It seems like yesterday when we brought this little bundle home with us....
It seems like yesterday when he was running through the house with cowboy boots, a rifle, spurs, hat and neckerchief....
It seems like yesterday when he was a handsome ring bearer.....
It seems like yesterday, when he started high school...
Where he went from toy motorcycles and guns to holding footballs....
It seemed like yesterday when he turned 16....
Oh it was just last Wednesday (Nov 16th)....
Wow..how time flies. Those of you who know Ryan, know that he has been a miniature man since the day he was born. Grandma Eyie (AKA Baughman) has always called him the little man. This is true. At four he explained to me what the bulls in the field were doing....at eight, he explained that he had conversations with God, and knew his purpose. At 14 he told me he was going to go to school after being home schooled his whole life. At 16 he is turning into that fine young man he has always been. Those who know him, know him by his integrity, his honesty, his compassion and his humor. Yes, there is a bit of "TEENAGE" attitude...but we couldn't ask for a better son.
Happy Sixteenth Birthday Ryan, We Love You!
The 2nd half of October brought Charlie home for a long weekend. I was able to get off a few hours early on Thursday and Bill, Kristin & I headed to Bend. It was a beautiful fall day, and the colors (as much as they get here) in the pass were beautiful. Kristin & I were both anxious to get out and take pictures. 
We pulled over a few times, but Bill doesn't share our passion, and it was getting too dark to take some good shots...so we headed into Bend and picked up Charlie. He was as excited to see us as we were him. The best part....Ryan was playing his very last football game of the season in Sisters!
We took off from Bend, and arrives in Sisters (which is heading back West towards home) around 6pm, and got to there just at the beginning of the 2nd quarter. Ryan played in this game more than any of the others. It was so cool that Charlie was able to be there...and you could see that Ryan was proud to have his "big brother" there. The excitement had been building all week, and the night before Charlie came home, Ryan was bouncing off the walls. I picked him up from Youth group on Wednesday night, and I finally said "What is up with you". He said " I get to play football one more time tomorrow AND my Big Brother is coming home for the weekend". He was so stoked to have Charlie home. It was COLD over there, and by the end of the game we were all frozen! I will say this...Sweet Home is the most supportive football town there is. Sweet Home had more fans in the visitor stands than the home team did in the home stands....and we had a two hour drive there. Shame on those Sisters football parents!
After the game, we headed to get a bite to eat and then head back home. We then hung out at the high school until Ryan got back--as he had to ride the bus back. It was a late night, and I was so thankful I was off the next day! I offered to take Ryan to school the next morning, so he could sleep the extra hour, as he catches the bus just after 6, and rides for an hour.
Bill headed off to school around 10, and Charlie, Kristin & I hung out at home. Charlie caught up on his facebook & emails, while Kristin & I puttered around. After lunch we headed out and got a few things in the yard done. Charlie clipped back a bush, I hauled stuff to the burn pile and we put away some of the summer pots.It felt good to work in the yard.
We headed into town and met Bill at the new coffee shop that our church is preparing to open. Their main focus will be the high school as it right across the street. Ryan & Hunter started a bible study last year, and this will give them a place to go on their lunches. So cool.
Friday night the guys rented some "guy movies", Kristin headed to a birthday party, and I took the opportunity to work on some pictures.
Saturday took us to the coast. It was a beautiful day...and we had a great time bumming on the coast. 
Before the day was out, we had some rain, but nothing major, and we were ready to head inside for great clam chowder at The Sea Hag anyway!
Sunday we headed to church, and then back over to Bend to drop Charlie off It was a great weekend, and it went all too fast.
Monday was Halloween and we had an appointment with Kristin at Bill's Dr. We had her tested and she too, is allergic to sugars...all sugars except the Stevia. No fruit, no honey, no natural sugars, no substitutes. Same as her Daddy. She however, is allowed Wheat.....which Bill is allergic to. She has been sugar free since Tuesday and is feeling much better. After our appointment, we took Bill to school and she & I had about an hour for shopping at her favorite place..Goodwill!! She had a big night planned...and had sported her famous Jennifer Lake T-shirt all day. She was dressing as a hippie for our harvest party later in the day, and had some of her "stuff" on, but other stuff packed away for the final 'hipster"!
We headed to Lebanon where the Harvest Party was. It was a busy afternoon, and while Bill & Kristin stayed, I headed in another direction to get Ryan. When we returned, Kristin was anxious to get dressed the rest of the way. She had leggings, headband, peace signs, and of course a peace sign wrap around. I am amazed at how she filled the part! She sported her Jennifer Lake t-shirt until it was time for the carnival...and she was worried about ruining it, so she changed into her original shirt of dark purple that wouldn't stain if she got something on it. 
Ryan of course, didn't dress up this year...this is as good as it gets!!
You can check the harvest party photos out (you'll recognize some of us in there!). Click HERE!
