Crombie Family Blog

Long Time...No Post

2011-02-17T07:00:00.001-08:00

Have not had time to post anything on here for a really long time.
For those I dont regularly see, talk to on the phone, or aren't on facebook...I got a job on January 13th. I am the Life Enrichment Director at a nearby Assisted Living Community. I really love my job, because the senior residents I get to work with are all so amazing, adorable, full of rich stories & advice. I am very grateful for my job HOWEVER the adjustment from being a FT Stay At Home Mama to a FT working outside the home mama has been a bit daunting. Everyone keeps reassuring me I will get into the swing of things, get a rhythm etc., but it has been a month and I just miss my kids so much. When I do get home from work, its busy with helping kids with homework, making dinner, and the unending chores. My house is a bit of a disaster right now. Hoping this weekend will afford me much time for cleaning, playing, and resting.

In the news...
Darla & papa enjoyed their 6th annual Daddy Daughter Dance this past weekend. They had a wonderful time OF COURSE.

Payton is doing well academically and has early release now. Been ordering lots of senior year / graduation items lately.

Elijah has been loving basketball....we just dont love having to drive him to Boring & Gresham for practice/games. Our silly local basketball club doesnt start up here until 3rd grade....thus we commute so he can pursue his #1 passion: BASKETBALL! He is very talented and once again is playing up - on a team of older boys. He is a point guard & hustles butt. So cute to watch.

Nolan is liking kindergarden so so. To be honest, and I hate to say it, but his teacher is boring in his opinion. For a kindy that can make a huge difference. He is looking forward to any time he doesnt have to go to schoo. He is constantly asking to go to work with me. So far, he has gone with me once & was a good little helper.

That's pretty much it - besides the fact that the snow has returned. Was kindof shifting gears into Spring mode but then suprise, snow! Its pretty & the roads arent bad - so Im enjoying it. Love to you all!

Special Gift

2011-01-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

Alan & I were bursting at the seams with joy when we received a very special Christmas present from one set of the grandparents.....professional photos of our pride & joys! Yep! Photos of our 4 beautiful kiddos! Thank you - you know who you are! We love ya!

Dreams Do Come True

2011-01-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

On December 5th, 2010 Darla Diane finally got to get her ears pierced. She was 10 years old and the basketball season ended the day before....so all was clear! Darla's best friend Tierra & her mama Debbie accompanied us. It was a great day!
To view the cute photo album - copy/paste this link into your browser:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=84264&id=1639255198&l=434185e40a

Our oldest is an adult now!

2011-01-04T16:36:00.001-08:00

Crombie Christmas

2011-01-04T16:29:00.001-08:00

Our family hopes you had a blessed Christmas & wish you a Happy New Year!

To view some photos from our Christmas traditions & memories this year...copy & paste this link into your browser:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=84565&id=1639255198&l=6f484ec217

Bargain Tips!!!

2010-12-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

1st of all....if you need to replace a printer cartridge you MUST visit this website. It is amazing!! Instead of paying $50 in a store for replacement printer ink cartridge I spent a total of $14.95 & it was delivered to my door!
www.printpal.com

Next Money Saving Tip:
Bed Bath & Beyond go shopping with a friend.... 1st one of you go up to register & buy cheap $1 hand sanitizer or whatever. They will give you a store coupon worth saving $10 off your purchase of $30 or more. Then you hand the coupon to your girlfriend to use as she purchases the rest of your combined items utilizing the discount. Also, this time of the year they offer complimentary gift wrapping. You may request gift wrap & ribbon for each item you purchase. They will just give it to you - use to wrap a variety of gifts. Free!

Craft Warehouse:
Often times this store has a newspaper ad that contains a coupon for 40% off 1 regularly priced item. 1 coupon per person per day. But they do allow you to use a 2nd coupon, for ex. $5 off a purchase of 19.99 or more. If you go with a couple friends you can get a couple items 40% off. They have a huge stack of their newspaper ads in the the store.

Toilet Paper:
Which is bigger - the double roll, the big roll, the bigger roll, etc.,? Avoid scams & marketing ploys....just read the packaging (ensure 2 ply) then look for total feet contained in the package. Sometimes for example a 9 pack of toilet paper of 500 feet of paper is way less expensive than a 12 pack of 320 feet of paper. The key is the feet!

Basketball Is Over...

2010-12-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Basketball is over for one child (Darla)...getting ready to start for another (Elijah-after Christmas vacation). Darla had an awesome season this year! Lead scorer in most games & earned the nickname bulldog after being pushed down during one of the 1st games - she definitely stepped up her agressiveness. Coach Suzy awarded her as Most Aggressive at the award ceremony. She was known to drive down the court with a bull dog expression & when on defense was known to just grab the ball away from the other team - causing a jump ball. Great time had by all! Alan got to Assistant Coach as much as his work schedule would allow. For a photo album of memorable moments see here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=78940&id=1639255198&l=0281355be2

Darla's Dream Came True

2010-12-06T17:19:00.001-08:00

My girls ears are pierced!

Her papa lowered the age requirement (thanks to much pleading from Darla & I) from 12yrs old to 10! Darla turned 10 in November but had to wait until after her last basketball game to get them pierced! Yesterday was the big day!! Darla, her best friend Tierra & her mama Debbie & I headed down to Gresham to Claire's & got them pierced. Her best friend actually got a 2nd piercing. Fun fun time! Darla is over the mooon happy! She is super excited that after the completing the required 6-8 wks of keeping the studs in she gets to wear "real" ear rings in time for the annual Daddy Daughter Dance in February.

Here is an online photo album of the special moment:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=84264&id=1639255198&l=434185e40a

Skip the fruit baskets, secret pal gifts....TRY THIS!!

2010-11-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea from my friend Wade, which I fully support & think is an awesome idea...

Instead of more plastic stuff to clutter up their home, or Hickory Farms samplers to clog up their arteries, what about making a nice card and giving it to your friend or family member for Christmas with a note that says you helped saved the life of a child, or two, or ten, in their name instead of buying them someth...ing that you know they didn't really need anyway?

2,000 CHILDREN DIE from Malaria every DAY.

$10 can save a life ... several lives in households where children and families share beds.

Seriously, who will stand and be counted with me on this?

http://www.biteback.net/

Check this video out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LftEavUydNk&feature=share

Darla & BFF Tierra on Youtube !!!

2010-11-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a 40 second snippet of Darla rockin' out at her Darla's Disco birthday party. Darla & her BFF Tierra are hilarious to watch!! PS Music is Justin Bieber...DUHHHH!!!

Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHXQtDGdM_I

Darla & Elijah's Birthday Party!!!

2010-11-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

Elijah's Blazer Birthday & Darla's Disco was a lot of fun yesterday!
To view their birthday photo album, copy & paste this link into your browser:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=81363&id=1639255198&l=1232c4febc.

