New Beginnings--the fresh start after the storm. Follow along as we dedicate our lives to God after blessing us with a new beginning and another chance to make things right.
The last two days were sad ones....yesterday was sad, because we knew today was coming. I woke up yesterday, feeling that weepy feeling I get when it's time for us to say "goodbye".
Thursday was great, spending the day together, and watching movies, just relaxing and enjoying each other.
Friday, the tone was different. Hustling to pack, ridding up the house, getting ready to leave. Since Tam & Eric's flight was at 6 AM...we decided to head to Portland the day before. So after all the packing, around Noon, we headed North, to Portland. We checked into the hotel, and headed off to check out Powell's Bookstore. While it was out of our comfort zone.....we had a great time there, and Kristin & Ryan both found books they couldn't live without. Kristin bought a whole series, and has almost burned through one book already! We then headed a few blocks over to check out a toy store that was on the "must see" sights of Portland...but parking was horrible!! We came to an area where police were marking off the road. I looked down the street and saw we were almost to Pioneer Square, where the annual Christmas Tree lighting was to take place. No wonder it was packed!! We decided to head on out of Portland, back over near the airport, get some dinner, and let the kids go swim in the pool.
We spent a fun evening together, and after the pool, spa and showers, we all piled into one room to watch some TV, and visit some more before the dreaded bedtime. Since they were taking the 4:30 shuttle to the airport, we called it a night around 10:45.
At 4:15 this morning...we were all again back in Tam & Eric's room, giving teary eyed goodbyes....boy did this week fly by. There was so much we didn't do because of weather and schedules, but all in all, it was a great week...and spending time together is what it was all about anyway.
After the shuttle left...we all crawled back into bed, and slept until almost 9am! We headed down for Breakfast, the kids hit the pool while I packed up, and we were off by around 10:30ish. We hit the outlets on the way home, and then stopped for lunch. We arrived here about 3:00. It was a mopey day for all of us.
As I headed downstairs tonight to refill my water bottle...I found this: This note board was a huge game for Eric & Kristin. She had "Kristin loves Mom" on there when they arrived. Eric erased Mom and put Uncle Eric....Kristin would erase it, and put Mom back. It went on several times. Tonight when I went for water...I found this. UGH..heartbreaking. Guess we're all missing the Jenkins'.
Until next time....
We are missing you Tammy,Eric,Erica & Nick. We love you!
We are blessed beyond measure....especially this year, as my sister and family are here with us. It has been an incredible week, nothing much exciting, just blessed to be able to spend time together, laugh, enjoy the snow, enjoy the coast, enjoy the visiting.
Today was a "Kick Back" kind of day. While Tam & I puttered in the kitchen a lot, we still managed to have coffee, visit, eat, get a nap...it was a good morning and afternoon. The kids have enjoyed being downstairs in their own territory....playing WII together, just hanging out, and having fun. Instead of lunch...we had a veggie tray and some spinach dip....then it was off to nap land for an hour or so...probably more of the 'so'!! It's been great!! We had a Catch Phrase game in the livingroom before dinner....it was tons of fun, and so funny to hear them all giggle and laugh. We had dinner around 6, as our turkey wasn't frying as fast as it should....but turned out SOOOOO good!! We enjoyed turkey, potatoes (made skinny style...no one noticed!), gravy, sweet potatoes, spinach salad, Aunt Erma's pink stuff, green bean casserole, and rolls. Nick made us all laugh with how meticulous he is when buttering a roll...it has to have the RIGHT amount of butter, and all areas must be covered!!
Actually, in reflecting today, it's been wonderful. We are blessed with health, everything we need to meet our needs, great family, those that love us, but most importantly, Christ, who gave us purpose to live, and a reason to do what we do every day. Thank You Lord....for the gift of your son....and thank you that we know him!
Tuesday Night Movie.... You must be fashionable in Sweet Home to get the wood.... Devils Punchbowl near Otter Crest on the Oregon Coast....
We had a lazy morning at home...getting some things rid up...as 8 people in one house make a mess!! Everyone pitched in, and within a hour we were ready to head out to the coast.
Bill was late getting out of school...so we had lunch in Lebanon, and just as we were eating, he called and said he was on his way. We were pulling up to the light by the park & ride lot at the same time he was getting off the freeway....you can't get much better than that!!
