organized chaos

Open house..San Jose..Vermont

2011-12-22T20:56:00.001-08:00

Hundreds of cookies made and decorated by Hailey's
mad skills

Tyler getting ready for flag football!!!

Tough kid!!

Diana's new piano

Quick stop at chinhs!!

Cooking at Tina's

Ty and Warren just chillin

Diana and Sarah

More eatting.

Oops west side ladies club.

Back to Tinas with Jake and his bow!!

Nate and Caitlin's new addition!!
Awesome

Hailiens house for Christmas

Jake and Grandpa

Teresa and Kasandra

Baby it's cold outside!!

And In side

Cooking class with Michelle at
King Aurther's flour!! Awesome fun yummy food.

Maddie's snack at school.

More cookies with Anders and Maddie

Zuri kissing her noodle doll
From grandma I made 32 this year for Christmas. Cutie

2011-12-22T20:04:00.001-08:00

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2011-12-22T19:08:00.001-08:00

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Thanks giving

2011-11-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to start this years with a bit of organization.

The last couple of weeks and days have been so filled I haven't had a moment to sit and just think through what my next plan it going to be.

So I cleaned out the car from its many trips to the farm, gym,office, grocery store, music store and collection of other peoples belongs that have been left behind. Found a home for all or just a place to stuff them. Fed the wild stray cat. Had a little conversation with him or her.Found my computer but not my phone.Sat down and talked in my head to all my blogging friends and family. I think that is my friend or outside contact for the morning. Reading how everyone is doing.

Being very grateful for friends and family. Near and far.

Grateful for my very full life that I LOVE!!

All our kids that love me this year...yep there are some that need breaks and don't talk to us, not much I can do about that. That I haven't tried to amend . Or even know what happened to cause the silence..Does it hurt .. OH YA.

But I'm very grateful we have no one in our family that are struggling with loved ones sick.

Having to be in the hospital during the holidays.

Everyone has jobs and a home to live in, children to love, and teach correct principals too.

I sit here and listen to the heat come on,remembering a time that if I wanted to be warm it was a fire to build. I can still do that but can also enjoy the heat that is started with a push of a button!!

I'm about to start the food for the day.

Cranberry stuffed turkey breast

Green bean mushroom casserole

sweet potatoes twice baked

gravy I hope

then, get it all to the farm and start all the other stuff like stuffing,,,

Tables, games, etc. I think we are going to stay there tonight and enjoy our ole farm house now the Scholls Valley Lodge.

So everyone have a great day where ever you are!!! No you are loved and cared for..

Missing The larson clan. ANV family, Tiet's family, Chinh's family,Thuan of course his new wife and baby boy,Carl and Jane. And who could not forget BIG K.. Love you all Paula, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Paula........Sister, sister in-law,daughter friend. I think that does it :)

2011-11-02T20:19:00.001-07:00

Pictures I missed

Guitar time

Vivian getting a quick lesson from Jerome

Serious decorating

Tips from Caitlin for Kennedy

Alvin and Mia tickling Kelson on his tummy. While baby Dot get feed.

A squished face of baby Dot.

Ending with Jacob !!

Halloween

2011-11-02T20:08:00.001-07:00

We had a long weekend of celebrating

Started with Mia having a Grandma day and getting pinkie bunny.

Jacob at his first taekwondo!!

Zombie run!!! Hailey and sister Shelby.

Zuri and Monkey boy Weston at Lee farms.

Halloween Kennedy, Sierra and Jacob. Trunk or treating at the church.

This cute little guys Birthday!!
Alvin is 4.

Cookie decorating!! And the winner is????

Ava with cookie which cousin Lyann helped.. And 5 dollars!!

Just the gang

More talking

Eating

Tucker playing with the kids

A serious cookie decorating yummo

Blowing out the candles!!

So what do I do with my time...

2011-10-19T09:15:00.001-07:00

I started Sunday after church with a few kids and grand kids over for dinner and piano lessons. Then we went up to the farm and picked 15 boxes of Grapes. So....

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Then we have to do something with them here is what I have done.

Grapes to raisins. There is more

Grapes to juice. Look at the phone book a great way to absorb the extra

that seems to get away!!

The equipment is not rocket science!!

The results yes two kinds of grapes Yum-O

Then I have had my friend Lauretta here off and on for the past few weeks. While she get a business up off the ground. So we are doing this..

To this

To make these.

I'm not getting up
Close because they are for Xmas
It is a Doodle Baby. So cute and cuddly!! We have produced a production line from left over material, goodwill, garage sales. She has some amazing ideas. Then we made packets. Then the actual sewing. Fun having her here!!

Plus 16 piano students. Grand kids who pop in every now and then. Then of course there is the Husband. Who never knows what I'm doing because a women is Always evolving and redefining herself. In other words I have no Idea either!! Have a great day!!

Location:SW Rainbow Ln,Hillsboro,United States

Argentina part3

2011-09-06T21:29:00.001-07:00

The flag of Argentina, The last night there we went back to Buenos Aries.It was late about 9:30 and Michelle asked the front desk if there was a tango show we could watch. He said we had just missed the us that took all the guest to the show. But,he could get us a taxi and get us a sitting at the show. I had no Idea it was even possible for us to do anything but birds. So off Michelle and I went without Rich and Brig. Oh boy did they miss out. It was the history of Tango. Like a PCC show in Hawaii. Live dancing horses. On a stage that was round. In the center of a 3 tiered balcony audience. We had a table of ten but only 7 of us there. We could take NO PICTURE BOu did I want to. the dancing was beautiful. The orchester was amazing. They had one group that was all over 80, they had been playing for years. The feet of these dancers were like they were walking on air. the lifts the poses the positions.AMAZING. The tango who would have know I would get to see a show. It started at 10 and went until midnight. They we road a bus back with all the other guests. Yes it was a highlight of the trip. No pictures just a memory. They ended the night with a very moving dance and song of Don't Cry for Me Argentina, and the flag the fell down from the ceiling, in strips of ribbon. This flag was at the end of the end of one of the bridges of the falls
This was one of our lunchs. Just outside a minimart in Iguazu the town.

We were dropped off to get our laundry washed and dryed. Because we had gotten them pretty wet at the falls and they would mold before we got home. Well we found the laundry Mat but, they would not let us do them ourselves. So we had to wait and wait and wait!! So a little lunch on the steps of the minimart. Was in order because we had to wait for 5 hours.
This was not at the mini mart. We did get some great food at other places!!
Everywhere we went they had two toilets. One for the business and one for the clean up of the business.
The entry of Ricon beautiful place. Below is the falls I hope it turns out!!