Darla's Basketball: Team Hulkettes

2010-11-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Samantha & Darla...Coaches Daughters

Darla is really rockin' in basketball this year! Her best friend Tierra is as well. Both girls have improved so much since last season. They have played 2 games so far, and we look forward to all the rest of them this month. Season wraps up 1st week in December.

Copy this link into your browser to view a few snapshots:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=78940&id=1639255198&l=0281355be2

Frankenstein

2010-11-08T08:44:00.000-08:00

Elijah's Frankenstein took 2nd place at the annual costume contest at Welches Spook Alley. This has become a tradition with our family....we have never not had at least one of the kids win 1st or 2nd place every single year. Hilarious really!! Considering his costume was a hand-me-down suit from a cousin, a $2 goodwill shirt, $1 green tube of face paint, homemade shoulder pads, & $2 black hair spray - oh & mama's black eye pencil. Ta-dah! Easy!

Copy this link into your browser to view all our halloween fun:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80116&id=1639255198&l=3cc50e33f1

Memories are made of these....

2010-10-29T18:31:00.001-07:00

Today was the Harvest Festival at the kids school. They got to bring their costumes to school & change into them at 1pm in time for the school parade & festivities. Here is a link to my facebook album of moments i caught on film today at school:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80116&id=1639255198&l=3cc50e33f1

When you copy & paste the link into your browser - you will also get to see a copy of our November babies birthday invites. They were computer printed at home & embellished by hand, of course! (Its not fun & splashy enough for 2 of my 5 favorite days of the year if I dont. Pretty simplified parties this year - only got to invite 5 friends each, but it will be a good time & DD & Eli are grateful!

This weekend is busy with football games, halloween parties, good ol' Eagle Creek's Family Fun Night, Spook Alley & the annual costume contest (which I predict only 1 of the kids placing this year-no big deal), & of course trick or treating with our best friends & their kiddos. Have a safe & fun family weekend!!!

Kids Away-Parents Play

2010-10-25T00:44:00.000-07:00

I marinated steak, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, & cherry tomatoes for 5 hours & then assembled 40 some shishkabobs. Alan BBQ'd them up for me. I made rice, a couple appetizers, & 20 some jello shots. Ive never even had a jello shot. Sounds pretty immature college like behavior but yah its ok - no drinking & driving going on. I dont think the jello shots were intoxicating as much as they were filling. Mine were in these 10 oz plastic cups I had leftover from a bday party - so you had to eat them with a spoon. LOL! Had pineapple jello w/ coconut rum, orange jello with whipped cream flavored vodka, stawberry jello with spiced rum, and peace jello with whipped cream vodka.
We had Shawn Brewster & his girlfriend Dana Richardson over ....grew up with both of them since Grade School on up. Randy Johnson & his wife Kirsten, same deal grew up with Randy all my life....Kirsten didnt attend EHS with us all but its as if she did because she knows everyone in the town. Real sweetheart! Of course Danny & Jen Hopkins were there...no get together is complete without them. Lets see...Shawn & Kirsten had never sang karaoke before but we corrupted them & had them singing multiple times! It was great! Who knew Mr. Shy Randy was actually George Strait? I was so impressed. He swooned his wife with all sorts of oldies. Dana knew how to belt several songs out & was a ton of fun to be around! Danny & Alan did their traditional Willie Nelson & Toby Keith Duet....Danny & I butchered some oldies from our little era, and Jen brought down the house with the first rap song of the night. Fun times...lots of talking, eating, laughing, & catching up. Oh almost forgot the highlight of the evening was when I turned off all the lights & stood singing my "signature song" with the light of the tv karaoke screen illuminating my happy fat face :-) LOL - good times!

Here are a handful of cruddy quality photos taken from the video camera in poor lighting. Click on this link to my facebook album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79773&id=1639255198&l=e8b278a4f9

Mid October Already?

2010-10-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

Jeepers! I know we always say it but WOW time really does fly! It seems to go even faster the older we get, the older our kids are?!

Anyhoo....so flag football is wrapping up. It actually ended up being a cute sport. The boys have already been asking about tackle football for next fall....hoping they forget about that. Here is a link to the football album: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=78235&id=1639255198&l=160f7449b8

Our magnificent Senior in HS, Mr Payton James Hibberd, is on track with his grades. Im looking forward to conferences with his teachers on Monday. His Senior Portrait turned out handsome, not like that wasnt expected! This is NOT his Senior Portrait (we are not supposed to post his portrait yet, , , waiting) Other Payt News?? He's wanting to get his license but we are still shopping around for more affordable car insurance. Plan to finish my calling around by Tuesday. Our insurance company that we've had for 10+ years quote was more than double to add Payton! The Army really keeps pestering Payton...he did lookover their material for mental health specialist but with the active war going on . . . we're privately hoping he chooses community college for his Fall 2011 plans. So far MHCC sounds like his plan. HS Graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 3, 2011.

Also in the news this month....Mr Nolan Ricky lost his 1st baby tooth! Nolan loves kindergarden, and goes PT mornings Mon, Wed, Fri & all day on Tues & Thurs. He is looking forward to his 1st field trip to a pumpkin patch this week. His teacher says Nolan is a great student - a bit squiggly at times - very social - and well behaved. 1st time we've had one of the kids described as squiggly but yes the boy has been moving & squirming since birth. Our busy boy!!

Just wrapped up conferences with the kids teachers....all 3 of the youngens are doing fabulous.

Darla's teacher gushed about what "a good human being Darla is". She has been impressed with Darla's writings. I plan to take a photo of one of her poems, and also post one of her writings that the teacher chose to read aloud to the class. Other Darla news...her ringlets/curls have returned...thanks to the layers we had cut into her hair. She can shower & wake in the morning with quite a head of curls. She has enjoyed experimenting, including using a hair straighener/iron as well. Softball has ended - basketball has started & her papa is Assistant Coach (couldnt commit to Head Coach bcuz of work). We think Darla is gonna really rock & roll this season of basketball. Our DeeDee also just got new glasses, which her eyesight has improved. She only needs to wear them at school in class, and at home when doing homework/reading. Right now Darla is away at her best friends vacation cabin...she will return after staying 4 days...what a treat for her! Ive been dogsitting her lil' miss Lila, the chihuahua. :-(
Elijah Alan for the 1st time in his life has really started branching out. His life used to be 110% basketball. He actually has been mixing it up a bit...playing soccer at recess even! He has tried baseball, football, but is bummin' he was not allowed to play for our local basketball league on the 3rd/4th team. He is only in 2nd grade but runs circles around most of those kids. I have been lobbying the local club for 10 years now to offer basketball for the k-2 age group. We are one of only 3 in the Clackamas & Multnomah County school districts to not offer basketball to this group. All the other ball clubs say the k-2 is the 1st age bracket to fill up in fact, and they have the most teams for that age! So unless I get them to change their mind... we will continue to drive Elijah down to Gresham in the winter to play with their 3rd/4th team. Elijah is excited about his costume for halloween. I am anxious for halloween to be over with because I can cut his hair on 11/1. He has been growing it out for his costume. Its a suprise!!

