A Fishing We Will Go . . . .

Trillium Lake this afternoon . . . . birthday boy Nolan using his new fishing pole from Grandpa & caught his very 1st fish (the biggest one out of all the fishermen too) !!!

Make A Wish!

Left to Right: Darla, Elijah, friend Parker, Birthday Boy Nolan, Payton, Grandpa Ricky, Papa, friends Josh & Madilyn

Nolan making a serious wish....this is the look of 75% deep concentration & 25% shyness.

Well most of his friends & none of his cousins were available to attend his party . . . but the Hopkins Family & Granpda Ricky saved the day!! (Grandma Kris was home sick) Nolan had a great birthday (this morning he came downstairs with birthday snack debris still smeared on his face) & muttered "Mom! That was the best day of my life!!!" And I asked, "What your birthday party?" And he said "Yes! Can I have my next birthday party there again?" So..... thank you Meinig Park....the castle play structure & the wonderful outdoor movie theatre! Last night Nolan asked to go home because he was sleepy half way thru the movie, so we packed it up. I thought for sure this was going to go down as his least favorite party, but I guess I was wrong. So refreshing to have a child so easy to please! Hope it lasts.

Real nasally..... "MOM!!! I CANT BREATHE!"

Nolan's 2nd Yr Preschool Open House

Our little cutie pie with his teacher Mrs Hartman, sister to Darla & Elijah's preschool teacher. This is the BEST preschool in the area!!! It is worth the drive twice a week for me to take him. He cant wait to start on September 10th. The class size is 10 students & he already knows 2 of his peers.

Welcome to Dairy Queen . . . .

may I take your order?

Swimming at Mt Hood Village

As you can see I still havent figured out how to use the "new-to-us" camera. (Sorry)

Above: Elijah king of underwater swimming . . . and Nolan bobbing around in his spiderman donut & floaties. All the kids enjoy jumping in the heated pool. Diving is not allowed.Above: Elijah & Darla behind him

Our "baby" is turning 5 . . .

Blood Drive Today - Thurs 8/20

Lots of blood drive donation time slots are open beginning
at 3pm I am told ....please stop by the Hoodland Lutheran
Church on Hwy 26....on your way up or down the Mountain.
I plan to give the gift of life tomorrow...join me!

Directions shown below at church website:

http://www.hoodlandlutheran.org/Visiting.htm

3 Lil' Monkeys Sittin' In A Tree....

The kids latest favorite thing to do????? CLIMB TREES. Elijah has zero fear factor & quickly scurries to the very tip top of the trees.

Cute Crushes

clockwise a blurry picture of Darla, Nicholas, Samantha, Tierra

When I was a kid growing up, my bestest friend Taira & I called them "Cute Crushes".... harmless lil' things where we thought someone was a sweetie or cute.

Well Darla is fully aware she cant date till she is 16, but her friend Nicholas has had a crush on her since kindergarden and has always called her "Doll Face". Darla has kindof developed a cute crush on him as well this summer. To her great joy he attended Vacation Bible School. His family doesnt yet go to church but have made it clear he is allowed to attend with us. This past weekend Nicholas joined Darla & a group of friends to a local outdoor theatre in Sandy at Meinig Park for a showing of High School Musical Two.

Also suffering from a cute crush is our youngest Nolan (above) and his adorable friend Olivia. Olivia was a classmate of Nolan's in preschool, and a neighbor. Her family has relocated to Washington but the grandparents are neighbors so they visit. When they do visit Olivia comes calling for Nolan.

Happy 41st Alan!

Alans birthday present this year was a full-blown Thanksgiving Feast in August. He loves the turkey holiday meal more than any other . . . . so that's what we did & had a great time. The dessert was not good tho. He wanted a cherry pie - I ran out of time so made a cherry crisp without following a recipe & it showed.

Change

Change sure can stink awful bad sometimes, hurt even.

Out of the mouth of our baby....

Nolan: "Mama! We saw a lot of honey birds! I love honey birds!" (hummingbirds)

Nolan wanted to challenge me to a thumb war (he is the Champion in this house, psycho strong & fast thumbs this preschooler has). . . . . in his dramatic but joking tone we do the normal "1-2-3-4-I declare a thumb war" . . . . then he bellows "Oh yah, you're going down old lady!" He uses this unidentifiable accent/drawl.

Nolan's classic announcement before tackling his brothers or before busting out in a break dance is "Lets get this party started!"