Aargentina part 3

2011-09-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Rich's arm without bug spray. I don't think he will do that again. His other arm was just as bad!!
There were miles of bridges going over the falls. They were amazing. I wish you could hear how loud they were. At one spot you could walk close and just get a bath. Michelle ran back down there so we could get a shot of her in the mist soaking wet!! I don't have that picture.
Here is one of the falls. Honest the were a mile long at one point. Going from Argentina into Brazil.
It was going into spring and the flowers were in bloom
Every once in a while a flower would just pop up!!

I wish I knew how to post more pictures at one time but will do another post ...Keep looking

Argentina Part 2

2011-09-06T21:07:00.001-07:00

Mystery critter?? He was at the Iguazu Falls . Very aggressive animal!! He jumped up on the table of a girl next to us and grabbed her sandwich in his mouth and ran off with it. We all just could not believe what we had just seen.
This bird was everywhere. Very loud and wanted us to know he was there. The plush crested Jay. Just to let you all know I did also get some shots of birds.
This is Valerie our host at Rincon De Socorro in the Iberia wetlands. You could only get here by truck,bus or horse. Very rough dirt roads. We did ride horses here but I can't seem to find a picture of us o the horse's. Hmmm
This is our chef. All his life he wanted to be a chef here at the lodge. He worked his way up to that position. First he was the horse stall person then when there was an opening at the kitchen he was a helper and now the chef. Dreams do come true even in a very small place of maybe 20 people and his village of 40.He saved his money, bought a computer and watched cooking classes on line to see how to make the food. Very good food. We rode horses out to his village to see where he came from.
Just a spread of what we ate. YUMMMMM

Argentina

2011-09-06T20:36:00.001-07:00

The sunrises were amazing. This was at Pellegrini. A very small village. All dirt rodes. We were up at 6 and out the door in a boat this day before the sun to catch shots of the birds.
This is May on the left 75 and packs a hugh camera and tripod everywhere she goes.Then Michelle and Brig who also packed Cameras and tripods. Then there was Sue who was just a birder and listed with a small point and shoot camera.
this is us in the later part of the morning. DAd Brig and Michelle and hte two guides and pushers of the boat. When we were in shallow waters. Marsh's really.
Nate is our guide and he gets right down and dirty with the birds. Ted is in the background. He is a research scientist at OHSU. Eye research.
This is the view of what I watched A LOT. I will continue..

Family reunion

2011-07-06T16:56:00.001-07:00

Family reunion was very fun. With many people to visit with and activities for all 77 people came and went for 6 days. Plus Brig and Chelle win the longest distance drive out from Vermont!!

Cousin brothers getting acquainted

Cousin sisters getting acquainted

Big swim

Even a wedding

Puppet play

Saying good bye at the apple store.

Even a great game of settlers!! Look at that amazing road !!
More to come , when I get my camera pictures loaded..

Life

2011-06-11T20:43:00.001-07:00

This past week
Eddie sleeping on my shoulder.

Emptying out the big truck.

Zuri helping dad with a cuddle

Ahh .. A rocking chair in the sun. Glamor shot!

Just more of the same.

Swinging time.

It's coming together. More to come.

East to west

2011-06-04T20:02:00.001-07:00

Mario graduating

From Harvard Law School
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Ice cream day

Tim's place

Finding furniture

Maddies field trip

Hunt for the big truck

Sharing earphones
No working radio!
I fly home with Kenny and Zuri tomorrow. Chris and Rich will follow.

Location:Broadway,United States

Just for fun

2011-04-30T13:49:00.001-07:00

Zuri sleeping thru the event! I still got it!!

Senior banquet

Sister Cami

Kenni's family

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Graduation

2011-04-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Today was the day for Kenni,Chris and Zuri to walk and get there diplomas
Pres Smith and the three in the party room with yummy veggies fruit, cheese and crackers cookies. We were hungry !
Zuri with here cookie she tried to eat all at once.

I know we have some downtime here and Chris is helping me remember how to blog!! The sun is shining and life is good..

Updating post

2010-10-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Well those of you that have been holding your breath for the pictures of Vermnot...It never happened. I will just write..

I think it was feb when I last posted. What has happened since then??

Vial/ Pham was disolved

Hoa is working as a mechanical engineer

Nic started Grow construction. Huge changes for both.

Rich and I have been back to Vermont 3 more times. The Snapdragon Inn opened up!!

The summer Fair TuTu's Hawaiian shave ice was once again run by mostly family with the older grand girls doing the morning shift with me. Very fun working with them.

Nate and Caitlin got a new dog Paisley. 2nd grand dog

Nic and Hailey's girls are now at Groner. Hurray they live closer.

Alicia and Tucker have a beautiful baby boy. Weston born Sept 2 2010.

So we have 3 Sister Vial's at church now. Most interesting...

I have been working out more and feeling better and stronger everyday.

Plus back to teaching piano lesson again when school stated. Not as busy this year but you never know when that will change.

Getting close to getting the farm house finished, HURRAY!!

Hoping to have christmas there.

Still chasing Rich around and actually catching him now..He has been working from home a lot more lately ,while I leave and do my stuff..

Enjoying being involved in the book club here in scholls. The Scholls Women's club and trying to get the play started at Groner.

Looking forward to going to Hawaii with Rich for PLC meetings now that his court schedule got postponed. He was not to happy about that.

Ok that is all for now..

Inn Windsor again. Will post pictures of our week. stay posted!!

2010-02-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

The family all grown up and still growing.This last post scroll down I just did 6 other ones

2010-01-07T08:06:00.001-08:00

The girls. Of course not the final product.I was taking a picture while Tucker was taking hte family picture. This is the girls. Alicia, Tiet, Hai-Lien, Michelle
The boys Nate,Choung,Kevin, Nic, Chris.Next row Cuong,Hoa,Chinh, missing is ThuanSo this is baby girl Zuri. Swahely for the beautiful one. Her cheeks are really not this big,and the dress was a little big. Blessing day with Kenni and Chris and Kenni's parents.

This is Zuri. Swahili for the beautiful one. She is definitely that "the beautiful one".This is her blessing dress and day. WE made it back here just before Kenni's parent left to get her blessed.
This is me now......catching up on sleep and holding a new baby. number25, 13 girls and 12 boys. WOW and another due in August. Alicia and Tucker announced at Christmas..

Shower, Canoeing,Birthday and dance

2010-01-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Caitlins shower at Aunts Tamie's

The Cousin'd reenacting You are my Sunshine dance they did at Chelle's and Brigs wedding. The verse that they never got to do. 8 years later. And they still remembered IT!!!
Birthday for Eva Huynh
Eddie getting ready for the big canoe trip.HE and Maddie decided to watch.
Anders and Michelle again zipping up the life vest.

