Give it some thought

The Family of God

2009-04-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

The following pics are pics of important people of the past to our family. Pat & Bob Shimmin,
Lucian, Mahayla, Michelle Marichano (I butchered the spelling of their names)
Jack Boren, Karen Trout, Allison Trout.
Ron Snow, Sherry and Fred Payton.
Thelma Reece Wagner, Lois Trant, Virginia Connor.
When you have a church family, you have such a support system. Sometimes people forget that church is for sinners and only Christ is perfect.

Our Hero, the Fireman

2009-04-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

These are pics of Nate's fire engine he drove for the Jacksonville, OR FD. Talk about a little boy's dream come true!!! He let me sit in it. You just can't imagine the computer stuff, etc.

Respects to Michael and Vanessa, Chris & Sydney

2009-04-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

RIP young friends. Jesus is coming soon. We have this hope. Our privelege to know you, Michael. We won't forget.

My Lost Kids are found!!!

2009-04-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

These are pics of some very special young people that I was beyond thrilled to see. The occasion was a funeral, a very sad occasion. Michael and Vanessa Pullen and their 2 little children, Sydney and Chris. They perished in an airplane crash in Butte, MT. Michael's parents are so dear to us and our hearts go out to them. But, even good things can come of tragedy. I found my lost "kids" and how wonderful it was to see them, hug them and know they are ok.

Next, Gary was able to visit briefly and cordially with his oldest son, Larry. That is miraculous.

2009-03-07T01:28:00.000-08:00

These little stinkers have more energy than a proton bomb! If we could just capture it for our "mature" years. Now that's an idea. I see my retirement nest egg growing, oh, that's the weeds in the flower bed. Darn!!

2009-03-07T01:21:00.000-08:00

Marco's bedroom is really cool. His daddy is a flight instructor. So, no surprise you'll find lots of airplanes in his room.

Luciana's bedroom

2009-03-07T01:09:00.001-08:00

I love how my daughter has decorated Luci's room. So, I thought I'd share.

Gary and I drove downto Hesperia a week ago and visited the grands. We had much fun with them, but they remind us of how old we are. We were throroughly exhausted by bedtime.

2009-02-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

I know I don't have the captions under each, but maybe this will help you figure out who is who.

Amanda's dad has a maroon shirt on.

Zac (Best man) is sitting with Nate, has a beard. Sister Emily is sitting with Nate (Blonde).

The family with kids is Nate's brother Jeff and his family.

The older couple is Amanda's dad's parents.

Emily, Zac and I painted Nate's car windows and shrink wrapped the vehicle. I got the idea of shrink wrapping the Forerunner the night before the wedding.

And fun was had by all. :-)

More of Nate and Amanda's special day.

2009-02-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

The wedding took place in Medford, OR. Nate's best man is his friend Zac. They were friends from the diaper age. Zac's mom babysat Nate when Nate was 2 mo. old. The "Maid of Honor" was Amanda's sister, Cherie. It was a civil wedding and the judge was very accomodating. We had dinner in an Italian restaraunt afterwards and did some of the traditional things. Amanda's step mom brought little bells for everyone and everytime someone rang one, the couples had to kiss. Amanda's Aunt made the wedding cake. Her first attempt and did a beautiful job. It seems that our families will get along well.

Nate's Sister Emily and Brother Jeff both were able to make it. Kerri couldn't, she is in so. CA and it's too far with too short of notice.

They expect to move to Paradise, CA in April. Amanda's grandparents are there and will help them get settled.

I met one of Nate's firefighting buddies. He told me that Nate is such a good firefighter with lots of great skills. I know our son is in with all fours when he has a passion for something.

Well, this was a bright moment for Gary and I in our rather mundane life. We had a wonderful time raising our little boy and now he has given us a sweet little daughter. My gift to her is a husband that truly will cherish her. I guess I need to stop, getting too sappy.

Our NatieBoy and his Mrs.

2009-02-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

We're so happpy to have Amanda as part of our family. I'm so looking forward to having lots of fun with her. Also, can't wait for the 12 grandkids I ordered!!!! :-)

Our Christmas Gift From Kerri

2009-01-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

My daughter has it easy with the gift giving. She knows anything including my grands will make me happy.

Tomorrow my baby boy gets married. I just can't believe it.

Home made Christmas

2008-12-27T23:36:00.000-08:00

I made the declaration this year that our Christmas gifts were to all be home made.

