Lots of catching up

WOW...I can't believe it's been a MONTH!! My favorite, most relaxing thing I do (besides sleep) is BLOG and it's been so long. Guess that goes to show how busy we've been!



Backing up to FEBRUARY--We headed to Canby on the 25th, to watch our favorite basketball star Jason. We were VERY impressed at how good these kids are!! We expected a comedy of sorts, but what we saw, was a bunch of very serious, but having fun 1st through 3rd graders, out there moving the ball, working on plays, and making it a fun event for those of us in the stands. Jason, we are so proud of you!!


We spent Sunday night and Monday night hanging with Charlie and the Teen Challenge guys.


Charlie was in Lebanon for a seminar, and we were able to see him for a few short hours while he was here. The bonus was Ty & Jason were with him, so we got a nice visit with them too.

Early March brought Kristin's best friend from Washington to Grandma's (who is our neighbor). The sad part is, it was only as they passed through from a church conference on their way home, so was only from 8pm to 11 am the next day. We allowed the girls to camp out in the living room, and since Ryan was gone to Youth camp, it was perfect. They giggled most of the night, we shut our door, and let them have some teenage girl time, as their time together was so limited...but to them, such a blessing.

Last weekend, Bill & the kids surprised me with a trip for the day to the coast. Ryan was off on Thursday & Friday, so they spent all day Friday, catching up on chores, so that we could spend the day as a family on the coast Saturday. It turned out to be a beautiful day....a bit windy, but beautiful just the same.


We had a great day, and rounded out the evening with a trip to Rogue Brewery downtown Newport for dinner.





Tuesday evening (March 21st--also our 19th Anniversary of living in Oregon), we went to bed, it was raining, but what we woke to was about 6" of snow at 4:30 AM. By 5:30, it was pretty evident that I was not going to work, as it was so white, you could hardly see our barn! 6AM and the power went out. By 7:30 there was about 10"....to which both kids were up and outside blowing up inner tubes. The sad part was, with no electricity, no air compressor...they were blowing them up themselves--now that's determination!

It wasn't long until we were hearing a lot of falling trees. Several at our neighbors to the North of us, along with a big cherry tree in our field. Ironically, it fell right onto the wood pile! No moving necessary after cutting!



Around 9:30, Bill & I headed in for a nap....we'd been up early, and it was snowing, the electricity was out, and it seemed like a good idea. So we stoked the wood stove, and headed to bed. When we woke around 10:30 the snow had slowed down, but we couldn't see where the kids had played...I'm pretty sure we topped out at about 12". The awning over the chicken coop/yard had fallen, cracking a 2x6 in half. The chickens never even poked their heads out of their coop all day! It was about noon when the rain started. We lost about 6" of snow to the rain, before it started snowing again, dumping another 4" overnight. I wasn't sure that I would get out of the driveway for work, and thought I'd be home on another "snow day", but Bill cleaned off the car, shoveled some, and with 4wd and a prayer, it headed to work on Thursday...late, but to work! Bill finished shoveling the entire drive with a coal shovel (we've needed a snow shovel twice in 19 years here...it always melts in a day or so), and thankfully he did, because everything turned to ice that night. By Friday, I was beginning to stress about the freezer full of beef & pork, that we just filled this last few months....and I mean FULL! Bill was blessed with an offer of a generator, and just as he was loading it in the truck, the electricity popped back on. Praise God!! When I got home from work a few hours later, I checked the freezer that I had been afraid to even open to check and everything was still ROCK solid! Phew. We lost a few things in the fridge, nothing major, mostly things that should have been tossed a long time ago. Thankfully, it was cold enough that we used the back porch as a fridge, placing most things but the milk inside the grill! It worked perfect!



It's been a wild kind of week, and so thankful for all the blessings...even though it was a different week, we were still warm, safe, and enjoyed some extra time together.






Bill headed to a conference in John Day this weekend with 4 other guys from church. They had a great overnighter. The kids and I rented a few good movies....The Help...I would recommend that to everyone, and of course Puss in Boots! It was a fun evening for just the three of us...followed by heading to Eugene on Saturday, for me to work, and the kids to bum around while I worked, then we all headed to do some fun shopping. Bill arrived home safe around 11, and we enjoyed a nice Sunday at church, complete with breakfast bbq followed by a nice afternoon nap.