The last few weeks months activities

2010-01-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

The big wedding. Nathan and Caitlin. The Natlins. Saturday the 2nd of Jan
Canoeing with Grandpa trying to break up the beaver Dam. This is Anders and Michelle
Christmas with the Huynh's. Reagan,Kayla,Eva, Sara, and Victor
Christmas with the Vial's. Kennedy and CC
Christmas with the ARVials Kevin and Dillans little man

Coming home with Grandma lunch with some of the family

2010-01-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

Spencer, Jasmine, and there little Lilly
Rich with Taylor they were glued at the hip
Grandma, and Marissa in the Rainforest

California's OMSI in San Fran

2010-01-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

The Rain forest
Cell phone games keeps this guy still

Galvin in motion

2010-01-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

more food

more of what I have been doing...

2010-01-06T16:56:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving at Chinh and Tammy's house with all her family A LOT OF FOOD

Ethan's soccer team
Galvin again he in always in motion. Chinh's little guy

nov-Jan

2010-01-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Chinh's little guy Galvin
Grandpa took them all birding they had a blast.
Tyler, Diana,and Taylor Do Tiet's kids
This is Dillan's little man who we took everywhere. My homework
First it was thanksgiving we went to San JOse to visit the grandkids

Nov-Jan

2010-01-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

I tried to blog but it didn't actually get processed right. Sorry everyone. I will try again.

2010-01-06T08:11:00.001-08:00

book club

2009-11-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

I should have taken pictures!!!

The book club went well. Good friends and interesting book :"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

I'm so glad to have my own set of problems and challenges...This book is some stories about Jean-Dominique Bauby. True story. If you want a quick version read on line. Just google his name and all will come up.

Tomorrow morning Rich and I are driving off to California to see Tiet and her family and Chinh and his family for T-day week-end. Have a great holiday everyone.

the table

2009-11-19T10:56:00.001-08:00

this is the up close one of the table..
This is the length view. I will still get a few candles in green and yellow to put down the middle and trim up the edges. Thanks Mom and Heather and Haley for going shopping with me in Utah so I could get a few things for the house it has all worked out so nicely. Also for DeOnn's help in putting in all in the right area's..Then OF COURSE for Rich driving us around in the snow and PAYIING for it all..thanks :))))))

What I really am doing.The final posting of the day please read the last 3.

2009-11-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

Ok not a very good picture but.. this is the play room with many boxes yelling my name..Paula get done here and empty me out.....
Me toooo. so I go and get a few done everyday.
Then I sit on the couch and watch the river...
Then I go and get more boxes and bring them home.

Take them into the garage and listen to my name being yelled until I go...take them into the play room because it is heated and get the job done..then do it all over again..

Oh I even have a system. Nothing stays unless we have a place or it. I threw away...goodwill it..or give it away.....Why did I not do this before!!!..Well need you ask how buys I have been. Also of course in Oregon we have rain..I have been saving it for a rain day and it is RAINING..... :)))

This is also what I have been doing..Well some of it...

2009-11-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

Birthday time.. We had 4 birthdays all at the same time. It was really Nate and Vivian's on the 5ht. Tucker and Hailey's on the 9th so we had a party with the kids at one time.Good food provided of course by Thuy. She is the best chef..
Vivian turned 12..
Nat and Dillan who would not stop moving to get a good picture..They are both a like in that area always moving.
Tucker turned 30 Yahooo!! Lighting all the cakes with one hand. A little help from Alicia. Kennedy in the background cheering on the lighting.
Hailey's cake with the 3 girls helping to blow out the candles. Boy do we have a GRAND time...What a life we have.

OK read on for the next post of what I really am doing everyday..Of just what I can get posted. I well leave out the boring stuff..

More of what I have been doing...

2009-11-19T09:59:00.001-08:00

The fireplace mantel. It has the leaves on it and then we put some lights to make the glitter light up on the leaves little more..I know it is not the greatest picture. It looks a lot better in person..But it is the easist way for me to blog is with my IPHONE. Shoot and load..perfect.
The plate with the Pilgrams and Indians. The back light makes it look dark but it is just beautiful.
Up above the frig is the pumpkin made out of grape vines with lights in it also and floral stuff on top. I probably could have been bigger..But also look really nice.
close up of the pumpkin and Pilgrams. I forgot to take a picture of the table at a later date. I have a runner and leaves on that with a runner of acorns and walnuts etc.

Nathan came home yesterday and said with a big hug. You FINALLY did it decorated the house for the holidays. Mom I'm so proud!!! That from a kids that would go to his friends and say HOW COME we can't make our house look like there's...??? So OK I have Joined the jones and decorated...FUN...:)...I does help to not have little ones here everyday so I can't actually think and get it done with a lot of help from DeOnne...All Rich can say is DON"T CLUTTER IT UP!!!! That is a MAN for ya...So I'm sitting here enjoying the fire..Watching the river rise, the trees blow, listen to the pinecones attack the roof like bullets and blog...very content..

What have I been doing????

2009-11-19T09:40:00.001-08:00

I wish I knew how to do this right I always post the pictures backwards. OH WELL!!!This plate DeOnne and I bought at Pier 1 Imports. It is on the china cabinet along with the Pilgrams and Indians Mom let me borrow. It is stunning
The cornacopia in the entry way.
The big wreath that we bought in Utah and I had shipped here PERFECT!! DeOnne gathered some pinecones from outside and some potpouri to put in the vases I already had. Along with a table runner we got at Pier 1. When you walk into the house it smells so YUMMY...
Up close of the wreath. I just love looking at it...
This is Aunt DeOnne Grimmer. She is Rich's mom's sister but more like a sister than an aunt.Louie has been in the hospital for the last 5 weeks and is recovering in the VA Rehab now. She lives in Salem and that is JUST TO FAR to drive everyday. I know I did it when Nic was in Shriners for a month. So we invited her to come stay with us. She has been a great help and fun to visit with when Rich has been gone . We have been to a few movies and have had long talks.Done some genelogy... She has helped organize this house with me and cleaned and emptied out many boxes and helped me decide to throw what away and what to keep. More on those pictures coming up.

Another saturday at the farm

2009-08-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hai came out and brought Jacob. Who also loved the grapes.
Grape picking Hai was in heaven.....
So was Jacob he could not get enough.....
CC and Ava showing him how to get the grapes the right way. Grab and pull
Ok I got it .........

OMSI and house progress roofing under way

2009-08-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Kennedy and Dillan at Omsi. Doing the weather report

The big truck rolled up and the roofing material was loaded up.
and up...... and on......
The big truck.......

The grapes are on

2009-08-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Mia and Dillan. It is so fun to watch the kids get excited to have the grapes on. They can just reach up and have a mouth full. This is how Monday started out. Picking the grapes.Everyone helped.
Then we sit up the canopy because we had a little drizzle.
Then we walked the rows and rows of delicious grapes..
This is what we saw .......
This is how I felt and looked at the end of the day. SO DONE............