As for Alan...working hard.....our bills, especially medical bills, have really caught up to us. Paying $50 a week for company van gas, the $2 hour "temporary" across the board pay cut that happened 2 years ago has really hurt us, BUT overtime has been reinstated. I desperately need to get a job! Just updated my resume yesterday! YEAH!! Poor Alan spent $35 for a new starter for his truck today but nope the darn thing still wont start. When it rains it pours I tell ya! We count our blessings! We thank God for having a home, our health, and all our amazing family & friends. It wouldnt hurt to have a little prayer for our family though. We are trying a new church out, and we really need prayer for wisdom regarding our finances right now. Thank you all & love to you all.

Hello October

2010-10-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

What do you have in store for us October 2010?

As for September you've looked like:
1. Fall Softball *continues 2 more weeks

2. Flag Football *continues 2 more weeks

3. Checking out a new church *again tomorrow
4. Eye Appts & new glasses * last of these appts Mon

5. Lots of dentist appts * 1 more appt for 2 kids

6. Researching Auto Insurance for teen driver * scary
7. Homework *ongoing
8. Housework * neverending
9. Hiking * more more more before the snow flies

10. Dieting * commitment

...On blueberry hill...

2010-09-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

Best Day of My Brothers Life

2010-09-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

My youngest brother Cory & his beautiful bride Ashley got married in Missoula, MT on Saturday the eleventh of September. Our family was blessed to be able to make the gorgeous road trip to witness the nuptials. Our daughter Darla & oldest son Payton were both honored to be in the wedding party as well.

Copy/paste this link into your browser to view Cory & Ashley's wedding photo album I put together.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=75625&id=1639255198&l=336a0b0cb9

Back 2 School Night

2010-09-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ice Cream Social....meet your new teachers & principal, etc.,

Here is a link to some pretty adorable photos of the kids (before Darla got her hair cut, by the way):

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65649&id=1639255198&l=0c5f6c9a79.

Beach Baby

2010-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

Copy Paste this link to your browser to view our family's photo album of our beach trip on Monday September 6, 2010 (Labor Day) to Lincoln City, Oregon:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=75158&id=1639255198&l=95a85d8a05

Payton's a SENIOR in High School

2010-09-08T17:30:00.001-07:00

Copy Paste this link into your browser to view the photo album of Payton's 1st day as a Senior in High School:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=75120&id=1639255198&l=f1f2748397

1st Day of School : For 3 Littles

2010-09-08T17:27:00.001-07:00

Nolan-Kindergarten Darla-4th Grade Elijah-2nd Grade

Click on this link or copy paste to your browser to view the photo album:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=75062&id=1639255198&l=9937185697

Nolan's 6th Birthday:

2010-09-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to the photos from his party:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65633&id=1639255198&l=183b65c13f

Busy with a capital B

2010-08-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Just so you all know....blog is going to be really boring, wish I could say like our life is but quite the opposite. I am the Co-Chair for our EHS 90 Reunion Committee and the big event is Aug 20-22, 2010. Until after the reunion I am pretty bunch swamped with work, husband & kids. So enjoy your summer! Hope to share some cute excerpts from vacation bible school videos soon. Smile!
If you want to check out what I have been so BUSY with this past year plus check out my reunion website: http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/res11d1r8/

John 15:5

2010-07-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

God is Love....

Got Love?

Ouch! Blonde Moment!

2010-07-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

In all seriousness, Darla is fine now . . . but that was a doozy of a sliver. Darla & her 2 sweet friends Tierra & Elayna were outside barefoot enjoying the summer sun when Darla stepped on a stick that decided to lodge a huge chunk into the side of her foot. It was too big for normal tweezers...so off to the ER we go. DR gave her a shot to numb the pain while attempting several times to remove the sliver. He finally got it by cutting it out of her foot. He treated her with an antibiotic & special iodine like medicine to prevent infection. Her friends were real sweeties worried about her & helping her into the clinic. Good friends!

Payton...Pizza....& more.,

2010-07-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Payton is spending some much needed R&R time with Grandpa Bob & Grandma Vickie this week. We met Grandpa in Estacada at our favorite pizza shop & enjoyed lunch before saying our goodbyes to Payt. Grandpa also let us borrow his fun game "washer toss" (similar to horse shoes). We love you guys! Thanks for all you do!

Lil' Miss Lila's 1st Bath

2010-07-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Darla saved $200 of her own money...and spent 4 years convincing her papa she was old enough to own a little doggy of her own. Nolan & Elijah each chipped in $50 & Lila Love Crombie has joined the family. She is a purebread registered chihuahua. Born on 4/29/10 to champion parents. Darla has hopes to show her & breed her once in the future...but present day hopes are to master housetraining. A lot of work - they have tiny bladders & must be taken outside at least every 30 minutes. We love her but this little girl who isnt even 3lbs yet is a lot of work. Here is Lila receiving her 1st bath:

Summer

2010-07-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

Judah & Kelley's Wedding

2010-07-12T16:11:00.001-07:00

The Groom: Judah, only son of Alan's oldest brother Dennis'.
The Bride: Kelley, the beautiful love of Judah's life the past 6 years.
The Wedding: Took place at Kelley's sisters gorgeous estate in the rolling countryside of East Gresham on a gorgeous warm sunny July weekend.

We consider ourselves so blessed to have witnessed the union of these two beloveds. They both love the Lord with all their heart, and their wedding was a good reminder to all us married guests of our own sacred vows. Thank you Judah & Kelley for sharing your amazing wedding with all of us. We love you!
Copy & paste this link into your browser to view the entire photo album: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57485&id=1639255198&l=b36223a6ec

Jen Copy Them From Here

2010-07-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

just click on pic to enlarge -
then right click & left click on "save as"
then save to your pc

My Baby's Behind The Wheel

2010-07-05T14:58:00.003-07:00

Im pretty sure this is my least favorite aspect so far of motherhood...helping our son learn to drive...realizing soon he will be out on his own. Statistics for teen involved accidents are so scary & were very well communicated to us parents at the Drivers Ed Info Meeting.

Happy 4th Of July

2010-07-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

227 years ago...on July 4th, 1776
This great nation, the United States of America,
In a struggle for what was right and free,
Was proudly born...
May we celebrate that precious freedom
For which our forbears fought so bravely...
The freedom that is inherent
In the Stars and Stripes, our revered flag...
Celebrate Freedom
This Fourth of July!