Enjoy all the pictures of the snow...we had fun--despite the power loss!

From ZERO to TWO in 24 hours

As most of you know, we had an icy accident in November with our 5th wheel. Nothing serious, as far as accidents go, in fact, we slid on ice, the trailer slid around the side of the truck not 90 degrees, but for a few seconds, the trailer was skidding sideways before we were able to pull it straight. It was an icy ride, and we had no idea what damage we had done until we were home and trying to figure out why our propane wasn't working our furnace. Long story short, the frame got twisted and broken, the gas line under the trailer snapped and simply, our trailer needed fixed!

We called a friend over to look at the trailer, who told us it was pretty serious damage. Thankfully, we have full coverage on a separate policy for the trailer. SO, we called the insurance company. Sadly, it was not AAA, who we have been with for years, but another company, who said Yes, it was damage and should be covered. Due to the damage, we assumed that the trailer may not be coming home, so we emptied the contents. 5 days before Christmas, the trailer was hauled away on a flat bed, as it was too dangerous to pull. Thankfully, I didn't see that damage before we pulled the trailer back over the pass after the accident...not knowing. Yes, they say ignorance is bliss....I'd have been a wreck had we known. Needless to say, pulling it home probably broke things up worse.

Shortly after Christmas, we heard from the insurance company. The tried to tell us it wasn't covered because there was a recall on our frame. We checked it out, and no, the recall was on a 35 ft frame...ours is only 30 ft.... They then declined the claim because our frame was "rusty". Rusty, really?? We live in the rain state?!! We sulked and worried over what we were going to do. Finally Bill said "Shawnna, it's going to turn out exactly how God wants it to...quit worrying". So, we tried to figure out what we should do since this is now our problem, and with the damage to the frame, not safe to pull...however, Bill was willing to go get it....mostly flat on the way home, until we get into Sweet Home.

As a last ditch effort, I called our AAA agent, who sold us the policy (she sells several types, and AAA Does not sell a trailer policy) and she really went to bat for us. She mediated for us, and came back to tell us that if we could have a frame shop inspect it, and state the damage was from the icy slide and not the rust, that they would reopen the claim. We had no idea where to take it. Bill finally called Guaranty RV and was told they use a place in Eugene called Kaiser Brake & Frame. Bill called, explained our situation and this guy even went out to Guaranty to look at the trailer for us to see if it could be repaired AND to see if he could determine why it was damaged. Thankfully, he noted the twisted frame, and sideways force damage, and let the insurance know that the damage was not all due to rust. The insurance agreed to fix the frame. Bill went and took it down to the frame shop, as it wasn't too far, and all flat straight road! Several weeks passed, and the finally called to say it was finished and ready to go back to Garanty where they would fix the fridge and the gas line.

On Monday, we got a call from Garanty, the trailer was finished. I took the truck on Tuesday to work as we couldn't see another trip for Bill, as it was "kind of" on my way home. I walked into the repair shop lobby on Tuesday after work, and our advisor met me. He said "I have to say, I'm shocked that you got this covered...you must really be blessed". I have to say...Yes we are!!! Two months ago, we thought we had a totaled trailer that was worth virtually nothing. Tuesday, we pulled the trailer back home and for all intents and purposes, its ready to go...we're just hesitant after all we've been through these last two months. Part of us wants to start over with something else.....the other part of us says "Well, we know the issues here..and they are fixed!" Praying for guidance on this one!

Wednesday, Bill texted me at work "Call me when you can".....I always hate these texts, since it's either urgent or bad news. This was "WOW" news. You know that Bill has been working on buying and repairing/reselling equipment. He has been looking for a cargo trailer since January. A friend found one in town, and let Bill know. Bill looked at it about a month ago, and they owner wanted 5500 for it...we booked it, prayed about it, and Bill went and offered him 3500.00. He was turned down. Bill gave him his card and said if he changed his mind to call him. That call came yesterday. Bill said when the guy turned down his offer, that maybe this wasn't the path for him....but he stood firm and said if I'm supposed to have it, God will put it all into place. SO...two days in a row, we've pulled trailers into the driveway that has been trailer-less since before Christmas! The new trailer needs some exterior work, like removing the big red "Norgard Boat Hauling" from the driver side of the trailer....the paint is faded, but I told him this was a great project to learn to paint on! What is even more cool...it's not the standard white or black...but grey...and matches the F250!