August

2009-08-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

August has brought weddings and planting and cleaning up.Pictures to follow

The last months activities

2009-08-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

This is the grave stone of my great Grandmother. She left Scotland with her kids to come to Franklin Utah to establish a new home for her and her kids. After she and her husband joined the church. In Scotland. He then died and left her with 13 children. The last one being born 3 months after he died. Great lady.
Lyann, Kennedy and CC helping in the shave Ice both at fair. We had a younger crew this year and they were outstanding!! Lyann, Vivian and kennedy with Nic and I had a 6 hours shift and they did it all..
Nathan with a Kidney stone. It passed.....
CC's birthday cake frosting and then Gramph cracker cookies Kennedy, Bree and CC
Family reunion in Montana on the 4th. Great time, Great food and great family..This is the family picnic before the fireworks..

2009-07-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Had a great week with the Vial girls. They met expectation I had. WE laughed,cried,meltdown,slept some, watched movies, cooked cleaned ,and the weather did warm up and swam a lot. We even had a birthday. With blue ice cream cake, blue swimming suit, it was a water party and all the cousins came. Too busy to get pictures.

Now we are full steam ahead to get fair under way. So Off I go to get all the syrups and cups counted. To report to Nic to get them ordered. I LOVE FAIR. Why do you ask..........Hmmm.....You just have to be there to understand..... It is A lot of work. Not really a lot of money but time to just work and chill around the family and friends and threw ice at each other when it gets boring.... If the weather stays HOT like this week we actually could make a lot of money.......What a thought. Peace out......

Back home

2009-07-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

No pictures to blog just an up date. We made the trek to Montana. For Rich's family reunion. Had fun reconnecting with the family. Did the fireworks and had some great food.

One broken motor home later (Hoa's) thanks you AAA for your help. WE all arrived home safely.

I have had a friend with me recovering form a hip and knee replacement.While Rich went to Utah to work.

We are under way with the construction remodel of the farm house. I will try and get pictures soon.

New roof structure, rooms with new bath rooms. New heating system. So you a can only image the holes in the walls, wires exposed, windows replaced, new kitchen,new and bigger decks,water getting turned off and not back on. Lawns burned up wedding in august to host. Two more YA party's to host. Pool turned green now blue. Fair coming up. One more trip to make to Vermont.

But this week I'm chilling with the Nic and Hailey Vial girls. Movies to see, food to cook, groceries to get. Swimming to do if it warms up, and piano to practice. Maybe even a bike ride. Who know we are just in the planning stage. GOOD LUCK TO ME!!

moreparty

2009-06-18T18:36:00.001-07:00

the party after the party ROCK BAND
It was Anders 5th birthday also. A double birthday. So double the fun. It was a blast.
Kev on guitar, Nate on drums and Brig on bass
Anders wacking the transformer, He has a mighty swing. This is Wyatt in the stripped shirt also 5 last week. They are brother cousins. Fun bunch of cousin here in Windsor. Never lacking for entertainment.

More party times

2009-06-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

The final out fit for this princess DIVA
Maddie up to bat with he transformer Pinata
2nd out fit new under wear over he clothes with her hawaiian leis
Ok sorry got this on twice to cute for words
a close up of the 1 out fit

Birthday Party for Anders and Maddie

2009-06-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Miss Maddie the Princess she is 3
Blowing out the candlesAnders with his trnsformer cake decorated by his Uncle Kevin. So sorry that I didn't get a better picture of the cake.
Aunt Chris and baby Eddie
Brig cooking the grub. Big Flames

Swimming after the big pour

2009-06-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Then he decided to just stay at the edge and splash for awhile. Good times were had by all!!

Tomorrow we celebrate Anders 5th birthday and Maddies 3rd. So tonight is getting the cakes and decoration up for the big bash!!
Off to play with Anders and Maddie. Luckliy I was right there and he just crawled as fast as his little legs would go . Which is pretty darn fast.
So over the edge he went
Lets go swimming. Eddie was hanging off the of side the little blow up pool when he decided he no longer wanted to just watch.
Yea the cement is in and finished!!! Good job GUYS

the mighty machines

2009-06-17T17:44:00.001-07:00

This is all backwards . The last picture is the first so go to the end and work you way back up.

Charlie was doing the finishing for a $50 gift certificate at the Pub. Nate and Nate learning the skills
Nate Vial was the foreman on the forms, Jordan was the stomper in the yellow boots,Nate Larson in the grey pants.
Maddie And Anders along with Brig were supervising
The forms were made and the party began
The Mighty Machine came to Windsor and brought cement to the Snapdragon Inn

More of the play

2009-06-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

The cast party. Thanks to the parents!!
the whole crew of 32 kids and 3 directors and two stage designers and two parent helpers.What a team!
The leading players. What a fun time great kids. 16 practices 2 hours each with one Saturday practice. Really dedicated kids.

Lorax

2009-06-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

This is the onceler family
the very talented barbaloots

the play the Lorax

2009-06-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Since dec try outs I have also been very busy with this play at Groner school. this is a picture os the Humming fish. Sorry I got two of the same.
the very sweet and angelic Swanee swans
The Make up ladies
the stage was transformed by the one and only Debbie Mullen

Working In Windsor Vermont.At the Snapdragon Inn

2009-06-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

Really we will take anyone who will work. Ander's and Maddie are prof of this. Even baby in hand. Tricky girl!
Nate out back digging out the space to lay a new cement pad for the air conditioner's
Catilin and Kev doing there fine work on the walls
Anders "When will this ever get done"
Maddie reply. Anders just have a little bit of patience and a lot of work and it will all get done!!

Kev comes home

2009-06-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

A little late but Kevin is home from his mission as of April 16th

last few month of insanity

2009-06-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

The last few months has been keeping me busy with these two getting married

Doing the boogie down dance trying to leave

All of us boggie down at the party
Also this one coming home from his mission.

More to come

the sun shines

2009-02-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today was gorgeous. The sun was shining and warm. We had two of the kids families come over and spend some sun time. Riding bikes, swinging, singing, walking around,raking leaves, playing in the san, jumping on the tramp,just having a great time. There is nothing like the sun shining here in the rainy northwest. Many smiles here.

Vermont

2009-02-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures of our last trip to vermont. First we went to see Kenni and Chris in Virginia I didn't get any pictures of there cute house or there cute selves sorry.

Many cold days in Vermont. WE stayed indoors until it warmed up to 32 and we went out sledding. BUt i didn't have my camera to take pictures. The snow was so high and powdery. It would fly up your nose everytime you went day in the sled. Very fun days .

2009-02-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

Being so cold outside we had a fun morning at the library. It was a dinosaur day.
Wyatt getting in to the dinosaur book,with Anders looking on..
Anders on the left with Keighty in the middle with sidney and maddie on either side of her. Michelle in the background feeding Eddie.
So beautiful but Oh so COld
Eddie and I holding hands or thumbs.

