A Heartfelt Tribute

Treasured Role Models of Days Gone By:

Hero: noun
1. An object of extreme admiration & devotion.
2. a man admired for his achievements & noble qualities.


Teach: verb
1. to cause to know something
2. to accustom to some action or attitude
3. to cause to know disagreeable consequences of some action
4. to guide the studies of
5. to impart the knowledge of
6. to instruct by precept, example, or experience

Modern Day Role Model:

Mr. Mike Sutton

If I Could Teach You, Teacher

If I could teach you, teacher

I'd teach you how much more

you have accomplished

than you think you have.

I'd show you the seeds

you planted years ago

that are now coming into bloom.

I'd reveal to you the young minds

that have expanded under your care,

the hearts that are serving others

because they had you as a role model.

If I could teach you, teacher,

I'd show you the positive effect

you have had on me and my life.

Your homework is

to know your value to the world,

to acknowledge it, to believe it.

Thank you, teacher.

By, Joanna Fuchs

* Mr Sutton was my 6th grade teacher 25 years ago and in the recent years has been our school aged children's Principal. He has had a long & incredible career as a teacher & administrator and will be missed greatly! The economony caused our school district to suggest those near retirement to consider taking a slightly earlier retirement. As this has been a sad suprise to all whom know him, I am grateful that our new home town has also been blessed with his greatness. It is an amazing trickle-down effect. I will be posting more to this "Heartfelt Tribute" with photos & stories collected from others as well in the days to come.

Darla's 2nd/3rd Grade Class

To the left of teacher is Darla's good friend Tierra holding her new baby brother Jack, and Darla is the left of Tierra.

I am so proud of Darla she went from being in the same class with all her kindergarden peers, to 1st grade with the same kids, and then for 2nd they put her in a split level with mainly 3rd graders. There are only 2 fellow second grade girls, Tierra & McKenna. She has made lots of new friendships & has learned that not all classroom settings are the same. Some teachers have different styles, just as in life, she will have different types of employers, neighbors, family, and she will learn to adapt. I am looking forward to Darla getting to enjoy a straight 3rd grade class in the Fall, however.

Optimism paid off!

Like I said on facebook . . . . "It's not over - till it's over Blazer Fans!" . . . and despite even my own husbands skepticism Portland Trailblazers rocked game 5 tonight!!! YES!!!

Game 6 Thursday night . . . . think positive Portland!

Tonight is Game 4 of 7 Game Series

1st Game Blazers lost to Houston at home.

2nd Game Blazers beat Houston at home.

3rd Game Blazers lost to Houston away.

4th Game T O N I G H T . . . . let's root our

Portland Trailblazers

On To Victory in Houston!!

Dr. Nolan Cordy

Well seems only appropriate, but for reasons still unknown to us Darla used to go by the name Dr Cordy Cordy when she much younger, so when Nolan started using the name Dr. Nolan Cordy I guess I shouldnt have been too suprised.


Here he is in Darla's Airline Stewardess suit from a bday party 4 years ago, and in his Dr. glasses which pinched his nasal air passages completely down so well . . . Dr Nolan Cordy talked really funny.

He checked my heart "beeping" . . . when I asked him how it was he said "Ohhhh its not good!"

He then used one of his plastic instruments to look deep into my ear, when I suddenly screamed & well Dr Nolan Cordy's glasses flew off & he screamed even louder. I couldnt help it - he was concentrating so hard as if this toy was really going to light up the insides of my ear & magnify for his viewing pleasure. Im eeeevil but then we both laughed A LOT after that.

This is just one of the many ways we spend our school day mornings while the others are away.

It Never Crossed Our Boys Mind . . .

. . . to play on a sports team at 4 years old . . . UNTIL Coach Curtis saw Nolan making lay-ins at Elijah's practice & asked Nolan to practice with the team. Nolan excitedly agreed to go thru all the drills, and he was reportedly the 3rd best dribbler on the team. So here we are tomorrow is Elijah's next game, and the coach just called to confirm that it has been approved NOLAN IS ON THEIR TEAM - 1st game tomorrow!!! I was initially concerned "would Elijah have an odd reaction (could he wonder if Nolan may steal some of his thunder?)". . . . apparently no need for mom to worry. Elijah has taken it upon himself to be Nolan's Assistant Coach. These 2 brothers were out in the warm sun off & on all afternoon PLAYING BASKETBALL in our driveway. Elijah was very impressed that Nolan is a good defender & blocked many shots he said. Cool!