We all piled in, and headed to the coast. We hit some slush on the highest hill on the way over, but other than that, it was a smooth and dry ride over, with even some sun breaks!! We arrived at the coast, and it was partly sunny, a little windy and very cold!
Devil's Punchbowl State Park Tam, Nick, Eric & Erica Bill, Kristin, Shawnna & Ryan Bill found a Fox Hat Whale Watching at the Whale Center in Depot Bay A pretty sunset in Depot Bay
We managed to spend some time at some pretty sites, hit downtown Depot Bay, the Whale Watching center, and round it out with a great dinner at Gracie's Sea Hag....with the BEST clam chowder ever! The kids were treated to a song on the bottles!
We had a great waitress that really made it fun for us. After our fill of clam chowder, we piled into the Suburban, headed toward Newport, grabbed peppermint mochas and peppermint hot chocolate at Starbucks and headed home.
We stopped at Walmart to pick up a few things for Thanksgiving, and headed home to settle in to watch a movie. Great day...great company.
Nick wanted to go to Michigan because of SNOW...but SNOW came to NICK!! It started last night with icy pellets, which froze....and then we got snow on top of it. Bill headed off to school without even looking at the school web site...and when he called to say buses probably would not be running, I checked Chemeketa's site, and it showed closed....so I called Bill back, and had him turn around. He made it less than 7 miles in 25 minutes. He turned around and made it back in about 20...it usually takes us less than 10. Sweet Home also called off school. Everyone gets to be home today...YAHOO!!All four kids were up by 7ish...waiting for Tam & Eric to get up so they could head into the trailer to get winter gear for everyone. They watched a movie until then...anxious to get outside. Once all bundled up...out they went, excited, giggling, laughing, and just having a great time. Bill aired up all the inner tubes...and off they went. Lots of fun...some great times, and LOTS of memories.
We are on trip three outside, and in between this last trip...the girls made each other up....MiMi style!! Fun times. Just enjoying each other, relaxing, and watching the snow as it is still falling...
My sister Tammy & her family arrived yesterday morning. We have been apart almost two years....way too long! The forecast was calling for rain, but we were blessed with sunshine as soon as we got to the airport. We had a nice sunny drive home, and then it clouded over. Oh well, we enjoyed what we got!
We spent the afternoon visiting, and also enjoyed a visit from Nate & Katie, along with my favorite girls...Allie and Audrie. We even got the kids to hang home with Audrie, while we adults went out for dinner.
This morning, we headed to church, then headed home to awesome omelets, with fresh eggs! While we were making lunch, it started to snow! We got the kids out on the porch for a picture, and before long, it was snowing so hard that Sweet Home disappeared!! It wasn't long before I was "WHAPPED" with a slushy snowball by my loving son, and much giggling followed! He's hoping for a snow day tomorrow...but I doubt that is going to happen!
Off for a short nap, and then kids to Youth Group. They had a great time tonight, and were blessed beyond measure. Nothing huge these last two days....just enjoying being together! Kids having a great time, and have staked out the familyroom/basement as their own territory!!
These last few weeks have been a blur. Weekends have been full, and of course weeks--we go from bedtime to work to dinner to bedtime to work to dinner to....you get the picture!! Several weeks ago, for part of Kristin's birthday gift, she requested a "Mommy-Daughter Day".....her goal was to get pedicures. SO...off we went for a day of shopping and pedicures. I must say, a pedicure was out of my comfort zone, but SO right down Kristin's alley. Thanks Tami for giving her a love of some girly stuff that I would have never shown her!! It was a great day, and even though some of the pretty has worn off, they still look pretty good!! Little girls get hands, feet and flowers for the same price as I got toes painted!! The soak and massage was great though! Trick Or Treat was productive for Kristin...and she feels so strongly about her candy, that it is kept under lock & key!! What else would you use a cash box for? Nice trays for sorting, and a hidden compartment below for 100 grand bars!! Certainly not her money....that is HIDDEN!!Kristin spent some time outside with her camera...she got some nice fall shots. I think we need to take her East to see some REAL fall colors...although, I the East is all done with color! Enjoy her slide show!!
We celebrated both kids birthdays today. Ryan will be FIFTEEN, yes 15 on Tuesday. Kristin turned 12 October 14. Where has the time gone? Seems like yesterday we were watching Sesame Street, reading Big Bird at Bat, playing with Ugly Baby and tripping over dinosaurs. We offered the kids a "family day" somewhere in lieu of a party, and they both said "NO, we like to see our "family" and our birthday is the only time we seem to do it"...so party we did. We had a great visit with our family, and although some were missing...we enjoyed a nice evening, complete with a kid fix for me!! Although I missed Jenny tonight, I did not have to fight for baby time. Grandma Kathy had her time today before they got here, so she was very willing to share :) Make sure to check out the slide show below!