He is like his older siblings and loves to make up songs & perform almost every evening for us . . . only Nolan's songs are unique in that they all begin the same "Once upon a time...." My favorite is about God and as he calls Him.... My Lord!

I have to add more to this posting later.....but this "baby" of ours will be 5 at the end of this month and he is just an amazing child. Love you Nolan Ricky!

Welcome to Club 30

Our adorable niece/friend Shawna turned 30 last month, joining fellow Club 30 relatives like her husband, Jake, Lanelle, & myself..... I think everyone else is in their 20's or younger or in their 40's or older. We celebrated this glorious milestone by "attempting" to throw her a suprise birthday party. She is too clever & figured it out . . . but we still love her.

Shawna....if you ever find yourself wondering ....why does my family love me so much? Here are only a few of the millions of reasons why:
YOU...
1. ...wear your smile on the inside & outside more regularly than most.
2. ...are a loving, attentive, playful, creative, nurturing, & unselfish mother.
3. ...love God, & are raising your family up in Him.
4. ...have a fun sense of humor - our lives would be a bore without you.
5. ...try to always see the best in others.
6. ...are a caring generous sister to your siblings, & daughter to your mom.
7. ...are grateful & humble.
8. ...are all around incredible person!

Special thanks to King Family for opening up their home to hold the party there, Lauri for the cakes, Joy & Jason for the water balloons, & everyone who was able to join us that day (Jake, Lauri, Rachel, Sarah, Alan, Darla, Elijah, Nolan, Jason, Joy, James, Lauri, Jenica, Brian, Tommy, April, Robby, Robert, Austin, Alyssa, Ethan, Lily, Chris, Alloma, Grandma, Aunt Judy, Uncles, Mary, & Emma)

True friends are priceless.

Sprayground at Blue Lake Park

2 moms & 10 kids.....good times!

Back Row of Boys: Nolan, friend Tanner, Elijah
Front Row of Lil' Ladies: 4 sisters (our friends) Karissa, Kiana, Kyra, Keturah, our Darla, & friends McKenna & Samantha

Nolan hammin' it up as always.....

Darla, friend McKenna (getting a bucket of water dumped on her), & Samantha bracing for her bucket to spill a big splash atop her lil' head too.

Heat Wave 2009 . . . . was good enough reason to drive down the Mtn to Fairview's Blue Lake Park. Only $5 admission per car . . . . great bargain for an SUV stuffed full of kids.

Darla running to the rescue . . . .

Friend Samantha . . . our Darla,. . . . and friend McKenna. SUMMER OF SMILES!!

Where do horse flies come from?

A favorite creek side spot, which we usually have to ourselves, was invaded yesterday.

Yep, invaded by giant biting, stinging horse flies!!! We had to leave. The kids kept asking me where they came from, etc., and I have no clue.

A half mile from the creek spot is a small horse farm, so Darla thought it was their fault?!

I dont know....but this is the only photo I captured before I was too busy slapping away the evil winged biters.

Crombie Cards by Amy ...... NOW ONLINE!!!

http://mysite.verizon.net/res11d1r8/crombiecards/

100% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE IS CONTINUING TO GO
DIRECTLY TO "KAYLA'S CANCER".

TO READ HER STORY PLEASE VISIT:
http://kayla-w.com/

Beach Bums . . . . Saturday July 18th

Haystack Rock . . . it was gorgeous sunny & hot (little windy). The clouds arrived shortly after we did....but really didnt affect anything.

We have arrived!! Super low maintenance packing for this day trip. Each kid brought one toy. Elijah brought a lightweight bouncy ball. Nolan chose a wooden truck to haul sand in. Darla grabbed a giant empty ice cream bucket to build castles with & collect all their beachcombing finds in.

NOTE: We determined day trips to beach are way less work to prepare for then spontaneous camping up on the Mtn. More beach trips are in our very near future!

We only forgot: sunglasses. . . . I got a headache from squinting all day and Nolan forgot a sweatshirt.

And they are off! Running straight to the ocean w/ mama & papa joining them.

The ocean was not too cold at all. It was actually refreshing. Not the normal numb legs etc.,

Above shows the kids digging to find the water that lies beneath the sand that Papa told them about. They never found it - neither did Papa. It was actually hilarious because this other family down a little ways from us dug a hole so deep the dad could stand in it & it was up to his waist. The kids thought for sure they wouldve found water - - - -we peeked & NOPE! Our kids gave up at that point. haha

Nolan was annoyed that when he dug out an area for a moat around his castle & poured water into it . . . that the water would just dissapear soaked into the sand. He then turned almost all his interest into the SEAGULLS! He was fascinated with them & was determined to catch one.

