YES!!!! New Camera On Its Way...

Well new to us that is . . . . thank you Pa & Kris.
So maybe I can go back to blogging again, once we
have the camera.

Lots has been going on . . .

Most significantly is 26 year old Kayla went Home
to be with the Lord after a 5 week fight against cancer.
There is a big benefit auction dinner being held at the
Mt Hood Village on July 18th. This will help with medical
expenses & be a great time for fellowship as we all
remember Kayla. More details to follow later. PLEASE
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR KAYLA'S HUSBAND SEAN.

Payton has been enjoying his job at Dairy Queen and has
been working a lot. He is looking forward to his 1st paycheck
on July 10th. He plans to put this towards his savings for
his 1st car.

Annual Crombie Campout is this 4th of July weekend out
at the farm (Alan's childhood home in Eagle Creek).

Darla will be leaving on Sunday July 5th returning Friday
July 10th from Camp - compliments of one of her best friends
Grandma who always treats her grandchildren + 1 of their
friends each year to Christian Summer Camp. What a blessing!
The girls will enjoy horseback riding & lots of fun. Please pray
for their safety.

Elijah has been busy watching lots of different basketball
documentaries & learning lots of new skills like Magic Johnson's
famouse behind the head pass, etc., The boys got their library
cards today & Elijah checked out a book on basketball skills.
(OF COURSE)

Nolan Ricky still probably loves riding his bike more than
anything. We were sooooo super proud of him this last week
because he was a big boy & stayed w/ his siblings at Vacation
Bible School (2 hrs ea. eve WITHOUT parents). This was a
huge accomplishment for our "Shy Boy" . . . who when we
would show up to pick him up was doing head stands & break
dancing during worship singing/dancing time. He cracks us up.

We need to take Payton driving more - he is eager to get
in all his hours.

I am going to start the Medifast diet again & have a new
partner/coach. She is a sweetie & has agreed to weigh me
once a week for accountability. Pray for my ability in making
this a priority.

The EHS 90 Reunion website is working quite well - lots
of feedback from alumni & continue to locate more & more
"lost" friends each day.

Alan is going to the beach tomorrow (Seaside) with his
siblings & some of the grandkids to scatter his mom's ashes
& have a memorial on her birthday July 1st. I cant join them
as I have to take Payton to & from work.

Busy summer days - not looking forward to Alan's 10%
paycut . . . . but grateful he still has a job when so many in
this economy do not.

Camp McNeil off LoloPass

Sites 10 & 12 is where the Mireles & Crombie family resided for a weekend. Gorgeous sunny weather. Cold night of partial sleep. Crombie site had stunning up close & personal Mt Hood View but the Mireles family scored on a blanket of stars in the sky at night, compared to the Crombie Kids only claiming to see 1 single star thru our skylight hole in our tent. 3 year old niece Lily loved her diamonds (which were gray rocks), 5 year old nephew Ethan kicked our butts in memory, son Nolan would not stay out of the marshmallows, almost 15 nephew Thomas is an amazing guitarist, Payton is a good sport for camping on a work night, Darla & nieces Alissa & April didnt hate their Uncle Alan when he had to fess up that "Snipe hunting" wasnt real . . . . that when they were all walking around in the dark clanging two rocks together to summon the furry clawless toothless creatures that there were really no such thing. . . . Elijah was deeply disturbed over it - he was looking forward to his 1st time hunting. Shawna is the Queen Camp Chef. . . . who made her man steak on the open fire & a full course breakfast in the morning. . . compared to her Aunt Amy who handed her kids string cheese & granola bars. Elijah & Austin were kings of finding camp wood, and made cute wooden stick boats to float down the river. Amy tore her jeans while scaling a giant log w/ millions of pokey things sticking out. Camping trip #1 of Summer 2009:
Weather - ideal but need air mattresses & more sleeping bags at night.
Location - great, $14, but next time prefer sml creek site instead of the river.
Note - Sounded like beach at night w/ light wind & river rapids.
Challenge - Amy try & enjoy camp cooking more like Shawna

