Bill & I left Michigan about 8:30 and arrived in Salem around 12:30. The weather cleared up after a long rainy morning of driving. We enjoyed pizza and an afternoon of visiting with Grams & Gramps. Bill worked with Gramps in cleaning up his computer, and Grams & I went over lots of old pictures.
The afternoon went quickly and we headed to Cec's for supper and a visit with my Aunt and Uncle, Corysue & Bill.
Shawnna, Aunt Cory and Uncle Bill
Aunt Cec made an incredible supper of Meatloaf baked potatoes and garden fresh corn! Uncle Rudy made great brownies for dessert. Sarah & Rex, along with their kids came down as well. She was great in helping with serving, and clean up. Thanks so much Cec, Sarah & Rudy for the great dinner and the ability to just visit. It means so much to us.
Sarah & Sarena make funny faces for self portraits!
Cec, Rudy, Bill & I spent the rest of the evening visiting, we picked glass for our front door (Rudy is going to do the stained glass for our side lights and insert in our front door), and had a great time visiting. 
Aunt Cec & Shawnna
We didn't get to bed until very late, and were up at Hrovatic time to do some more visiting before we left to head North and visit with my other Aunt & Uncle. The dog thought we were insane and preferred to stay in his bed.
Check out some of my Uncle Rudy's handiwork--
This angel is about 3 ft tall....
Spoiled dog....(Nice Quilt, huh Ryan?!!)
On the way to Aunt Dolly & Uncle Dick's, we stopped by my Grandparent's, as I forgot to get pictures. We then headed to Elyria...two hours away.
Grams, Gramps & Shawnna 
Aunt Dolly,Uncle Dick & Bill
Aunt Dolly, Shawnna & Uncle Dick
An extra treat...while at my Aunts, I came across a picture of my grandparents (her parents) that I had never seen before. She is going to have it copied for me.
Helen & Gilbert Timm 1943.
We had a great lunch with Uncle Dick & Aunt Dolly--and then visited for awhile before hitting the road for Michigan.
We were blessed with good weather (except some flooding in Salem) safe travels, and a wonderful opportunity for some good visit time.
Check out the slide show below for both days.Monday 03-22
Tuesday 03-23
This last week was a flurry of activity as we got ready to leave for our trip, get things lined up for the kids to stay at home with Jenny, get packed, shop for home, and PHEW, finally get on the plane. NOW--time to relax!We had a great flight from Portland to Minneapolis, but it was a packed flight. Our second leg from Minneapolis to Detroit was wonderful. Seating was 2 & 2, and the jet was comfy, with sliding headrests and adjustable pads for your head...ahhhh....too bad this was the short flight! As we flew over the metro Detroit area, I was watching out the window as Bill slept, and I realized how blessed we are to live where we do. There is not one space that wasn't filled with light, and everything is SO FLAT! As we got closer to Detroit, the more stacked things became....parking garages, taller buildings, all proof that there are so many people here that between streets there is no room for more "stuff"! As we flew out of Portland, I watched for miles & miles the green---the areas between populated areas---the mountains, the streams...and I realized how Oregon is home. Michigan is where our family is. We have been so blessed by God to be where we are!We landed at Metro around 12:15--and it was 57 degrees. Bob and Margaret picked us up at 12:30 and we were back to their place by about 1:00. We unloaded, had a tour of the new house--and visited until 3am! Margaret blessed us with letting us have her room, which has a great view of the pond out back. We felt right at home, and it's so quiet here. We slept great, and woke at 8 feeling refreshed (OK a little lagged, but the bed was so comfy!)and headed off to cousin Randy's mother-in-laws funeral. (Patty's Mom) Although the circumstances were not great, it was still good to see Randy & Patty. It was even greater to meet their daughter Brooke, who we had not met yet.
The afternoon was great, as we visited with family and friends. Bill's sisters & mom put together food for everyone. There was chicken, salads, and of course treats for afterward! 
Aunt Carol & Uncle Brian came, it was great to be able to visit with Jeff, who we haven't seen our last few trips here. Chris & Beth came, as well as Steve & Judi--and my friend Gayle, who I have not seen in 12 years.
There was the usual banter between the family, lots of laughs, cribbage games, and of course Mom's homemade baileys. My brother even was able to make it with it with the kids. It was a great day!
The kids had a great time, and thought it was awesome that there was a toilet in the closet! They even took pictures!
We head off to Ohio tomorrow, and will visit with my Grandparents, and several Aunts & Uncles...I can't wait! Kristin sent lots of Papa hugs to give away!
