Decking The Halls . . . . ALREADY!

*Thank you radio station K103 for playing all Christmas Music!

*Thank you Thriftway for the eggnog.

*Thank you handsome husband who braved the dark & 37 degree temperatures to put up some of our Christmas lights already! We are the 1st in the neighborhood this year to sparkle! Some years our street is the Peacock Lane on the Mtn...which is sure fun!

How's YOUR handmade Christmas efforts going??? Next weekend we are having our best friends up and us 4 adults & 7 kids are going to be making Christmas Cookies & singing Christmas Karaoke! We will be using Tiffany's cookie dough recipe again this year - thanks Tiff!

Goodwill Toward Men

3 kids thoughtful hearts + 1 push broom + an elderly man's driveway buried in leaves = an opportunity for greatness. The 3 kids took turns sweeping the leaves off of 85 year old Harry's driveway this afternoon. AND THEY ENJOYED IT! I am thrilled to think what this act of kindness might encourage their lil' hearts to do in the future.

To Granny & Grandpa Garber

Since the kids just received new bedding sets this year . . . . we were able to exchange the super nice bedding gift sets my mom & Lynn sent up from CA and the kids were able to get some things they needed & wanted. Darla received a gorgeous 4 in 1 coat, and matching pet/purse.

Nolan & Elijah each received super cozy plush fluffy chair-like pillows for on their bunk beds. Elijah received his very own digital camera with tons of capabilities, and Nolan received ultra cool walkie talkies, complete with voice changing technology.

These 3 younger ones have been sharing the walkie talkies & camera amongst themselves. There are days when I sit in amazement at how thoughtful these lil' ones can be, but then there are the other days where I cry out loud at my obvious failure in training them up right. No perfect strategy but stay optimistic & stay the course, right?!

A Gift That Made Me Cry

Out-of-the-blue I get a phone call from Debbie, a friend up here on the Mtn, and she says:

"Amy I have a bunch of crafting stuff and I was wondering if you wanted it?" She goes on to explain how her mother is into all sorts of crafts but just recently reorganized her supplies and gave Debbie totes, boxes & bags full of HEAVENLY GIFTS to pass on to me.

How in the world could I be sooooooo blessed? It was so cute going thru the treasure boxes - with literally my whole family watching me. Hey - all my kids love doing crafts & art with their mama. . . . so they were nearly just as thrilled as I. I was moved to tears several times as I was in awe of this splendid gift. I mean, this was the most random act of kindness. I was/AM so grateful.

I already used some of the supplies to make this doll last night for a bday gift for a friend of Darla's.

Darla helped make this doll and she was quite excited to watch her friend open the gift at the party today. It is a Angel Doll and the clothes are able to come off without interfering with the permanent angel wings.

Thank you Debbie - you are beyond awesome for thinking of me. I am working on a doozie of a token of appreciation for your mama too. Honestly, I'm blown away!!! Blown away by your kindness.

24 Hour Playdate

Darla spent the night at her friend Madi's.. . . so was missin' my girl.

Madi's brother Parker spent the night here with Elijah & Nolan. . . . . and let's say all these males were enjoying "sister-free" time. Our home was transformed into an indoor play structure - gym - zoo maybe?! I allowed it . . . that was the funny thing about it. I let the boys move the 3 sofas closer to the coffee table in the center of the room & leap from furniture to furniture. They were calling their game "Stupid Bird" . . . and I suggested changing it to "Silly Bird" and they did. They would call out "Silly Bird" as they would fling themselves belly 1st onto a sofa laughing hysterically. No injuries - phew!!!

This 24 hour playdate was different in that they incorporated me in ALL their plans. I had hopes of intermittently getting different projects/chores done . . . but it was hard to complete anything. We were playing Jenga (stacking blocks & you remove one piece at a time from the tower) which was amazing how age appropriate that game ended up being for the 4-6 crowd. The boys played tons of other games like the 80's era "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em" the boxing ring - knock the opponents head off. This involved intense drewling 4-6 yr olds growling at me "Im gonna knock your head off!!!" (Gee thanks-cant get any love here) Of course there were a good dozen different giant 4x4's & race cars zooming thru the house - constantly zipping around my feet. Apparently my floor space was usually the best stunt driving terraine.