Legend dies today

Only 50 years old . . . Michael Jackson reportedly passes away after having a heart attack. I grew up with him as a famous singer. Our family owned this album "Thriller" and the spooky music video - which was more like a mini-movie was popular in our house. I remember having a slight crush on MJ during the movie theatre scene. Him & his girlfriend were smacking on popcorn & he was cute, before he turned into the weird zombie dude. My most prominent memory of Michael Jackson was when one of us girls got the tape cassette. We had a slumber party at Ann Maries & the next day we walked the 13 mile George Loop blasting the tape on a lil' boom box. I remember distinctly dancing to PYT (Pretty Young Thing) while on our way to walking the 1st overnight guest home, Nishka. In recent years I had missed the old Michael Jackson. . . . not sure what happened with all the skin lightening & surgeries. Sad he couldnt love himself for the way he was born. Well farewell Michael Jackson - I pray for those closest to you. Your legend will live on.

Book recommendation

The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living
by Jackie Wellwood

In this senstitive yet sensible volume, Jackie Wellwood offers creative and practical ideas for freeing your time and resources, establishing the priorities God wants you to have, and making more room in your life for what really matters. Her understanding approach - full of homespun wisdom and anecdotes, and the shared frustrations of being a woman in the 90's - will encourage you to look at your family's lifestyle and then begin to make simple changes. One at a time.

New Websites

Well we are all geared up & planning our 20th Estacada High School Reunion. I created a website, which will help serve as a central hub of information. Also a great way for anyone to make suggestions, volunteer, etc.,

Here is a link for curious minds that just gotta know:
http://mysite.verizon.net/res11d1r8/

I also have created a very simple website for my "Crombie Cards by Amy" but am waiting to be able to upload samples of my creations. Once it has product samples available I will publish the sight for all to see. If all goes as planned clients will be able to make purchases online. My one-of-a-kind Childrens Party Invitation Packs have always been popular. I strive to use recycled products in my cards . . . real big on the whole reuse & recycle idea.

In the mean time my "Crombie Cards by Amy" can be found at Mountain View Video up here in Welches, Oregon at the Hoodland Shopping Center. 100% of the purchase price of my handmade greeting cards goes towards my friend Kayla's Fight Against Cancer. These cards are for sale by donation. Suggestion minimum donation is $3.00, but not required. We all know someone who has a birthday, wedding, baby shower, or anniversary coming up! Give the gift of a personalize one of a kind card.

Happy Papa's Day

I am so blessed and grateful.
I have the best father any daughter
could wish for.

Miss the digital camera :-(

Havent had a chance to take to repairman in Gresham. Hoping to have time tomorrow late afternoon. I have had to inconvenience others at Elijah's kindergarden graduation, Darla's softball tournament, and the boys basketball trophey moment....to snap a pic for me. Waiting to receive them. This is not a comfortable position for a scrapbookaholic/blogaholic. Heehee.

Drum Roll . . . . .

Brian & Lena are expecting a DAUGHTER! Yep, Lennon will have a beautiful baby sister! Darla will at last have a girl cousin on the Gaskell side of the family. We are all so excited. So I believe Lena is approx 17 wks along due around Thanksgiving time?! Lena is supposed to me emailing me a photo of my niece-on-the-way's "going home outfit" which they picked out today after the ultrasound appointment. She said it is adorable & white w/ pink & a lamb on the gown. Ahhh so happy for the Wright household. Now if I can only contribe a plan to get them to relocate to Oregon. heehee

YES!!!! I was right!

Well my hopes, suspicions were right!

My sister Lena called to share the ultrasound news . . . .

the sex of my niece/nephew. She had offered to bless me

with being the first to know, aside from her husband & son

of course. And blessed I am - but my lips are sealed until

late tonight. The Wright family will be sharing their exciting

news with the rest of the family this evening, then I can blab

all I want. Another baby to love - happy happy joy joy.

Payton Got His Permit!!!

YEAH!!! So he passed the test today.
Good job Payton James. Will scan copy of his permit picture & post later.

Way to go Payton!

Jobs for teens up here on the Mtn are few & far behind but Payton managed to land one of them today at his interview. He starts on Monday & they plan to give him lots of hours. Way to go Payton! All in the name of "saving for his first car".