For You Papa

2010-06-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Kids CA Vacation

2010-06-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

Grandma Lori spontaneously invited to bring all 4 of our kids to her CA home last weekend. She will be bring them home this coming weekend. They will have been gone
a total of 8 days...which is a LONG time for us, considering theyve never been away longer than a weekend in the past.

The kids are having an awesome time. Darla loved sharing today how she can dive off Grandma's diving board now. Elijah is over the moon about the new trailblazer colored shoes & basketball shirt his grandparents got him. Payton is looking forward to spending the night at his Aunt Lena's tonight...a getaway from his younger siblings no doubt. Elijah couldnt believe how "huge" his teenage cousin Lennon has become. Darla is in love with the adorable 2 year old cousin Drevin, and wants to bring him home with her. lol

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Garber for having the kids for such a special & memorable trip!! So special & generous of you.

I am my kids mother!

2010-06-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

As DR Laura always says "I am my kids mother!"

I will always be their mama, regardless of their age. They know I am here for them for always. I thank the Lord my babies feel comfortable talking to me about anything & everything. We are so blessed to have Payton, Darla, Elijah, & Nolan entrusted to our care.

I look forward to spending my life encouraging & supporting my children. I smile thinking about the future dinners we will someday get to share with our adult children & their families. All the new memories with our growing family excite me to no end! The thought of babysitting our grandbabies, ensuring mama & papa get plenty of alone time nurturing their marriage, thrills me! I no doubt will giggle with delight to make my kids wedding anniversary cards-what a grand accomplishment in todays world, will never forget a birthday-afterall they are my most favorite days of the year, attend school functions, come over & help fold laundry, or whatever my kids would appreciate. I know a lot of women a generation ahead of me might be laughing at me. They are probably sighing "You just wait Amy...you will be busy with another phase of life... tired and too busy to do all these things you dream of above." And true as it may be for many.... I will defy the odds because "I am my kids mother!" They are my life and my interest in their lives doesn't decrease when they turn 18 & move away. I do, however, look forward to doing a little bit less laundry & less driving them to & fro.

Nolan's Graduation

2010-06-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

Our Lil' Shrimp

2010-05-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Nolan goes back to eating his shrimp, which he LOVES!

10 Year Wedding Anniversary....

2010-05-24T00:36:00.000-07:00

So what did we do, to celebrate?! Grandpa & Grandma offered to keep the kids for the weekend but we decided to make it a family day....

"Fierce" Takes 3rd Place

2010-05-22T14:11:00.001-07:00

Darla's 2nd year playing softball. This was a recent tournament she attended.

Humorous moments thus far:

"Mom there is a rotation & all of us HAVE TO pitch at one point! I dont want to pitch! Im horrible! I wind my arm round & round & throw it & it lands right here!" (pointing at the ground right at her feet)

One of my many pep talks alone with Darla on a way to a game....we decided she is too nice. She needs to get more vicious, aggressive, & wanting to win. So we decided her name at that game wasnt Darla but it was Rita! Anytime she was on the field looking a bit relaxed or semi-timid Id shout "Let's go RITA!" And she immediately took the aggressive stance.

Nolan's Big Day!!!

2010-05-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

For Kally...because I dont think...

2010-05-17T17:39:00.001-07:00

she's ever heard me sing....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6xKBN2LfqQ

Play Ball!

2010-05-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

5 reasons I smile daily

2010-04-30T15:31:00.001-07:00

my first born...the love of my life, Payton best daughter & husband in the world Darla & Alan
blessed beyond, basketball boy, son Elijah our loving baby who keeps us laughing Nolan

Boom Chaka Laka!!

2010-04-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Elijah joins the Blazers!!!

Team "Fierce 14"

2010-04-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Darla's softball team just had their 1st game last night. The rain held off, which was a blessing. Game 1: WIN!!!

14 girls makes for a big team. Darla played left field & catcher....had a good hit...stole 2nd base....good game!

Beverly Lewis...Have u ever read any of hers?

2010-04-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Tea Party

2010-04-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

Duchess Darla of Twinberry & La La Lady Tierra of Sleepy Hollow co-hosted a High Tea! Fun was had by all. A total of 18 of Hoodlands Royalty attended. Guest List:
The Lady Samantha of Brightwood
Royal Countess Kennedy of Windswept
Darling Duchess Tegan of LoloPass
Countess Carissa of Twinberry
Viscountess McKenna of The Village
The Lady Elayna of Snowdon
Duchess Darla of Twinberry
The Lady Mayra of Welches
The Lady Madison of Lolo Pass
Countess Taylor of Lolo Pass
Countess Kyra of Brightwood
Duchess Keturah of Brightwood
The Lady Lexi of Sandy
La La Lady Tierra of Sleepy Hollow
Duchess Sage of Fairway
The Lady Kiana of Brightwood
Viscountess Karissa of Brightwood
Duchess Jenny of Welches

Below: PINKY UP!!

Below: Kennedy initiating a toast in honor of the hostess' & even the servants!

Below: My dear friend Debbie shown here wearing a Royal Servants apron, tea towel, & tray. Debbie, Roxanne & I were kept nonstop busy by the distinguished guests who would summon us with a loud bell.

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T15:00:00.001-07:00

Saturday Before Easter:
1. Woke up to white snow outside!
2. Worked on the baseball fields for 2 hours.
3. Easter Egg Hunt at Resort At The Mountain for the 1st time.
4. Out to lunch with Darla & her friend Samantha.
5. Whole family went out to Pa & Kris's for a nice ham dinner, lots of laughs & memories in the making!
6. Got home around 8:30 and started coloring our eggs.

Easter Sunday
1. Kids woke us super early as always
2. Easter egg hunt outside...which was neat because the new neighbor kids were hunting at the same time.
3. Got ready for church....everyone looked so schnazzy & dressed up. Forgot to take a pic tho.
4. Great msg at church & saw some new faces, which was a blessing!
5. Went out to eat a very non traditional Easter Feast including sushi.
6. Grey windy day...several of us still not feeling 100%...body aches, chills, cough

Duchess Darla...

2010-04-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

...is hosting a High Tea on Sunday April 11th at 2pm. There are 16 girls (including Duchess', Countess', Lady, Viscountess, etc.,) that are attending. All the males of Twinberry will be in Estacada for the afternoon, leaving us ladies to partake in tea & delights. Debbie, Roxanne & I will be the Royal Servants. The distinguished guests even have a bell to summon us with. I am sewing unique aprons for us 3 servants. It should be a lot of fun. Between us 3 servants we have just enough tea sets. I will be making for the 1st time adorable petit fours.
Ive been busy assembling handmade little goody bags for the guests....they contain a cute wedding style thing of bubbles - a fluffy assorted colors mama chicken & baby, 3 bracelets, & a candy. Each goody bag cost no more than a dollar. Yep - Im thrrrrrrrifty! Each guest will be bringing her favorite finger food to share.
I am also making each royal guest a fancy cocktail ring made out of pipe cleaners (thank you Martha Stewart for the idea):

Rain drops drippin' down his nose....