No outdoor play because of the torrential rain pouring down. I think these boys may have watched 1 cartoon - that is one 30 minute interval of peace / quiet play. I really wasnt complaining inside my head till about 2:30 when they had me tuckered out and they werent showing signs of tiring still.

The boys were even Marty Stewarts & made homemade cinnamon roles. Here they are before they went in the oven:

So just when I am totally tuckered out and aching for a break - it was time to take these treats out of the oven:

While the boys munched their treat . . . I called my dear friend to swap a Parker for a Darla. Once the swap was complete I initiated "involuntary nap time". This 24 hour playdate was a clear reminder I am old. . . OLD!!!

To Whom Are Called To Serve . . . .

We honor you & thank you!! May God bless you & protect you!

Ooops Spoke To Soon

Well the side job is on hold indefinitely - something about a gas company & the home owner...bummer.

Nolan & Payton both feeling a "little" bit better today but mama feeling "a lot"worst. Pretty much been useless today but have got some reading in when headache would subside. Here is my current reading list:

Just finished "We The Jury" (deciding the Scott Peterson Case). This book, in my opinion, didnt really have a lot of additional facts around the super sad case of Laci & Connor Petersons brutal murder . . . but it was an eye opener to what exactly a jury endures. I am grateful the 3 times I have been summoned for jury duty I have been excused because of life circumstance. Someday I would love to be able to serve in that capacity tho. I have officially now read all books related to the Laci Peterson tragedy. I sure cant grasp why the psycho didnt just divorce the dear sweet Laci - why murder? INSANE! I do praise God that Laci & Connors bodies both washed up to shore together tho. Anyways, I still remember Laci's family & friends in my prayers all these years later.

Sweetie's

Although Nolan & I are sick we did our best to keep our germs to ourselves while we entertained great-nieces Rachel, Emily & Sarah yesterday afterschool while their folks were working. Normal sitter had been up all night while baby James was being born . . . . so I volunteered.

Anyways, six kids and I hung out at a local fav spot and tried sweet potato fries & lemon water for snack. I have to admit Id rather eat a plain ol' baked sweet potato but the kids gobbled the treat up. I have never been a fan of fried food. Plus my cold symptoms - bottom line couldnt even taste the sweet potato just the hot grease. No thanks!

The kids and I also hung out at a new local park while the rain paused. It was a great time. These kids are growing up so fast, you got to gobble up as much time with them as possible nowadays. :-)

Sweet Baby James

So our beautiful niece Joy, second eldest daughter of my sis-n-law Lauri, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday November 5th at 12:27pm. After 12 long hours of laboring hardwork James Christopher arrived weighing a perfect 7lbs 20"long.


Congratulations to the proud Mama Joy & Daddy Jason on their 1st born baby! He is beautiful like his folks.



This sweet baby also reminded me how much I miss my sister Kally's 1st born, Drevin. Wish we lived closer. Love you Drevin!!!!

You Win Some You Lose Some

T E A M W O R K

Well, obviously our home supported primarily Republican Candidates and well uhhhh they didnt fair that well this evening . . .

HOWEVER I thought John McCain's concession speech was full of class & grace. I respect him and thank him for his life of service to this country. I now will shift focus on supporting President Elect Obama. I have a lot of differing views - mainly morality-based ones but I realize just because he has been elected doesnt mean I cant continue to do my part to try & influence positive change.

With God all things are possible. ~ Matthew 19:26

In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:6

"Mom, 2 trees fell down in the yard!"

This is how I was woken this morning 90 minutes earlier than need be. I had already gotten up hours earlier to make Alan & Paytons lunches, then crept back in bed. I have a rotten cold virus, so does Payt & Nolan. But dear ol' Darla & Elijah woke way early & were insisting 2 trees fell down, the result of light wind all night. I have gone out investigating but still as of 1pm this afternoon have yet to locate the "downed trees". I think I will quit looking to be honest.
So like I mentioned 3 of us are feeling pretty crummy . . . . body aches, sinus' pressure, not fun.