Besides all the trailer "Stuff" going on...Kristin earned her first paycheck. I believe I posted before that she got a job with the neighbor, helping with her animals on her farm. She opened her own checking account yesterday....wow...how time flies!!

We've also been busy with the new chicks....they are growing like crazy, and we had to move them out of the small cage. We moved them to the old dog kennel and it works great! We still have one splayed leg chick and we are on day 6 of the bandaid remedy. Five days wasn't enough...but we are trying for another 5....and praying that it works. Kristin is pretty attached to this chick....we decided that the reason they have a bond is that they have a lot in common....both on the right side. All the chicks love her...check it out :)

Dancing with Chicks....Or something like that!

We left off after our trip to LA....and the 1st weekend home was exciting, with Ryan attending his first formal dance. Formal in Sweet Home includes a tie, and no pajama's or jeans...at least blue ones! Ryan asked a good friend Judah to go with him, and he looked so nice before he left. He would not let me take any pictures, except the few I caught here at home.

Here he is getting ready...

Here he is with Judah....she's very pretty, and from what Ryan says, a very nice girl too. I guess I can't imagine him hanging out with anyone not worthy of his time. He's a good kid and is growing up way too fast!!







Bill received his diploma...yahoo Bill! We are proud of you. Now it's on the "Rock Solid" Adventures, and whatever else God has in store for him.

Bill has been busy cleaning, repairing, refurbishing, and prepping things for sale...along with dentist appointments for kids, running our trailer around, and helping out with things around home. It's been a busy time for both him & myself.

For those of you following the trailer saga....
We talked with the trailer repair place, and they suggested that a local frame shop fix it after our insurance was denied. Bill called, explained our situation (slide on ice sideways with trailer, and bent the frame..breaking things up pretty well, but that INSURANCE denied us due to rust on the frame??). Being that we questioned their decision, they told us that if we got someone to look at the frame and state the damage was not caused by the rust, but by the icy accident...that they would look at the trailer. This is how good God is. The frame guy said he would even go out to the trailer lot to look at our trailer. Not only did he inspect it, and deem that it was indeed force from sliding sideways, but he also said that he could repair it. Woohoo!! Claim reopened and approved!! Bill picked up the trailer today, and he said they did a great job! He took it back to the trailer repair place and they will install a new fridge, fix the piping that broke, and reseal the roof. When Bill talked with the guy at the trailer place...he said "You got the insurance to cover this?" (they knew we were denied), and Bill said "Yes"...The guy said "Man, you have had someone watching over you!" We feel very blessed, thankful and excited to see "What's next God?"!!

Kristin has been busy for a home schooler!! She has taken on a job with the neighbor lady who owns the 50 acres next to us. Carol, runs this farm herself, which include a chestnut orchard, 5 horses, 4 dogs, 2 goats and cattle on the way (next winter's beef for us--at least half of one of those cattle!). She called Kristin to come learn how to take care of all of her animals, as well as taking care of the things that need done on her farm, so that she can go away for a night or two. She has been unable to do this because of her farm responsibilities. Kristin will also help her do some minor chores (fence mending--poop shoveling--etc.) and the few hours Kristin has spent with her have been wonderful...she is learning so much, and loving her time with the animals. It is a job made in heaven for her, and she is loving every minute of it.

Yesterday, we also added a few new members to our family. 7 new chicks. Kristin made a big case on how it was easier to take care of chickens that you had hand raised rather than chickens that were pen raised. She told us how the first two chickens we had would follow us, come to us, and allow us to pick them up. The two newer ones do not allow this, and run the other way. So, we are back to allowing Kristin to do the chick phase, and they are cute. We did get them from the find young man that we got the last two from. He had 150 chicks when I went yesterday, and he raises bunches of them a year to sell when they are about 2 1/2 months old..and ready to go into the coop with other birds. He was kind enough to let us order whatever birds we wanted (he recommended some for us) and we ended up with 2 silver laced wyandottes, 2 dark Brahmas, 2 buff orpingtons and one New Hampshire Red. We chose profuse layers, and ones with good winter laying habits. Our three Rhode Island Reds have produced an egg a day all winter long. Last spring, we had 3 eggs every day, and only had two chicks....we're still baffled, but there would be two in the morning, and then one in the evening....profuse layer? I would say so!! We have four more Austrolops coming in a month...and David (our chicken guy) said that they will be our favorites...as they are not only pretty (black with green and purple sheen to them), but have a great temperament, and love to be with people! We are sure to have enough eggs for Kristin to sell late summer or early fall!