Here below is our honey of a girl enjoying a moment alone with her loving papa . . . Sunset getting closer.

Nolan in one of Darla's shirts since he got his 2 shirts soaking wet. . . peaceful play. Elijah squinting like mama from the windy sand blowing about & the sun shining from the Horizon. We decided to enjoy the southern end of Seaside for the sunset.

$40 in gas rountrip, which included a ton of extra sight-seeing, new homestead dreaming in Mist, OR area . . . and our long daytrip to the beach was AWESOME!!!!

Payton had to work, unfortunately, but Alan, the 3 youngest & I played all day & night. We drove back after we watched the sunset.

While Payton & Papa at work.... we head to Trillium Lake

Only fifteen miles from our home lies this gorgeous trout-stocked lake . . . with magestic Mt Hood in the backdrop. I still insist we live in one of the most gorgeous areas. Oregon has it all: beaches, rolling farmlands & wineries, rich fertile valleys, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, hoppin' cities, & deserts for people who like those types of things.

I am not used to this "new to us" camera.

A professional photographer actually asked to borrow our little spot to take up close photos of this family of ducks that were completely unphased by my busy kids playing alongside them. It grew a little annoying because my kids were waiting to resume playing. But patiently we waited & then he left us to our spot again.

So once we shooo-ed the duckies away I grabbed the only fishing pole we brought & cast out into the beautiful lake waters for Elijah . . . only to discover the reel/handle was broke. I had to manually wind the fishing line bobbin thing to retrieve the line. It took a while. I stood their puzzled about how it became dismantled & then Darla & Nolan ended the mystery. They both explained "What?! It wasnt broken. Before we left we were practicing fishing with it in the living room." Ah-hah...another item to join the pile on papa's work bench "to be repaired." Elijah was very bummed & had no interest in swimming in the lake like the other two kids. I promised to take him back soon, with a fully functioning fishing pole this time.

B is Boys & Basketball

Our boys & their never-ending love of the game . . . BASKETBALL

Dinner Beneath The Stars

Well some of the kids called it a garden party - some a starry night dinner . . . whatever you want to call it I suppose. . . .

Kids planned a random menu which I agreed to prepare for their special event:

Potatos like jo-jo's

Corn on the cob

Mellon Balls (cantelope)

Waldorf Salad (which Ive never made before)

The kids also had some huckleberries they picked inside a purple box which they munched on.

They set the table all by themselves, even brought out the food, & even dished the plates for Papa & Payton. Mama skipped this party, taking a bath & drinking tea.

Papa started a fire in the chiminea so they could also roast some fancy flavored marshmallows for dessert.

Darla's 1st Time Away From Home

What: 5 nights away at Camp!!

How: Darla's friend, Tierra. Tierra's grandparents treat all their grandkids each summer to Christian camp + each grandkid gets to select 1 friend to accompany them. Darla was the lucky girl chosen. What a blessing this is!

When: Sunday 7/5 - Friday 7/10

Where: Eagle Fern Youth Camp (I grew up right up the road from the place, never got to camp there myself, but worked/volunteered at the camp. So I knew Darla was going to have a blast!)

Darla was soooo excited to go (of course). Neither Darla nor Tierra were accustomed to being away from their parents overnight for so long....I think the mom's struggled the most. Cute story the camp counselor shared was Tierra was kindof crying at night missing her mama (the 1st night), and Darla climbed up to her bunk & whispered to her friend "Can I pray with you?". Darla prayed for her friend & it helped.

Some of Darla's favorite activities while at camp were horseback riding & rock climbing.

Their cabin had built in bunk beds that were 3 beds high. Tierra picked the very top & Darla was in the middle bunk. These were some super tall bunkbeds.

Sorry

Blog will be updated soon - promise. Have a camera now but have yet to upload any tpics o the computer. Been busy with many projects.

Arent my sisters beautiful?

Praise God Baby (niece) & Mama Healthy

Ultrasound taken today of my beautiful & HEALTHY niece-on-the-way:

My sister reports her & her baby are healthy! Thank you for the prayers!

Please Pray For Niece-On-The-Way

I have very little information but my sister Lena & husband Brian are expecting a baby girl in Oct-Nov & are asking for prayer. They are asking for prayer for their baby girl's health & no complications. They have another upcoming ultrasound to get more information. All was well but apparently something has happened to stir concern, so please please pray for God's divine protection of this baby girl & peace for the family as they await more information.

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.