Yes, it's not quite Halloween yet....but for those in business in small towns that are not open on Sunday, and/or those businesses that are not in operation on Sunday...Friday is the day to celebrate, and have some fun.The morning started off kind of "Punky"....Kristin had to give me the final approval before heading out the door. Being that I work in collections...our department was the Delinquent Loan Committee" and we had shirts made, and did wild things to our hair. Needless to say...this is the outcome for me!! The Credit Union that I work for goes all out...check out some of the pictures. It's a lot of fun, and its a day where all from every department pulls together.
Around 2:30, Kristin called. She was bummed because I was not there to help her with her Halloween Costume. Down Town Sweet Home does some great things for the kids for Halloween...making a safe environment for the kids to trick or treat. Ryan was taking her downtown, but she was feeling low. I guess after 11 years of having me home, it was a big change for her. She was feeling low and said " I just really miss you at times like this---and you have to be at your silly job". Long story short...I felt bummed. My friend and coworker Connie said "You should go...we're slow, we're covered, and it would be fun to be there". SO, I called my friend Dana, who was bringing a friend to my work so I could bring her to tonight's party...and we met early, and we were headed home after my gracious boss let me loose early.
We arrived in town just in enough time to catch up with Ryan & Kristin...who were just coming out of Key bank. The lady asked her what she was...and she said "A collector!" The lady said "A candy collector"...and Kristin (I can see her rolling her eyes, thinking a bank of all places should know what a COLLECTOR is!) said, NO, a money collector! Not sure too many kids dress up as a collector...but I can say I was proud!
We got about an hour or so of trick or treating in...and it was time to head home for Kristin's Birthday Slumber Party....9 girls and lots of giggling. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night!!
Its been a few weeks, and although things have been going on...I haven't had time to sit & blog. You know I'm busy when I don't get time to do my favorite thing! It seems since school started for Bill, that we've been going like crazy. We were blessed at the end of September to head to Seattle with some great people of our church family to a leadership conference. Wow...what an inspiring few days. A humbling experience as you learn that being a leader is first about serving others. Funny how we've been given that example some 2000 years ago....and we still don't get the idea! Being a servant is a humbling experience, but also so fulfilling and we have so much to learn to fill those shoes. I can't even explain the feeling of this two day conference. They were very full days...from 9am to 9pm, but the fullness of our hearts was incredible. Brett Williams led worship the first day...what a blessing...as I LOVE his music--plus, he's a pretty darn nice guy! We had fun, we were filled-- plus, we got away without the kids, and were blessed by Jenny being able to stay with them.
As we headed to Seattle on the way through Portland, we thought it would be great if we could track down Charlie. We were concerned about him not wanting to be tracked down, so we dropped the subject. On Tuesday night, just as we were heading back into the conference after dinner, guess who called? Charlie!! He was up for us meeting for lunch. It made the drive home have a nice break as we spent a few hours visiting, catching up, and feeling blessed that we got to "see" that he was OK. I know I'm not his Mom, but he will always be a part of our family.Bill returned to school and I to work. On Saturday, I opened up the chicken coop and found FIVE eggs!!! Our girls had been laying. We had given up! One got very proud, and tried to cover it so Kristin couldn't take it, but she was happy to give her another the day after. We've collected 10 so far, so think they are only laying every other day....but for us...it's working just fine.
This last weekend was a flurry of catching up after being gone the weekend before. Zorro...our 15 lb cat, had an altercation, and would not let me cut this altercation from his hair...SO...into the bath he went. He did not like it, and scaled the tub ledge, and then the shower door. SOOOOO funny!!
Thursday was a sad day. Bill arrived from school, and went to get the mail. He met our neighbor in the driveway, and they were chatting. Sadie, their dog, ran into our yard to play with Lexxi, and Lexxi, being afraid, ran fast the other way. The game was on...so Sadie took a path she has taken a million times...but this time she clipped too close to the water spigot and caught the loose skin under her front arm. This peeled her skin back like a shirt sleeve torn from the shoulder seam. Bill & Kyle both realized it was bad news, and tried to calm her. After getting her calmed and into the dog kennel...Rex & Kyle left for the vet, and Bill started fixing the pipe that snapped off when she hit it so hard. Kristin was able to turn the water off....and now the task was to fix the water.