On the brighter side of life . . . I received great news that the husband of one of my best friends has found a new job - praise God! AND my own husband, Alan finally got a full week of work in last week. He believes he has also secured 2 side jobs as well, happening in the next couple weeks. THANK YOU GOD! Alan's truck needs some repairs as well. (Not to mention the holidays)
Speaking of Holidays .. . . . we are on board for the handmade christmas. Alan & Nolan have already completed building a beautiful handmade wooden airplane for Elijah. Elijah & his papa have finished a wooden race car for Nolan. Nolan & Elijah have eachother's names for Christmas. Darla is sewing Payton something - and shhhhhhhh Payton is making Darla some one of a kind jewelry as her gift. Alan, if time allows, is building the 2 youngest boys wooden bunk beds for Christmas & refinishing & repairing a oval dressing mirror for Darla (which matches my antique bed & dresser she inherited). . . . . he is making Payton a locking chest which doubles as a bench/coffee table. I am trying my darn'dest to finish the cross stitch pillows for each of the kids. They are all in partially made form. Alan would die if I am able to pull off a king size quilt in his fav earthy tone colors. . . . . I hope to be able to, but our list is long . . . . we have 20 nieces & 20 nephews I have been sewing/knitting for . . . . not to mention our folks . . . . siblings . . . .

Well, today is Election Day . . . . looking forward to the news this late eve.

Oh! One more thing - - - ladies, how many of you do a monthly menu? I have attempted in the past - but this is the 1st time I have strictly adhered to . . . and it was created from taking a full inventory of all the odds & ends remaining in the pantry . . . and then writing a frugal shopping list to accompany those ingredients. My once a month grocery shopping took me to 5 stores this month and took 7 hours, but I saved so much money at one store it took a special over-ride & review of my receipt from store manager because I spent $92 but saved $97. I bought 24lbs of hamburger - which was on sale for $1.57 a lb. . . . over $2 per lb savings - plus because I spent $50 at that store on coupon items . . . I was able to use a special $10 off coupon, hidden in the This Week newspaper. It was a lot of work but the savings was insane this month and the menu delicious to the family. Only 1 night is a easy / cheating night . . . . cardboard pizza & salad. No eating out. Always packing lunches. Breakfast - I have insisted 1 box of cold cereal per week should suffice. We need to change it up - use less expensive oatmeal, pancakes, egg on toast etc., The kids prefer the variety anyways. But in our house - Alan & Payton especially can chow a box of cold cereal in a matter of days it seems.
Alright enough rambling, FOR NOW.. ..... hee hee Oh! Wait I lied - we are so excited to meet our niece Joy's lil' baby on the way. Sweet Baby James is due any day now. She is doing a home birth with midwives. Prayers for a smoothe delivery appreciated. Love to you all, Amy

Darla's Diner

Darla & brother Elijah had a joint-bday party this year. Elijah turned 6 on Nov 1st, and Darla will be 8 on Nov. 8th. Darla's Diner (50's theme) served upright banana splits and sock hopped the afternoon away.

Sweetie pie friends Elayna, Tierra, McKenna, Madilyn, & cousins April & Alissa were there & Darla was so blessed to be in their company. Poodle skirts, poney tails, and dreams come true for our loving girl.

Darla received a keyboard, nail polish kit, lil petshop pets, electronic lil petshop pet, jewely, knitting hoop, comforter, snow boots, & a Hannah Montana 2 karaoke cd.

Elijah's Eatery

Chef Elijah opened his very own restaurant "Elijah's Eatery" in celebration of his 6th Birthday yesterday. He served cheeseburger baskets & fries. Friends Noah, James, Parker, Grandpa & Grandma, & cousins Austin & Ethan came & dined with the Birthday Boy. Great time had by all.

After eating lunch they enjoyed Banana Splits at Elijah's sisters establishment "Darla's Diner".
Elijah's dreams were realized when he received a guitar, a remote control jeep, wooden toys to paint, legos, new snow boots, new comforter, $20, and some hot wheels. Super Joy!!!

Special thanks to all whom helped pull off this special event for our boy!!!

November 1st 2002 he entered the world . . .

Two 1st Place Winners

Darla Diane won 1st place for her her age group . . . . as sleeping beauty with a big Hannah Montana blonde wig. She was yawning & curtsy-ing. The judges didnt get why she was yawning though because when they announced the winner they called her a Princess. Darla is quite the actress though. So amusing to watch.

