Photos To Follow Soon

Turning The Big "40"

Yep, Alan turned 40 a couple days back . . . and the big party is on the 24th! So far only 1 regret on the invite list - so should be a great turnout for my special man . . . . . hopefully the rain-rain will go away in time!

Oldy But Goody :-)

Prayer Request

Please please pray for "Amy's Friend" who has experienced her 3rd miscarriage this year. She is obviously grief stricken and please pray for their marriage as well, as this often can take a toll on the relationship.

I can be an Elmer Fudd of sorts when it comes to words. My heart is 100% compassion but my mouth isnt the best at relaying this at times (dont know why). Please also pray that God will use me in this to help my friend seek His comfort & Word in this all. Obviously it can be a struggle understanding why this woman of faith isnt being granted the deisres of her heart, another baby, amd so mature wisdom is really yearned for here.

I am praying for "Amy's Friend" and am hoping you will too. Thank you.

Home Sweet Home

As we inched closer to home - this beautiful sunset welcomed us.

Payton also snapped this photo of the backside of Mt Hood.

Later on the news we learned there was a forest fire on the

N/NE side of the Mtn which affected the clarity of the photo.

Nonetheless, we are HOME. . . . . beautiful Oregon!!!

CA Crombies: Chapter 4 : Payton

Well I learned a busy teenager in Oregon = a busy teenager in California too. I didnt get to see him that much. He spent a lot of time with his teenage cousin Lennon (well he will be 13 next mos).


When Payton WAS around he was hanging out with same teenage cousin - mostly in the swimming pool. I was up thru-out the evenings taking care of Darla (administering fever reducing meds etc.,) and if the two teens did actually sleep it was only very little. Ahhh to be young again!?!?!



Years back Payton would announce his desire to relocate to Modesto. When asked why?! . . . he would always rave about all the awesome fruit!!! Well some things dont change - like Paytons love for the fresh produce right outside Grandma's house. Payton took Elijah and picked a large bowl of a wide assortment of fruits - prunes, peaches, apples, grapes . . . . etc., Payton would often be found sitting with a paring knife and a fresh piece of fruit. . . . . slicing & popping plump pieces in his mouth.

CA Crombies: Chapter 3 : Darla

Darla was pretty mellow on the ride down - content with the Barbie Laptop far longer than normal it would seem, but then in Southern Oregon - just past Klamath Falls she asks when will we be in CA? Finally when we do cross the state border I quickly announce "We're in CA!" All 3 younger ones yelp with delight. Mistake. They then assumed Grandma's house was just around the next bend. Darla asks in frustration "When will we see a Palm Tree Ma?" . . . . so of course I was so excited to point out the 1st one around Redding, CA.

Day two at Grandma's house Darla developed a fever and soar throat - upon closer exam - the white spots were spotted on her tonsils: STREP THROAT!!! Oh no! We were able to get her on the antibiotics but we already had been smothering new nephew/cousin Drevin with kisses & hugs before knowing she was ill. I pray that Drevin does not get sick.

Darla was super bummed she did not get to spend the night at Aunt Lena's or Aunt Kally's because of her strep throat but next time she is down the girl has a full itinerary. Oh almost forgot - on our 1st night there - I goofed and left the kids flip flops out by the pool. The dogs chewed up Darla's beloved shoe that Trina bought her during her Dowtown Darla adventure. Aunt Kally bought her new sandals tho - which are encrusted in "diamonds" (what Darla calls them).

CA Crombies: Chapter 2 : Elijah

Mama: "Elijah, who is my scrumptious honey love?"
Elijah: "Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!"


Granny Garber explains that someday he might not want to be referred to as above - an age thing, etc.,
Later Granny Garber is cuddling with Elijah and says "Come here honey crunch". Or maybe it was she asked him "Are you my honey crunch?" And he said "No." She asked "Why not?" And then Elijah quickly corrects Grandma with serious tone "Honey does not crunch!"


Elijah was obsessed with mastering his under-water swimming abilities at Grandma & Grandpas. When we were able to coax him out of the pool he could be found hoola hooping, playing Grandpa's piano, playing football, eating, watching monster trucks on tv with his cousin Lennon, or pouting that he wasnt allowed in the pool at that moment in time. Here is a collage capturing most of what I mentioned.

Californian Crombies : Chapter 1 : NOLAN

Only 12 miles into the trip . . . . .

Nolan asks in a slightly impatient tone: "Are we almost there yet?"