2010-04-02T22:24:00.001-07:00

doesnt even turn this boy away from his love of the game! Rain, snow, or shine he wants to play basketball. Click on the photo to see the actual rain drops all over my boy!

Taco Soup: It's What's For Dinner

2010-04-02T22:21:00.001-07:00

3rd time Ive made this recipe, thanks to my friend Debbie.... no 2 times are the same though. This rendition had fresh zuccini sliced & put in. The whole family loves this soup....AND they get full with one helping! :-) Nice for the budget.

Too Busy To Blog Lately

2010-04-01T13:55:00.001-07:00

Lots has been happening....
I recently applied to become a participant on The Biggest Loser, a weightloss show. It involved standing literally for 11 straight hours for a 36 second audition with a group of 14 other overweight hopefuls outside the Portland Convention Center pictured below: By the way it was pouring down rain & windy & cold. I was smart & brought an umbrella but dumb & forgot my coat.

Also consuming a lot of my time, besides the normal child rearing & housekeeping... is our Big 20th H.S. Reunion coming up this summer. I just finished stuffing the hundreds of envelopes.....they are all filled with the cute handmade invitations.
I can see an opportunity for a little bit of rest (pause between projects) in the near future. Yeah!
Darla has started her 2nd year of softball & Elijah is beginning baseball for the 1st time next week. We will basically be living at ball fields until mid June. Bring on the better weather. It was snowing today!

For My Cousin Josh

2010-03-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Josh is a year older than I yet has lived so many more years than I, especially when it comes to heartache. His dad passed away when he was a toddler, his mom when he was around 20, and shortly after that his brother tragically died. To be honest I cant tell ya where I would be if I were him. I love him. He is as perfect as you or I. Can use prayer like you and I. And I wish him every joy & happiness possible. I made this little video slide show with the very small collection of photos Josh owns of his family. It is my hope that my Aunts, Uncles, and other cousins might be able to scan copies of photos they may have & email them to me. I would like to add them to this video collection for Josh. Thank you & God Bless!

A Short Video I made...

2010-03-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

My Lil' Monkey....

2010-03-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Darla was hanging off the side of her brothers bunk bed (the footboard area) with her feet all the way up by her hands on the ledge....the part of the bed she was hanging from broke & she came crashing to the floor. Banged up her back, ribs, & bruised/cut up her right arm. Praise God no broken bones! Scared the life out of me.

She had her 1st softball practice of the season tonight....she was wearing a sling so did very little but hopes to be able to fully participate come Thursday evening. She was feeling well enough to draw this picture tho (psst...I almost didnt notice the spelling error):

March Madness

2010-03-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

2 days ago we had gorgeous sunshine...daffodils & tulips in bloom....totally Spring Weather! Now SUPRISE.... Winter did decide to show up in Welches. Basketball winding down this week & baseball/softball starting up soon....so of course now the snow is going to dump on the ball fields. Of course! :-)

Crombie's Country Kitchen

2010-03-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

The kids enjoyed serving the adults, Alan, Payton, Aunt Linda, Uncle Dave & myself. Menu: Chicken -n- Dumplings, green grapes, tossed salad, Shirley Temples, & 7 Layer Bars.

Mini Vacation

2010-03-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Kids Weekend Getaway : Grandparents in Estacada

Alan & I Traveled To : Alan's folks home near Seattle

One of the 1st items on our itinerary once we arrived, was to watch Alan's cousin Brian & his band "Just Dirt" perform Friday night. However Alan got off work way too late on Friday, which his Boss apologized for. We were dissapointed but plan to check them out next time we are up North. So Alan & I decide to set off on our getaway early Saturday morning.
Nice road trip up North with my man.
$4.25 for my 20 oz. quad hazelnut latte' with skim milk.
$4.50 for Alan's 20 oz. triple "real" caramel mocha with whip.
$75 to fill my Excursions empty gas tank & we're off.
3 hours later arrive to Alan's dads home.

1st thing we notice is the fine job Alan's dad did on adding a bay window to their cute lil' house. Dad & Elain are ready when we get there to go eat. . . . and introduce us to Muckleshoot Casino "up the hill" from their home. Now unless you count me walking into Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City & walking immediately out as a casino experience... I have never been. My only memory of Chinook Winds was overpowering cigarette smoke & feeling nauseated. I had been encouraged by friends who said "State of Washington is no smoking in public buildings"....BUT they were wrong....even Muckleshoot had a smoking section which we had to walk thru in order to get to the dining room or the the nonsmoking portion of the casino. Freshly washed hair = cigarette smoke saturation, yuck! Ahh well.

1st we eat, and boy did we! Roast Pig but I did not have any of it...just thought my kids would be tripped out by this photo. I did however partake in huge chunks of fresh pineapple, plump strawberries, salad greens, lots of tomatoes, smoked salmon, a crab cake, a couple bites of prime rib, and lots of crab legs.
After we stuffed our faces we went & gambled. Now I was only willing to blow $5. Alan planned to play with $20. Dad & Elain boogied off to their favorite machines. It was so obvious I didnt know what I was doing. I was the only one who kept hollaring "Where are the intstructions?" "How do I turn the volume down" "This machine wont take my ticket" etc. Well I finally learned if I increased my bet, instead of betting a penny at a time, it increased my odds of winning. I played for a good hour & cashed out at $25, netting a profit of $20. Alan was at $75 and his frugal penny pincher wife kept chanting "Cash out!" But he ignored my advice & said "I will cash out at $50" and continued to play. When he was done he netted a $25 profit. After an hour or so of gambling the 4 of us decided to head back to their house but I wanted to take a couple of photos of my casino experience. I was able to capture this single picture of the casino before security rushed over to me "MA'AM! MA'AM! STOP! You are not allowed to take pictures MA'AM!" Apparently, I could have been accused of casing the place out to perform some heist?! Ooops! Once we were back at their place....Alan enjoyed lots of father son time...watching bowling...talking...listening to music....lots of laughing. I enjoyed getting to know Alan's stepmom Elain better & was happy to meet 2 of her kids Corena & DJ. Sunday morning came...Alan & I decided to go venture out, have breakfast, & go see the sights.
We were on a mission to go see Lake Tapps, but had bad directions & finally gave up. Another: "Next time!" "Mt Rainier from Lake Tapps" Alan's maternal grandparents lived in a cabin on this lake & it has been passed down thru the family over the years. I had looked forward to seeing this all. We head back & visit with the folks some more & finally pack it up to return home to Oregon & our kiddos. It was a nice mini vacation! We plan to take the kids next time & visit Seattle's Space Needle. Thank you to Dad & Elain for being such gracious hosts!