Check out the pictures from the last few days......
We will check in again after our trip to Ohio...be back to Michigan on Tuesday night.
Snow on the plum blossoms....It's been awhile...and I apologize for those of you who follow faithfully. If you're not on facebook, then consider joining, as I do post a blip or two there every few days. The lengthy stuff (and of course pictures) is always here though!
February 21st--we headed to the O'Hara's after church to celebrate Kim & Declan's birthday. It was a great time of fellowship, as we really miss our get togethers now that we are back to work & school. Makes getting together difficult. It was extra fun, being that they rented a cotton candy maker, and the kids (OK..we adults too) loved it!
February 27& 28th took the kids to a Winter Youth Retreat with our church Youth Group. They used the newly (still in progress) Calvary Creekside, and both had a really good time.
Bill & I spent Friday night getting pizza with Charlie and watched "Down Periscope" one of our favorites. Saturday morning I had to work, and Bill & I had a date as it was my bosses 50th birthday party. We had a really nice dinner at Oregon Electric Station, enjoyed Nate & Katie's company as well, and headed home for a quiet evening.
March 6th & 7th--This last week has been filled with lots of organizing, and for Bill, finishing projects for school, lots of homework, and getting ready for finals next week. We did take a break and meet with Harry & Flo for lunch. It was great visiting with them--we've missed seeing them at Washburne, but they are loving being retired. They miss the park, but not the politics that went with being park hosts. Ugh, took the camera, and didn't take one picture! Our plan was to take our time coming home, and stop along the way since it was such a beautiful day, but homework was calling, Ryan & Hunter wanted to get home to hang out (they were bored) and for some reason, being on a ride with Mom & Dad is no longer fun!
This next week will be filled with lots to do, as we get ready to head to Michigan...as well as get things lined up for the kids, who will have Jenny here with them. Thankfully, she consented to staying with them, so we didn't have to ship the three dogs off anywhere. The kids can stay in their normal routine, and take care of the dogs. It's not that easy to find someone to watch THREE BIG GERMAN SHEPHERDS!! Really looking forward to a trip with just Bill & I...been a long time. If you're in MI...and have the 20th open...feel free to stop by Bill's folks new place in Ypsi anytime after 2pm to say hi. I know we won't get to see everyone in the short time we're there, but hoping to catch a lot of you this way...as we will also be heading to OHIO to see my grandparents and family there. Call either of us on our cell's....
Until next update.....enjoy the pics of our snowy morning. Sixty five on Saturday, and snow today! It is now 48 and all the snow is gone, but it was pretty this morning!
What a great day it was! We headed out to our friends the Glancy's on Tuesday afternoon. Kristin was going to get to ride! She was so excited. I thought Ryan might want to ride, but when we got there, he said, no, he wasn't really interested. Janet offered to let me ride...oh my, it's been since our honeymoon almost 22 years ago since I've been on a horse! Before that, it was with girlfriends in college, and prior to that, it was all those 2 week vacations in Ohio, on my Aunt Corysue's horses. What a blast it was for me to get on a horse again. 
I made sure to make it a short ride...one, because I was yearning to get out of the arena, and run....and second, because I knew how sore I would be today!
Janet offered to let Kristin saddle up and ride--or to do some balance riding/learning. 
Kristin chose the learning, and she did really well. Janet helped her walk Moe, and then put her on the horse, with only a blanket saddle (no stirrups, almost bareback) and had her learn to balance. It also got Kristin very comfortable, because she was intent on balance, and getting the feel of a horse, as well as not having to worry about controlling the horse. (Although these were the best behaved horses I've ever been around. Very gentle, answered to every command, and so easy going!). Janet worked with her for 30 minutes or so, and I could see Kristin relaxing as she was on the horse. Next time we'll see what Janet has in store for her.
After we put the horses away, and cleaned up....we had the most incredible dinner. The sun was just setting out the window of their incredibly beautiful home and we enjoyed a wonderful pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots & the most YUMMY biscuits ever! The company, combined with the atmosphere, combined with a great day, and good fellowship, topped the day off. What a blessing.
Thanks Janet & Bob for the blessings you gave us yesterday...fun, food & fellowship.
First bloom on the plum tree...
I felt it a few days ago, in the evening as I arrived home just after dark. I had been coming home in the light, but worked a bit later this particular day, and as I got out of the car, with the stars shining, I heard it...Spring....Crickets, frogs and more frogs. You could smell it in the air--that fresh Oregon air....what Bill & I still call "camping air"---you know that smell if you live in the city, and travel to a place that is free of pollution. It was a glimmer of hope to my soul.
