Happy Birthday Har!

Hey and Happy Birthday to my One and Only!

You have been my anchor and my inspiration for many a year. Almost 28! It was great to be able to spend the day just kickin' back and spending time with the kids. You are a wonderful Dad and a fun Grandpa.

Many many blessing for the year ahead.
Love you,
Tam

May Bath Babies & "The Kids"

I can't believe it has been more than a couple of weeks since I updated by blog. I know there have been interesting and fun things happening all the time. We have enjoyed having the kids here off and on all month. Jess and Joylynn have been here a few times with Wyatt and Genevieve. Lys and Logan were here a few times with Max. Cherise even came for Mother's Day and Bob's birthday! Bob and Lita have been here a few times too. I even had jury duty on two different days. I'll be finding out soon if I am one of the "lucky twelve" that will be sitting for aproximately 9 days in the courtroom.

I wish I had taken a few more pictures lately. I have some nakey bottom shots of Wyatt in the tub but it wouldn't be appropriate for this medium. So here are a few CLEAN shots and a group picture from Mother's Day.

Grand Puppy

I have to say Mad Max is a grand puppy. Some people don't want me to refer to him as my grandpuppy. He is a toy Australian Shepard. So soft and fluffy and enthusiastic and he has puppy breath!

Logan and Alyssa brought him here shortly after they picked him up from the breeder. He was given a healthy dose of welcome and gave as good as he got. Max seems to have taken to Wyatt especially. Perhaps because he was closest to his size. We can't wait to spend more time with him. Right now he is getting acquainted with Logan's family in Sisters. But soon he'll be back here for more lovin'.

Races and Zoo trips

Last night was the
Royal Ranger Gold Cup Derby. It is always a fun night for families and friends to come and pig out on hot dogs and cheer on their favorite car. This year was a bit different in that the Pioneer Girls made cars as well. The number of girls in attendance was only 2 less than the number of boys so all but one of the first races was a boy against a girl. The racing format had to be changed from the traditional. Logan and a couple of others came up with a brilliant race strategy. Our boys were both eliminated before the final round but both had fun anyway. Hayden got a trophy for the most original car design in the boys category.

Today we got up bright and early and headed for the Oregon Zoo. It was a beautiful sunny day. Har got a bit more sun than he should have. But Wyatt and Genevieve were there along with Jess, Joylynn, Lyssa, Logan, Courtney, Hayden, Cameron, Har and I. We spent about 6 hours there all together. Took 72 pictures. You're lucky I'm only posting three! :o)

Wyatt is 2!

I couldn't let the weekend get away without letting everyone know that Wyatt is two years old now. We had a fun party for him on Friday night. Aunty Cherise got to have a cake too. I'd like to say thank you to everyone that came. Our #1 grandson is one of the best kids around. He is a real goofy kid. Loves his "tunes" especially anything Veggie Tale related. He got some cool new toys that are age appropriate and enough DVD's to keep him busy for some time. Here are a couple of pictures from that night. A smooch from his loving sister and getting ready to blow out the candles.

Happy Birthday Wyatt!
Grampa and Gramma love you SOOOOOOO MUCH!

Happy Birthday CHERISE!

Twenty-two years ago today we welcomed into our home and hearts a little curly haired girl. We have been watching her grow into a beautiful curly haired woman. She was such a delightful child that we figured we would have more than 3 children. So if you ever wonder why we have 8 it's Cherise's fault. Happy Birthday Reesie! We love you!

First day of school.

Today marked the day when the fifth of our children started at PCC. Rylan, Joylynn, Cherise and Alyssa all started their higher education there. It makes a whole lot of sense financially and also it is good for Krystle especially since the instructors have more time to spend helping her. The whole faculty is geared up to helping students succeed. So off she went with her backpack. First stop was the book store to buy her text books. Then off to get her student ID and to her first class. She called home after her first and then her final class and even had her first meeting with an instructor. It will be great to see her plugged into writing groups and such there.

Only 3 more to go before we have an empty nest! (Like that is ever going to happen) Hayden is planning on getting married and then living here with us.

