Our family is excited about this conference!!!

Katie's 60's Look!

Rain Rain...GO AWAY!!!!!

What is the most frustrating about living in the Northwest is that somehow the rains know when it's the weekend. We have had some glorious weather all week and now as we head into Friday night the clouds have turned dark and the rains are once again coming down! We had hoped to have a beautiful 60 degree tomorrow as it was yesterday. We had yard work planned, walls to move, dirt to dig. Now it looks as if we shall wake to very cold wet weather in the morning without much of a reprieve until Monday, just in time to go back to work. Ahhh the joy.
Daniel has been fighting very unsuccessfully against a cold all week. We have rented the move "Underdog" for tonight and hope to catch a few lines of the film between his coughing. ((((Daniel))))
Katie is primping for the dance. Tonight's dance theme is "Through the decades" Katie found a 60's looking dress and is making her hair as 'big' as possible! What a blast. We tried in vain to find white go-go boots.
I'll try to post some more pictures soon. I've got 3 rolls waiting to be developed. If only I can find the time!

Do you Bird Count?

Beginning today through Monday the 18th one can participate in the Annual Great Backyard Bird Count. www.birdcount.org.
I have followed the Bird Count somewhat in the past, but this year, armed with my National Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds, my F100 complete with a new 300 zoom lens, and a checklist, I am ready to add my totals to the Count! My children stand at the ready to assist in flipping through the guide and identifying the birds by their markings.

We are being treated to another day of sunshine and if the weather experts are on target we may have sunshine all weekend.

Valentine's Day

Alas..the sun shines in Eugene! Such a glorious sight. Especially when one is a fair weather runner. Although, I have learned that a little moisture will not melt my running shoes, no matter how much I try to convince my dog to the contrary. But today, I shall gladly lace up and head outdoors and reap the benefits of increased Vitamin D!

As I write I am being serenaded by our son playing Fur Elise on his piano. Our daughter is engrossed in her Advanced Mathematics lesson. Just another day in the life of a homeschooling family.

We have enjoyed an impromptu visit by my parents, who stopped by to drop off a few Valentine goodies for the kids. Mark was home for lunch as is common. On the menu today? The ever popular peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with tortilla chips and salsa on the side. Funny how even at our ages (Mark and myself) we still find a little joy in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Tonight we shall huddle on the couch for a movie night. Undoubtedly there will be a little chocolate involved. I believe we may watch 10 Angry Men. I am preparing for my role in our upcoming Easter play at church entitled "Twelve Angry Jurors". Hopefully the movie will give me some motivation.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Vacation shots

More Cambodia pics by my niece Danielle

Rene in Cambodia

My brother Rene, his wife, Kristi and their children Danielle and Rene Roy just returned from their trip to Cambodia. Every year following Christmas they go to Cambodia to work at an orphanage there. Here is my brother Rene, no doubt teaching the Cambodian children some kind of trick! LOL!

19 years and counting!

We celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary on Monday!

Mom and Dad 50th Anniversary Party

So..did we ever surprise my parents! What a blast! I really love this shot with the grandkids. They are all so grown up now!

Remembering Mark Everett

As is our tradition every year we sent balloons up to heaven today in remembrance of our son Mark Everett who would have been 13 years old today. Today Mark Everett has another relative around him to celebrate. His great Aunt Letha was buried today. Aunt Letha was a beautiful woman with a heart that loved all. I know she will be missed incredibly here on earth, but we look forward to a glorious reunion someday! Letha...give Mark Everett and Mom a huge hug from us!

The rare...Mommy image.

Daniel plays the Saturday Market

So..how cool is this?? Daniel is a member of the Homesource Jazz Ensemble and last Saturday they performed at Eugene's Downtown Saturday Market.

Spencer's Butte at Sunset

We had a great time hiking Spencer's Butte last night. We watched the sun set on one side and the full moon rise on the other. It was breathtaking!

Too Cute

Katie went to the birthday party of a friend who was turning 18. The party had a movie theme. You were to come dressed as a favorite character. Katie chose to go dressed like a "Newsie" from the Disney musical "Newsies". It was so much fun to see how the kids all dressed up!

"16"

Happy Birthday Katie

16 years ago today the Lord blessed us with our first child. A beautiful baby girl! With every passing year we've watched her grow into such a wonderful young lady. She has a desire to enjoy all life has to offer. She is passionate about theater. She is passionate about her family and her friends. She loves Jesus and has accepted Him as the Savior of her life.
We remain humbled that our Lord would choose to allow us to raise this child while she is here on this earth.

July 25th

Yayyyy!!! I heard from Mark and Katie today. They were finally able to get a phone call out from Mexico. It was so great to hear their voices! Daniel and I are really missing them. They said they have the house just about completed and the Vacation Bible School is going great. Tomorrow they are planning on finishing the house in the morning and then heading out to a beach somewhere for some R&R!
Daniel and I have been doing some schooling this week. We've also been going into the office to try to do some of what Mark does everyday. (I'm not very good at it)
When I do have downtime, I am enjoying our back patio!

Sunday July 22

Mark and Katie left yesterday for their mission trip to Mexico. They left at 4 in the morning! They drove halfway yesterday and stayed at a church in Fresno. I heard from Mark just a little bit ago and they are 2 hours from Mexico's border. So far the trip has been going well with very little troubles. There are 23 high school students and 10 adults headed down to Tijuana to build a home and put on a Vacation Bible School. They are traveling in a big yellow school bus. A bumpy ride to say the least plus no air conditioning. They seem to be enjoying themselves though. I heard lots of laughter on the other end of the line when he called.

Daniel and I are 'hanging out'. We've got some home projects planned,some schoolwork, and some time at the plant. It looks like the rain has finally decided to go away, so we are planning some nice bike rides too along with some lengthy walks with Jenna.

Looks like our first project will be mowing the lawn tonight. It's amazing what a little rain does to the growing frequency of the grass.

I really just like this picture.