Being this pipe was never buried very far, it froze several years ago and broke, again, gushing water all over the yard. Bill decided since the pipe was in a poor spot, and was not used very often, he decided to just cap off the run. I stopped on the way home and picked up the parts....only to get home and find Bill up by the pump shed....working on the pipe where it "T'd" from the main line. Being the pipe was so far in the ground down below, he decided to dig up where the T was, and cap it from the top side, so that we didn't need to worry about any more issues with it. Unfortunately, the threaded fitting was GLUED. So when he went to loosen, it broke instead of unscrewing....OH NO...our main line...broken! Back to the hardware store in town.
In the meantime, our neighbor called, asking what had happened, since she was meeting her kid and her Dad at the vet. They were unable to reattach the skin, due to the blood supply, and how serious it was. The options they were given were not ones that Sadie would have dealt with well. She was a good dog, and it was sad that she was only 10. Adele and the boys said Goodbye to Sadie, and came home with our empty Kennel. A very sad ending, and one none of us expected. Please keep Adelle and her family in prayer as they heal from the loss of a family member.
As we left the hardware store the second time, it was with a coupling that would fit the span of the hole where the old T was. Bill and Ryan worked on that coupling for over 2 hours and could not get it lined up. The pipe coming from the shed was rigid in cement, and the pipe heading down toward the side of the house was coming out of the ground at about a 30 degree angle....no amount of pulling and prodding could get that coupling lined up. We got it connected the best we could, so that we could turn the water on shower and flush toilets! Bill decided that he would think about it, and bounce some ideas off people and find a solution. We headed in about 10:30...showered and got an email from Nate.
Nate suggested we use PEX because it is more pliable. SO...on Friday after class, Bill got the parts...got a piece of PEX from Nate,and headed home to get the job done because we had a "date"! Upon getting home, and taking the coupling off, the pipe that ran down under the deck, under the cement slab, and next to the house PULLED OUT when Bill was cutting the old fitting off. OH NO! This means digging under the porch. This means taking the deck boards off the deck, cutting the supports, and the taking a sledge to the 4x3 foot section of concrete that he needed to get under. Once he had it all dug out, he looked at the fitting and this PVC had NEVER been glued in. NOW we know why the basement wall is always damp, and why our pump runs more than we thought it should. SO...with parts list in hand, I headed to home depot on the way home. Thankfully he was down to waiting for parts when I got home...but OH NO, I got the wrong size. SO..back to Hoy's hardware in Sweet Home to see what we could figure out. It turned out they had what we needed, so back home we went. Now mind you...we have (or should I say Bill & Ryan have) about 10 hours into this now. Bill gets it all hooked up--even though the PEX flexed....when we turned the water on, the stress from the pipe not mating (there is almost a 3 ft drop between the pipe at the house, and the pipe at the pump house) caused a leak around every pex fitting. We were again at a ucky spot. Just about that time Sherry called to tell us what time Bill needed to meet the guys in the morning. I mentioned our frustration and asked for prayer, and we prayed right on the spot. She prayed that Bill realized just what he needed to do. We hung up and Bill & I once again tried to figure out what to do...then it hit me. Why were we trying to go straight when we could use two 90's to do the job. Bill loved the idea and off to Home Depot we went AGAIN! We made it there, through Home Depot, gas and back again in 90 minutes!! WOW....Bill hooked it all up...we turned the water back on...darn, one leak. BUT at a fitting that could be tightened. Bill used some teflon tape, and retightened the fitting, and YAHOO...we are in business! We are leaving the deck open, and the hole open for a few days to check for leaks or problems. Everyone was ready for a shower...and by 10pm...we have water!
Well,the first thing you might notice (those of you on my mailing list for updates), is that I posted the church blog here instead of on the church post! OOPS...Good thing I looked....only sorry it was two hours later! I guess two hours is better than two days!
It's been a busy few weeks. (I'm beginning to wonder if there will ever be "SLOW" weeks!?!?) Ryan has settled into the school schedule, and is doing a great job at getting his homework finished, getting himself up for school, his lunch packed and making the bus on time. He's loving his teachers at school, and overall, I think its a great fit for him. Kristin is happy here at home. She is having a hard time getting back into school here at home, but think it will be better when Bill heads back to school on the 27th...and he has online classes, so they can "work" together!
