Christmas 2017

We had a houseguest for Christmas - wish she could have stayed longer!

Memory Lane

I love the Facebook feature that lets you look back in time. This week has been filled with some precious pictures and videos.

Vala's Pumpkin Patch - September 2017

It's Pumpkin Patch season again! Dan is back driving the train, the girls are enjoying their Friday nights with friends this year, and I'm happy to let the fine people of Vala's cook dinner on Friday evenings. It's hard to believe we've already been three times this year, and it's not even October yet!

An Unsung Hero

All of us rub shoulders with unsung heroes. Those who are quietly changing the world by changing one life at a time. My sister is one of those heroes. A single mom of three (+ spouses). Grandmother of two. Teacher of low-income students. And a heart big enough to take in six more incredible kids who need a safe place to land. I don't know how she does it all and manages to keep a smile on her face. I do know God is the foundation that helps her keep all of those plates spinning. And her tenacious faith has had some pretty big ripple effects on the world around her.

This month, the world celebrated a Jubilee: 50 years of being a better place because of Karey. I'm proud to be your sister (even though I may not have appreciated it all the time when we were kids.) I love you, Karey!

A little gift for those moments she takes for herself.

Quick Trip Home

Hooray for my husband who made it possible for me to make a second trip to Oregon this summer. I was pretty much resigned to the fact that I would miss my nephew Noah's wedding, but between Dan's generosity and a really great deal on airfare, I was able to take my first Mommy trip (alone!) for a quick weekend home. I was able to pack an awful lot in those 48 hours - like time with my great-niece and nephews, an afternoon with my sister and a sushi dinner with her and her husband, lots of snuggle time with another great-nephew, and many hugs for almost all of my family members.

The famous PDX carpet

Breakfast of Jazzy Bagels and fresh blackberries

I brought my flat family along for the wedding since the 3-D versions stayed behind in Nebraska

"Hi-dee-ho, neighbor"

The gorgeous bride and groom

A little welcome home gift from my girls

And a delicious welcome home cake

Stir-Up Days

Ashland has their annual Stir-Up Days in July. There's so much going on, and it's usually super hot. We managed to make it through the parade and a race, as well as taking in a few other events.

Annie loved cheerleading camp and got to march in the parade.

I walked the 5K and came in a solid last place (the other walkers did a 2 mile walk, but I was determined to make it 3.1 after my broken foot.) I had been walking a 25 minute mile, but managed to finish the entire 5K in 50 minutes.

Dan, however, plowed the competition and came in second place for his age division. Way to go, Dan!

Garey and Janiece - 50 years

My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. We were able to help them celebrate at a reception last weekend. It was a Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock 'n Roll. What an incredible legacy they have left as they have gone from the two of them to twenty-nine!

Grant Park, Portland, Oregon

Annie is in love with all things Beverly Cleary right now. We took a detour to spend some time at Grant Park, where there are statues of beloved characters from her books. Dayna enjoyed some butterfly hunting as well.

Ribsy

Henry Huggins

Ramona