Darla - Welches Student of The Month

2010-03-01T16:02:00.000-08:00

The Sandy newspaper referring to her as Student of The Week but only because they are a weekly paper. Darla is very honored to have been selected & was so happy to read what her teacher had to say about her.

D is for Drama

2010-02-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

A lot of people dont believe me but type the word "Darla" in a microsoft document, use spell check, and it suggests "Do you mean DRAMA?"

Well here is our Miss Drama, I mean, Darla at 4 years old. She was in preschool at the time and she was very upset & disgusted! The story goes like this:

Darla: "MOM! I cant believe it! This boy at school...MOM! This boy touched me..."
Mama: "What? A boy touched you at school?"
Darla: "Yes MOM! He touched me. (pause, upset swallow, roll of eyeballs) Yes he touched me!"
Mama: "Where did he touch you Darla?" Darla: "Mom he touched....he touched my ... (Im fearing the worst here)... he touched MY SHOE!" (She said with so much disgust like - the nerve!)
I laughed so hard and still dont know how I was being able to photograph this as she is telling the story.

Our Wannabe-Brandon Roy

2010-02-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

Fast as the team name "Lightening"...

Elijah on right preparing for tip-off.

And here they are the undefeated 2nd grade team....our 1st Grader Elijah bottom right.

Alan & I grew up with Elijah's coach, Kenny Barden! He is a terrific coach!

Nolan's Acting Class

2010-02-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

Nolan enjoys all sports like his siblings, but because of his recently diagnosed heart murmur we have opted to keep him on the more mellow side of activities until more tests are completed. With that said, his older siblings are all active in an extra curriculur so we offered Nolan the Sandy Community Recreation Guide. Together we broused the options. At first he was convinced he wanted to take dance, which has always been an interest of his. Everything from break dancing to ballet (despite Alan's dissaproval). He has insane balance & I know would soar in a gymnastics type lesson. Once I read the class description for Acting though, he very enthusiastically changed his mind. Acting became his 1st choice! He has only been to one class so far, and absolutely loved it! There are only 6 kids in the class. Unfortunately one of the boys was horribly behaved. Nonstop tantrums if he wasnt 1st or got his way. His mother did nothing until close to the end of the class. It was very irritating, but the teacher promised all the other parents if that student has issues this next class she will promptly ask the mom to remove him until he is able to participate.

Family Hike #1 - 2010

2010-02-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

And we're off! Cute shot of the family hiking the flat part of the trail. Slight break to take in the sights! Teensy weensy melt down .... he likes Wildwood Park a lot more because it has a basketball court! Oldest & youngest son!
Nolan Ricky & Papa Beautiful Mt Hood The forest for the trees. Darla & I "cross country skiing" with our walking sticks. Follow the leader.

1st Time For Everything

2010-02-08T23:37:00.001-08:00

Friday evening we were treated to an evening of bowling by my mama who was up from CA. It was Darla, Elijah & Nolan's 1st time bowling.

Elijah was stubborn & insisted on learning his own way. Just like all sports & new interests he was very serious about the matter.

Nolan was excited & happy. He ended up being quite good. All the kids loved bowling!

Oldest son Payton was hilarious . . . . complete 50/50 split. Either he would get a strike or full on gutter ball. No in between. Alan & his pointy toe professional bowling posture led to a decent score...and was hilarious to watch.

Darla brought along her best friend Tierra & the two had just as much fun bowling as they did giggling & chatting I think.

Cousin Josh also joined us & had a blast as well. Made my heart super happy to watch it all.

1st experience with bowling alley food & its pretty funny.... less expensive than say a movie theatre but not by much!

Also got to enjoy being gabby & talking my mom's cousin Shelly's ear off. Wonderful evening - thank you Ma!!!

5 Year Olds & Their Money

2010-02-08T02:29:00.000-08:00

Nolan & his friend friend Kiana at church yesterday:

Kiana: I like to spend my quarters at Sean's store.
Nolan: I like to spend my quarters at ANY store.

Eli #6

2010-02-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

Elijah #6 pale green shirt, black shorts w/ red stripe down sides. Our 1st grader easily holding his own with these older 2nd graders. For his relentless love of the game we drive him from Welches to Troutdale every Saturday so he can pursue his gift & passion. Coach Barden describes Elijah as having "natural talent".

Dancing the Night Away....2010

2010-02-06T21:02:00.000-08:00

Click on the photo to view larger size.

Team Lightning!!!

2010-02-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

Games are every Saturday.....he would love to have you come support him!

Annual Darla ~ Grandma Vickie Weekend

2010-02-01T16:33:00.001-08:00

1. Overnight bag packed
2. Darla's puppy Holiday packed
3. Got to meet lots of people at Grandma's Work
4. Enjoyed good conversation with Grandma
5. Was treated to her FAV restaurant Olive Garden
6. Loved playing with Grandma & Grandpa's dog Kacey
7. Enjoyed watching Holiday & Kacey interact, or lack thereof
8. Took Kacey to vet for trim & shots 9. Yummy cherry milkshake
10.Did more fun sewing with Grandma
11.Another amazing homemade breakfast by Grandpa
12.Lots of hugs & laughing
13.Annoying cough, but Grandma babied her
14.The annual manicure at the spa with Grandma "pretty red with petite white flowers adorned with diamonds"
(matches her daddy daughter dance dress for next weekend)
15.Darla didnt have to sit on Grandma's lap while driving the golf cart this time. She was quite proud of this & how she managed corners even!
16.Blessed big time with lots of loving Grandparents!

January 25th....Grandma Jo's Birthday

2010-01-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

Grandma Jo (Joann) passed away a couple years ago, after suffering a stroke. It was very sad to see her go but I do find comfort knowing one day I will be reunited with all loved ones who passed on before I up in Heaven. Love you Grandma Jo, and as my kids called her Grandma Grape (Great).

Daddy Daughter Tradition

2010-01-25T02:03:00.001-08:00

2007. . . Darla & her Papa exchanging small gifts before leaving for their 1st annual Daddy Daughter Dance & Dinner. Our cute 6 year old girl insisted on wearing pink gloves.

2008 . . . Darla enjoyed wearing her flower girl dress from her Aunt Kally's wedding.

2009 . . . Papa was a bit late getting home from work that year but they still got to enjoy a couple hours of dancing & dining.