Mama's thought process is:

No, BUT 638 miles - 12 miles = Only 626 miles more to go son. This should be interesting.

HERE ARE SOME OF NOLAN'S ADVENTURES AT GRANDMA & GRANDPA GARBER'S HOME:

Nolan caught this toad in Granny Garber's "meadow" of a lawn one evening. Big brother Elijah was on the hunt for this toad as well, but Nolan is the one who successfully caught. Nolan returned "his buddy" to his world of green grass after admiring him for a while. He called the toad "hey lil' buddy".

Nolan had his friend Sean, from Sacramento, over for a visit at his grandparents. The boys enjoyed swimming, snacking, an indoor football toss, and even cleaning.

Nolan loves helping Grandpa Garber with all sorts of things . . . BBQ'ing in the outdoor kitchen & refilling hummingbird feeders (spilling several bright red blotches on his white shirt). Years back Grandpa would call Nolan "Number 56" or whatever number is on Nolan's t-shirt. Well, never without fail Nolan does wear a shirt with a number on it. This trip he was "Number 95". This is not intentional, it just so happens to always happen. So cute!

Of course the highlight of the excursion was meeting our new family. . . .Lena's husband Brian (incredible God loving man) & son Louis. We also fell in love with Kally & Todd's beautiful son Drevin (shown below at 3.5 mos)

We are back home now but do already miss all our family down South. It is sad to think it may be another year before we see lil' Drevin again. . . . but we are determined to find creative ways so this lil' honey knows how much we do love him - even from all the way up in Oregon. Love you Granny & Grandpa Garber, Lena, Brian, Louis, Lennon, Todd, Kally, Drevin & all Lynn's kids.

U-Pick Blueberries: Only $1 per pound

Easy Location in Sandy. Gorgeous blueberries waiting for the picking!!!!! Check it out!
Just past Shorty's Corner on your right hand side, when heading toward Mt Hood.

Bring ziploc bags / containers . . . . cash . . . and picking fingers! You cant beat a $1/lb.

I hope to be able to go pick some before I head down South... want to suprise my mom with some fresh blueberries. She always spoils us with fresh almonds, peaches, oranges and other fruits down in CA.

Bye Oregon : Hello California

Well the plans have been set. The kids and I are California-bound . . . off to stay with my mom & Lynn for a week. We are so excited!!!! It has been over 14 months since we have been down. Both my sisters live down south too - and we have yet to meet our new brother in law Brian (Lena's hubby) and the super adorable new nephew Drevin (Kally & hubby Todd's son). . . . so you can imagine our excitement! We have a lot to do to prepare - oil change, new battery for the car . . . . packing and making sure there is plenty of food for Alan for the week. We have only traveled once before, without my darling husband. . . . and we missed him so much. We plan to play his cd - full of him singing songs - that will help I think. Anyways, cheerio to you all & may you have a blessed week!!!! Will post pics when we return. We plan to be back for a family reunion on Saturday Aug 16th. P.S. Alison - we plan to stop in Sacramento to see you too. Love to you all.

Who are these adorable women with my husband?

. . . . They would be my loving sister-n-laws Linda & Lauri.

I love this photo of them - so thought I would share with you.

Linda (L) is proud mama to five and has grandchild #11 on-the-way.

Lauri (R) is proud mama to seven and has granchild #8 on-the-way.

"Tator" Totter

Nolan & Elijah's 1st teeter totter experience.

Or as Nolan calls it "tator totter".

Mt Tabor Park near Uncle Cory's House

An Opportunity for Greatness

A fellow EHS Classmate of Alan's, Shirley, used to be our neighbor for several years. She has 3 beautiful teenage daughters who Payton has grown up with. Well her middle daughter has been diagnosed with a brain tumor this past year. Morgan is a tough cookie - will be a Junior next year. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January. After 1 surgery & chemotherapy during the winter, it was discovered in June that the tumor had returned. Morgan has now went thru another surgery & has begun radiation therapy. A benefit event with popular bands, good food, and awesome raffle (prizes are goods donated by Mt Hood business') will be held on: Sunday August 17th from 3pm-7pm. The benefit is being held at the Timberline Rim ClubHouse (65091 E. Mountain Meadow Lane Brightwood, OR) There is an opportunity to donate money or gas cards to this family. For those unable to attend the benefit but you feel God putting this on your heart, a bank account has been setup in the family's name "Morgan Wies" at Clackamas County Bank. Please please pray for Morgan & her family! Thank you :-)

Please dont let our libraries close!