I walked through the yard today, seeing how much had opened the last few warm days...ahh....refreshing!
New Rose Bush shoots....
How I love Spring, longer days, and the sounds of spring & summer. Each spring seems a new beginning to me. 
Lilac leaves....
It was a beautiful day today. I'm thinking we hit more than 60, but never really checked. 
Ryan cut the grass that was growing out of control, and we got the yard cleaned up, and the suburban washed. We were blessed to have Alyona come to help with a few projects, and she & Kristin got to spend some time together. It was nice to have her around, as we've missed how funny she can be. What a gift the sun was today....Thank You Lord!
We have been very busy...so just a few pictures to bring you up to date.. At Home School Group...we've been working hard on Science....pig science that is! You can follow this link to our Home School Page and catch up there...just to not be redundant for those of you that follow both blogs! Last weekend (Feb 6th)--we got out for the day with Nate, Katie & Auggie (AKA Audrie), and hit the home show in Albany. Kristin & Auggie did some cool tiles, and Nate just liked sitting on the Home Depot buckets. Afterward we went to Red Robin for lunch, and then headed separate directions...as we had some errands to run. 
On Saturday, Feb 13th, while Ryan went to a friends, we headed to the coast...we enjoyed our day with only one kid, and she soaked it up as well! It was drizzly, so no pictures, other than the HAND Kristin got to sit in at an antique shop we stopped at.
What I don't have pictures of, are work & school....I've been having a blast at work this last two weeks as my boss has put me on some special projects, just working to help others catch up. Really a team effort, but I've gotten to do some skip tracing....what a kick for me! Bill has just finished mid terms, and he is halfway through the semester. Looks like we are heading to Michigan over spring break. Just the two of us....yahoo. Not warm & sunny, but anxious to see Bill's folks new place, and see my grandparents. My folks will still be in Florida, but this is one of the few breaks Bill will have.
Tomorrow is another busy day....but fun--as we're going to dinner, and Kristin is going to get to ride...should be fun! I will post pictures soon.
Our crew behind the waterfall....
Kristin & Jason at the top of the falls....Ryan is back there too...
We woke on Friday to SUNSHINE!! At least sun breaking through the clouds..."Thank You Lord", I said as I left for work! It will be nice to have a nice weekend! The kids & Bill did a great job getting us ready to go while I was at work. As I was stepping out the door after work, the rain started, and by the time I got home, it was a downpour! I guess the sunny weekend was not meant to be! Thankfully, everything was ready, I woke Bill (Who is still suffering a migraine, that has been at one level or another for 19 days now), and we headed out. We arrived at camp just a tad after dark, and were blessed with a nice easy spot to back into....I say blessed because I drove and did the backing! Jen & Brady had just arrived thirty minutes before us, and were almost finished setting up. Bill & Ryan were pretty wet when they came in from setting up. We finished our 'set up' and headed over to visit with Jen & Brady, while Ryan & Kristin fixed supper!! Yahoo for kids that cook! No campfire Friday night, as it was pouring, and we had not scoped out the firepit, and trees to run a tarp to. Rain doesn't usually stop us from having fires, we put up the famous Oregon Blue tarp, run it to an awning, and have a cozy fire. Saturday we woke to no rain! It had rained until around 6am, but then cleared off a bit. 
We had a nice fire, and enjoyed catching up with each other. It had been WAY too long since we've been camping together. It was July the last time we were camping together, and September since we'd been out as a family. It was long overdue. There is nothing like waking in the morning, hearing the quiet, and knowing the only thing you have to do is enjoy the day!
After campfire & breakfast--we headed over to the lodge, and waterfall area. Since it was not raining, we hiked down into the canyon behind the falls, and managed to get wet! The kids thought it was cool to walk behind the big falls! 
Jason found a cool little cave to crawl into, and we decided to hike back out instead of continuing because the path was so muddy.
Back to camp-and then into town for water, which we forgot....along with lunch items. Having not been out in so long, the usual things that were in the trailer, were not in the trailer! Oh well....we had fun bumming through Silverton. We headed back to camp and the guys put up the fire tarps, as the rain had started again. We enjoyed a great dinner of "stone soup"--gathering items we all had to enjoy together. Kristin played inside with the kids, giving the adults (and Ryan) some much needed visit time.
Sunday brought more rain--with a few breaks. We enjoyed a morning campfire, and decided to head home, as Jen & Brady were heading out. We had the day to stay if we wanted, but since it was raining, and there would be no hiking....not much playing outside, we packed up and headed home as well.