2010 Daddy Daughter Dance is coming up in less than 2 weeks and they are both very excited. They have been practicing their dances in front of the family several times a week. May post video of this soon.

Marx Brothers

2010-01-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

Leave 5 & 7 year old brothers alone in the "craft room" and wah-lah! These Marx Brothers boys of mine are not only creative by fashioning their facial hair by repurposing halloween foam stickers (lil' batts & skull bones)but super frugal at that! I get the credit for those traits, but the dorky part 100% their papa's doing. Promise!

Lower Hoops Division

2010-01-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

Elijah in red:

Basketball is Elijah's life! He has had 2 practices so far, and his Coach Curtis finally had to ask me why we are not moving him up - playing him up a level?! I didnt know this was an option for a 1st grader. Coach explained how Elijah isnt challenged at all at this level, and we really should move him up. So Tuesday 1st grade Elijah will be joining the 2nd graders to see if he is comfortable. If so, he will be on that team. Elijah is really excited!

"Lower Hoops Division" is for K-1. Here is one more last pic of him with part of this team before joining the "big guys".

Give The Boy A Banana Split!

2010-01-19T02:33:00.000-08:00

Nolan brought home his very 1st Report Card this past week! To celebrate his achievements he was treated to a humungous Dairy Queen banana split! He was certain he would be able to finish it all before his siblings got off the school bus but he could not. He was stuffed full so shared with some happy-to-help kids.

Darla's 2nd Trophey!

2010-01-19T02:19:00.000-08:00

Awesome Coach Suzy & Assistant Coach Molly treated Team Razmatazz to cookies & cocoa a week ago.
These 3rd/4th grade girls worked their buns off. Never won a game this season but improved & enjoyed themselves! A number of them had never even dribbled a ball prior to joining the team...so the Coaches had their work cut out for them. It was a joy to watch them all grow!

Hi...my name's Amy & I turn 38 today!

2010-01-11T01:07:00.000-08:00

Oldest Son Turns 17

2010-01-07T15:36:00.001-08:00

Son of simple desires.
Mama had tons of creative ideas, but no thanks said Payton.
What DID he agree to do to celebrate turning 17?
1. Slept in half the day
2. Shopping with Mom
3. Checked out IKEA for 1st time
4. Bought him Queen Bed Frame & Headset Microphone
5. Dinner at Changs Mongolian Grill
6. Homemade Birthday Dinner the next night
(His fav steak stroganoff & 7 layer bars for dessert - oh & chocolate peanut butter ice cream his other favorite)

Mom...You Look Scary!

2010-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Motorcycle Man

2010-01-02T09:36:00.001-08:00

Year after year Nolan's Christmas List is simple... 1. DIRT BIKE
Problem is we have never been able to afford one & we also arent setup to have our kids buzzing around our quarter acre on a dirt bike. Solution??? Hmmm....what can it be? Nolan not peeking... The boys dreams come true...an electric mini chopper! But he calls it a dirt bike. Happy Boy! Will post video of him riding it soon.

Little Drummer Boy

2010-01-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the generosity of a boy named Trevor....we were able to make Elijahs Christmas Wish come true .... for a REAL drumset! Elijah had already tore thru the inexpensive kid sized 1st Act set a couple years back. You can tell he is quite thrilled at the size of his present...hoping it's drums??? "Awesome!!!", he squeels!
And our boy wastes no time rockin' out!!!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-02T08:57:00.001-08:00

Tradition in our home, late on Christmas Eve night when we return from the Hibberds...the kids open their new PJ's & put them on! Christmas Morning has arrived! Brotherly Love The 2 oldest arrive....1 awake....1 not so much (yet) Payton opening a present....eyes beginning to open now.
Darla apparently happy with the dress & her 1st pair of "REAL" high-heels (the heels even light up & sparkle as she dances)

Christmas Eve ~ Hibberds

2009-12-28T14:04:00.001-08:00

Our new tradition for at least 3 years, since my Grandma Jo passed, is to spend Christmas Eve with Grandma Vickie & Grandpa Bob. It is one of our favorite memories during the holidays. We always do a low-key appetizer potluck and a gift exchange. The kids love driving the golf cart thru the neighborhood & check out Christmas Lights. One of Grandpa Bob's gifts was a talking fly swatter. I feel bad for Grandma Vickie because for some reason....we are always drawn to fun loud gifts for our fun grandpa. I joked this year about how some grandparents get their grandkids the loud noisemaker gifts but its the other way around with us...we get the grandpa those.

This year Grandma Vickie made beautiful quilts for each of the kids. She customized each one special for each grandchild. She is an amzing woman! The kids LOVE their quilts. All 4 of the kids snuggled with their blankies on the long car ride home, and the special quilts accompanied the kids to the Tree Christmas morning.

Grateful. . .

2009-12-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

. . . to be loved by God.
. . . for knowing & loving the Lord.
. . . I am forgiven when I fall short.
. . . I am granted the grace to try again.
. . . for my husband, Alan.
. . . for our four amazing children.
. . . for Alan's job, allowing him to provide.
. . . for my loved ones good health.
. . . for the roof over our head & heat.
. . . for food & water.
. . . for our Church Family
. . . for our community we call home.
. . . for having the ability to love everyone.
. . . for my continual progress on not holding grudges.
. . . for the power of prayer.

Nolan's Very 1st Christmas Program

2009-12-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

Three of our kids went to the same preschool. It is the BEST! All 3 of the kids sang this memorable song as well:
"I built a little snowman. It had a carrot nose. Along came a bunny, and what do you suppose? That hungry little bunny was looking for some lunch. Ate my snowmans carrot nose. Nibble. Nibble. Crunch!!!"

Darla & Elijah's Christmas Play

2009-12-19T20:16:00.001-08:00

Most all the other boys had to wear paper vests to be in character but Elijah borrowed this black vest from his sister...shhhhh...noone knew he had me remove the pink tag on the inside.
Darla forgot her pinnafore & bonnet in her backpack in her classroom thus the plain apparel. Ahh well. Nolan & I enjoyed the school's Christmas Program. He even got to play with his friend Jeremiah while we were there.

O Christmas Tree...

2009-12-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

We Wuv Wu Gwamma Pam!!!

2009-12-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Gramma Pam! We love you!
Love, Payton, Nolan, Darla & Elijah
Candy coated apples.
Caramel covered corn.
Across the miles from Gramma.
New tradition has been born.

The kids love to speculate
what the brown box holds each year.
Always something delectible
Gramma Pam is such a dear.

As proud mama to your grandchildren
writes this heartfelt thanks to you,
Chocolate outlined smiles lovingly
dance -n- play with bubble wrap too!

