It is cancer!

Cancer sucks.
So local friend, who is only 26, has had it confirmed that yes all the tumors found throughout her body are cancer. Prayer needed PLEASE. She begins radiation today & chemo in a week.

Camera repairman?

Ooops the button you push to turn on/off Payton's digital camera is stuck in the on position.
We have tried common sense approaches to dislodging it, but gonna have to "outsource" this repair Im afraid.

Blog hasnt had any updates because of this "temporarily out of service" camera situation.

Enjoy the gorgeous sunshine all, and the kids last days of school & sports.

Roslyn Lake errrr I mean "Meadow"

Roslyn Lake in Sandy was a lake for over 90 years . . . . enjoyed by the generations.

Our son Nolan enjoyed his 3rd birthday party here at this exact spot 2 summers ago (shown above). We took photos of the large group of kids on the steps of this adorable old cabin (shown below). In fact because of the wind that day, we had to carry his birthday cake to the backside of the cabin & that is where we sang to him & he blew his candles out on the back porch.

The kids gobbled blue cake & raced off to play more "tug of war" (shown below):A year ago (See May 2008 section) I posted pics from the drained Roslyn Lake . . . . we were so sad to see it go. Beautiful Roslyn became a big brown stinky mud bowl.

Well we had been hearing that the empty lake was slowly filling in with plant life. We need to take a drive to see for ourselves, but I did locate this recent photo online of "Roslyn Meadow":

Congrats to My Sister Lena & Family

Adorable Husband & Wife

Lena & Brian
enjoying wedding anniversary:

Their Son / My Adorable Nephew Lennon:

Their baby-on-the-way /

Lennons sibling /

My Sweet New Nephew or Niece:

26 & Tumors Found Thru-Out Body?

I just learned a friend, who is only 26, who went in to DR for back pain & misc., just learned she has multiple tumors in her spine, liver, lungs, & abdomen. Looking at her you would have no idea...she is a healthy looking vibrant young woman. She is a believer in the Lord, thankfully. I am asking for prayer for my "26 yr old friend" (who's name is remaining anonymous at this time per her husbands request). She is seeing one of the best oncologists & having multiple tests & biopsies done. According to one of her DR's if the tumors are cancer it would appear with the multiple tumors thru-out the body, that it is a very progressive type of cancer. Suprising but the DR said usually that type of cancer is the most responsive to tx.

Alan & I have steadfastly been praying for her thru-out our day since learning the news. Please join us. She is so young. When will all this suffering in the world end? It is moments like this that make me think Jesus' return wouldnt be all that bad right now. Whereas normally I struggle in wanting to see my kids grow, etc., I have been content in knowing the Lord will return but perhaps it will be after my kids have been able to have families of their own, etc., All in God's time . . . I know this.

New Accountability

I saw this on another blog & want to try on mine.
I am hoping to add a little snippet at the end of each blog posting that includes:
Daily Bible Study, Daily Exercise, Daily Nutrition

Example:
40 min. Bible: Esphesians 2-4
35 min. walk around loop
Good H2O; 4 medifast, 1 snack, salad+chicken

Oops

Late last night I had a brilliant idea to run a hot bath . . . . turned it on & then got on computer (facebook & found MORE long lost friends) . . . and an hour later had to use restroom (thank God) & found water creeping out of the bathroom down the hall floor & to the entrance of 2 of the kids bedrooms. R U KIDDING ME?

After bellowing in a panic for Alan & Payton as I started throwing all the contents of our linen closet onto the floor . . . . Alan grabbed the shop vac. Long story short: the heater vent in the bathroom functioned as a drain for a lot of the water which weighted down all the flex duct in our crawl. So I had to relocate the contents of our coat closet so Alan could get to the crawl access to assess the damage & repair. Well it's a couple hundred dollar mistake compliments of Mrs Crombie (me) . . . but no damage to the house whatsoever. Luckily we have wood floors so its not like it saturated carpet in the hall, etc., I will be showering for a while as opposed to bathing.

Facebook Warning: Use at your own risk! Definitely dont run a bath & get on facebook.

May 13th : Top 5 days of the year . . .