The rest of the week has been just as busy....I've managed 40 hours in 4 days...but it's been worthy to get caught up. Sometimes it doesn't pay to take time off. The weekend is full of plans to get some of the barn cleaned out for a future upcoming big project of Bills. Be praying for us!
Kristin turned THIRTEEN yesterday. It's so hard to believe that we have a teenage girl in the house. With Ryan, it really didn't hit us...but with a girl...it surely hit home. I really don't recall my thirteenth birthday, but I do remember being a young teenager. She is so different from me. I was pretty boy focused, she is pretty centered on her friends, her books, and her walk with God. We are so proud of the young lady she is becoming. While there are still the typical things that go on in any teenagers life....we are very blessed as parents...and are very thankful that they are on a straight path.
Kristin had three longtime friends over last night. She invited Sydney, who we know from home school group, and Alexis & Tanya who have been around for a long time. These young ladies have been playing together through babies, barbies, and now it was pure "teenage girl" stuff. Music, nails, and giggling was the theme, and they had such a great time with each other. They started out with supper, and making mini pizzas. Kristin opened her gifts, and was so pleased with the gifts she got. She really felt her friends picked gifts that really suited her, and she said that is the most special gift...friends that really care. They danced, they did facials, they painted fingers and toes, and just had a great time being together. Bill & I headed to bed around 11, and we heard a few giggles after that, but they did great being quiet, and three staircases away was a good distance.
After breakfast, Bill, Ryan headed right out and got busy on the wood. Being the girls didn't get up until after 10, I stayed in and made breakfast for them, and then headed out. Ryan & Bill were cutting & splitting, so I hooked up the trailer on the tractor, and started loading wood. Being we got such a late start, I had to unload the cord that was left in the woodshed, so we could stack the new stuff behind it. I'm sure I pulled wood off the bottom back row that had to be 10 years old!!
We worked until almost 5, and then came in to get cleaned up. We are heading out to celebrate Kristin's birthday as a family. It's her pick for where to go. Not sure where yet, but we're off for a family fun adventure!!
Thursday (Oct 6) was one of Ryan's football games, and also Kristin's first photography class through 4-H. I headed to the game, while Bill went to pick up Kristin.
I arrived at the field just as the guys were coming out of the locker room. Ryan was chosen to be one of the captains for this game. He was pretty proud. I had no idea until the end of the game, or I'd have been pretty proud right there up front with him!! Regardless....this was a great game. Ryan played all 4 quarters and the improvement he has made is awesome. I give him tons of credit. The only football he ever touched before this was a nerf, or when Evan our good friend would toss the ball around with him. Football has never been watched in our house, as Bill nor I are into sports. I remember Ryan calling "Uncle Al" when he was 4 to find out the rules to basketball that he was watching on TV!! For him to be out there playing and having fun is a great joy to me. I was there through most of the first quarter by myself, and not having anyone to visit with in the stands, and no camera, I really got to watch what was going on. It was neat to see improvement, and a sense of pride in Ryan as he walked off the field...always watching to make sure we were watching. So cool!!
Kristin & Bill arrived, and Kristin shared some of her class, but she wasn't feeling well, as well as Bill, so they headed home at halftime, and left me to play with my camera which they brought from home (I came to the field straight from work). I found that I really need to work on my night pictures as well as the speed with which I am trying to capture. Always has been my week spot in photography. Guess I'm going to learn! It was a great game for Ryan, lots of play time, lots of pictures for Mom, and yes, I held my composure, and even remained seated when he was on the BOTTOM of a huge pile of guys!! The won 66-16.
We headed home, and Kristin & Bill were watching some TV....and Kristin & I chatted about her class. She was feeling better after having eaten, and was a flurry of "we did this, we did that..." She is one of the few with a point & shoot digital, so I think that I may break down, swap out my lens and let her take my SLR camera to class. She has been all over the place the last few weeks, in preparation of class, and after class last night & today, working on some of her pictures. These next three are hers along with the flowers at the top:
It of course has spurred me to shoot with her, so we had fun tonight after work, especially when she came in the house with the biggest chicken egg I have ever seen. WOW...I felt sad for the poor chicken.
Bill of course took my camera, and did a few pictures of his own...some turned out pretty fun...but some were typical Bill. I'll let you decide!!
Last but not least---I am GUILTY by association. Bill got his AARP card, and guess what came with it...one for me!! OK, so they can't know how old I am...they can't even spell my name right.
As the weekend is here...I know we will get some things done around the house, and maybe Kristin & I can take our camera's out and play some more. Look for more pics, coming soon!
Mid September on Wednesday, Bill suggested we take off for the weekend. We already had plans to go to Bend to see Charlie and spend the day on Sunday, and Bill offered to get us ready to go, as he was headed back to school the following week. We figured there was no way that we would get into the State Park between Sisters & Bend, but we gave it a shot. There was one site remaining. This is a park that has half tent sites, and half RV sites, so I figured it was a tent site. Further investigation proved it was one of our favorite sites!! I booked it, and Bill & Kristin got us packed to go. Bill came to get me from work, and we headed out HWY 126--while it was beautiful and a good grade for pulling trailer, it took us 2 1/2 hours from Eugene. Usually 90 minutes for us up 11% grade of Hwy 20. Probably the same amount of fuel!!