Nice relaxing, much needed, and well deserved weekend!
It was a great day at the Richards' last Tuesday--we had the pleasure of having Miss Audrie for the day....also known as "Auggie".
She arrived a little after 7 in her cute fuzzy pink jammies, all ready for snuggling. I love how much she loves on us when she is here! We visited by ourselves for awhile, having some time with Mr. O'Malley the cat....
Kristin woke, and it was all over for me! They played Fisher Price, dolls, 
dress up, 
fixed hair (can you get all 10 of Kristin's pretties in my hair?), and had a great day together. I only had to change 1 diaper...Kristin did the rest!
We then headed to friends to check into an incredible machine that opens doors for those who have difficulty seeing. It makes it possible to read the paper even if magnifying glasses don't help...it makes it possible to take out a splinter in your finger--to balance your checkbook. It was certainly something I'd love to invest in for my favorite Grandfather! Besides checking out the machine, we had a great time visiting. The kids got to see the horses, feed the chickens and get a ride through the 100 acres on the "Gator"...they had a blast, and we enjoyed our afternoon there so much.
After a fun day, we had to give Auggie back to her Mom & Dad...who we met for supper at one of our favorite restaurants in Lebanon--the new mexican place behind Shari's in the Lebanon Plaza.
After a full day of playing, we headed home to clean up the house that looked like a tornado had gone through....BUT, it was all worth a fun day with Audrie!
This week has been busy! Bill started back to school on Monday, carrying 14 credits this term. He has one LONG day, Monday's--he leaves at 6AM and gets home at 10PM, however, the rest of the week is downhill, with classes ending the rest of the week by 12:30. Shawnna & Kids started back to Monday home school group and now my days off are Monday/Tuesday from the Credit Union, making it easy to get some things done around here with the kids, with homeschool and work for the dentist. The kids are doing great with their new home school program, provided by Central Linn School district...and Odyssey Ware. They do all their lessons online, the computer scores them, and we go over together anything they did not understand or did not get at least 85% on. We just added two more classes for the kids, and they are loving it. Ryan is taking Vietnam War History and Kristin chose a Science class.
We finished up the 12 days of Christmas on Tuesday....and although the tree came down last weekend, it was today (Saturday) that some of the other decorations came down. I just was not ready to take them down!Today started around 8, with coffee, and getting ready for a memorial service. Kathy Nida's Mom, Anna, passed away on 12/23--and the memorial service was today. It was a nice service, and we got to see the whole family. It of course was not a long enough visit, but a visit none the less. We got a Brooklyn, Jason, Brandon & Olin fix...AND got to meet Zane. I am so glad a gal at work offered to trade Saturday's with me today...so that I could be there. As we were leaving the service, Charlie called, so we headed to Teen Challenge to pick him up.
Once home, we took down the village, the snowglobes (Tilley the Frog was so glad to be back on her shelf!), and the nativity scenes--and yes, the snowmen are still everywhere! My feeling is that snowmen are "WINTER" decorations...not CHRISTMAS decorations...so I do not feel bad about my big snowman on the porch, nor the two in the yard--or of course the three billion in the house! It's still WINTER!
Kristin & Charlie decided to be productive in the kitchen. Kristin made her gingerbread house, and Charlie made brownies.
Lindsay came over to see Robert, and she came home from work yesterday with a fever, and we could tell she was still not feeling well. We pray she feels better soon!
We also pray that the rest of us do not get what she has!
We enjoyed a nice dinner of beef stroganoff--don't cook for seven too often....three of which are really big guys that eat a lot!! That's a lot of beef & a lot of "soupy" stuff for stroganoff!! Football was also a big thing here today, as was Wii Band Hero, and then a movie before everyone headed to bed.
Tomorrow is another full day...Church, homework, and then supper with Nate, Katie & Audrie, as we have not celebrated Christmas with them yet!
Hoping to head out camping this weekend...yahoo!!
Bill & I left Michigan about 8:30 and arrived in Salem around 12:30. The weather cleared up after a long rainy morning of driving. We enjoyed pizza and an afternoon of visiting with Grams & Gramps. Bill worked with Gramps in cleaning up his computer, and Grams & I went over lots of old pictures.
Shawnna, Aunt Cory and Uncle Bill
Sarah & Sarena make funny faces for self portraits!
Aunt Cec & Shawnna
Spoiled dog....(Nice Quilt, huh Ryan?!!)
Grams, Gramps & Shawnna 
Aunt Dolly,Uncle Dick & Bill
Aunt Dolly, Shawnna & Uncle Dick
