A Fun Surprise!!

At 10 o'clock on Sunday morning I was sitting with the kids in our living room with pj's still on and very bad bed hair. We were having our very own church service. You see, I got absolutely no sleep the night before, and looked like death warmed over. I had no plans on attending Sunday service.

After I was done reading the passage of Scripture to the children and having a serious heart to heart with one of my kids over the meaning of that passage, Mandi suggested we get ready fast and try and make the service. All I have to say was I am so glad that second service starts as late as it does.

We walked in a few minutes late. For those who know me well, I hate to be late. I also hate to miss the worship time. Mandi and I took our usual seats in the front row and finished singing the song. Michael told us to greet one another and as I turned to greet, my mom and dad caught my eye!

They drove two hours from the Salem area to come to our church and to see us for the day, and I had no idea. What a beautiful and wonderful surprise. Earlier that morning, when I couldn't sleep I entertained the idea of piling the kids into the car and visit my parents for the day and even surprise them at their church. It was something I so badly wanted to do but knew that I would have a hard time doing with the amount of sleep I had that night.

We had a wonderful day with them and it was just what I needed to pick up my spirits.

No matter how old I get or how busy I get in life, I still need my parents. Whether it is talking to them on the phone and telling them all my pains and trials or reading about their day on face book, or seeing them only for a few hours on a Sunday- my day is instantly better!!

I pray that my kids will desire my presence and advice and love as much as I need my parents.

Thanks mom and dad for the fun surprise on Sunday!! It made my week so much better!

Back To School!

Dear Family and Friends,


It's Tuesday, September 16th and school has begun.


Last Monday, Labor Day, after a fun and adventuresome drive on the Cascade Lakes Highway, I accepted a short term job to help out at the new Lone Pine Community School. This new school which is situated in the beautiful Lone Pine Valley is very special. I have spent the last few school days teaching a small group of kids who range from kindergarten- 2nd grade. To be exact, I have six kids which does not include Joshua who comes after kindergarten gets out at CCS.

I now have a wonderful picture of how school use to be. Basically, this two room school house is functioning like the schools use to at the turn of the century. I have great respect for the teachers who taught multiple grades. They must have had great classroom management.

Today while helping the first graders with their cursive, a second grade boy volunteered to help the kindergarten boy with his work. The scene was so precious. Even though the group is small, it is challenging to work with 3 different grades. These children are learning far more than just the 3 R's. They are learning to give of themselves, to work together, to show love to those who are younger than them. I have seen this scene over and over these last few days and see why such a school will become very desirable to families in the Lone Pine community and it's surrounding areas.

I am only teaching for two more days. I have become quite fond of these sweet kids and will have a difficult time leaving. I know that God has great plans for this community Christian school and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it if only for a few days.



Now for my children and their first few days of school-

All four children are attending CCS this year. I prayed all summer for God to make it clear what the plan was. I was open to all the options and at the final hour, a week before school began Michael and I had our answer. A great BIG thanks to the Grandparents and Auntie Nancy and Uncle Dave for contributing to our children's education. With their help, my job of teaching 1o piano students, and a couple babysitting jobs, we are able to sent the kids to the Christian School. I can't express how happy they were when they found out that they were going back. It has been a wonderful school for them.

Their first few days have been wonderful. They love their new teachers and are enthusiastic so far about the work they are doing.

Jeffrey proclaimed that he loves 6th grade!! I just can't believe he is actually in 6th grade. He has become very responsible lately. He has also discovered that he needs a shower every morning and deodorant is a must. I wonder when he will start liking girls?

Mandi is an eight grader. She is setting her goals high. She wants to run for president and is working hard so she can graduate from junior high with honors. Nothing is going to stop this girl from rising to the top. All I can say is, "way to go Mandi"!

Emma is becoming "little miss social". She is in the fourth grade and She loves to talk on the phone with her friends. I think she goes to school only to see her friends but does excellent in her studies. She is very organized and has her lunch packed for the next day before I remind her. It will be fun to see her blossom this year. So far there is very little girl drama in her class. It's refreshing to hear that the girls are all getting along.

Joshy is finally in kindergarten. My little caboose is now in school 5 days a week in the morning. His first day of school didn't happen. Since I was out at Lone Pine, Michael had the great responsibility to get the four kids to school. Josh didn't handle it so well. He was excited before hand but when it came time to go in his new room with his new teacher he got anxious. Michael didn't have the heart to leave Josh so upset and drove him out to Lone Pine to hand him over to me. So, of course Josh had a wonderful day- he was with his mommy!! I am happy to report that he made it to school the next day and loved it!! Now he is excited to go every morning.

Our family has had to be very organized these last couple of weeks in order for life to run smoothly. I can't say enough how wonderful my sweet hubby has been in helping me with dinners, laundry, dishes, car pool and much more so that I can work out at Lone Pine. I also want to give my kids some praise for all the little things that they have done to help out. I have so much respect for mothers who work and still manage the household. It takes everyone in the family to pitch in and do their job.