Leaving you with a few fun pictures....Kristin took these...

Rock Solid's First Long Haul

Most of you know that Bill is starting his own business from home. He is buying government, school, and overstock items from auctions, and either repairing, refurbishing, or simply reselling equipment that is in demand. Right now he is focusing on commercial kitchen equipment, but he will expand once he gets a feel for things.

Between Christmas & New Years, Bill, Ryan & a friend went to Seattle, found a pizzeria that was going out of business and bought out a good portion of their equipment. A walk in refrigerator, several prep tables, a refrigerated pizza prep table, tables, shelving, pan racks, the list goes on. That purchase filled a 20 ft trailer....and currently is filling our garage and part of the barn!! The plan is to clean it all up, and get it out of here!!

Last week, Bill bid on some commercial ovens in Los Angeles. He won 3 out of 8...and the plan was to head to LA to pick them up last week...however, he didn't have the funds at the beginning of the week when his friend could go with him, and the latter part of the week, I couldn't get away. With the holiday on Monday (MLK), I told him I could take two vacation days (TUE & WED) and go with him. We got things ready, and on Monday morning at 5am we took off. We left Sweet Home with minor flurries, and when we hit outside of town, wow...there was SNOW & SLUSH!! We traveled about 40mph down Hwy 228, and got on to I-5, which was a sheet of ice. The farther South we got, the worse it was. We stopped in Cottage Grove for coffee...and it was a beautiful scene with the sun just coming up, the lights on the snow, and the blue skies behind.

An hour from home, and I was already kicking myself for not bringing my camera. Good thing i have one on my phone that does an OK job. Better than nothing! When we got to Roseburg, it was clear!! We had a few slushy spots through Canyon Creek Pass...but the Siskiyou pass that we expected to be icy, was beautiful....



We stopped at a roadside rest just over the CA border, and the sunshine felt SO wonderful. It was cold, but wonderful. Felt like those sunny winter days in MI, where it was sunny, but zero!! We knew it was cold when we stopped for fuel, and the windshield washer bucket was frozen!!

We drove all day, and arrived in LA around 11. We tried priceline bidding for the first time, and ended up at the Hilton for 70.00. Pretty nice! What we didn't know was they charge for parking...23.00 a spot..and of course our trailer took a second spot. However, for the price we would have paid for a room without priceline (Hilton was 230.00 per night, Red Lion Inn 149.00, and the Holiday Inn 159.00 per night), I felt we did pretty good, and we were parked right on front of the hotel...so we didn't need to worry.

We woke early, and were at the docks to pick up our treasures at 7am, and headed back out of LA by 8----the opposite direction of most of the traffic!
We missed the I-5 exit and ended up going through Hollywood...kind of a treat for me, since I'd never seen it. Don't know that I ever need to again, but it was cool to see the big Hollywood sign on the hill, (which I couldn't get a picture of!) and see Capitol Records, and Hollywood & Sunset Blvds.

The rest of the day was uneventful, sharing in the driving, enjoying the sunshine, even though it didn't get warm. It was neat to see all the fields of oranges, getting watered, and the water was freezing on the ground.....again, wish I'd had my camera...as my phone could not get the picture! We had put some ads on Craigslist, stating we would be in certain cities/towns on the way back. We also did some surfing, and found a guy that was going out of business...so we stopped and looked at his stuff...as he would not give us prices on the phone. It was awesome stuff, but he also wanted an awesome price for everything. We finished up there, and stopped in Redding for the night. It was past 6, and we were worried about ice in the passes...so got a room, and settled in for the night.