Nolan Ricky also won 1st place for his age group . . . as Cat In The Hat. This handmade diddy turned out pretty darn cute and Nolan sure played the part I tell ya. His super tall hat had stuffing in it so it stood firm & to attention. We actually were playing a carnival game and the judges came & told us to bring him down because they had already picked him as the winner.

Mr Elijah did not win BUT boy he was cute. He chickened out. He was a handmade multi layer ghost (which he asked to be) . . . but he lost out to his sister AGAIN, a batgirl & Ice Princess. He shrugs it off but as his mama it just makes that more determined for next year. Darla & Nolan both got their pic taken for the local paper.

Payton was a rapper complete with dreadlock wig & spent part of his evening handing out candy to the gobs of gobblins that always hit our neighborhood.

Nerd that I am - I forgot to light the kids pumpkins tho. They reminded me of this at bed time. I also came up short in the homemade stew dept on halloween (this is a family tradition - passed down from Alan's mom) and well . . . uhh ran out of time. Bought a couple CANS and me being the frugal shopper opted for the least expensive brand and uhhhhh....it was NOT tastey. Ick,

Leaf It To Boys To Have Fun

Clean socks only......duhhh!

Yo yo yo dog!!!

Anything "cool" or "awesome" or "rockin" = big brother Payton.

Anyone dare to disagree - see the big man in the shades....he will clear it all up for you.

Peace out.

Carving Crombies

The kids sketch the face onto their pumpkins, Papa carves, kids scoop until tired & mama finishes.

Alan is seeking a patent on his new pumpkin top / lid design which involves cutting part of the top & part of the backside. His theory is it makes for easier scooping out, and way easier candle lighting. Nolan was the only one who was willing to let Papa use his pumpkin as a test bed for his theory.

Steps to successful pumpkin carving:

1. As Darla demostrates above . . . . bite on bottom lip while scooping

2. Even when your fingers are sticky & icky from pumpkin strings & seeds . . . forge ahead as Nolan shows above

3. Dont use cheap steak knife to carve unless husband is willing to listen to wife naggingly ask him to use large serated knife instead please.

Oooooo-eeeeee Goooo-eeeee

The kids & I "race" unwrapping the caramels from their plastic encasing. Makes the tedious task fun & way faster. Darla & I kept kerplunking our unwrapped caramel into the pot at the same time for most of the race. Nolan thought that hoarding his wrapped candies in a pile by him somehow protected his chances of winning the game. Elijah was very "attention to detail" making sure no speck of plastic remained anywhere on his candy before racing on to the next.

Our Lil' Prodigy

Elijah excels at everything he attempts. He does not give up until he masters the task at hand. Wow what I would give to have that level of initiative!! He is currently self teaching himself the guitar. He has always been gifted at the drums.

His kindergarden teacher stated at conferences "She is working hard to keep Elijah challenged." He already can read, rhymes, writes, . . . . .

Elijahs true love is basketball though & all the tricks he can do, like spinning it on his finger!

Possible Change In Plans

Well since Nolan's Bday (8/31) falls on the actual cut off date for enrolling in kindergarden . . . he is THE YOUNGEST in his preschool class now. Since he isnt too hip about Mom leaving him at preschool for a couple hrs a couple days a week . . . . has had us thinking. Maybe just maybe Nolan can hold off & not start kindergarden next year. If we did this he would be 2 years behind Elijah in class as opposed to 1. Our game plan we are bouncing around is . . . . Mom homeschools Nolan w/ Beka curriculum (Christian based phonics program . . . . works AMAZING) this year. Come Fall if Nolan is bouncing off the walls ready for Kindergarden socially & academically that fine but there still may be more advantages to having him wait 1 more year. (a) Boys tend to mature slower (b) Size wise - being the youngest could = the smalles vs. waiting a year & growing. . . . . Another idea is starting a Christian preschool of my own up here on the Mtn. Since there is NO preschool on the Mtn with an actual curriculum. The one he is attending now is a co-op which means I am constantly working my buns off there, am on the Board, and then pay $95 a mos to watch Nolan play. The coop believes you learn thru creative play which YES I do get - but nothing wrong w/ throwing in a letter a week to learn & its phonetic sound, etc., The teacher of the coop doesnt seem to agree so several of us parents & board are discussing at the next board mtg. Uggh.