I cannot believe I said such a thing, because my fiends, Cathy and Jesse have all the creativity. lBut, I gave it my best shot. So, I paiinted a rock and it's supposed to be a cat. It's not that realistic looking, but enlarge the pic and maybe it won't look so scary.

Then, the other thing I made (for ea. of my kids) is a shadow box, containing a pic of my Grandparents, Paul and Ida Kunde's farm in SDl. It also contains some dirt from the farm.

That's as good as it gets!

Ahh, Winters in Bend, OR...gotta love it!!

2008-12-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

The window sill pic is frost from the inside of the master bathroom. Do you think I dilly daddled in there?

They icycles remind me of when my mother would knock the icycles down from the roof in Anchorage when we lived there. They are really sharp and dangerous.

This is what the snow in our yard looks like right no. There are deer and rabbit tracks in it. I don't think they show in the picture, tho'.

A few nights ago when it was 0 degrees, I decided to go hot tubbing in our 104 degree water. This is a steamy look across the tub from where I was sitting.

Feel like playing in the snow? Come on up!!!

A different week.

2008-11-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

On my week off, I so often veg in front of the TV and just slug it. But, this week, Gary and I went to my young friend, Keely's wedding reception in Redmond. She and Casey actually were married in Missouri in August and their church friends wanted to do the extra reception in central OR. Keely is an RN and work together. She is just a sweetheart and a delight to work with. She and her husband will have a good life. They did things in God's order.

Next, I had a couple of extra meetings in Prineville this week, not fun, but out of the norm.

I'm actually starting some craft projects for Christmas gifts for my daughters.

Yesterday, we had our grandsons, Shay and Dylan overnight. We had fun playing ping pong. Nana and Grandpa wooped them bad!! Yaa!!! We watched a movie, worked on crafts together and they took a soak in our hot tub. They had a good time. That makes me happy, seeing how they are both teenagers and still find it fun to hang out with the old folks.

2008-11-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

Our headboard is actually an antique door that I initially painted the inner panels green and the frame an off white. I never really liked how it turned out. I had been mulling over what colors I wanted and then Emily suggested, black and white matching the picture of the Beatles. So, I think the whole bedroom will eventually change. I want to replace out prestent oak bedroom furniture with second hand pieces that I can restore. That will be a while away, because it will take some time to find the "perfect" piece.

Celebrate!!!

2008-11-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

Well, the following is the celebration of "Grandson's" 5th birthday. It was celebrated at Chuckee Cheese. His best friend, Mason is the other boy in the pic.
First, is Mom and her little ones. Followed by the Batman cake. Then, the traditional "make a wish and blow out the candles". Hmmm, I think Marco wished for blue lips!!
The kids had a blast and Grammy was pooped afterwards. Trust me.

Marco's 5th Birthday

2008-11-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

Our first skift of snow of the year

2008-10-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

2008-10-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

So, old barns and delapidated buildings intrigue me. One day, I plan to travel taking pics of such things and compiling them in a book.
I'm not sure what order this one pic is in, but I'm leaving you to guess what it is. Let me know if you can figure it out!

2008-10-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

2008-10-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Some of the pics of the lava craters. You really can't appreciate the depth of the craters because the camera doesn't do them justice.

Em and Mike brought their youngest "child" Ollie. He really is a fun dog to have around.

2008-10-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Gary and I met up with Em and Michael at this hot springs. We stayed 2 nights. It was nice and low keyed. Getting to spend time with Em was the best. She and I would swim in the hot springs until our skin was wrinkled. No comments, please.
Each couple had their own cabin. I took a pic of our cabin before we trashed it. There is a community kitchen that we used. Also, private tubs to rent, but we opted to use the pool.
The restrooms/showers were in a seperate buildings. Trust me, I limited my trips to the pot.
One of the days we traveled around and visited lava craters. I really enjoyed myself.
The hot springs are about a 3 hr drive east of Bend.

Crystal Crane Hot Springs

2008-10-25T22:05:00.001-07:00

Another oops

2008-10-11T16:46:00.001-07:00

I forgot to add the pics of the decks. I think I'm tired.

Oops & on another note

2008-10-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

Well, heck. I didn't mean to post the sunset twice. Although, it was beauti
ful. I tried to erase it and that didn't work out...may because of something called a lack of patience. Hmmm.
Here are a couple of pics of the decks Gary and I stained last week. We were hustling to get it done before the snow comes. We had a skift of snow yesterday. Most people groan about the snow, I love it. You learn how to live in it. I drive nearly an hour to work on icy roads. So, you would think I would be groaning. Driving home in the early morning after working all night is a little nerve racking. One morning, I was driving on a road no one had been on yet, after a fresh fallen snow. I couldn't see the road. It was hidden. Also, the snow was really coming down fast.
I have had to stop the car and get out to wipe the headlights off before because the snow would stick to them and dim the lights. I still love the snow.
Regarding decks, one is the walkway to the front door and the other is one of our backyard decks.