The next morning, we got up, and hit the road by 7....with only 5 1/2 hours to go, we figured we'd be home by 1-2 with stops, get unpacked, have a nap and/or relax. We hadn't traveled more than 5 miles when we saw the sign that I-5 was closed due to a bad accident...and it was indefinite when it would reopen. We pulled off, and talked with some truckers, who gave us an alternate route, but it required chains, and I was very uneasy about it. Further investigation showed the road did no recommend people with trailers....enough for me to say "Nope"!! We looked into the coastal range, but one of the legs was closed altogether, and another branch stated that the wind advisory at this time prohibited people towing, and chains were required as well. It got to the point where we looked at each other and said "We're not supposed to go home today"! We went back to Red Lion, checked into our room, and headed off to pick up a tarp to cover the ovens. The trip home was going to be messy, and the rains had started. Town was buzzing with the idea that it might snow. Thankfully, it never did...but we enjoyed a relaxing day bumming around Redding, and enjoying a nice dinner together.

We woke at 7:30 this morning, and checked the roads. All the passes were either rainy or just a bit slushy...so we got packed up and hit the road by 8:30. Needless to say....10 miles out of Redding we saw signs that stated they were doing chain checks....no worries, until we stopped, and they stated that we had to chain prior to the regular staging area....not good news for us!! In all the years we've lived here, we've never had to chain. Thankfully, the side of the road becomes a happy place, as it's almost like Christmas, when people are happy to help other people. We learned quickly how to chain, and chain the trailer as well. WE thought we wouldn't have to...but the 3rd chain check made us pull over and chain the trailer. Not sure if it was 30 or 40 miles we traveled with chains...stopping frequently, once in snow and slush to our knees (on the side of the road) to fix a loosened chain. Waterproof boots do no good when you stop on the side of the road, and the water and slush go over the top of your boots!

Sadly, we kept hearing a noise, and we thought it was just the chain hitting the mudflaps...but unfortunately, we couldnt stop because of where we were in the pass, so let it go until we pulled over, and found a chain had broken and we had beat up the wheel well and side of our truck...as well as the mudflaps on both sides. However, we got down off that pass safely, and other than being miserable, wet, and inexperienced, we did OK! 30 more miles after chain removal, and we are on the side of the road again to chain up to go over the siskiyous. A truck driver showed us how to use the broken chain, and the one on the trailer was too bad to use, so we only chained up the side that they inspect..and they flagged us through...phew!! We got to the summit, and heard a horrible noise...the mud flap that had gotten damaged, got flipped up and made a horrible noise as it flipped up on the tire, and rubbed against the chains. I knew when Bill asked for the tinsnips and a hammer we were in big trouble!! He cut the mudflap off....we finished down the other side of the mountain, pulled the chains off,and were thankful that was the last time for the day. We pulled into Medford 6 hours and 20 minutes after leaving Redding. The sad part is, other than stopping to chain, unchain, and chain again, check the chains, fix the chains, and take the chains off again, we didn't stop anywhere else!! Six hours for a 2 hour trip??!! We were mentally drained as we finally stopped for breakfast that we skipped trying to get on the road!!





The rest of the trip home was uneventful...and the road that had been closed due to flooding on this end had one lane open with flaggers, so we saved a 30-45 minute detour around...

I know that we were mighty happy to pull in the driveway 11 hours after we left this morning!! Imagine our surprise to come in and find a baby in our livingroom. It cries, eats, and is changed by our 16 year old...who when we left, had no children to our knowledge!! Thankfully, it is just a class project for his Child Development class. We've gotten a good laugh out of him tonight..especially when he went to bed early, because he knows it will be up hungry, and crying later!!


Thankful for all the prayers said for us, you have no idea how much that means to us. Also very thankful for God keeping us safe!! AMEN!

Christmas in Sweet Home

Christmas is always a busy time at our house. When I didn't work outside the home it was busy...so for working full time, it's been 19 hour days and short nights! It's all for a great cause, as Christmas is pretty important to our kids. Ryan is at the age where he doesn't like to admit it, but he loves it deep down. I had more 'Lets get this done' comments this year...yet he was right in the thick of it!! Kristin has the same love for decorating that I do...and she did much of it herself this year. We did lots together, but she got the boxes out, and sorted through them....and we both agreed, it's like Christmas decorating, as we reminisce and marvel over the favorite decorations. We decorated over several nights and weekends. Kristin even decorated herself with the tree skirt and the poor dog!