Vermont

2009-02-03T20:54:00.001-08:00

This is Mike and Chris Brigs sister and brother-inlaw at the dinner after Anders was blessed
Jordan clearing off the road before church
Family picture Maddie not wanting to stop playing for a pose
Chelle and Maddie whirling and swirling around the floor to the First dance of the inagurational ball they have the moves
Eddie loving up on his Momma.

2008-12-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

Cuong's house opening presents. You see Liyan Huy,Linl,Cuong,Reagan,and Su LuuRich with some of the grandkids Kennedy,Victor,Reagan,Sara,Eva,Rich ,Felix,Kayla with Alica up in the left hand corner.
The new piano students,Eva,Kayla,Kennedy, and Sara. They just got a keyboard so no I get to teach tham also. Kennedy has been taking for 3 months and is doing really well.
Sierra Jane (CC) with her stash on the stairs. The dress is also a new item.
We had a very fun day.

Christmas Day visits

2008-12-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Letter to Santa Fromt he Nic and Hailey Vial familyThey all got dolls for Christmas
Hoa's youngest boy and Nate our youngest boy. Looking at all the boy toys Dillan got from Christmas.
Working on the floors. Fernando, Terry and Rich.
Snow at Rainbow beautiful

Day after

2008-12-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

Rich left at the crack of dawn to go work on the house. Terry Mecham and he have been working on it off and on for the past week putting down the hard wood floors. Terry being the boss and Rich the slave. Or Terry the expert and Rich in training. Nate went to exchange present with Catilin. Who loves to takes things back.

I put on Neil his Hot August Album and started to clean from one end to the other and sat down to eat lunch.

A recap of yesterday. A very different Christmas for us.

We started at Hoa and Thuys. They had waited for us. We had prayer and then presents. Very fun relaxed and organized. They fed us Pho chicken very yummy!! Photos to follow

Then off to Nic and Haileys. Where the cute little monkeys live. We laughed we cried and we swang from the chandeliers.So to speak. Did presents and planned to have them take alicia to The Dallas to meet up with Tuckers family. We took Kennedy with us to visit the rest of the kids.While they got packed up to go to Utah. Kennedy is such a good traveler.

Next was Cuong house. WE once again prayed, opened presents. and had More chicken Pho. YUMMY twice in a row. We were in Heaven. HAd a fun visit with them.

Then off to Hai and Kyle apt. A high raise on the 11 floor Down on the water front. We had our first visit with them after they had gotten married on the 13th of Sept. They are a very happy family. Kasandra is 17 and will graduate from college that is right college this june. Then off to grad school or law school she hasn't decided yet. Jake who is going on two and a very big hand full. He cries and they all come running. He has them all wrapped around there little fingers. He is the perfect King TUT. Very handsome young man. The delight of his Mother, father, and sister.

We were able to have a very quick chat with Kevin. He is doing good and has 4 months left. He is a Zone leader with that comes more blessings and different kind of missionary work . He has loved his mission and all he has learned while there.

We were able to get home just as it was getting dark. Made a quick snack and I went to bed. I didn't have to plan a meal all day or entertain any one. It was a great day. So who knows what will happen next year. It worked out so well We may do it again. Hope you all had a good Christmas. Love to all

Here is the right one

2008-12-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Maddie(2) Eddie 3 months, Moose(SAM) 1 1/2 months,Oakley 1 month We went up to visit Jenney and Oakley . We picked up Christine and Moose and Chelle and I and the 2 kids. We had a fun visit with all at Eva and Dave's house.Then we went to visit with Liyan and see Baby Felix. but i didn't get any pictures Of them That was dumb!!

It was a whirl wind and I only have a few pic of the kids to prove it even happened. I will have to steal a few from Rich.

2008-12-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

Maddie and Mia hugging good bye!!
Eddie wrapped up for the ride on the plane
Maddie I will walk thank-you very much and I will pull my on suitcase!!!! Any Question!!
Grandpa with one last squeeze of Mushie Maddie Moosie
Ok breath deep!! I can do this ! I will be Ok I will SuRVIVE!! 123 here we go!! Back home to Vermont. To Brig and Anders

Maddie Eddie and cousins over Thanks giving

2008-12-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

Maddie and Eddie
3 cute heads. Moose on the bottom-Oakley on the right and Eddie on top. Eddie and moose are 2 weeks apart. With Oakley born a month later on Halloween
Ok baby doll of Maddies on the left with Eddie the oldest on the bottoom, Moose on the left and Oakley on top.I got the wrong pic there is one of Maddie I will try and find.Not the baby doll OOPs

Grover's are gone. Man was that a whirl wind sure do miss them

2008-12-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

Then last picture of hte Grover family with Grandma and mother helping pack up for 4 days
The empty truck the night before
Good-bye to Maryn
Grandma helping
Caleb discussing what do we do now???

Halloween I know I'm late getting these in

2008-12-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

The end of the evening trading the loot
The line up Kennedy,Dillan,Vivian,Lyann

CC,Ava,Mia, Bree
Dillan Darth Vadar
Nate the cutiest Hairyest,Tooth Fairy
Kennedy the styling witch

Still working on the house this was in Oct.

2008-12-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

This is of Kaleb who helped me most of the day sweeping the floors and cleaning up the sawdust

Delivery of the new stove. Hey how did the type turn blue??Terry and Rich putting down the hard wood floor in the master bedroom closet. Mostly Terry he is the one sweating the most.
It turned out beautiful. WE were pushed to get it in because the closet guys were ready to install. 2 months later It has been trampled on and sheet rock dust every where. There will have to be a lot of cleaning on this floor.
Thanks Terry !!

T-day over

2008-12-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

It was a blast. when I can get to my camera I will post pictures.

It all started with Michelle and Rich coming home at the same time Monday night. Rich had been gone for the past 3 weeks. Michelle hasn't been home since a quick week-end when Chris got married.We all came home got settled and started tuesday. We anxiously awaited the arrival of Alicia who was driving home with Tucker. Whom Michelle had not met yet. WE got up and stayed up for a couple of hours just talking and hanging out in Michelles room with the babes. First late night

Wed getting ready for t-day.Cooking cleaning running around with trips to Rainbow ( the new house)Nate was getting Rock band for us all to play over the week -end. It was a huge hit. When it worked.The first time it did not work so he had to pack it all up and return it with Caitlin and Michelle. Nic and Hailey were to take off for Utah. So we had a late night visiting with them because they were going to be gone, and not be able to send any time with Michelle and kids.They ended up not going and coming over for dinner the next day. Thuy had brought some greatt crabs so ham turkey and crab all you could eat. Hoa has been crabbing and had caught over 100 in the last few weeks.YUM-O

WE had quite a crew over for dinner.