Last weekend was full..... Friday night was rehearsal dinner for Robert & Lindsay's wedding. With my work schedule, we ended up there late, but enjoyed dinner with everyone. Jen & Brady came down for the weekend and it was SO good to catch up. It is always so long between visits. Jenny with a Kitty Tail Hair Extension! Saturday morning we enjoyed breakfast, coffee and some visiting with Jen & Brad before we had to take off for the wedding.
We made a stop at Creekside for the meat, and got pretty close the site of the wedding and got a call that we had to turn around and retrieve some forgotten items. I was worried about the kids being late for their stations and the meat not being ready...however, I was worried for nothing!
We arrived, all got to our posts (Kristin Guestbook--Ryan programs--Bill grill--Shawnna pictures) only to find out that the bride's dad was speeding out of the driveway.....someone forgot the rings! It was only later that the rings were found...on the premises, but then we had to wait for Dad to get back! Just as Dad arrived back...we discovered that the matron of honor had a horrible migraine and needed to go to the emergency room. As we all prayed for her to feel better, Lindsay's sister in law Pia, was able to fit into the dress and stand in for her. Finally, after an hour delay, the wedding started.
Only in the Country does the bride arrive on a GATOR!
It was a beautiful day, and the ceremony beautiful. Robert cleaned up really well (he looked great) and Lindsay was a beautiful bride, full of smiles all day. The food was great, and before we knew it, it was all winding down. Lots of pictures, and am in the process of sorting them all out...as I took over 700!We were to head to a birthday party for Brandon after the wedding, but with the late start of the wedding, and the time spent with pictures...we missed most of it, and with the 45 minute trip in, we would have gotten there in time to say goodbye to everyone! We headed home, Jen & Brady arrived, and we all had dinner together, followed by some more visiting, and a movie.
Sunday, we headed off to church...enjoyed service, and then said our goodbyes to Jen & Brady as they headed home. We headed home, and in doing so managed to get a 190.00 speeding ticket...just busy chatting with Bill & kids...nice sunny day...didn't set the cruise control! Expensive lesson.
Monday through Wednesday were just busy...work, school, and all those other things that make life busy. On Thursday, we had a potluck baby shower for Katie at work. She is due on September 30th, and there were many of us at work that just wanted to shower her with love for her and her new baby. It was none too soon, as at 6am, we get a post from Nate, that says "Katie's water broke at 5:18...." It was all I could do to get ready and go to work. You would have thought it was me having the baby I was so excited! I headed to work, and around 8:30, I saw a call from Nate..but missed it because I was on the phone with a member. Bill called a few minutes later and said he was heading to Eugene with Kristin because they could not reach Katie's Mom, and they weren't sure if they needed Bill to be with Audrie or take her home. As it worked out, Bill & Kristin hung out and when Katie's mom arrived, I met up with them on my lunch, and found that Katie was only at 4 CM...but having some heavy contractions. We all went for lunch in the cafeteria and let her rest, Bill & I headed back out, he to get Ryan, and me to work. We left Kristin at the hospital, as Katie's mom had some DR appointments, so Kristin could take Audrie out of the room if needed. Good thing we did...no sooner did I get back to work than I got a message from Kristin...Katie's at 9 1/2 cm....she was so excited to be there with them. It wasn't long until Kristin, Katie's mom and Audrie were sent from the room, and less than 25 minutes, Kristin was calling me and her message said" THE BABY IS OUT"!! After that call, it was all I could do to sit still....and my awesome boss came out and said "Get over there!" I was pretty much useless there anyway...as my heart was with this excitement of a new life, and another pretty little girl to spoil. Audrie will have to share, but there's enough of this "Aunt" to go around!!
I can't even explain what I saw in Kristin when I got there...it was pure exhilaration, pure awe, and she felt so blessed to be included. Nate invited her in right after Katie delivered, and although she was worried this would be family time, she like I would have been, really wanted to be there too. It was an incredible event for her to be a part of...one she will never forget!
The next thing I saw was the sweetest little baby ever. Katie, who looked like she had a rough day at work, rather than just delivered a baby...looked awesome..and poor Nate looked exhausted! Of course, as some of the girls at work said...how could Katie be anything but beautiful.
Nate & Katie, I don't think you know what a special gift it was for us to be there with you yesterday....one more bond in that wonderful friendship we have.
