Car Crash Ignites Our Church On Fire

The driver of the car sadly passed away. Noone was injured inside the church - they all were able to escape.
See link below for the news article.

http://www.estacadanews.com/news/story.php?story_id=122120166673807800

Let Us All Never Forget

Nolan's 1st Day At School

Nolan's 1st day was September 8th & he was so excited. Although he wont ride the bus with his siblings until next year . . . he did enjoy pretending he too was waiting for the bus. Once DD & Eli are off to school on M/W/F mornings mama whisks Nolan a quick 1 minute up the road to his preschool.

Day One: Nolan warned the teacher & I both that he was "going to be shy", which we both reassured him was fine. 2 hours into his 1st day at school, Nolan agrees to let me leave him there so I could go get a coffee and be right back in 5 minutes. No drama. He did great. Hey it is a start!





This school has the most elaborate art area & supplies I have ever seen. Nolan is in heaven!!

Day Two: Was today and after much encouraging & reassuring the "big school boy" he would do great without mama there - he agreed as we arrived to school that he was willing to try mama going home & cleaning while he was at school. He knew I would come back at sharing time and I did. This is the 1st time ever Nolan has been comfortable in a classroom setting without one of his parents accompanying him. Way to go Nolan!!!! He is so incredibly proud of himself too. Any Grandparents or Aunts/Uncles who want to call & praise him is very much welcomed!


Here is a sampling of only some of the areas inside his preschool . . . . .

I took 40 some pictures capturing Nolan's 1st school experience but I dont expect you all to want to see all 40, so I will call this good (for now). There are some that are soooo darn adorable - I cant promise to not post more at a later date.

Zoo

Confession: Grandma Vicki sent us 4 free passes to the zoo . . . LAST YEAR. Those 4 free passes expired and I mailed to the zoo foundation explaining they expired before we got to use them . . . and to my suprise the zoo sent us for "new" free passes. Delay this time? No way! We got to the zoo right away. Thank you Grandma Vicki!

ATTENTION: TOMORROW IS "DISCOUNT DAY" AT THE ZOO . . . . . reduced admission fee $2 per person. Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month is Discount Day, which is tomorrow 9/9/08.

Gorgeous Sunny Day . . . . 1st stop . . . my Uncle Don's 60th Bday Party! It was a terrific turnout and this made our hearts happy. Then another 15 minutes away & we were parking at the Oregon Zoo.

We got to meet the new baby elephant. You can go to the zoo's website & vote for the new baby boy's name. I picked Duc (rhymes with Look) and was suggested in remembrance of former Portland TrailBlazer Duckworth who just tragically passed away at a young age. The line to meet the baby looked really long but the zoo keepers really do keep the line moving fast. I was impressed.
Once the kids and I were in the Elephant Barn . . . . we could see Mama standing and Baby laying beneath her asleep. Once it was our "front row seat" viewing turn Mama Elephant decided to join baby for nap & layed down beside her baby - with her backside to us. It was pretty cute actually. Just our luck, but hey as a Mama to 4 I could certainly understand her need for a nap. Cant blame her.

Payton & Darla are our expert Zoo Guides. . . . showing the 2 younger boys all the cool stuff - like using the zoo keys, and how if you wear baby blue clothing the penguins will follow you. . . . etc.,

Payton was most excited to see the Bats, Nolan wouldnt stop talking about the penguins, Darla was thrilled to discover she is the same height as a Sun Bear, Mama kept complaining she could smell a male goat & it stunk, and Elijah was just annoyed if we took any sort of break from walking/touring - oh and he was constantly thirsty. Reminder: Bring water bottles next time.

Take Time To Smell . . .

. . . The Roses!!!

While Alan was away this past weekend at his annual "Men's Roundup" thru our Church .. . . the kids and I played like it was still summer vacation. One of our adventures was at Portland's Rose Garden. It is so beautiful there and smells so good this time of year. It is fun to remind the kids that their Grandma Lori (my mama) was a Rose Festival Princess - along with her sisters / my Aunts back in the day.

One of the funny things we did was each of the 4 kids picked their "favorite rose" after touring the extensive gardens. . . . and mama took a cheezy photo of each child's face beside their fav flower. The younger 3 were game, but the teenager made it clear it was pretty dorky to make him pose with the flower. It is funny though because when all was said & done Payton's photo turned out the best. Of course I have joked about sending the "sweet & sentimental looking pic of him & his favorite orange-pink colored rose" to the yearbook committee at the H.S.

Note: If you havent noticed my monitor is cruddy (setting up new one this week) . . . so as a result my photo editing (brightening so I can even see the photos) makes them look white washed & possibly weird on your computer. Sorry. But hey - hopefully they are better than nothing.

The Portland Rose Garden is free to the public and is located in Washington Park. Georgeous Portland skyline views as well.

Missing Kindergardner Elijah: FOUND

Alarming title . . . but I was alarmed at first. Here's how this one played out in 10 steps:


1. Nolan & I are outisde waiting for Elijah to arrive home at lunch time on his kindergarden bus

2. Bus wizzes by our home without stopping & letting off Eli

3. Mama frantically waving like mad woman out on the road barefoot

4. Confused mom dials the bus barn explains what happened

5. Tina, Bus Barn Lady, puts me on hold . . . . . for a long time . . . . returns & says "Amy, Elijah isnt on the bus and they dont have him at the school. Are you sure he wasnt being picked up by someone else today?"

6. "Yes I am sure Tina. You are freaking me out!"