Video from the top of the falls

2008-10-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

The video isn't the greatest, but just in case you don't make it to the top of the falls I have included some video. You will see the visitor's center down below. Note the sound of the rushing water. You'll see Liz taking pics of upstream from the falls. Oh, if you listen carefully, Liz is whistling. She does that a lot. She just left today for AZ, I will miss her. She was so fun and easy to get along with.

The Shoe Tree

2008-10-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

The following are a continuation of the trip to Multnomah Falls. Along the way, we saw the "Shoe Tree". Liz and I both needed a pic of that.

We both got on a flower kick, too. You'll notice, they really are beautiful.

The sunset was taken in Vancouver as we sat outside having dinner.

Multnomah Falls

2008-10-11T16:01:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics I took on an outing with my friend Elizabeth. Elizbeth is a traveling nurse from AZ. She had a contract at the hospital so, that's how we met. She wanted to see some of OR special places of interest, so off to Multnomah Falls we went. We made a loop traveling through a ghost town, Shaniko, traveled along the Columbia gorge, climbed to the top of the falls, had dinner in Vancouver, WA. The a quick drive through Salem to take a pic of the capitol building and finally returned to Bend. It was a fun time. Included in the pics will be some sturgeon at the Bonneville Dam at the Columbia River, which serves as the border between WA and OR. I'm pleased I can still hike, a little. Everyone should climb Multnomah. It's amazing. When you get to the top, take your shoes off and soak your feet in the icy water. Ahhh.

This week

2008-09-06T00:18:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, we had a visit from Lester and Leona Bennett. Lester is the pastor who baptized me. I love this couple dearly. The evening of their visit, Gary and I went to our grandson, Dylan's first jv football game. It was fun and something to do. So, I'll post a pic of the Bennetts and a pic of Dylan with his brother Shay.

One last pic of heaven on earth

2008-08-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the pic I took with my phone on first arrival at RWCM. I had difficulty in figuring out how to get it to my blog. I think I have it now. We'll see.

Ready for Winter!!!

2008-08-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

Well, Meet Mr & Mrs. Paul Bunyan:

We finished splitting our 5 cords of wood today. Life in the woods. Gotta love it.

Both of us can barely walk. Half of the wood was split by hand. A neighbor offered to lend us the wood splitter yesterday and are we ever hapy about that.

We bought the wood this year. We may be retiring our chain saw. We just ain't the kids weused to be. I hate aging!!! Don't give me that, "consider the alternative you know what"!

This is awful. I guess you could say I'm not aging gracefully. I am going down screaming and hollering, tho'.

Sahalie Falls

2008-08-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite potty stops on Hwy 126 in the Cascades. Sahalie Falls. Words can't describe.

Sand dunes at Florence, OR

2008-08-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

Gary treated me to a buggy ride out on the dunes. It was really fun. I didn't know the dunes were so big.

More of our animal friends

2008-08-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

We really enjoyed the animals and being so close. Notice the fingers of the chimp in the cage. We really were only about 2 ft. from him. I talked to him calmly and he seemed so interested.

Southern Oregon Coast

2008-08-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

On our way home, we stopped at "the world's largest petting zoo". That was so fun. We bought some fun and the animals followed us all around. It made me think of the fun we'll have with the animals in heaven.

More RCM

2008-08-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

I will say I got a little choked up when we first arrived at campmeeting without our little boys. They are all grown and gone. Maybe someday they'll be bringing their own little ones.

The campsite with the two tents is our old site we camped with Cathy and Tom # 5 & 7 Ash.

Another thing, we couldn't believe how much the trees had grown in the newer area for camping.

More RCM

2008-08-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, forgot to mention the outhouse pic was for Cathy's benefit. I hope she noticed the toilet seat was up!! She can thank Gary for such thoughtfulness.

I hope we can make it for the full 10 days next year. We have some friends up here that we hope will come along, too. Now, more pics. (I have Cecilia and Bob in mind with these pics, too)

Redwoods Campmeeting 2008

2008-08-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

The following is a sampling of what you missed if you didn't make it to Redwoods Campmeeting this summer. I'll probably post several pictures.