More signs of Spring

My brother Gerry is an ARTIST when is comes to cooking on a barbecue grill. The picture is of his latest creation that we partook of at his house on Saturday night. It was unbelievably delicious! He has many other talents as well. But his skills as a chef are way up there.

Happy Birthday Krystle!

Aunty Naomi still calls you "Krystle Dolly" even though Uncle Byron stopped calling you "Lil Bit" quite a while ago. Seems everyone has a story or two about your growing up years. You have told a story or two, yourself, in your growing up years!!! We are proud of the woman you have become. A beautiful and Godly young woman. Happy Happy Birthday. We love you.

Looks like Spring

Yep. Snow last week but today it's beginning to look like Spring. Flowers are blooming. Trees are budding. Young children are sprouting bunny ears.

A boy and his dog...

I have a little guy that LOVES dogs! He and his brother want one sooooo bad. We have cats. Not that I don't like cats. Cats are cool, independent, can be left with a bowl of food and some water and their necessity box and there you go. You can be gone for quite a long time. Dogs however are like very needy small children. Can't leave them for long. If we didn't have cats, we may try to make the necessary adjustments to our household to get a dog. But that is impossible at this time. Also I am looking for a breed that doesn't have fur or one that has fur which doesn't fall out. I am also looking for a breed that doesn't, for lack of a better word, poop. So as cute as all those puppies are at Scamp's, as adorable as the puppies at the pound and those featured on Craig's List, I've yet to find one that doesn't have hair or poop. Until the other day when I found the perfect dog and brought him home. Cam has gotten quite attached to him. His name is Slappy. He is a "Dalmation-wood". We like him a lot.

Light Sabres

Do light sabres really work? Genevieve was getting an intro to weaponry from her Uncle Hayden while her Aunty Cherise was holding her. We had a bunch of our "Kids" home for the weekend. Jess, Joylynn, Wyatt and Genevieve spent the night Thursday. Cherise came to Portland to get some dental work done, get her eyes checked one more time while she is still on our insurance and to go to a concert with her Dad. The concert was enjoyed by both of them. I have enjoyed hearing Jamie Cullum's music floating through the house for the past couple of days myself. Reminds me of the music I enjoyed in my high school and college years. Very cool. I'm updating this blog while waiting to see Jamie on the Tonight Show. I think I know what Har is going to want me to get him for his birthday. May even have to get a Shuffle to load them on to.

President's Day

I know I'm old. I remember when we celebrated Lincoln's birthday on Feb. 12th and Washington's birthday on Feb. 22nd. This morning I was reading the explanation of the holiday on the kid's school websight.

It said "Today we celebrate President's Day. Presidents' Day was originally celebrated on the 3rd Monday in February in honor of George Washington's birthday, which was February 22, 1732. Gradually the holiday also honored Abraham Lincoln, who was also born in February.

Today, President's Day is not only a celebration of Washington and Lincoln, but it is a day to honor every man who has served as a U.S. President."

For one thing the whole Monday holiday thing is a recent phenomena. For a second this gradually honoring Lincoln thing is totally bogus. Now they throw all the other presidents in there. What's up with that! Can't any one individual be honored on their own. How come MLK doesn't have to share the holiday with all others that lived and died in support of civil rights.

I'm not complaining about having a paid holiday I'm just not appreciating the "changing" of the facts.

Happy Valentine's Day

Here is my Valentine's Day post. Courtney's 14th birthday party was very fun. Thank you to all that managed to come. Even though it was a holiday that, typically, couples make arrangements to be "just the 2 of us". Our Courtney is sure living up to her Valentine birthday. She is a real sweetheart. A girly girl that loves fancy stuff, pink and purple, and Starbucks drinks. She sure got blessed with all that glitters, sparkles, and pampers a girl by her friends and loved ones. She even got her hair colored for the occasion. Some guests weren't able to party late into the night. But others stayed and spent more time with the birthday girl and her brothers. Hope your Valentine's Day found each of you spending time with those you love.