Tomorrow should be a lot of fun. I just hope Nolan has fun and doesnt get too nervous or anything.

Elijah #10 Orange ----> In Action

Alan quit keeping score of Elijah's baskets at todays game.

He was sinking them left & right.

Here are 2 of Eli's favorite clips (He is Orange #10):

Play Ball

Blue Bombers 2009 . . . . 2nd & 3rd grade girls team! Awesome coaches!

Great sportsmanship . . . what more do you need?

Darla was selected to play 3rd base:

Then catcher:

Here she is getting ready to run home!This face reveals "This is FUN!":
Good game - good game . . . Darla is shown here 3rd in line:

Alan & the boys were away at basketball . . . so Darla & Mama trotted off to the game alone, which to be honest was really special. Well I thought we had more than enough time for mama to take the scenic back roads route . . . . Marmot Rd. -> Shibley -> Comes out near old Roslyn Lake -> Bull Run Rd -> But couldnt remember which way to go at 4-way stop. Luckily a guy on a motorcycle told me to keep on straight. YEAH! With zero miles remaining on my gas gage (poor planning on my part) I found Corbett's one & only gas pump at a little market. (I was a tad nervous about running out of gas & her being late to her 1st game....wouldnt be a mother of the year moment). We found the adorable baseball field at the small country Springdale School. I immediately recalled watching our eldest play some of his 1st T-Ball games at this same field. Wow! Had my latte' in hand & camera . . . . we were ready to rock! Darla was so excited but admittedly a tad nervous as well.

You wouldve never guessed it was her 1st year playing softball. She was amazing! To be honest, I would not be suprised if she doesnt eventually end up smacking a homerun. She is a strong girl, and I think the more she practices & her confidence builds . . . watch out!!!

Coach selected Darla to play 3rd base, than catcher, then on the pitchers mound, then outfield. She is so excited for her next game!!

Turn down your speakers

Disclaimer: I am not used to video recording the kids - and this was Darla's 1st softball game. She was nervous about her 1st game & I was a loud encouraging Mama. Ok, turn the volume down & enjoy!!!

Here she is up to bat:

Tweens & Teens Who Like Clothes?!?

Named brand resale clothing . . . . .
this place is Payton's favorite store to shop at. They buy too but are extremely picky because they only buy very new looking items & new new styles.

www.platoscloset.com

They have locations in Oregon (Clackamas - 82nd by Winco & Town Center) & California (Modesto & others).

Darla's Softball Game?! Snowed Out!

Darla's 1st softball game was supposed to be this evening but it has been rescheduled for Friday same place - same time due to SNOW!

2 Versions of "Slop"

Growing up "slop" was the big bowl of table scraps, cantelope innerds, potato peels, & apple cores to be taken out to the compost at the back of the garden. I remember it wasn't one of the popular chores because it smelled out at the compost.

Now flash forward to life now . . . . the family is in the car headed to Eli's basketball game...
Darla: "Mom!! Elijah just ate a piece of old food!"
Mom: "What?"
Darla: "He had a piece of old food in his pants pocket & he just ate it."

After probing Elijah for the details . . .
Elijah: "My teacher gave us slop for snack, and I put some in my pocket."
Mom: "What?! Slop?"
Elijah: "Yes, I love slop! Its really good. Its like pretzels, and uhhhh cookies . . . and raisins"

I describe what the word "slop" has always meant to me (the compost).
Well I thought it was the end of the "slop story"..... but no the next day it comes up again.
Elijah: "Mom do you think someone could watch Nolan, so you can come to my school again with me?"
Mom: "That would be nice. I will check with Grandpa."
Elijah: "Cool! Then you could see how my teacher makes slop!!!"

Easter Dinner

Buona Pasqua means "Happy Easter" in Italian.