A prayer . . . . and link to check out.

God,
I know we arent designed to know & understand it all
but I hurt so much over the news of a beautiful 26 year
old Christian married woman who has late stage cancer.
She was having odd symptoms & had hoped her & her
high school sweetheart were expecting their 1st baby
perhaps but instead learned she has a rare form of
cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma. Lord, the statistics
arent really in her favor regarding the amount of time
here on earth she probably has. I know you are the Master
Healer though, and I pray if it is your will Jesus that you
would please heal Kayla. Please give her & Sean time to
raise a small family. They would be raising them up in you
Lord. You will of course receive all the praise & glory for
her health. PLEASE Lord. . . . we just lost another wonderful
woman up here on the mountain ( mid 40's) to cancer a
year ago. And I lost a friend in her 50's just two months ago
to ugly cancer. This is so hard to accept, and so confusing. I dont
understand why the cancer doesnt strike me, (who praise be
to YOU) - I have married the love of my life and have 4 kids.
Why is it not me, why Kayla Lord? She is only 26 - I at least
have been blessed & have enjoyed 37 years Lord. My heart
hurts. I come to you for strength & wisdom. Please use me
as you will to help this young couple Lord. Thank you for
my life Lord. I am one grateful woman! Love you, Amy

http://www.kayla-w.com/

Welcome to Dairy Queen . . .

May I take your order please?

Payton has an interview at the only "fast food" establishment up here on the Mtn..."Dairy Queen" on Thursday this week. Hopefully his start date will follow soon after. Then all that is left is coordinating his 2 week summer school with his work schedule. He has a math class to take during summer school this year. He also plans to go in & try for the 2nd time on his permit. Last time he missed passing the test by 1 question.

Basketball is his life....no exaggeration

Elijah just finished his basketball season this past weekend & received his 1st trophey. This boy of ours lives, eats, breathes basketball. Grandpa Ricky gave him a bunch of VHS specials on Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, & Larry Bird and the boy has watched them all multiple times. He has already incorporated one of Magic's infamous behind the head passes into his game. Elijah recently was grounded from his loved sport for one week for some behavior hickups. We needed to remind him that people are more important than that game & the way you treat people. His biggest worry during the grounding was "I might not get into the NBA because Im not practicing." He is 100% serious about this sport. This passion started as a baby. When grandparents would ask for gift ideas for Elijah . . . . all we could say was "Balls"......that is all he wanted to play with. We are interested to see where his commitment & passion for this game takes him.

"I'm A Little Bit Shy"

Half way thru the basketball season Elijah's coach asked Nolan if he would like to join the team. To our suprise Nolan said yes. Nolan worked very hard during practice, and did play in a couple (i think 3) games for a matter of a couple minutes, maybe seconds. He said he was too shy to guard anyone. Yet when he was on defense he was stuck to them like glue. He would get so consumed by it - he would still be defending when on offense as well. He was one of the teams best dribblers even. His big brother was good to him & would pass him the ball. We are very proud of our Nolan Ricky. He is a fast runner and was swimming in the oversized orange volleyball shirt (the only orange uniform shirt still available). . . . but he wore it with pride. Way to go Nolan! Will be interesting to see if he asks to play next year.

Nolan received his 1st trophey this weekend after they played their last game. He slept with it, and keeps showing it to anyone who will look at it. Photos to follow soon (our camera broke).

Hey Batter Batter!!!!

Darla completed her 1st season of softball this weekend with a wild tournament. She loved loved loved learning this game! She was blessed with a wonderful & encouraging team (shown above). All these girls have been playing together since T-Ball, except Tegan & Darla. They embraced the newcomers with open arms. The Coaches rocked & so did all the cheering parents on the sidelines. She looks forward to playing again next year.

Note from Darla's Coach: Hey Darla, just wanted to tell you how great you did this softball season. You really worked hard & improved a ton! I sure hope you play again next year! I was very honored to have you on the team and am proud to call you one of my "Blue Bombers"! Have a great summer, we would love to have you over sometime!

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.