(Ok Payton let the little ones have
the giant bubble wrap...he headed to his
room with the extra treats & rejoined his
online computer game, lol)

December 13 is special

2009-12-14T10:39:00.000-08:00

because of this great lady . . . .
Grandma Vickie Hibberd!
Featured in the photo below is Grandpa
Bob & Grandma Vickie holding their 1st
born grandchild, our Payton James.
Notice: my fine puke green colored couch,
ahhh young families & their 1st furnishings.
lol

Ouch Instead of Awwwwwww......

2009-12-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to be at a huge wedding this evening for my beautiful cousin Sara:

BUT INSTEAD.....at home nursing a 2nd degree burn. This photo isnt really applicable now. It looks WAY worst. I am too squeemish to describe.

Momentary Mellow

2009-12-05T23:53:00.000-08:00

I was able to make 3 uninterrupted phone calls the other morning & quickly became worried something was wrong with Nolan. Then I found him & Sunshine on the couch:

Rare moment when Nolan isnt audibly doing something active.

UGGY wreathe......

2009-12-05T23:50:00.000-08:00

You cant see the red berries on the bottom & it looks all lop sided .... because it is. It isnt a masterpiece or grand but its a start. My very 1st & I did it totally wrong but its ok. The greens & berries are from our own property & the wire base from Goodwill for $3. So I saved the family $12 this year instead of buying from the neighbor kid.

Living Nativity at Church On The Mountain

2009-12-05T23:41:00.000-08:00

Very cold evening of Friday December 4th:
Darla & her youngest brother Nolan Ricky ..... look closely & you can see the remnance of a Rudolph Nose on the boy from earlier in the day fun.

Elijah who has made it clear he wants to be in the church choir next year as well.

Darla was a bit nervous to discover she started the performance with her solo.

Then she realized this isnt for me - this is for God . . . . He will be pleased!

Made To Worship lyrics
(Darla's solo)
Before the day
Before the light
Before the world revolved around the sun
God on high
Stepped down into time
And wrote the story of His love for everyone

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

(Entire Choir)
You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender
When you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be

All we are
And all we have
Is all a gift from God that we receive
Brought to life
We open up our eyes
To see the majesty and glory of the King

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

Even the rocks cry out
Even the heavens shout
At the sound of His Holy name
So let every voice sing out
Let every knee bow down
He is worthy of all our praise

Nativity Breakfast With Nolan

2009-12-05T22:57:00.001-08:00

When: Friday December 4th
Hosts: Nolan's Christian Preschool
Who: Me & My Boy

Yummy blackberry syrup drizzled on melt in your mouth pancakes (why dont mind ever turn out like that?), sausage & orange juice.Crafts, facepainting, & Nolan getting to hang with his awesome teachers & friends.

RIP CITY

2009-11-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

Friday November 27th . . . Grandpa Ricky & Grandma Kris were not going to be picking Darla & Elijah up until 4pm but the kids were up & dressed in their Blazer gear by 8:30am. It was one looooooong day of waiting for these to basketball fans!

Grandparents Day

2009-11-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

Tuesday November 24th . . . they traveled over the river & thru the woods to grandchildrens house.

We love you Grandma Vickie & Grandpa Bob!!!!

Random Recollections 1

2009-11-23T01:17:00.001-08:00

Something new lately is Elijah coming home with love notes from all sorts of girls, and stories about how so&so wont quit chasing him on recess when he just wants to play basketball, etc. Big sister Darla has been trying to run interference for him. Oh the drama! So today Elijah's on the phone w/ his friend "joe" who offered Elijah advice to make this problem go away:
"Joe": Elijah I have a trick to make the girls not like you. Ive tried it & it really really works good! Ive done it. This trick works!
Elijah: Really? What is the trick? (his face is happy & serious with big curious eyes)
"joe": I just started coloring really really bad.
Elijah: Are you serious? They leave you alone because you color bad?
"joe": Yes the girls dont like me anymore now.
Elijah: That's awesome!

Darla was wearing a bracelet made out of linking paperclips. Weird. Totally forgot about that till I saw it on her wrist. I did the same thing as a child. Then she was singing this song to the exact same tune as "Im a barbie girl - in a barbie world - Im fantastic . . . " Well all thru-out the day Alan kept slipping up singing the new version. And then when he would catch himself jokingly hollar "Darla!!!!" And she would laugh & say "Told ya! It gets stuck in your head, doesnt it pa?"

Darla & I finish having this deep discussion about mother-daughter relationships (another future post) & I realize "Wow Darla, your 9! Half your childhood is over?" (I seriously realized it as Im saying it.) Double check my math, ya 18 you are considered an adult I explain. Darla & I both sit stunned a bit. I get a teary eye & explain "Boy I better start teaching you more things, like how to cook!" and chuckle. Darla's face gets really serious & glossy eyed.... I semi-panic, oh no, maybe that was not parenting 101 of me to say to her?! ..... And I ask her "Honey what is wrong?" . . .
Darla: "I dont want to grow up! (pause) It will be too stressful with 4 kids!"
I remind her at 18 what her life options could be etc., & no at 18 its not "Poof-out of the house & suprise 4 kids waiting for you in your new home!" Once she understood... she was laughing & wanted me to tell papa the funny thing she said.

By the way I hope I never forget the way Elijah says "Peanut butter & jelly" (emphasis on the extreme pronounciation of the word jelly). When he was younger he always called it peanut butter jelly and sandwich.

Darla called catsup K-PATCH for years . . . . and lovingly referred to her big brother as Pay-Pay. Nowadays its Payt, unless she's upset or dissapointed its Pay-TUN!!!

Will add Random Recollections 2 for our book end children Payton & Nolan soon.

Our kids have Grandparents in 4 States!

2009-11-23T00:26:00.000-08:00

The two sets in Oregon are joining our kids this Tuesday November 24th for the Annual Grandparents Day. An extra special treat beyond the breakfast & fun will be watching their grandson Elijah play a lead role as "The King" in the Thanksgiving Play! The Director for the play explained it requires a very brave child to play the role & the kids voted for Elijah. It is hilarious watching him rehearse his lines . . . he tries to talk so mean & bossy to all the pilgrims but as his mama I clearly see his dimples sneaking out in his cheeks & that little giggling smirk. Hope to find a way to record the production.

GRANDPARENTS & GRANDCHILDREN
Grandparents and grandchildren,
Together they create a chain of love
Linking the past,
With the future.
The chain may lengthen,
But it will never part.

In The Stands...... Sit Darla's Fans!

2009-11-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

Go Darla!!! Team Razmatazz!!!

Poor Grandpa Ricky was still recuperating from being sick with the flu but what a sport they were to make the drive out to support their grandDarla!

The 3 amigos above (friend Tanner & our Elijah & Nolan) sit semi-patiently thru the girls game . . . dying for those 20 second timeouts to go shoot a quick hoop. Half time they go wild!