Well the 4 year old suggested mama makes egg on toast for Easter dinner, the 6 year old was craving french toast, and the other 3 collectively came up with the following menu:

Homemade fettucini alfredo, chicken parmigiana, salad & homemade breadsticks. Majority ruled & this was the resulting meal:

delizioso = adj. yummy (food)

The day finally arrived . . .

ELIJAH'S 1st OFFICIAL BASKETBALL GAME

Elijah & his Coach Curtis, whom by the way has also coached rival teams of Payton's.

Elijah is No. 10 like his papa was in High School. Good sign?

Elijah engaging in his 1st Jump Ball. . . .

Elijah with his red face after the game . . . . and couldn't be happier!

Details:
Elijah had been dressed and ready to go literally 3 hours before we had to leave. (Typical Elijah fashion) He had double checked 4 times that his water bottle was still ready & in the fridge.

On the drive down the Mtn . . . off to a Gresham school gym . . . . we reviewed the rules about good sportsmanship, equal play time for all the kids on his team, not to hog the ball & remember to pass it, etc., He remained jazzed until we wanted him to understand that when he is on the bench it's not because he didnt do well, but to allow the other kids to play. He became depressed looking & said "So I only get to play half the game?" He eventually understood he had a job to do on the bench... to rest so he was ready to back out on the court, and to cheer his teammates on from the bench. Well . . . . ironically once we were at the game . . . Elijah's feet hit the court & there they stayed the entire game. His bottom never got to feel the bench - he played the entire game with JOY! The coach kept asking girls on his team if they wanted to play but they were uninterested, tired or . . . well visiting with their friends. Elijah's face was beet red but he played hard the entire game.

They dont keep a scoreboard at this age but he probably made 10 baskets, numerous assists, stole the ball probably 5 times, and was selected to do the jump ball 2 or 3 times. He was unphased when they matched him up with the tallest kid on the other team, who was a foot taller. It was amazing to watch.

Easter Morn

The Eggciting facts:

1. The kids always wake up before us & peak in their baskets & spy out the windows



2. "Time to get up!" our kids repeat in our faces with mild marshmallow & jelly bean breath.



3. This year . . . 51 eggs (17 for ea. child 8 and under). Payton's basket always has extra teen appreciated goodies.

4. The kids had 30 minutes to hunt for eggs, before
needing to get dressed for church.

5. At the end of the 30 minutes they found all but 16 eggs.

6. The hunt continued after church, and they finally gave up on locating the last 3.

Elijah saw him!!!

The kids are soooo excited, because Elijah declares to have spotted the Easter Bunny in the middle of the night. In case anyone was wondering what the Easter Bunny does look like, I will share with you his vivid description.

"He is tall. Taller than me! (Elijah)"
"He has buck teeth, like Darla's but bucky-er"
So we are stuck here knowing darn well our son is well uhhhh fabricating the story.
Nolan's reaction is that of someone a lil' bit creeped out that this cute fluffy lil' bunny is actually a foot taller than him, and has some huge teeth.

Darla is amazed & jealous she didnt get to see the Easter Bunny, while correcting her brother she does not have buck teeth.

Photos of their egg hunt to follow later.

Happy Easter

Brave Boys -n- Dodgeball

Big Brother joins the fun in the backyard. . . .

in his pj's so doesnt want to be photographed.

Nolan's creative choice in lawn furniture (notice infamous tongue action):

Dodge ball . . . . Elijah shows no fear:

Nolan jumping off trampoline to avoid being an easy target during dodge ball:

Nolan contemplating, can I escape quick enough?! . . .

once I hurl this ball towards 16 year old brothers head?!

The years sure run by . . .

Elijah is infamous for chuckling when he runs

...dont know why, but it's cute!

Nolan makes ME giggle when he runs . . .

for reasons like his green tongue matching his green shirt,

not wearing socks despite by many reminders to put some on,

& shoes on the wrong feet but he doesnt care.

Darla. . . . always intense, focused, and fast when running.

Drive at Dusk Turns Up This:

Ok so here is the scoop on this adorable place:
1. I used to live a couple houses down from this waterfront cottage when I was 6.
2. The home was renovated this past year . . . . and I just marvel at its cuteness.
3. Alan did the heating/air - so I received a sweet lil' tour last spring when I brought my honey lunch. That same day we actually went & sat by the river to eat lunch. As we sat there we saw our eldest son floating down the river with his best friend in a raft. Ironic timing!
4. Back to the cute place. . . I love smokey grey aged cedar & white trim w/ the barn red punch of color. Super cute don't you think? Now plop this place down on a piece of farming acreage, and have a meandering creek on the property . . . . . and I found our next home!