You CAN Make A Difference

Oregon Republican Party Headquarters in Oregon City can use your help these remaining 14 days of the election campaign. Location: 275 Beavercreek Rd.Suite 108A Oregon City, OR

Volunteer Coordinator, Erin, can be reached at 503-752-9392 if you have questions, otherwise just show up! The office is open 7 days a week 9am-9pm. Free campaign yard signs are available for pickup as well.

McCain Palin Campaign can use your help:

1. Phone calls reminding voters to turn in ballots

2. Walking designated neighborhoods leaving literature on door step

3. Kids VERY welcome - sorting pamphlets & other busy work to do

* * * * *

Please keep in mind we have friends/family (all whom we love) of all sorts of political affiliations. Please dont be offended by our support of the Republican Party. Bottom line we all have the freedom to choose. . . . my only concern is when people dont choose by failing to vote. These people then gripe, critique & complain about the "direction the country/state is heading . . . " but what room do they have to bark if they didnt make their vote count?! Please please please make your vote count - whomever you are voting for this year - we all need to do our part & fill out our ballot & turn them in! Love to you all, Amy

Quick Poll

I love Sarah Palin - PBS is polling people about their support or lack therof for her.

Please vote at link below.

Here's the link: http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

Not Bored in Boring, Oregon

Nolan's very "1st Field Trip" was to Bushue's Farm in Boring, Oregon.

We were blessed with a gorgeous sunny day . . . uninterupted views of magestic Mt Hood & blue skies. We tromped thru the pumpkin patches, piled onto trailers stacked with cozy bails of straw & hay towed by bright green John Deere's, checked out all the farm animals, crawled thru dark hay mazes, & even made "dirt babies" for the 1st time. (will provide "how-to" in a follow up post) Fun!

Darla & Elijah got to tag along with us as well . . . due to school closure for parent teacher conferences. Elijah was quick & easy picking out his pumpkin. His favorite activity was hands down the hay maze which required using a flashlight. He is always down for an adventure AND snack. Snack time was important to Eli as well.

Darla was quite delighted to see so many of her own classmates (older siblings of Nolan's peers) also in attendance - which just happened to be all boys, not one female classmate of Darla's. Oh boy! That's ok she didnt shy away from racing them - she came close to winning several of them in fact. That-a-girl DeeDee!

Camera battery went dead but not before I was able to snap a couple pics. . . . thankfully!

Payton hands down chose to skip the pumpkin patch since it meant he got to sleep in and have a QUIET house to himself for several hours that morning. Bah-humbug. Speaking of humbugs Alan is not . . . you should have seen his guilt ridden face as he returned from the local market with the needed gallon of milk in hand AND an extra treat.. . . . . EGG NOG ladies & gentleman. If you can believe it . . . it is already in the dairy cases at most stores. Alan is a die hard Egg Nog fan. Is it just me or does Christmas start earlier & earlier each year?

Speaking of Christmas Alan & Elijah had a pre-scheduled father son "woodworking" session in the garage today. Elijah originally wanted papa to teach him how to carve & sand a wooden beaver (maybe it was a racoon - i forget now) . . . well then at parent teacher conferences Elijah tells papa & I that he wants to make the beaver also holding a leaf blower machine. ?!?!? Talk about random. Elijah secretly reported in my ear this evening that he changed his mind. Instead of making the wooden animal for his friend James - Papa helped him make a wooden race car for his baby brother. We are all pretty jazzed about his handmade christmas endeavor. Should be interesting! Darla is knitting a hat right now for her teacher. . . . and I have made about 12 unique hats thus far. Tomorrow after school we will be taking out the sewing machine for some other fun creations. Well sorry for the super long post - I have been a nonblogger for a week or more, so had to catch up a bit. Have a blessed week!!!

"You cant leave mama!"