Oh, it was wonderful to be back at CM. The smell of the air, the fellowship, the music and worship. There is just nothing like it

After campmeeting, we followed the OR coast north to Florence and then cut over to Bend. Gary and I, neither had been on that part of the coast. It was beautiful. Spent one night in Brookings and 2 nights in Florence. I sure noticed a lot of tsunami warning signs. So, you know what was in the back of my mind the whole time! All in all, we had a wonderful time. We had no schedule to keep. It was relaxing. Usually I have to return to my place of employment to rest after a vacation.

Anthony's wedding

2008-07-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

This is Nathan's "cousin" Anthony and new wife Kira. Nathan was the best man for the wedding. I'll post a pic of him making a toast at the reception.

2008-07-17T00:38:00.001-07:00

Good grief! I have no idea how the writing for the last pictures got in that order? I guess I'm just clever?

School girls

2008-07-17T00:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't think this is what we looked like in second grade? I guess we should ask Sister Gualdalupe???

Grammy and Poppy's two

2008-07-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

These are the latest of Marco and Luciana from our trip to their home in Hesperia 2 weeks ago. It's funny, I told Kerri that raising kids is for young folks. (This is after watching Marco and Luci for a while). Kerri said, "Mom, you tell me that every time you come down here"!

I love being their Grammy. I think they kind of like me, too.

Our son Nathan and his girlfriend, Amanda

2008-07-17T00:20:00.001-07:00

What do you think?

2008-06-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm looking for a new hairdo. Last haircut ended up like the way Goldie Hawn used to wear hers, sort of poofy on top down to the ears, then straightis. I didn't realize that's what Elaine was doing while she talked 60 mi/hr. Was I surprised when she was finished. ugh!!!

So, I've been looking for something that doesn't look too difficult to do. I'm sort of a wash and wear girl. What do you think of this one? I really don't want to go this short, but I think I have to because of the last cut.

2008-06-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

I really work with a great bunch of people. These nurses are gathering for report time. That's when we get to talk bad about our patients...just kidding. But, we do pass on personal info about the patient for patient care.

Nursing has been a good profession for me, but my body is tired, it's very stressful and I'm worn out.

Prineville and Pioneer Memorial Hospital

2008-06-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Spring time drive to Prineville continued

2008-06-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

I will include a pic of the hospital I work, some of my fellow nurses, one of the birthing rooms and my badge. Don't ask me why I took a pic of my badge. I guess you know I love to fool around. I do often have down time at work and one time took a sock monkey that we have at the hopital. I positioned it in different places...on a birthing bed, sitting on the toilet, in the bathtub, on the doctor's stool with gloves, mask and hat on. I took pics of all plus more. I had more fun doing that. After the pics were developed, I placed them in a photo album at work and everyone had a good laugh. Scary what nurses do in their down time, huh? :-)

My spring time drive to work

2008-06-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

Spring time is such a glorious time with all the little baby animals and the fields of green.

It makes my near one hour drive to work tolerable. It's a little more challenging in the winter time with the snow, tho'.

In the pictures, you'll see a animal shelter of lava rock and thatch covering. I drive through Powell Butte and enjoy the little quips the church displays on their sign.

You'll note the city of Prineville at the top of the grade, just before descending down into town.

If you look hard enough, you'll see two large green container/towers. That is where the hospital is positioned. Most everything else will be self explanatory. So, this is my life in central Oregon.

Gary's 3rd grd. teacher!!!

2008-05-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is Gary's 3rd grd. teacher, Vi VanTassel. She remembers when Gary first got his glasses and how he first discovered that there was a community just a little ways from the school yard that he hadn't even been able to see before. This was in Twin Falls, ID.

Farewell Wilkersons

2008-05-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Our head elder and wife, Roger and Kay Wilkerson, are moving to LaGrande,OR. This is a huge loss the the Redmond church. The pics that follow are of the farewell party held at their house. They have a large barn that we held many social gatherings in.

I'll try to list their pic first. The following pic will be of........Gary's 3rd grd. teacher!!! She taught in Twill Falls, ID at least 100 yrs ago. Her name is Vi Van Tassel and her husband is Dean. Included in the pics is a pic of the table cloth signed by everyone in the church as a goodbye gift.

We had a "band" and sang old songs...In the Good Old Summertime, etc. Veggie dogs were on the menu.

Everyone that greeted me called me the party girl. They said they notice I don't show up for church, but never late for a party. Hmmmm.

2008-05-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here are additional pics from the hike. I'm still learning how to navigate this blog.