Chuong, Liyan and family Eva,Victor, and baby Felix

Cuong , Linh and kids,Kayla and Reagan

There mother SueLu and son Whe

Her daughter Chee and husband Dep and daughter Sarah

Nic ,Hailey and girls Kennedy,CC,Ava and Bree

Nate,Rich and Me

Alicia and Tucker

Hoa ,Thuy , and kids,Lyann,Vivian,Dillan, and Mia

WE ate and played games and had a great time.Thanks to Michelle and her great planning with the Right to Left game. It was a hoot.

Afterwards some stayed up and played games.

Friday we got ready to play some serious games. Settlers and apples to apples etc. Another late night See a pattern here.

Saturday Shopping all day getting clothes for Alicia. A fun lunch with Hai and her family. Leaving Rich home to prepare for his case in Utah. Then a serious night of rock band. Another Late night

Sunday church and getting the first crew to the airports with a guick visit with my sister Tamie and family and cousin from Texas and his wife and son.

Monday a little running around with Michelle and dinner at Hoa and Thuys

So that leaves us with Tueday and getting stuff for Michelle and lunch at her favorite Viet resturant. Pho Van. With the sisters and brother and spouses. Then more shopping then one last game of Rock band with the brothers and sister and kids. Boy are thee kids good! WE ended the day with Rich coming home

Wed leaves us with packing up Michelle after packing all night and getting her to the airport. What a quick week. I don't think we could have packed any more into it with out all of us geting sick from tooo much food and not enough sleep.

So here I sit . WE just had Rich's office party the first one I had not been involved it at all. It was sooo nice to just go and be a part of the party instead of the planners and hoping it would turn out . Cameron did a great job with the place the food and the games for the kids. WE even had Santa come. HO HO HO.

Rich and I spent 5 hours shopping for light fixtures on thurdsay and Friday all morning on door knobs and plumbing fixtures. Got them all ordered loaded up and delivered.

Tomorrow is Sunday GOOD I need a rest! Rich and alicia go back to Utah tomorrow night. Alicia to finish her finals at law school and Rich to work.

I will stay home and spend some time at Rainbow with the plumbers and electricians and sweeping the floors. Plus collect the rest of the musical instruments for Alicia to get to Sowers of Hope her school in the Congo.

Maybe squeeze in the auditions for the play at groner thursday and a few piano lessons.

Then I can get some serious shopping done hopefully on line and cross that off and move into the new house before X-mas. Tis the season!!!

Life here on the farm for a bit longer

2008-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

I have been awhile since i posted, we have been busy, to say the least.

Finishing the new house. So many decisions to make. But is is coming together nicely

Picking out a play to do for Groner and dates and times

taking care of adorable grandkids

teaching piano

Trying to decide what to take to the new house and what to get rid of and keep.

Taking care of my Knee . Which means going to portland twice a week and getting it stronger.

Trying to get rid of the mice and finding more that moved in while I was gone to vermont last summer. YUCKIE

Taking a quick trip to Hawaii, where we attended classes and Rich taught a class, met some amazing people and made new friends.

Put up a play structure in the barn so the kids could still go out and play during the raining days. NO more cows

Getting all the cars repaired and taking care of

Then of course just the everyday life stuff.

Rich has been gone on an amazing trip down the amazon so I have been keeping myself busy so I would not miss him to much.

Read the twlight books in the last 5 days. I don't sleep much.

Now to get busy and get this house ready for t-day!!

Making a run to the airport Sunday to get Rich and monday to get Michelle,Maddie, and Eddie.

Buying alot of groceries. Something I haven't done in while. With just Nate and I home.

I will post pictures after t-day. Have a great Thanks giving everyone.

The Masons are moving tomorrow :(

2008-10-12T21:50:00.001-07:00

A gathering at the Smiths to say good bye to some dear friends. The Whitnah's with Mitch and Rich
Janeke's with Sarah and daughter Becca
Good friends Karen and Lynn. Ok I got more then you faces. I still don't know how to crop. So don't t mad at me.
More good friends given one last hug
Treats by Racheal Wight, Jane and Nick Coakley. Fun evening by all. Then my camera died.The end of a great Sunday.

Jenny Vial Smiths Baby shower

2008-10-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

She is very cute pregnant . Yep that little bulge is a baby girl. Oakley
Opening the cards after the presents. I t was a fun party at Lealies house. She made a great host with yummy treats and good games form Monica and Emily. Directed by Eva. A true Vial Girls party. With one male in attendence Little Moose below.....
Baby Samuel Jeffery (MOOSE) Vial. So cute. There is definitely a look with he and Eddie Larson. Christine and Mike did GOOD. Making this little one!!!

Losing a child for 1 1/2 hours...was like....

2008-10-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

I had her attached to me most of the night CC that is. With Kennedy sitting beside me at the shower for Cousin Jenny Vial Smith.

Ok this cute little thing made my heart stop yesterday. How did this happen?? you ask read on.....

I had the girls here. Kennedy, CC the above girl. The twinkies. We were all out digging up potatoes and being amazed at how big they were. CC got bored and took off on her bike to go see Maryn her friend here on the hill. So we kept digging. I felt it was time and go check on her. My cell home was in my car with Hailey so I didn't have phone numbers to call and make sure everything was Ok. So we walked down to get her. Well no one was home. So knowing CC I knew she just went in and started to play. She loves Maryn's toys. So I went in calling CC. Where are you?? No answer. SO I'm not going to panic I look everywhere. In all the bedrooms. bathroom yelling CC...I can't believe I couldn't find her.Ok so maybe she went out side and into the motor home. I look in the barn in all the stalls. In all the autos in the barn . Then down to the swing?? I'm scratching my head where could she be. Then we got into the car and drove around to see. I still had the other girls and was dragging them everywhere. We have blisters on our feet to prove the running around. So we are now in the van now driving everywhere. I say OK she might have gone home. SO I go home and look in all the rooms here and in Nicolina's house and no CC. So now i start to panic. I could not find her......What do I do?? I got Robert out of bed bless his heart. He got on the 4 wheeler and off he went. Now don't panic I will go out into the field and look. I called Hailey hurry and get here I can't find CC. I was so distraught she didn't even know who I was on the phone. I just needed some one to help me think. I really couldn't go out and look dragging 3 with me. So I called Darilyn,andthe Barfuss because Darilyn knows this property and so does Lance. I needed someone to help me get the 4 wheeler started. I couldn't pull it started.I knew Jenna was always on the e-mail. Because i didn't have her phone number I e-mailed her. She had called me just as I was starting to look knowing something was wrong. But I wasn't in the house to get the phone. So Hailey gets here and I said I didn't look at Feinauers so go there. In the mean time Grovers get home and they find CC in Maryns room playing toys!!!!!!!!!!!! What the ........( put your own word here). How did I miss her!!!I still don't know other then maybe she feel asleep and was cuddled down in a little ball and why didn't i step on her????So everyone showed up here at the same time and I was a mess. Just as the grovers called. So all is well ..........and I'm still learning how to be a parent or grand parent???and they can still stop my heart.