7. I am put back on hold. She returns to the phone and I hear back & forth radio talk with other bus drivers, etc., and then finally those 3 perfect words "We found him!"

8. Somehow Elijah was put on the wrong bus and was at this moment touring the greater Mountain area.

9. An hour later than normal Elijah returns home. The school, bus barn, & Elijah all discover how to avoid this in the future & life goes on.

10. HOWEVER throughout this ordeal I discover Nolan perched on the backside of a sofa - staring out one of the front windows - sucking slowly on a popsickle. He looks at me & says "I miss Elijah Mama". I reassure our 4 year old that his brother is on his way home and he is fine.

SOPHOMORE SON - Started 9/3/08

Well this is what we know - he loved his 1st day of his Soph year as opposed to Frosh. That is great news. He still is opting to use his backpack as his mobile locker. The H.S. halls are so overly congested - it just takes too long to get to & from classes - no time to mess with a locker.

His favorite classes this year are the ones located outdoors in the portable classrooms (trailers). Why? Because (A) the great outdoors has a lot more walking space than the claustrophobic hallways and (B) the trailers have air conditioning.

Bridges we have yet to cross . . . . the continued discussions about why his cell phone capabilities are inadequate - he needs text messaging he claims. Drivers Ed - he still hasnt finished studying for his permit. He wants to play basketball and have a PT job too. . . . we are waiting to see his 1st report card to make sure he doesnt already have too much on his plate.

Payton James is an incredible young man. I am so relieved to hear his H.S. is better in his opinion this year. I know a lot of his friends are now attending private school this year or are being home schooled. Prayers for continued positive experiences for Payton are appreciated.

Another September 2, 2008

Lil' Miss Darla LOVES school - always has! Of course I always snap a few photos of the kids before they trot off to the bus on the 1st day.

The 1st pic I told her "oops - one more - your eyes are closed (pic on the left)" Then I said "Smile you big 1st grader you!" And snapped the pic. (pic on the right) Big OOOOOPS - - - - how dare Mama accidently call her a 1st grader not the big 2ND GRADER that she is now. Hey - she inherited a bit of my dramatics. Gotta love her!

Darla is so good to her brothers (most of the time) .. . . as her & Elijah were about to get on the bus - Elijah said "Can I sit by the window Darla?" And she said "Of course". When they arrived to the school I had assumed the teacher would be there waiting to walk the kindergardners to class, but when she wasnt Darla didnt miss a beat & walked him to his class. Such a honey. Darla is most excited about the "reading loft" in her class - a 2 story bunk with a library below. 1 student per day is allowed to use the reading loft. She cant wait for her turn.

September 2, 2008

Elijah has been so excited for Kindergarden to start . . . and to be able to ride the school bus with his big sister Darla. He woke at 5am wiggly with nerves and admitted he had a nightmare. Papa and I both were quite disturbed by the amount of detail the poor honey remembered from the frightening dream - - - a teacher coaxing him "You can trust me" and him later discovering a classmate underwater - dead - under her desk and she was green." As I was cuddling Elijah my wide eyes looked at Alan like "WOW?!?" I was able to snuggle him back to sleep for a little while. Soon it was time for him to eat, clean up, get dressed, and the best part of all . . . go outside and wait for the big yellow bus. He had a great 1st day. I met them up at the school with their heavy backpacks stuffed full of all their school supplies. Payton started his Sophomore year the next day - will share in next posting. Nolan starts preschool 9/8/08. Happy Back To School To All :-)

Lions, Tigers, -n- Bears . . . . OH MY!

Nolan Ricky created this theme for his 4th birthday, which was on Sunday August 31st. He is so cute . . . a week before his party this youngest boy of ours asks me "Mama can my party be lions, tigers, bears, aaaand FIRETRUCKS???" Of course I laugh & explain mama already has finished all the party work, so not this year.

Having failed miserably a week ago on Alan's 4 tiered bday cake . . . . I wimped out & just made carrot cake cupcakes for Nolan's party. Realizing not all guests may care for carrot cake, I wipped up brownies and other goodies as well.

Nolan in love with his Brand New BIG BOY Bike!!!!!!

Nolan had tons of family & friends present . . . Mama, Papa, Darla, Elijah, Nolan, Grandpa Ricky, Grandma Kris, Auntie Lauri, cousins April, Jake, Lanelle, Rachel, Emily, Sarah, Shawna, Austin, Alissa, Ethan, Lily, & friends Danny, Jen, Madilyn, Parker, Joshua, Grayson, Melanie (my best friend) and her dad Steve.

The highlight of the party probably was when the kids spotted a real live tiger & bear scratching & pawing at the dining room bay window. Well, ok this wasnt a real hit with the 2 and under crowd but everyone else thought it was fun. Happy 4th Birthday Nolan!!! We sure do love you son!

The Kids Last Summer Thrill

Action packed time with Grandpa Ricky & Grandma Kris!

All 4 kids love fishing!

The kids love playing cards, hot tubbing, playing wiffle ball, basketball, trampoline, ping pong, badmitton, & swimming, at Grandma & Grandpa's House. Oh fun days!

The kids also enjoyed feeding the geese at the pond, and playing on all the equipment at the new Wade Creek Park.

Alan's 40th : Finally Some Snapshots

Sorry for the delay - busy time of year with all the back-to-school prep.

Special thanks to Grandma Kris for forwarding me the pics she was able to snap at Alan's Big 40. . . . my camera battery went dead (OF COURSE).

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!!!