There is NOT a formula for this kid. No predicting. Somedays Nolan is content saying goodbye & letting me leave him at preschool - other days he makes me stay for a while - and then there is TODAY . . . . where he refused to let me leave at all. It was very distracting to the class, so I finally gave him the option of:
a. Nolan stays at school & mama comes back at sharing time
or
b. Nolan comes home with mama now
He chose to come home. I am deliberately making these remaining school hours super boring. This 4 year old actually thought he could convince me to bake cookies or ride bikes outside.... uh no. After crying a bit in his room. He has decided to stare at me on the computer bored out of his mind.

Now some of you may ask "How does a 4 year old "not let you leave"?" I mean, who is the boss afterall?!?! Well, like I said Nolan is different than our older 3. Past techniques are not as successful with the wee boy. The teacher used to think I should just leave but he is a proven escape artist too. Did I happen to mention how he wants to be a marathon runner? YES he is one fast runner. Soooooo onward. Next school day is Wednesday, which is my day to be the Parent Helper in the class. Oh Joy! Then Friday is a field trip & I am a chaperone. Looks like mama gets zero break this week. Ok I am done venting steam for now. Signed, Why Nolan, why?!?

The Road To Forgiveness

It's official . . .Alan and I are embarking on "The Road To Forgiveness". This is a new six week study our church is diving into.

All the kids attended Awanas for the 1st time at our church last night, and while they were there Alan & I attended our 1st "Home Group" at our Pastors home. It worked out beautifully. The kids had a blast & learned lots - while Mama & Papa were diving into their own lesson.

One straight forward tip . . . STOP saying "You/He/They did this to me & it hurt" . . . start saying "THIS happened to me." Own it.

The 1st 3 steps to the road to forgiveness???

1) Identify Injury 2) Calculate the Loss 3) Own your burden

You can listen to Sunday's inspiring sermon here: http://www.estacadafirstbaptist.org/

Crombie Chronicles.

Darla: "Ma when Im a Mama, I think I want to have 2 kids.
Nolan: "Umm.. when I grown up I want to have nine and a half kids."

Hi all - finally over this cold virus migraine nightmare bug . . . . but not before I missed church (which was the 1st teaching on "The Road To Forgiveness" in a 6 week series), & missed our niece's baby shower, . . . bummer. BUT . . . today I was well & spent the day volunteering in the kids' classrooms. It was WONDERFUL! Elijah is quite the show stopper on the playground with his nothing but net basketball playing & his fancy spinning the ball on his finger & dribbling between his legs . . . and the kid is only 5!!!! Darla is addicted to the bars this year. The same exact bars that I used to spin & flip off of 30 YEARS AGO (went to the same school).

Payton enjoyed his 1st High School football game (& hanging out with friends) this past week. Sure do love that boy of ours. He is doing great in his classes & for some reason has less homework this year. He has been doing odd jobs - the other day he stacked fire wood for several hours. (All in the name of that green paper all teens love)

Mr. Preschooler Nolan received a fancy invitation last week for a Popcorn Party at his friends house. His friend Dakoda chose to spend his allowance money on a movie rental, popcorn & treats for his friends to come over & enjoy with him. Big brother Payton helped chaperone the party with his best friend (allowing Nolan to attend a party semi-by-himself for the 1st time)

Notice: Several homes in our neighborhood for sale!!! Friends & Family . . . come move near us, that would rock!

Halloween around the corner . . . Darla's costume is Sleeping Beauty (thanks to a GORGEOUS huge fancy Disney Store gown that she & I snagged at a garage sale for 50 cents). It only needed a new zipper $1: DONE! Darla talked me into a big blonde hannah montana wig at Goodwill - since Darla is brunette & sleeping beauty isnt. That wig set me back $2.99. Total: $4.49

Elijah wants to be a ghost. How did I get so lucky?? Eeeeasy!!! Can you say - use one of our older once was bright white but not no more sheets - pair of scissors - permanent black marker ?! ?! Price: FREE.

Nolan - not so easy - he wants to be the cat in the hat. We have the hat - Payton won 10 years ago on Dr. Seuss Birthday- but that'ss it so far. Still need to do my homework for cat in the hat.

Well this is a long wordy post. Thought Id ramble just a hair - have photos of some funny stuff - the kids have learned how to use Paytons digital camera & well, they are very creative children. Will post later. Love to you all - have a blessed week.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." ~Psalm 106:1

Uncles Are Great

They teach nephews critical things like this: