ryan's First Game

Ryan's first game was tonight. Well, it was actually a scrimmage between the whole team, and JV only had a few plays that they made, but it was neat to see what Ryan had learned, and to see the progress he has made.
For a scrimmage, this town is not short on support. The home stands were 75% full, and there is a feeling of pride there that I can't explain. It's just "small town"--one of the great things about living here.



While it was no big deal to the people there, and Ryan didn't do anything more than stand in line 4 times, and rush the other side, it was a proud moment for him to say "Hey, I'm here"...and for a Mom to have "Oh don't get hurt--but get in there and engage" feelings!! He's a big kid...but I saw way bigger kids out there. I pray he learns well, plays hard and if nothing else, gives his all. Check out the slide show. He is # 70.

Weekend in LaPine

What a great week---followed by a wonderful weekend!!

I couldn't even begin to share with you the swelling of our hearts (and of course the spilling of tears from me by being so overwhelmed) and the fullness we've have felt in being so taken care of this week. Some call it luck---but you know we don't believe in coincidence, but only that everything that happens, happens for a reason, all according to God's plan....and boy did he bless us this past week, so much that we were feeling so undeserving.

It started last Saturday. We drove the 'big truck', which usually sits unless we are hauling or towing, neither of which we were doing. Regardless, on the way home, the truck died. Further investigation showed it was the Cam Sensor...and get this...there was a recall...it was FREE!!! Bill got the truck to the dealer in Albany, and the truck only died twice on the way there. Now, is running perfect. That was blessing #1 on Wednesday.

As most of you know, we also had a tire that a steel belt had broken. We were fretting over this, as one tire is 250.00....and our tires are at about 50%....so, do we replace 1, and have it worn by the time we replace the other three...do we replace four, and really soak the rest of our savings? At any rate, it had to be fixed before the weekend...so, Bill took the truck to Les Schwab, just after having the cam sensor repaired, and the guy tells Bill he can replace one, and they will pro-rate the tire, since it was still under warranty, or he could make Bill a deal, and put on a trade he had received earlier in the week, same style of tire. Bill asked how much...FREE again!! Blessing #2 on Wednesday.

The trailer had a problem with the slide not closing. Bill pulled the motor...totally frozen and rusted. Bill calls for a new motor...628.00....plus the new relay 125.00. We both felt crushed, since there was no way this was going to happen financially before the weekend coming up, which we had camping reservations for. Bill was determined, and sprayed the rust with WD40, and after lots of work, and his smart technique...got the motor working, and the brake released. The slide works beautifully, and the relay turned out to be just fine. Another blessing!!

There were a few other things that happened...but those were the big ones. We figured we saved over 1500.00--or should I say God blessed our pants off this week??!! Just another way that he takes care of those that Love Him.

Bill & the kids got the trailer ready to go...Bill fixing lots of little things that have needed tended to, and we've not had time. They were at work to pick me up at 3:30 on Friday, and we arrived at camp shortly after 6---set up, had a fire going and dinner by 7:30...it was so nice to relax and enjoy the 4 of us around the fire.

Saturday was a big day...as Charlie got his first 24 hour pass. We were able to pick him up at 9am, and then after hugs (it had been 8 weeks since we'd seen him) and throwing his stuff in the truck, we headed to the new Teen Challenge Thrift store, and got some real bargins....another blessing...a 42 in TV for 30.00. Some of you might not know, we've had no TV for awhile now...praying Bill can fix what the donor stated was just a bulb. I have no doubt that my fix it guy can "fix it"!





After our goodbyes and stashing the TV over at the TC center...we took off for a great afternoon of visiting, and enjoying the Cascade Lakes Scenic Drive. After, we headed back to camp, enjoyed stew over the fire, and a great night of fire, stories, and just catching up. We have had so much fun camping with Charlie in the past....and this was no exception. I can say this...we are SO proud of the leaps and bounds he has made in his walk, in his recovery, and it was so nice to have our Charlie back!!

This morning...Ryan put together a nice message for us...around the fire. It was better than any prepared message could have been, as we all talked for a long time afterward, sharing thoughts and discussing the message. We then shared a great over the fire bacon, potato, onion, pepper, and egg scramble....oh how we love cooking over the fire! Such a meaningful morning, we hated for it to end....but Charlie needed to get back....and there was a graduation today at TC. So we packed up, and headed back into Bend.



We ended the afternoon with lunch with the TC crew...met some new guys that had come in, and said "see you later" to some of the guys that graduated phase 3, and will be moving closer to us in Shedd...it's hard to see these guys go, as Ryan as well as us, have gotten acquainted with them, but we're wishing them the best, and praying for them as they get settled in a new environment to continue their walk with the Lord.

This & That

As we wrap up July and head into the first week of August...there have been a few fun things.

Ryan headed off to camp....he had a great time, and was so filled. He came home and said he wished he could just stay there forever, as he said he'd never met with God like he did this last week.....never heard God speak to him, like he did there. I reminded him that God does speak to us...we just don't make the time, take the time, or think we need to listen. I'm sure its a lesson we all need to heed.




(Thanks Aubree for the great pictures!)

As you know, Ryan was baptized last Sunday (July 31) and what a proud day that was. We had a great BBQ at church and headed to Canby to Jason's 7th Birthday Party. WOW...seems like yesterday that I was fighting for snuggle with him as a baby.






We had a nice visit, and headed back to Sweet Home to visit with friends Pat, Ray, Robin & Jim. We sure wish they lived close. Always a nice visit visit with them, and a great ending to a very busy day. Sadly, I did not take one picture....not like me!!

This week Kristin has been getting things ready for camp...and Ryan is trying to plow through his room and organize before school starts. We need to take inventory of what clothes are needed!! On Friday a BOX showed up from Grandma R....seems there was one treasure of Papa Richards that Kristin wanted....nothing else. A coin counter that he had on his dresser. Grandma R fixed her up well and sent all the coin wrappers that Papa had stashed away....I don't think Ft Knox has this many coin wrappers!!! She won't run out for a long time!!




These next few weeks will be busy, at least for Ryan, who starts football practice, and by the latter part of the month will be practicing twice a day, and not doing much but eating & sleeping in between!! I am sure the grocery bill will be impacted!

Until next time.....blessings!!