What?!?! 1st our County Commissioners (a 3 person panel) decided to discontinue/close up our County Health Clinics come the 1st of the year. The county health clinics are the only semi-affordable option for those of us without health insurance. Ok - so this is going to stink big time!

THEN . . . . these same County Commissioners thought it was then a priority to close our public libraries as well. Apparently the county wants to get out of the service industry.

They like to make it about math. There is not enough money. We have "X" amount of dollars & we choose to spend it this way instead. Fine, but shouldnt the citizens have a right to vote on these big ticket items like our libraries & health care? Sure, trust the commissioners on deciding themselves on how much they spend on garbage bag liners at county parks, etc., but discontinuing critical services without a majority vote by the citizens?!?!


Health Clinics : Done. Nothing we can do at this point.

Saving our libraries: There is an option that is being proposed. See Below for more info.


On February 7, 2008, Clackamas County commissioners passed resolution 2008-19 that progressively defunds local libraries of all county money over the next six years. At the end of that period, the Clackamas County General Fund will no longer fund the library system at all. A 'no' vote on this measure will not preserve the library system's present funding situation. The Clackamas County Library District, if approved, will be assessed at 39 cents per $1000 of assessed property value.

Of course the option to save our libraries means more taxes but what other choice do we have?

Other ways to get involved in this crusade can be found at this website:
http://keepourlibrariesopen.org/facts.html


I do have to spout off one more brief second. Here is an analogy for you to ponder:

I am a Landscpaer Groundskeeper by profession.
I charge my clients $200 a month for the following services:
Mowing, Pruning, Planting, Weeding, Barkdusting, Blowing, Raking,
Pressure Washing Concrete, Cleaning Gutters, & Window Washing.

If I decided to stop including pressure washing, Gutter cleaning & window washing as part of my service . . . wouldnt you the client expect the $200/mos charge to be reduced for the reduction in services provided?

No such luck with the county though. They are cutting two major services but our taxes wont be reduced. In fact if we want to save our libraries we will be charged even more! CrAzY if you ask me.

Our Eldest Has Returned!!!

Boy we missed our Payton James!!! He had such a wonderful time with his paternal grandparents - always does. We are so super blessed to have Bob & Vickie in our lives. Truly blessed!

Grandpa Bob took Payton on one of the days to tour his old stomping grounds - where he grew up in Yacolt WA. Lots of fine stories were shared and even got to see where his great great grandparents once lived.

Payton also attended a family reunion where he got to hang out with his Great grandparents - which I really really am hoping someone took a picture for me of Payton with his Grandpa Bob, and his dad Great Grandpa John . . . . they are all the spitting image of eachother. Sooooo adorable!

Of course another favorite for Payton, when visiting his paternal grandfolks is the peace & quiet in their home. Towards the end of his 11 day stay there Payton actually admitted to missing the sounds of home. (Polite way of saying NOISE).

Quilting B's

I am the super grateful new owner of a mighty fine wooden (foldable-to store away) Queen Size quilting frame.
* Free from craigslist - thank you Karen!

My hope is to complete a quilt for each of my children for Christmas. . . . realistically would have to be Christmas 2009.

I have one sister n law, Lauri, who is super eager to start quilting with me as well. I would love to get these quilting B's going . . . like the Amish do . . . . where they make quilts & linens for newlyweds in the family.

Just call me Amy-Wannabe-Amish.

This isnt my actual quilting frame but closely resembles it.

A Weekend Of Firsts For Darla

1st time . . .

- - - Spending night at Uncle Cory & Trina's (Uncle Ryan next door)

. . . Hanging out with her 2 Uncles in DownTown Portland

. . . WaterFront Park - splashing around in the fountain

. . . Eating at rocking & swaying HouseBoat style restaurant

. . . Eating Squid & Coconut Shrimp

. . . Taking Lucy, a Chihuahua wearing a pink dress, for a walk

. . . On Trimet

. . . On escalator at Mall (lil' ones in stroller thus elevator)

. . . Hanging out at Mall w/ sweetheart Trina: hair cuts & new flip flops

. . . Uncle Cory made her steak -n-eggs for breakfast

NOTE: Payton, being the oldest, has got to enjoy these types of visits. It was Darla's turn this time. Next is Elijah's turn. The Uncles sure have set the bar pretty high. LOL. My kids are so easy to please. They dont need to be wined & dined but boy oh boy was that a special memory for our girl!!!