I have missed blogging and hope to have some time in the near future to post some great, fun pictures of the summer. I hope the first few weeks of school have gone smoothly for all of you. I think of and pray often for you all and the wonderful task God has given you as a mommy and wife and teacher to your kids. Be encouraged that you are truly a blessing to your household. Your love and devotion to your kids and husband is God honoring and He will bless you.

Serving God and our families together,

Taking A Break

It has been many moons since I have blogged. Summer life is much too busy for me to be on the computer. I guess you can say that I am boycotting it!

Quick update for those who may still look occasionally (ie. my mother).


Natalie, my niece, who had surgery a couple of weeks ago is doing great! It was a success and the doctor was so pleased with the outcome; better than he thought. She is full of energy and getting into mischief like normal. I have heard great stories of how funny and brave she was in the hospital. Of course she was loved by all!

At one point she took her I.V. tube and put it to her mouth like a micro phone and started singing "Holy, Holy, Holy". Michael was so proud! In no time at all she'll be on the worship team.

We took a short but sweet family vacation to Grants Pass. Played in Nana's pool a lot and kicked around our home town. It was fun to take the kids to our old houses. There were a lot of them. Time flies by fast! There are so many wonderful memories in that town.

Our favorite day was the four mile hike down the lower Rogue River to Rainy Falls. Boy was there a lot of poison oak! We ate lunch on the rocks and watch the fish jump the rapids. There were some large trout trying to get back up stream to spon. After a wonderful hike we headed to the Galice Store for ice cream. This cute little store/restaurant was where I spent my summer waitressing before I married Michael. I remember one Friday night he surprised me. He drove down from Portland and was sitting at one of my tables. It was Karaoke night and he lovingly sang, "Somewhere Out There". You know... the mouse song. Galice was also the place we had our rehearsal dinner. Again, great memories.

Monday, I had a job interview at an Elementary school in town. I heard today that they gave the job to someone else. I was a bit bummed, but feel at peace with the decision. I applied so I could try and keep the kids at the Christian school.

Even though I didn't get the job the kids are going back. We have a good portion of the monthly bill gifted to us by family. Thank you- the kids are so happy they are returning. God is also growing my piano business. He provides just what we need at the right time. Why do I ever worry?

I am excited for school to start and to get back into a daily schedule. I really need it in my life. Michael worked out my weekly schedule for me tonight. He is trying to get me organized so I can relax. I don't do schedules, but I might just do his. It looks good on paper. He has me exercising every morning at 6:00. We'll see about that. :) I have been complaining all month how I have no time to exercise. See what happens when you complain?

Actually, I have a friend who wants to lone me her gym membership while she tries something else out. It looks tempting and I am going to go check out the gym when she gets home from vacation. To be honest, I am a bit intimidated by the gym. Everyone looks so fit! Michael says that's because they go to the gym. Yeah, I know, but I am thinking I should get in shape before I go so I don't stand out like a sore thumb. HMMMM, I think I better just get over it and go. They have some pretty great classes but guess what... they are all in the early morning! I will have to become an early bird, not a night owl!

Well so much for just posting a cute little cartoon about taking a break from the computer. I guess I had more to say than I thought. Now my sweet hubby has fallen asleep without me. Time to tip toe upstairs and get in bed without a peep.


Oh yeah, did I mention I'm taking a break from my blog? I'll be back when I have something to say.

Enjoy the last couple of weeks of summer!! Make special memories with the kids. They grow up much too fast.

Redmond's Children's Theater Company

The children's Theater Company had their opening night tonight.

"The Emperor's New Clothes"

I am the proud mom of an actress and an actor who worked many hours along with 25+ kids ages 8-13. I knew that it would be very entertaining and quality, but it superseded all my expectations.

I can't say enough how GREAT this play is!

This is the first play that the Children's Theater Company has put on. They plan to do three productions a year, with the next one being "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". The children started rehearsing two days a week for 3 hours a day back in June, and boy did it pay off.


Mandy played the grandmother and did it wonderfully. Jeffrey had a smaller but important role as a towns person. They both have been keeping very busy with rehearsals which has helped with "summer boredom".



Tonight was family night and their Nana and Papa came to watch. Cliff, (Papa) has been in many plays and knows a good production when he sees one. This past the test with flying colors.

The set was beautifully done with added touches that helped make it look more 3D. The costumes were authentic looking, and the makeup looked professional. The acting was terrific and they even had audience participation which livened it up even more.
Emma, who didn't want to try out for the play ended up being on stage. She was picked to go up on stage to help with sound effects. She did her part well!

For those of you who live here, consider going to one of the next two plays. Tomorrow night, Saturday, it starts at 7:00pm and on Sunday it is at 2:30. It is $3.00 per person or $15.00 per family. It is very entertaining for both the young and old (and everyone in between). The kids are sure to love it!!

Josh said after it was over...

"That was the best!"