Ok this goat barn is also a couple houses down from the Welches home I lived in back in 1st grade. The various sets of horns would always creep me out as a kid. The only thing I ever encountered similar to this in Eagle Creek (I think Duus Rd, maybe?) . . . a bus drivers (Benscooter?) had a farm called skull ranch. It had the big log entrance arch w/ a big ol' cow skull. It also creeped me out.

Ok so here is the delightful Salmon River, less than a mile from my home. In the distance you can see BBQ smoke . . . this has been a common sight & smell the past couple of days. Nothing beats the smell of the natural forest, river, & camp smoke. Ahhhh...... life up here is good.

Another peak at the river at dusk.

Here I present Hunchback Mtn . . . only a country block (less than a mile) from our home:

We had a nice drive yesterday but it wasnt without dissapointment:
Really people? I cannot believe that people dump their garbage on the side of the road like this. This isnt far from my house, and it is a main road. Shame on you! You really cant afford the $20 a month garbage bill? Or $20 for a truck load to the dump? May your conscience get to you. So why should I go pick up your dirty diapers & milk jugs which will remain here until one of us do?

I'm so mad & sad

That little 8 year old girl, Sandra Cantu, missing since March 27th from Tracy CA was found dead today in a suitcase in an irrigation pond only 2 miles from her home. I am so sad to hear this. I was praying this little girl was safe, and some sicko snatched her & decided to end her life. Please, dear God, bring forth the person(s) responsible . . . . please protect all the others who come into contact with them. I pray for this poor family who lost their baby girl and all who have been touched by this horrific crime. We can rest easy knowing Sandra is safe now in your arms Lord, thank you. Please let the truth expose these creeps, and I pray they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law & beyond.

Softball Beginneth

2nd official practice, Friday April 3rd 2009.

Steps for a great athletic experience:

1. An eager participant (Darla)

2. A patient & encouraging coach (Suzy)

3. Parents willing to commit time, transportation, & support (Alan & I)

4. Cooperating weather (the snow melted in time for practice, so cant complain)

5. Great friends working together as a team on a common goal: have fun & learn softball!

Elijah Could NOT Be Happier!!!!!!!!!

Last night was our kindergardner's 1st basketball practice on a REAL team!

He still keeps double & triple checking with me that he is going to play in a REAL game.

So here are the facts. . . . he has practice one weeknight a week in Boring. They do not offer any basketball programs in Sandy/Welches until 3rd grade, thus the commute to this YMCA program. There are 7 kids on Elijah's team. . . . 5 girls & 2 boys. Elijah is the tallest on the team, which is uncommon, he is our only "short" child. All our kids are 90th percentile for height except Elijah who has been ranked 20th percentile for height. In other words... out of 100 kids his age - 80 of the 100 are taller than Elijah. So they only practice for 1 hour and their games will be on Saturdays. FUN!!!

This was supposed to be a 5 & 6 yr old team but somehow the coaches daughter is on the team & she isnt even 4 yet. But it is super adorable! Many of the girls dont know how to dribble. I actually worried the ball was flat because they would drop the ball to try & dribble & it seemed the ball would just go splat & sit on the floor. The girls would dribble & bat at the air. It was so cute to watch these 7 kids work together on the different drills. I was warned that at the 1st game it will be an accomplishment if the kids just remember which basket is their teams. They are allowed to travel, double dribble, etc., Elijah was so confused when the adults were applauding the kids who would run up to make a lay-in without ever dribbling.

One for the record books?

Note: This photo is in our front yard Friday, April 3rd.

Ok so the local paper "The Mountain Times" just published this eye opening fact:

Brightwood (which is lower elevation than our home):
This winter's snowfall = 70.5"
10-year average = 27.5"
Last March = 7.5"

Gov't Camp (higher elevation than our home):
March 2009 Total = 114"
March Average = 48"
Last March = 61"