Time with the Grandparents

32 years ago yesterday I inherited a wonderful family when my father married my step-mom. I did not fit in with her family very well at first, for sure. Their family was refined and socially respected. I was a hippy child who for the most part and had no idea about things like: not wearing your pajamas to the breakfast table.. or ALWAYS writing thank you cards..answering politely or being quiet. My spare time and activities at age 10 mostly consisted of playing with animals, and running barefoot in the mossy woods or on the lovely Puget Sound beaches.. I had no idea what in the world an opera was or what a new car smelled like. It was a clash of cultures for sure. I was the first grandchild.. and I am sure they did not know *what* to do with me! :-) They so kindly welcomed me into the family though.. I remember my step mom's younger sister Libby especially taking pity on me and helping me along during those awkward times. There was one thing that stood out above all with this family.. they were Christians. I had never even met a Christian before, not that I had been aware of at least. I had never heard the salvation message and only knew that Jesus was a baby that we sang about at Christmas time. Although it was a while before I too turned my life over to the Lord, I am blessed by the Christian influence they brought into my life.

We had been invited by Grandpa to come out to McMinnville for a visit. We usually only end up seeing the family at Christmas or Thanksgiving and so wanted a chance to visit one on one, especially before heading back to Belize. My Mom had been planning a trip out also so we were able to pick her up from Beaverton and bring her along with us. It was special to spend the day with she and her parents. The drive was lovely.. the ripe wheat fields were especially stunning. So beautiful!

A sweet pic of Nonnie, Amanda and Laura

 

 I love this photo of Grandpa and the boys

 

The boys were thrilled that grandpa let them do some pruning!

 

Next the children headed to the blueberry patch!

 

Mmmmmm!

Grandpa teaches the family bocce ball! It took us a while to catch on.. once we got it,

we enjoyed playing it most of the day

 

Hmm.. whose turn is it?

 

Whose ball is closer to the pallino ball?

 

The boys call grandpa over for a verdict

 

 

me and my honey! (or is it my honey and I?)

It's the ladies' turn!

 

The ladies wander around admiring the grapevines

 

 

 

 

The older girls enjoyed touring Nonnie and Grandpa's gardens,

 admiring the pretty flowers and delectable berries

 

 

It was so sweet to spend time with my Barb-mom

Nonnie patiently listens to Laura's chattering

 

Visiting on the cool patio

 

 

The girls play happily while the grown ups visit

 

Uh Oh! Now they are getting wild! Time to head home!

 

It was such a wonderful time with Nonnie and Grandpa. Beautiful weather and wonderful company. As a PS to this post, a few days after I started this post I was able to spend some special time with my aunts, step mom, sister and cousin from this side of the family. It was so fun to talk about old times and reminisce..

 

 

 

 

 

Happenings around the Home

It has been a busy spring but a lovely one. Friends and sunshine.. answered prayers and lots of ministry opportunities. We are truly blessed. Here are a few photos of some random things on random days where we are doing not much of anything but just being a family and spending time with friends.

Gracie helps Daddy in the kitchen

Ashley and Grace work on sewing projects

 

Ryan and Grant show us the fort they have been working on

 

 

 

 

Ashely plays around with the sepia setting

 

 

Grant had an unfortuanate incident with a rock flying from the riding mower

and had to get stitches!

 

Thankfully our new friend Janet is a nurse and was able to take them out after 1 week's time

 

Our new friend Janet

She works with rocks.. beautiful ones! The children recently had the opportunity to watch her take this rough rock- cut it and polish it down with 6 different polishers, each grit growing finer and finer until the stone was shaped and polished. She and the children talked about how that is like us with the Lord. He takes us, rough and full of imperfections.. and if we let him, polishes us until we shine for Him and for HIS glory! What a lovely analogy for them to witness and ponder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gone Fishing!

 

 

We are blessed at our new rental with trails through the woods and a fishing pond. The boys have already hosted quite a few fishing expeditions.. with our friends the Popes, the Kings, The Parsons, Nana and Papa. Here are a few pics from some recent fishing fun and special company.

 

 

Grant, Isaac and Ryan catch some trout

Autumn and the girls all head to the pond to see the boys' catch

Who made Amanda hold the fish? Ryan.. you *know* better than that! :-)

 

Gracie on the hike home

Gracie and Laura

Gracie helps her sister over a rough spot

 

 

Nana comes for a visit too!

 

The 'Little Ladies' are thrilled with Nana's stories and company

 

Papa and Grant

The boy in their element

 

Cousin Austin and Justin were able to come to our home during their trip from California.

 

Cousin Austin