Teh following weekend we picked up our tree. We always seem to get a great tree at the Teen Challenge lot...and it's a great cause. Ryan's best friend Hunter spent the weekend, and helped us put up the tree. Nothing like two tall teenage boys to do a great job on the top of the tree! It was a fun weekend and we enjoyed the decorating.




The following week Kristin & I made some of our Christmas gifts and got them in the mail. We got our cards and letters finished and in the mail as well. It was a great family event as we stuffed, folded, addressed and stamped as a family. What a help that was. Why didn't I suggest this many years ago??!! On Friday, I took a half a day of vacation, and we headed over to pick up Charlie. The day was beautiful and we made it over the pass and back with no events.

Christmas Eve we were blessed with a beautiful day, starting with an awesome sunrise.


It was a relaxed day, preparing some of the food for the following day. With Bill & Kristin unable to eat any sugar or sugar substitutes, and Bill unable to have any wheat, it's a challenge. I challenge you to find 2 cans or boxes of anything in your cupboard that does not have sugar, fructose, corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, or any of those other sugar substitutes. Even Kidney beans and sour cream have sugar in them! At any rate, we made a pumpkin dessert with whipped cream and spices. Kristin is allowed Stevia and Bill is allowed in very small amounts. We made a rice flour crust, and they both loved it. We also made our own mayonnaise for seven layer salad. It's not quite the same, but Bill & Kristin were thrilled to have some regular food with us for dinner. All of this went into the fridge for tomorrow's dinner. We headed off to church after a very late lunch. It was a light crowd, and a wonderful service. We had dinner after we got home, eating late, and finishing well after 9:30. We did some finishing touches to Christmas dinner, and got the turkey on the smoker around 11.

Headed to bed around 11:30 and relaxed until after 12, knowing I needed to get to bed, since I had a daughter that was very excited, and I knew would be up early. We told her 7...however, her brother, who mind you is not excited about Christmas at all, came to me and said "Mom, she doesn't have too many more years to be this excited...you should let her get up whenever she wakes up"....hmmmm....wonder who really is excited??!! Needless to say, it was her brother who woke her at 6:45, and she came running into our room. We told her to wake Charlie...and off she ran, with a warning from her brother saying "Last time I tried to wake him, he chucked a pillow at me"...a chance she was willing to take, and off she went! When we came down, we found Charlie in the fetal position on the couch, not complaining, but not speaking either. Some coffee administered in IV fashion got him moving. (Just kidding of course). We made a quick check to the turkey that had smoked all night, and got to the gifts! As they all opened stockings, and got ready for gifts...we
looked out, and God blessed us with another beautiful sunrise.


Although it was a small Christmas for us, it seemed the lack of gifts and the "spendy" items didn't matter. We enjoyed each other, the thrill of thought that went into the gifts, and instead of unwrapping with no thought, it was a relaxed, wonderful morning. Kristin made me a beautiful apron, as well as a beautiful few sets of earrings, and two beautiful bracelets. Bill got a great transformer from the kids, Charlie got a new bible, Ryan two new hats and guitar strings, Kristin an awesome pink sweatshirt with a blingy keychain, and everyone felt blessed.
The kids got a multi game board from my folks....and both kids were so stoked when they found a crokinole board on the back--a game they learned in Canada and still love to this day.



We had a great breakfast of biscuits and gravy, and then a nap was in order! Dinner wasn't far behind the nap, and the fare was awesome! Of course we had turkey,smoked to perfection No traditional ham because we have been unable to find any ham without sugar cure. We had seven layer salad and Cream Cheese/Sour cream (all natural of course)Garlic potatoes topped off our dinner. First smoked turkey ever, and it was wonderful!!

This evening has been a lazy one. Some WII with Charlie made the kids thrilled. They have enjoyed having him home.
No one has gotten dressed today....hair has not been brushed..another slippers & coffee kind of day. Thank you Lord, for the gift of your son. For your blessings and for our wonderful family that has blessed us with a wonderful Christmas. You know who you are, and how much you helped. Love you all. Enjoy all the pictures below.