Heros come in all shapes and sizes

To most people, especially Alyssa, Logan is a Hero. Our little Genevieve ran across her very own hero today. ETHEN WEBBERLEY! He was sweet enough to let her use one of his newly broken in bottles. She was saved from certain starvation. At least in her 4 month old opinion. Thanks Ethen, the world could use a whole lot more guys like you.

It's PIZZA Night!

Starting around 3 months ago or so Friday night turned into PIZZA Night. I discovered that you can order Pizza Hut online. Don't even need to talk to anyone. Just a few clicks of a mouse and a few numbers typed in and Voila! Pizza show up at the door. Most of the time with pop and breadsticks. Tonight however it was Domino's. Forgot the pop but Joylynn and Alyssa made the sacrifice of a trip to Safeway for beverages. YEAH for daughters with wheels and cash. Once again Grand-mammarazzi tried to get pictures of the Wyatt and Genevieve. She co-operated as you can see. He "hid" from the camera. Excuse the Pizza face.... but check out the mElmo slippers!

Only 11 months 'til Christmas

Isn't it amazing how time goes by so fast. Wasn't it just yesterday I was tying shoes, wiping noses and helping with homework? Actually that was just yesterday. But it is a different group of kids. I do miss our older five being little. They were so cute back then. Now we have to beat suitors off with sticks as they've turned into real beauties. All except Rylan. I don't think he would be considered beautiful. Though in Pride and Prejudice the women are referred to as "handsome". Weird hey?

I should have kept a journal. Is it too late to start? It might be nice to document my days with these youngsters and the grandkids. Does anyone out there know how to discipline oneself to journal daily? I don't even blog daily. I don't know that I do anything on a regular basis. I need to learn organizational skills. I think I used to be more organized. Perhaps if I've kept a journal I could jog my memory.

It's time for a new Grandkids post.

It has been awhile, as Cherise reminded me, since I posted any pictures of Wyatt and Genevieve. They don't get over here very often as Joylynn is working a couple of days a week. We are going to have them all day on Sundays while she is at work and Jess is also at work. Last week was our first time going solo with them. It was quite fun. I got to rock Wyatt to sleep for his nap and then snuggle with Genevieve so she could take a nap too. The only challenge is while we are working in the resource room/breakfast room at church. We put Wyatt in the nursery during the 9 a.m. service and he played with the "Uncles" during the second service. Genevieve slept under the desk for around a half hour and then fell asleep in Grandpa's arms some during second service.

We sure like these little critters.

Where does the time go?

Man the past 3 weeks have flown. Not that there was anything going on or that we were busy with anything :o) Wedding, Christmas, concerts, New Years, concert, ministry day, kids coming home, kids leaving, school, road trips, deployments, changes (I think I like changes the least)... I did manage to give Rylan his once a year haircut. He is such a cute kid. I guess at 25 I shouldn't refer to him as a kid and a man isn't supposed to be cute. How about, He is one very good looking dude! In any event... it was sooooo nice to have him around for a few weeks. Hopefully after he gets his degree he will be able to come home for a longer time before he heads back to get his Doctorate.

Hayden always has a hard time whenever someone leaves. He would love it if Jess, Joylynn, Wyatt, Genevieve, Cherise, Lyssa, Logan and Rylan all lived here with us. Christmas was fun with EVERYONE here. I'm sure we will eventually be "empty nesters" but it is a long way away. I think Hayden mentioned one time about living here with his wife! So we may not be empty nesting at all. But then we will have live in housesitting and can maybe travel. Just the two of us. Sounds like a plan.

Happy 2006

It's been 2006 for over 12 hours in Korea. Rylan is still here for a few days. It has been so good to have him home if only for a little while. Technology allows us to keep "in touch" but that physical touch is so important. Anyhow... we are wrapping up a year that has been so eventful in our household. Kids coming and going. Growing and changing. Going through the things that Har and I did back in the day. It's hard to keep focused sometimes on the fact that God has everything in His control. Not one moment of my fretting, fussing, or trying to do it "myself" changes that fact. I'm tired tonight. I really wish Harlan had another week of vacation to spend with us here at home. This past week has flown by. We are looking forward to some fun stuff in the year ahead. We would like to make a trip to Michigan again if that is possible. We would love to get to Washington D.C. sometime before my sister and her hubby are stationed elsewhere. Most of all I want to be filled with God's wisdom and strength to do my job here. It's not over yet. Seems like I'm just starting in some ways (Gramma-hood you know).