Hike on Sabbath at Smith Rock

2008-05-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Em came home for Mother's Day weekend. We had a fun time. The hike at Smith Rock took about 2 hours and I have sore...everything.

If you look hard at several of the pics, you'll see rock climbers, starling nests and just other things that captured my attention. It was beautiful. Note the pic where Em is walking ahead of me. The tables have turned. It once was when Em was tagging behind her mother.

Gary wasn't feeling up to par, so he just sat and waited for us, oh, he had the picnic lunch ready for our arrival. Central Oregon is so beautiful. Come and see for yourselves!!!

Suicide

2008-04-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so I tried to kill myself yesterday. Well, actually I fell down and thought I was going to die. The way I hit my head on the door, thought I was going to break my neck. Then, I my back twisted and snapped and I thought I broke it. So, I just laid on the floor and cried. Gary wasn't home. Then, I remembered that I had something on the stove and knew it ws going to burn. So, I real slowly tried to sit up. Decided I was still in one piece, but really shook up. I really clobbered the door with my head/shoulder. When Gary came home, I told him about the incident and started crying like a little girl who needed her boo boo kissed. I'm really sore, but survived.
I guess I need to wear a helmet in the house???

Yep, I went to Oroville High School

2008-04-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

Did you notice my last entry had a word misspelled??? "Hear" should have been "here". I see people make these mistakes frequently. Funny.
Now, if Shirley will just join our blogging!!! You'll get it figured out, Shirley

A walk in the park

2008-04-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Sabbath is near and we find ourselves in beautiful Drake Park where "the river runs through it", literally. So, hear are a couple of pics for you, Cathy!

My first bald eagle in the wild

2008-03-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am really excited to see this bald eagle in the wild. It's about 6 mi. from daughter Emily's.
The other pic is Gary holding an icicle from the back porch.

Little Luci

2008-02-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hi, just spent nearly a week with Little Luciana. She is well, vibrant, lovable, intelligent, a pistol and she loves her Grammy. Thanks for praying for her. I'll post some recent pics when I have more time and opportunity.

Quick update

2008-01-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

Hi, not that anyone really reads this blog, but, my little grandbaby is feeling better and is home.
I'm flying to their home on Friday with hopes of giving mommy and daddy a little break. Their auntie is on her way down as I write this.
If you happened to pray for her, thankyou. H

Pray for Luci

2008-01-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

My little grandaughter is chronically ill. Please add her to your prayers. Ear, throat and lung infections. Round after round of antibiotics. This is not good.

Here she is with her big brother. She is almost 16 mo.

2008-01-20T22:54:00.000-08:00

This is Bub's very good friend "A".

It is a general consensus within the family that she is a cutie.

Our 6 lb 15 1/5 oz baby. Bub

2008-01-20T22:42:00.000-08:00

This is Bub. Drummer, firefighter and wonderful son. He's been a kick in the pants to raise. Just as his mom and dad.

E and M's last baby.

2008-01-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

The complete family. This is Oliver, E & M's 4th "child".

One thing about their family, they shouldn't be facing huge college tuition bills for the "kids"???

2008-01-19T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is Noebelle. E and M's 3rd child.

2008-01-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

E and M's other child. They have a couple more. Very hairy family. Wouldn't you say?

2008-01-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

This is E and her hubby M.

My youngest daughter E, aka my hippie mountain mama daughter.

2008-01-19T20:54:00.001-08:00

This is E and my grandogger, Gracie. Don't you think Gracie favors her mom?...minus the hat, of course. :-)
Gracie loves her Grandma.

The other "child" of KJ's family.

2008-01-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

It wouldn't be right to leave Mango, my hairy grandson, (lower right hand corner) out of the blog. He actually is the first grandchild from this family.

KJ's family

2008-01-19T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here are my two "adorables" with their mommy and daddy. Even the parents are kind of cute. (Don't tell the daddy I said that! :-)

This is KJ

2008-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

KJ is my first child. The one I got to practice on. If Dr. Spock said it, I did it. She survived in spite of her mother's ignorance. Now, she is a mother, herself.
She has a lovely family. Her husband M, and she own a business together. As well as, KJ is working full time CPS...a very stressful, demanding and dangerous job.
A pic of her little chicklets (my adorables) will follow. Remember "Hooked on Phonics"?
Well, I'm "Hooked on Grandkids"! You'l see.

GRW

2008-01-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

This is my boyfriend, best friend, companion, lover and husband. All in one package!!! Isn't he cute??