Summer 2015 was filled with life changing events and memories. Although we weren't all together at the same time, all of my children and every grandchild, except for Jordan, visited us. (We missed you, Jordan)
Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to our wonderful little Sadie. She was part of our family for over seven years. Bonding with a pet was a new experience for me, so I was totally unprepared for the pain I felt when she left. We miss you every day, Sadie.
Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to our wonderful little Sadie. She was part of our family for over seven years. Bonding with a pet was a new experience for me, so I was totally unprepared for the pain I felt when she left. We miss you every day, Sadie.
Jeremy graduated from eighth grade this past spring, and is now in high school in New York City. (Jordan, his older brother, is a senior in his high school). Jeremy had not been to Portland in many years, so we visited places that tourists love - like the food court in downtown Portland. Yumm. We also had a beautiful day riding up the Old Columbia Highway and visiting Multnomah Falls We missed Jordan, but you will love to see "Sonnett 29", a short film that Jordan stars in and helped produce as a school project. It's amazing! The film is shot in Central Park. Congratulations, Jordan. Here's the link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?sns=em&list=PL-Zlpl2goM2ppDYWHDgkCFePDmuxUikxB&v=1wqG80GyVYw |
Nothing makes me more excited than when our family gathers at Grandma's house. Traditionally (more than 40 years) we have gathered at my house on or near Labor Day Weekend. We celebrated all the birthdays that were in the summer, especially my father's. Now my own grandchildren are growing up, and it's time for one of my sons to take over this tradition. At this June family gathering we had four grandchildren. They were quite warm, playing games outside, as well as climbing the plum tree.
Jeremy is in the back, then next is Emery, ( a grand-daughter of my brother's) Mila and Benjamin is in the front.
Jeremy is in the back, then next is Emery, ( a grand-daughter of my brother's) Mila and Benjamin is in the front.
Did I say climbing the plum tree? This picture is one of my favorites. Look at those eyes. Benjamin loved the challenge, and often ignored our warnings of staying out of the tree. (He's looking sad because I'm reminding him.)
We usually pruned our tree hard every other year. On the year we pruned, we didn't have plums, but the second year we had a huge harvest. What do you do with a tree full of plums, ripening all about the same time? We called everyone, and still didn't have enough friends! It's sort of like zucchini.
When you have too many zucchini you make bread. When you have too many plums, you make plum butter! It contains little added sugar, is tart, but yummy with lots of cinnamon. In August my husband and I spent a week at the Oregon coast for our high school class camp-out.. I had enough jars to treat all my class mates with a jar of their own.
Quinn and Max, the California grandchildren, came in July. These two are close in age and are students in a San Diego high school. As little boys, Quinn and Max would come to Camp Grandma. I organized activities, crafts, hikes and treasured the opportunity to spend time with them without their parents. What a wonderful memory for all of us. One year I did a sugar breakfast (don't tell their parents) and we did a spaghetti dinner without utensils. As they got older we went to the coast and to Seattle. |
Another tradition in the last few years has been going blueberry picking to a farm out near Estacada. In late July the berries get ripe and we spend about 2 hours picking the nice plump fruit. I simply washed them, got all the stems off, bagged them after they dried and popped them in the freezer. Ainara, my daughter-in-law, and I picked. Mila and Benjamin played under the bushes, eating as many berries as they could. |
Benjamin's birthday is in July. He happened to be staying with Grandma and Grandpa on his birthday this year, while his parents moved to a new home. We made big chocolate cupcakes, and we all helped frost them. (Frosting is the only thing Benjamin likes) Check out the look on Benjamin's eyes as he's fascinated with the whole experience. |
Mila started first grade in September, and I was invited to be her guest on her first field trip. It was a cool, rainy day, but that did not dampen Mila's excitement. We rode on the school bus out to the west side of town to an apple orchard. Mila had several activities with her class mates, then we carefully perched our buns on plastic bags so we wouldn't get wet while riding an the old wagon 'round the apple field. We ate our sack lunch in an apple barn. I cherished the day together with my only granddaughter.
We received the above life changing letters dated September 8. If you zoom in on them you will see we have been called on a 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We will report to the Missionary Training Center March 7, 2016 in Provo, Utah, and then within a week or so will be driving to our new assignment in Nauvoo, Illinois.
We are thrilled with this assignment and have sold our home in Happy Valley. We have sold almost everything else that we had, including Tom's truck and RV. We saved only those items that could not be replaced. They are waiting for us to return from inside boxes of a climate controlled 10x10 unit not far from where we are renting. Because our house sold in 3 days, we rented a one bedroom apartment in the same neighborhood where we have lived for the last 22 years. We are getting lots of practice with small living quarters and one vehicle, anticipating the same in Nauvoo.
Do not suppose that we make this change in our lives without all our faith. We trust that our family will be blessed beyond measure as we serve, and that we will return to hold them close again. Because many of our family and friends have expressed interest in our activities while we are in Nauvoo, I will make every effort to keep this blog site updated. Thank you to all our friends and family for your prayers and support on this great adventure. Merry Christmas to you all.
We are thrilled with this assignment and have sold our home in Happy Valley. We have sold almost everything else that we had, including Tom's truck and RV. We saved only those items that could not be replaced. They are waiting for us to return from inside boxes of a climate controlled 10x10 unit not far from where we are renting. Because our house sold in 3 days, we rented a one bedroom apartment in the same neighborhood where we have lived for the last 22 years. We are getting lots of practice with small living quarters and one vehicle, anticipating the same in Nauvoo.
Do not suppose that we make this change in our lives without all our faith. We trust that our family will be blessed beyond measure as we serve, and that we will return to hold them close again. Because many of our family and friends have expressed interest in our activities while we are in Nauvoo, I will make every effort to keep this blog site updated. Thank you to all our friends and family for your prayers and support on this great adventure. Merry Christmas to you all.