I hope this blog entry finds you all being excited about the year ahead. May God keep us all in his hand.

It's a boy, it's a girl, It's a Married Couple!

v



Congratulations to our daughter Alyssa and her husband Logan. You guys did good! December 17th was the date for the marriage ceremony for Lyssa and Logan. We had a small little gathering and a brunch following. Co-workers of hers provided hair, make-up and photography. Our friends Sherry DeChand and Kim Zywicki provided flowers and food and along with their husbands pretty much took over anything and everything that needed to be done. I owe them enormous thanks. You can plan and put a wedding together in 2 weeks. It just can't be a ceremony and reception for 300. A million thanks also to Jasmine and Megan who were heading up the cleaning crew around here. Ask my kids "I don't delegate well." So having someone like Megan and Joylynn team up was awesome. Logan and his brother Ty made the bread buns for the wedding. They turned out very well. Ty flew here from New Zealand to surprise his folks and was able to be a groomsman. Our Rylan surprised us and flew in from Korea the day before the wedding so he was able to be a groomsman too. It was such a blessing to have Logan's former pastor currently living in Clackamas here to be the officiant. He is a great encourager and believer in forever marriages.

So there is a not so abbreviated account of last weekend. Looking forward celebrating our Lord's Birthday this coming weekend. There is something extremely special about Christmas with little kids around. Have a Merry Merry Christmas!

Family, friends, festivities

Here are a couple of pictures of the east end of our "Village". It got set up later than usually this year. But it is up and we do enjoy looking at the lights in the evenings.

We have been having such a great time with Micah and his friend Marnie here. They just fit in with the whole wacky crew. Laugh at all the right times and don't complain when brunch is almost late enough to be considered lunch. They are the perfect house guests.

Our niece Maila is also in Portland spending time with Joylynn and her family. We look forward to having them here for a bridal shower for Alyssa today. In less than a week our little Lyssa Dawn is going to be Mrs. Logan G. Boy time sure flies!

This is such a busy time of the year. Many fun festivities to attend and even more things to do for busy moms. I need to take some time to reflect on the "Reason for the Season". Make His birthday the important one. Though I totally enjoy sharing the same month to celebrate. He has given me great a wonderful gifts. I only want to give back in return.

Stop by sometime over the holidays. Harlan is going to have some time off to spend with the kids and me between Christmas and New Years. We can have coffee ready for you in a jiffy. :o)

Three Trees

I love the book about the three trees. One wanted to grow up and be made into a treasure chest. One wanted to be made into a magnificent sailing ship carrying kings and royalty. The other wanted to just grow and be tall and majestic and point toward God. All three trees ended up getting cut down. The first was made into a crude feed box. The second a fishing boat and the third cut into timbers and left on a pile of other wood. None of them achieved their dreams. One night in a stable the crude feed box found itself being a cradle for a new born baby and realized it was holding the greatest treasure on earth. On a little lake a storm blew up and a small fishing boat experienced a man calming the raging waters with just words. It realized it's passenger was the King of Kings. The timbers were one day ripped from the pile and a man's hands and feet were nailed to them. They felt cruel and ugly. But on Resurrection Day and every day since people look at the cross and see God's sacrifice and redeeming love. The tree indeed points toward God.

My three trees don't have any great spiritual significance. But here are pictures of them anyway. The multicolored light one is our family tree. It has ornaments on it that each of the kids have been collecting each year since they were born. The white lighted one is my dining room tree. It has angels and snowflakes and crystal ornaments on it. The red, white, and blue one is in the den. I try to show support for our military in some way all year long.

I need to finish putting up the rest of the decorations. I'll post a picture of our Christmas Village in my next blog maybe.

P.S. My pneumonia is getting beter :o)