Burnign hte leaves

2008-10-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

I have been trying for the last hour to get this on the video. I was a big boom and we all jumped and Hailey screamed and we all giggled. I was a fun leaf day
LIGHTING THE LEAVES BOOM
WE GOT THEM DONE! RACKING Jumping and playing then burning what a good day.Tigger would have said it was a blusteryDay. yes in deed it was!!

2008-10-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

Three cute girls
Queen of the rock water fall
1,2,3,jump Nathan was catching.
Look at Bree in the back ground she was also the queen
Two cute girls

2008-10-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

This is a bunch of cute kids.Ava,CC,Bree,and Ethan joined in with the fun.
Wind leaves,kids and color
Everyone got a little leaf raking in the is AvaThis is Bree they were great helpers
Even Ethan was helping with the leaves. It was a great day.

Fall colors,leaves,and kids

2008-10-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

Scholls Country Festival

2008-10-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

OK it is over!! GEtting ready for htis event was hugh. Nate and friends hauled all the chairs last fri Thanks for that Nate. He even volunterred to help haul them back.What a fun time had by all. The sun came out and the rootbeer floats were a hit. We even ran out. The volunteers came thru with the games. Rich caught the pig for Miss Caputo to kiss the winning teacher. Brats were cooked and digested. Smiles,facepainting, pumpkin bowling, plinko,fishing,Clown and balloon art,obstacle blowup toy,Spin the wheel for prizes. We had at least 150 kids there because I had 150 mugs and they are all gone. So now the events are over and I can concentrate on the new house. I will take pictures tomorrow and post.

Rich at work

2008-09-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Just in cash you all were wondering. Yes, Rich does go to the office and sits behind a desk and gives a lot of orders. When he gets on a roll he puts you on speaker and paces around the office. That would be his exercise for the day. Tomorrow is his birthday he will be 54. So Happy Birthday. Thanks for 33 years of a very fun, interesting, happy, some times sad,exciting and very eventful life together. Hopefully we have 33 more. Love you Paula

Work on the Tualatin River

2008-09-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

The river bank getting cleaned up !

2008-09-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the junk that was pulled out of the blackberries on the bank of our house on the tualatin river.

2008-09-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

I forgot I also got 2 crowns done on monday and 1 one thurs and a cavity. It really sucks getting old, and falling apart. Don't chew ice tat is the motto for me now.

2008-09-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we are laying in bed blogging together on separate computers. WOW what a life. WE came home last sat to running fast to catch up.I'm really not running just walking fast and dragging my left leg because my knee hurts again??

WE started with church of course. It was so good to be home and go to church again with our friends. People we know and love and have a little history with. We went to Nic and Haileys for dinner YUMMY. HOme and get to bed so tired.

Started out mon at 7 down at rainbow the new house, with Rich and Hoa and contractors on the yard. cabinets, fireplace roc, painting and sheetrockers. Wow plus 15 hard working dirt movers. cleaning up the hill . They found a washer, fridge,tires plus YUCK. I'm so glad I didn't have to clean it up this time just had rich pay for it :) :) :) yes I was all smiles on that one!! Then off with Hoa, Nate to 3 places to get educated on the color and deminsions of granite and cost!! Had diner at Hoa and Thuys yummy again. I still had not gotten groceries.

Tues more meetings at rainbow. with Jenna and the gate guy Steve and the landscaping.

Then lunch with Lafawn and catching up with her. She Nd I are meeting next tues to get help with the tile on the house. Came hmoe to Dillon F playin gin the sand. He is coming here everyday after school waiting for his parents to come and pick him up. So he helped me get the groceries out of the car and make dinner.

Wed. Delivered meat to Grawrocks.Mailed out a few things .Then Getting ready for the SCF meeting and get a handle on that one. Plus more running around.More meetings at Rainbow.Cleaning out the swimming pool and looking around the yard. Grapes are almost ripe.Went down to Groner and getting the piggy banks ready for kiss the pig.

Thursday lunch at sally's music store and piano lessons to the phams and vials home and out to SWC

Friday pick out more grantie with rich and then lunch for Gordan Smith Mecham's Nic and Hailey, Hoa and Thuy, Tom and Mike. Back to rainbow,home to get ready for the SCF metting at the Apple BArn and out with The Mechams. YUMMY food again

Sat. Soccer game for Dillan no pictures battery dead. Went and spent a couple hours with new baby SAmuel Jeffery (MOOSE) Vial. CUTE CUTE CUTE even when he cries. home and caught 4 mice. Moved out a rack of shelves in the pantry and cleaned up a layer of mice poop!!

Went to Credo at Rood Bridge Park Ice blocking. The kids had a great time the ice blocking was a great idea. We even played BOCCE ball it was fun. But my knee was not cooperatingI know I did more but can't even remember!

Sun,So off to Credo, our ward to here to missionaries speak. Garret Parker and Diana Chatfield. Then to NIc and Hailey's to here CC sing. What a fun day ahead.

All I really wanted to do was stay in bed and take a nap. maybe this week. Because I DO HAVE A COLONOSIPTY ON THURSDAY YUCKIE I WILL REALY HAVE TO STAY IN BED .OR THE TOILET!

2008-09-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

Sharon Vermont the birth place of Joseph Smith
Sidney,Austin,Wyatt, Maddie and saying hello to new baby Eddie

Opps I did those twice sorry
Anders, riding the stone Alligator

2008-09-10T21:01:00.001-07:00

WE saw fields and fileds of corn from Boston to Wyoming. The ones in vermont you could eat. The others were the hybrid ones used for the new fuel .
I loved the Erie canal. WE followed it all the way to Lake Erie. Amazing work of our early Fore Fathers
Our first meal on the road and pretty much our last

2008-09-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of he churches we saw some amazing structures. Every Court House would have at least 4 churchs around them with bells ringing this was on sunday

Random pictures of vermont and a little of the trip

2008-09-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

This is what Anders and I did every night and morning. Watch You tube videos mostly the wiggles with a little power rangers and star wars clone wars.I now no all the words and the dances. I'm such a hip grandma. but boy can Maddie shake it!!
The car the is taking us to HOME one court house at a time!! Leaving Michelle and family behind. This is a picture of her house.
The last lic of Edmund before we left so cute!!
Maddis being a big girl with the big girls. Lucy Cammock doing her nails. While we were waiting for baby Eddie to come out
This was a statue at the Cleveland courthouse, I just loved the lines and the design
There is Dunkin Donuts everywhere
Anders in the rain before we left

The great Race of Court Houses

2008-09-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

I think we are at 60 today. WE race to the next one,,,,and then the next,as many as we can get before the sun goes down!!That is the race! No prizes, just pictures.