Hawaii Trip -Part 2

Ok- I am now ready to post the next part to our Hawaiian trip to Oahu.

If you missed Part 1 you can click here to read about our transportation there.

So it was around 1:00 in the afternoon when we arrived at the Ko'Olina Beach Resort. Yes, my wonderful navigation skills did get us there. Michael and I were pleasantly surprised to be at such a beautiful, family fun resort.


Michael had asked prior to getting there if they had an ocean room that might be available. He had mentioned that it was our 15th anniversary. I am sure they get a lot of that, but it doesn't hurt to ask, right? Actually, I am not the type to ask, so, I leave that all up to the hubby. I usually get embarrassed asking such questions, because I figure that the answer will be no. Michael, on the other hand, feels no shame in at least asking. And...it usually pays off in some way.

So, the answer was no, but we will do our best to put you in a room that has a nice view.


Indeed, they did find a room that had a nice view. We ended up being on the fifth floor. I think there were 10 floors in all. If it wasn't an ocean view it was a mountain view or a view of the other buildings. We had two beautiful palm trees that shaded us from the sun and gave us privacy from the other buildings. But we were very excited to get a partail ocean view. If you sit just in the right place on the deck there it was!!! This picture is a close up of our partial ocean view. The one above shows the ocean view like we actually saw it (from the corner of the lanai).



The accommodations far exceeded our expectations! I could have lived in this mini apartment for the whole time. It was so sweet!! But, alas, we were in Hawaii and staying in would be a shame!!

It had a full kitchen, living room, bedroom and a his and hers "getting ready area" just in case I didn't want to be around my husband. Of course, that wasn't the case! But, it did come in handy. His space...always clean!!! Mine, is always a major mess. I know that Michael appreciated his own space and was glad that I had mine.











There was a shower bathroom and a tub bathroom. The tub space was mine. I actually never take baths. I don't like them much, but I dreamt that I liked them. Still, I didn't touch it! There was a window from the tub to the bedroom. It had shutters on it. Cute, don't you think. Really, I am not sure it has any other function except to make the man happy.

So, there you have it!!! A sneak peak into our lovely Hawaiian accommodations.


Part 3 of our trip will be about our first full day in Hawaii; our day trip to Hanaumu Bay and Waikiki Beach. Though I can't really guarantee when that will be posted. Summer, kids, housework, reviewing homeschool curriculum, babysitting, piano lessons, taxing kids around, (do you get the point?) is keeping me away from the blog.

Have a great day,

Portland's Pushiest Pug

I saw the silliest thing on the news tonight; a pug named Jenny pushing an umbrella stroller around Portland. Apparently the owner of this pug made this video for their son who is away from home. They were hoping the video of his dog and familiar places of Portland would remind him of home. Over night this video has gotten lots and lots of hits.

The you tube video is below. Make sure you pause my play list. Sit back, relax and enjoy this video that is put to soothing music.

Keep Natalie in your prayers!

Here is a prayer request.

Many of you may remember reading about my dear sweet niece who was born premature with multiple heart problems. You can read Natalie's story on a previous blog.





Below is an email that my grandmother sent out to friends and family asking for prayer. I decided that what she wrote couldn't be said better and have decided to paste it into my blog. Kimmie and Jeremy (Natalie's mom and dad) recently have received word that Natalie needs to have this surgery soon. The surgery date is scheduled for August 18th up in Portland, Oregon. Thank you for praying for my sweet niece. I just know that God has great plans for this little girl and He does indeed hear all of our prayers.


Jeremy, Kimmie, Isabella and Natalie


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We never cease to need the Lord, and to know that He answers prayers according to His will. I've enclosed a number of pictures of our little two year Natalie Borg. One was taken soon after she was born in March 2007.
She was a premature baby, who was ambulanced first from the Silverton Hospital where she was rushed at birth, then to the Salem Hospital, and soon to the Children's Hospital in Portland. It was there that she had two major heart surgeries and corrections within the first 2 weeks of her life. Other pictures were taken on her first birthday, as well as her 2nd birthday this year.


These pictures were taken around "tulip time" here in the Willamette Valley. She is a vivacious, smiling happy, little girl who will warm your heart when you meet her. Isabella is less than a year older, and they are very close as sister. Natalie greatly resembles Kimberly, her mother, with the light red hair. They are "look-alikes", and both were premature babies !

But we knew that eventually Natalie would have to have more heart surgery. It seems that such an occurrence could be soon. Natalie had her heart check-up this week by the cardiologist from Portland, and it appears to be quite enlarged, with the blood not flowing like it should. I am NOT medical, however, so I can't give you the particulars. Her heart is pumping blood much too hard. she plays hard, but tires easily. the doctors will be having a panel discussion about Natalie's case on Thursday, July 23. It will be decided soon after that, and appears fairly certain that she will have another heart surgery.

Please pray for her and for God's will in the decision. Thanks Always, Sue

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Leave a comment if you are praying for Natalie. Kimmie and Jeremy will be so blessed to know that people are praying!!!