We set up and enjoyed Friday night, and had a good 'sleep in' on Saturday. We headed into Bend, and hit the TC store, and got to see Charlie and some of the guys for a few minutes. We ran some errands and then hit Pilot Butte and had our famous tailgate lunch. Back to camp later for a fire, and dinner over the fire.
Sunday we joined up with the TC crew for church,enjoyed a great service with them, and then headed back to tear down camp, and join the guys for the afternoon at the center. It turned out to be a beautiful weekend camping, and a great visit with Charlie.
The following week brought a pig roast at church. So much fun! You can check out the story by clicking here, which will take you to our church blog. You'll notice Bill in lots of the photos, as he got into helping with the pig!
On Thursday, the 29th, Ryan had a game. We see improvement each game as he gets the hang of things! Way to go Ryan...keep working! His football pictures also came back...nice job!
On the 30th, Bill's cousin Kathy (also known as Crickett) & husband Al came for the weekend from Texas. They were celebrating their 30th anniversary, and blessed us with a visit. It was so nice, as we've not had this quality of a visit since Ryan was 7 months old when we went to visit them in Maine. We've had short visits over the years at different family functions, but never get more than "how are things"...you get the brief 10 minute story of the highlights over the last year! It was so nice to sit around, visit, laugh and enjoy some time together. On Saturday, we had a leisurely breakfast at home, then took a tour of Sweet Home, visited the local waterfalls, McDowell Creek Falls, did some hiking through there, and then hit the local winery on Marks Ridge for some wine tasting, and beautiful scenery. We followed this up with dinner, and more visiting. On Sunday, we headed to the coast, where we spent a rainy day. We did enjoy lunch at Rogue Ales Pub House. Good food, great atmosphere, and a walk down through old town on the bay afterward. Too bad it was so rainy. We drove down the coast a ways, and finally parted with Crickett and Al in Florence. We are so happy they finally made it, and we sure appreciated the time they spent with us.
The rest of this week has found me either laying around, or in front of the computer. I've been home sick with a yucky fall cold, and determined to take care of myself this time as I am so afraid of pushing through like I always do, and ending up with pneumonia again. It was not fun, and it taught me a lesson in taking care of myself. It's been a lonely week,as it always is after company leaves.
Last Weekend was great. It was productive, but relaxing. Friday, we rented some movies, hung out with the kids...popcorn, and a late night. Saturday, we slept in, Bill & I had coffee out in the back under the tree and did our bible study. The kids slept in, and it was a beautiful morning by ourselves. We got some things done around the house, had a nap, and then decided it was time for a date night. Being low on funds...we returned bottles, did our grocery shopping, and shared a plate of nachos at our favorite Mexican Restaurant, Pueblo Viejo. A quick stop at Walmart to pick up a prescription and we headed home. Not our most romantic date, but a date on a budget no less--and time with just us.
On Sunday, we invited a few of our favorite little girls over to spend the night. They arrived around supper time, and after their parents left, we started with a movie, popcorn, sink baths (where you wash your dirty feet and hands), and settled down to sleep.
They wanted to paint nails, but I told them that was for the morning, so they told me "Well, we will need to get up and do it EARLY, but your husband can sleep in"! Hilarious! They actually made it until 8am, then the fun began. Painting fingers & toes, then breakfast of pancakes. We watched Tangled, and then came cookie baking. 
We had lots of fun shapes, floury girls, and lots of giggles. They did really well, considering baking can be disastrous with three little girls.
After baking, they dressed up, and came downstairs for a princess luncheon and tea party, complete with decorating their tea cakes that had just cooled. Kristin pulled out her good tea set, and we all had a great time. 
By 2pm, Kristin & I were beat! We packed up the girls, took them home, and Kristin & I both had a two hour nap! Can't wait to do it again sometime. It is so neat to be loved!
On Tuesday, Ryan had his first game. Ryan brought his gear home on Monday to clean it up, and change out his cleats. He humored his Mom and put on his uniform for me to get some shots. Missing the pads, but I like it this way anyway.
Jen, Brady & the kids came down to watch the game, Troy, Ryan's youth pastor as well as our neighbor Rex came. It was a good game, more exciting the 2nd half, and Sweet Home won 28-12.
Jen & Brady came home with us for supper, and then Jenni & Scott came for the night on their way back from California. We had a great visit, sat up until 1:30am....and it seemed so soon when the alarm went off at 5am!! We are fortunate to have them with us again tonight, as they are visiting friends in the area, and will take off from here for WA to Jenni's family in the morning. They were blessed today with news of another 4-6 week trip to Haiti to discuss becoming missionaries there. May God bless them with clearing the path for them to go!!
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.
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.