So we really started in Boston when I picked up Rich last tues night. Then 2 nights with Michelle and family. Then off for this great adventure. We are taking mostly all the back roads. One little town after another. They are really proud of there Court houses. They mostly all have a park on the grounds with every court house.A gazebo, fountain,statue,war memorial,Clock tower and sometimes a bell tower on top. Or they are a Court house a whole block and then the town square is all around the court house. Many streets were closed down for market fairs. One town had a big party with families playing games sponsored by a church. A lot of people asking us what we were doing. One guy said you will never make it you are to old to get to all the Court Houses.He doesn't know Rich very well. THat will fuel the challenge even more.

Today was long we tried to get to two towns and the bridges where out and had to go around to get to them. Which took us in and out of Iowa and Nebraska. We are now back in Iowa to get the last pic in the morning.

One funny story. Charolette the GPS gal. Took us on a road that had a detour. So we asked a kidriding his skate board in the middle of a country road what route to take. He said and I quote Oh to get to town you take a right, then a right . Pretty much take all the rights to the cemetary then turn left at the Blacks house. He was so right. We were laughing at him just turn at the black house as if we knew them. SO we took all the rights and then At the Blacks house which was a big mailbox that said BLACKS we took a left and made it into town.

These roads are lined with corn everywhere from Vermont to Iowa. So you can't see where you are unless you come to a river and see the water. There is alot of water in this country. Lakes rivers. Then the big Lakes are BIG. WE came up over the mountain and I thought for a minute hey where are we it felt just like coming into Lincoln City and seeing the ocean. HUGE lakes.

WE traveled along with the Erie Canal I remember a song from elementary school of how they built it and it brought back a lot of good memories of being a kid. So I have been thinking about my family growing up a lot. Especially my Dad.

We have passed a few Amish buggies we wave as we speed by. With the top down we hear the clip clop of the hooves.

Today we came down a hill with cars everywhere. parked in the middle of the road, people running around, Then I saw some horses running up the hill. There friends the 3 other horses where running all over the road. They had escaped the fences and were going for it. This was a 4 lane HWY. I was just laughing at the dad and sons. One in a truck the others on 4 wheelers. Chasing them down. Boy did that bring back memories.

IT RAINED MOST OF THE DAY. PLUS THUNDER AND LIGHTENING.

BUT THE DAYS BEFORE WE HAD THE TOP DOWN AND GOT SOME SERIOUS SUN.OPPS sorry about the caps.

Went to Nauvoo. Carthage and followed the mormon trail today. Plus some of the lewis and Clark trail. Glad I was in a car. Especially in the rain we had today.

Listened to some funny stories on the radio. Had a few phone calls with the top up I was actually able to hear. There is also alot of cell towers that dot this country. Then what about the Dunkin Donuts every where???Everywhere. In the gas stations, on the corners, in the middle of towns, out in the country. Really do we need that many donuts. Now we are in Iowa they are Krispy Kremes!!

Ok enough of the babbling I will try and post some pic.If I'm not successful ALICIA i well see you evening wed and you can help me post. Out for now somewhere on the border of IOWA and NEBRESKA.PMV

Palmyra

2008-09-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ok we made it to a hotel. Super 8. I;m exhausted and the camera battery needs to charge.

Something you all need to know if you drive in the hot sun for 12 hours with the top down your face gets burned! Also yo ears when your hair is short like mine is now.

WE saw a lot of beautiful country. We took all the back roads we only drove 600 miles but it took 13 hours.WE took all the court house pictures Rich had on his maps. Beautiful buildings lots of history!

WE saw the Erie Canal. Drove by it almost all day. We only got lost once at Hill Cumorah!! So we climbed the hill in the dark on a path then walked down the hill in the dark. It was also peaceful because we were the only ones there!!

Trip home

2008-09-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wow ! It has been a fun ride being here in Vermont with Michelle,Brig and kids.

The weather has been BEEp BEEp BEep this is the emergency broadcast system. It really works! They announce and people do what they are told. Sudden thunder and lightening storms,etc.

WE welcomed in Baby Eddie.

WE swam in Grandma and Grandpa's Lyle's pool. Played in the back yard pool went for walks miles and miles of walks.

Played legos until I now know what every part is, how it works, I can even make up stories about the newly created objects.

Have cooked, cleaned, washed and even put up pickles, and wiped a few cute little fannies.

Watched tears flow from joy and sorrow! Alot of my own

Conflict and resolution was had by all the young ones in the pic above.

The spirit was felt and thanks was given

Letters were written and stories were told.

Phone calls were made and pleas of come home MOM we need you here at home.

So Rich and I are having one more day here in the great village of Windsor Vermont.

Hugging our grandchildren, and there parents until we meet again.

Luckily there is the internet and skype.

WE will be off in that cute little car and take the ride of our lives. Just the two of us and arrive sometime in the next 7 days back in Oregon where we have others to love and care for. Whom I'm missing very much.

Watch for the 130 courthouse's Rich wants to visit and take pictures of. See if we can really do it or bag it all and just get home. Having our own form of the Amazing Race VIAL STYLE.

With a few stops to see relatives and friends and catch up.

WE love this life , our country, our friends and relatives.

WE are so bless beyond our wildest dreams.

So as kids are starting school Rich and I are starting out.....Out for now Windsor Vermont our 2nd home

Baby eddie came out

2008-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

HE arrived wed morning at 7:30. Michelle did great! Baby and Mother are recovering nicely and will join Maddie and Anders Friday morning. Anders is so excited to be a big brother. Maddie loves him in very short spurts. Pictures are coming

No baby

2008-08-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

WE are week 2 of be being here in Vermont. The move has happened. Box's put away. Baby bed put together. Laundry done. The check list is getting smaller and smaller. Baby Eddie is getting his final birthing papers. WE are waiting........

The Move

2008-08-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

I'm here in Vermont helping Chelle move and get ready to have a baby. Here are some pictures of the last couple days. The red faces are from exhaustion and heat. The men are moving, the women making sure everyone is fed. We're still waiting for the baby.

Fair

2008-08-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

5th year of Tutu's Shave Ice booth at the Washington County Fair.

Lance Barfus, Hoa and Thuy, and Alicia helping set and run our shave ice booth.

vermont

2008-08-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

I'm here in vermont and will try and post some pic of the goings on here.

Play at Groner Elementary

2008-07-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

first blog

2008-07-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm learning how to blog with alicia so bare with me as I'm on a very short learning curve!!