9 years ago today . . . May 13, 2000 Alan & I became husband & wife . . . . life partners.
Alan still likes to tease me about when we were courting how I honestly said "I cant imagine ever arguing with you.", and he said "Oh Amy we will argue." I very seriously responded "Well I never want to." Of course Alan was right. There have been disagreements & struggles. Marriage is work. Probably the hardest work there is but I think where some people fail (in their marriage & divorce) is one or both parties think it would be easier with someone else or different circumstances etc.,. When in reality whatever issues you brought into your marriage, you will most often carry into the next etc., Giving up should not be an option in my opinion. Stay the course and you will be blessed for it. For us, without God as the central focus in our marriage we struggle & if we dont make time for one on one intimacy we struggle. But when we get it right, it is just like the courting days & all the giggling & gaga that comes with it. So if any of you find yourselves feeling like the dimmer switch is turned down low in the marriage - turn it up - reignite!

May 13 is my favorite day of the year . . . the other 4 on my top 5 list . . . my children's birthdays of course Jan 3rd, Aug. 31st, Nov 1st, & Nov 8th. These days are my most dear accomplishments in life . . . nothing I could ever pursue or achieve would compare.

Economy will not get me down . . . . will NOT

Monday's random joy . . .

Well our auto insurance renewal arrives in the mail with news that we GET to spend 20 more a month for the same exact coverage for no reason. . . . just a random "rate thing" they said. Ahh joy that we will continue to alter the budget & survive. Grateful that God provides. I only wonder when all the "random rate things" will stop increasing, groceries & gas will chill out & quit depleting our funds so quickly?

Next random joy . . . .
You buy 4 brand new tires . . . . they are supposed to last 50,000 miles . . . . a month down the road 1 of the 4 tires bubble out like a belt's broken . . . . on our wedding anniversary road trip almost a year ago. Spokane Les Schwab replaces tires at no charge and we're back on the road again. Then it happens again . . . . that's twice within 1 year of buying these warrantied tires . . . a bubble - broken belt thing. . . . can cause a deadly blow-out if ignored. Well this time Sandy Les Schwab explains that no problem covered under warranty of course . . . but it will cost me approximately $100 - a prorated cost of a brand new replacement tire because they cant just give away free tire tread. In other words they will only pay the cost of the remaining 65% unused tire tread. Interesting. Tire is defective: we all agree. Not driver or cars fault: we all agree. But in order to fix problem it will cost me $100. Long story short: it was a long day at Schwabs waiting for them to find a used tired w/ the same amount of tread remaining . . . . afterall who in this economy is not going to use up most of their tire tread before replacing? I wont ever throw out a tire w/ 65% of it's life left. Well someone somewhere did so that was the only way the warranty of THIS economy saved me from having to pay any moola. Buyer beware! If your tire is defective & is warrantied for 50k miles - you will still have to buy replacement unless they can find an exact match used tire.

Speaking of cars . . . . am I the only person in the world who right when your nice car is all paid off - and you owe free & clear . . . . that little things start going qwuirky with your car? I mean I will not be suprised if the car wont end up needing to be replaced in a year or so. What happened to the little 76 toyota corolla wagons of the world that just kept going & going & going? I swear that thing lasted my entire childhood & beyond. It crawled thru snow, hauled 4 bales of hay on the roof rack, transported hundreds of heavy 8 pack glass diet pepsi bottles to IGA for bottle refunds. . . . plus a family of 7's commuter.

I tell ya . . . . someone buy our home PLEASE . . . . in a better economy we have 150k equity in our home but now we're told we could count on 100k . . . . . find us a quaint little farm . . . . 3 acres even would suffice. . . . . and a horse & buggy. Please oh please I just want to be Amish. Car insurance & Les Schwab would be terms of the past. Im not giving up on this dream.

I miss my mama ... wish she didnt live in CA.

Out of the mouth of babes . . .

Deep conversation with 4 year old son Nolan today.
Goes something like this :
Mama: Soooo when you are a Papa someday how many kids do you think you will have?
Nolan: Oh 8, 9, 10, 11, ....12. Yes 12.
Mama: 12? Oh boy you're going to be a busy papa.
Nolan: Yeah. But we wont have a big table.
Mama: You wont have a big table? Why?
Nolan: Because I dont have any money mom!!!! (he was so annoyed I didnt realize he doesnt have the money for a big table - yet he has enough money for 12 kids)

Alan In The News

http://mirandahomes.blogspot.com/2008/10/hvac-and-electrical.html

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