New Year's Eve!!!

Well, tomorrow morning will be 2009. Hard to believe that 2008 is already coming to an end. In a way it seems like it went by so fast.

Margaret and I had so many blessings from the Lord this year that it would take forever to mention all. However, there are a few that really stand out in my mind and are dear to my heart.

Helping Jeannine up in Newberg to take care of mom was such a blessing. I think that I spent more time with mom then I have in the past 30 years or so. I also was able to get to know some of my sister's and brother's better. That was really a dear thing to me because over the years it seems like everyone has sort of drifted off into their own little worlds.

I would like to take this opportunity now to ask each of you to forgive me for anything that I may have done to hurt you while we were growing up as kids. I know I was not a very nice person back then, but thanks to our Lord, I am a changed person now.

Being able to spend more time with Bill and Amy, Trey and our grandchildren were really blessings from the Lord for Margaret and I. God has blessed us so much.

Being a part of a church family at Vine Street Baptist Church is such a blessing and a comfort to us.

The only New Year's resolution that I know I can keep is that of walking closer with God and putting Him first in my life.

My prayer for each and every one of you is that God will continue to bless you and your families. I also pray that those of you that are not "Saved" to asked Jesus into your life now. The Bible tells us that "Now is the time for Salvation" because tomorrow may never come. Wouldn't it be a joyous occasion to see everyone of our relatives and friends in Heaven one of these days?

In closing, Margaret and I wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Great Pictures

What a wonderful treat to come here and see all the warm smiles. You all are so talented, the walk down memory lane what fun to watch and it is growing.

Toby and I are snowed in today, we are hoping Randy is able to get back in when he is done working. We have already recieved a foot of new snow since he left. I haven't seen this much snow in a long time. Quess I'll have to see how to post a picture and show you how much snow we actually have already and lots of winter yet to come.

God Bless and Happy New Year Bonnie

Three's Company, but a Blessing!!

Erin and Tara
It is such a blessing to have our granddaughter, Tara, spending the week with us. Last night Tara invited two of her church friends over. Now, Margaret and I are used to boys, but having three teenage girls was an experience. Tara, Alisha and Erin all had fun doing "girl things" and chatting all night long with each other. Alisha was too bashful to appear in the photo with Erin and Tara.

This morning Margaret and I got up and drove down to the YMCA to do our "thing" to get back into shape, after eating all the good Christmas goodies that were setting around the house. Today we are just going to relax and take down the Christmas tree and maybe play a few games.

How is everyone else doing after the presents are all open and the Christmas tree begins to dry up? Unless you have one of those "fake" ones that you just put back into a box. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that you all enjoyed the company of loved ones.

Don't be bashful about Posting and letting the whole family know how you are doing. Take care and everyone have a Blessed and Happy New Years. God bless, Margaret & Lloyd

Penguin Baseball

Okay Jeannine, Terry, Trey and all those who play Penguin Baseball. Try and beat my score.

Christmas Day

Mom and I had a wonderful Christmas together. Wayne and Terry came for coffee in the morning. Terry and Evielou was over for Christmas dinner. Mom and I ate to much food. Mom's new outfit from Bonnie and Roy for Christmas. We Love you all. Jeannine

Update on Aunt Maxine

Just talked with Barb, they have about 2 feet of snow in their yard and have been without power since the afternoon of the 24th. They were told it may be another couple days before it is restored. This morning their neighbor came over and helped them get their generator started so they are huddeling under the blankets waiting for the heat to kick in. They said they are fine and send their love out to you all.

Wonderful Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. We were all able to get together at Jennifer & Dougs. Thank goodness Jeff lives right next door. He was able to get out and so we hauled Christmas over to his car and headed out. It was a little bit of a rough ride but we made it. Coming home was rougher as it had started to freeze again.All in all it was a Blessed day with lots of good food and the joy of all being together. Watching Payton in all his excitement was so GREAT. As for us...we are still snowed in. No way we can drive down our driveway. It is still DEEP! The snow was beautiful but I am ready for our good old rain again. Heard about the power failures all around and was Thankful we were not among them. Pray for Aunt Maxine in Vernonia, chances are she is among the outages. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

Love & Hugs

We wish you a Merry Christmas--thanks to blogger!

Eek! I am late by 3 3/4 hours and yet....through the magical technology here at blogger I am right on time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Now isn't that cool? I can be good & totally organized even when I'm not:)

And to add to the snow photos----

A new view--------------Snowy table and chairs--------Snow hats on apples

I measured the snow on the table--before we got more--and it was somewhere between 13-14 inches. We do have some storm damage though--the gazebo collapsed, some trees lost boughs and some other plants (camellias, arborvitaes especially) suffered damage.

However, on the positive side---I am really enjoying my new, improved view of the mountains, am getting regular exercise each day outside and my (I mean my hubby's camera) is getting a real work out!

Blessings, b

I'll later post Baby C's newest photo. We were unable to see her due to snow and such but we have a very good DIL who knows how to use a cell phone:)

Christmas with the Family

It was such a blessing to have all the family over for Christmas dinner. Jack and Sammy really had fun opening all their Christmas presents. Us older kids had fun watching the little one's play with their toys. There was a lot of eating and playing games. We hope that your Christmas was as enjoyable as ours. God bless, Margaret & Lloyd

Christmas morning in LaCenter

Kay and Doug wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year may all your wishes and dreams come true:) we are doing alot better now and the kids are just patiently waiting till morning.

Sno Pics

Hi,

Check Rustys album for some sno pic. It has been almost non stop today. Hope it starts melting soon but not so fast that we have flooding.

Fun Day in Roseburg

Even tho it rained all day, Margaret and I still had fun playing with Jack and Sammy. The boys really enjoyed watching their movie while setting on grandpa's lap. As you can see, both Sammy and Jack are concentrating on the Christmas cartoons they were watching.

The rest of the day wasn't too bad. We went down to the YMCA and did our exercises early this morning. Then later in the afternoon, I helped deliver Christmas food baskets to several needed families. All-in-all, the day was a blessing from God.

How was everyone else's day? Did everyone up there in Newberg enjoy playing in the snow. All I can say is, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the one's I used too know." This sounds better if it is sung by Bing Crosby. Anyways, being we can not control the weather, let us all enjoy and have a Merry Christmas. God bless, Lloyd

How much more snow is Newberg going to get?

Jeannine is playing in the snow. If you want to see how deep it is go to Terry's Gallery.

Happy Birthday Garrett Jr.

Happy birthday Garrett Jr. So you are 9 years old today. I hope you have a good day Love Grandpa.

God's morning to all and Merry Christmas

I am normally a lurker, reading all your posts and looking at your pictures, but this morning needed to share how much your prayers and support and humor and pictures add to my day!

We just got another 8 inch snow storm, it was -19 this morning, Randy started the 4-wheel drive and we made it to church. The service this morning was choirs and music ~ it was fantastic to be there. He is now out moving snow again ~ oh the joy of winter in MN.

Jeannine, I loved the picture of Jeannine on her new bike. A friend at church always calls me Princess Bonnie but I tell her nope still just a frog ~ yup Fully Relying On God.

Anyway just wanted to add my 2cents and say how wonderful it is to be here with you all. Thanks Margaret and Lloyd for including me. :-) Buckets of Teal Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches your heart. God has sure filled our stockings to the max this year once again.

Jingle Bells

Margaret and I had a really nice day with Jack and Sammy. Jack sang Jingle Bells for us and wished all of you a Merry Christmas. Both Jack and Sammy decorated Christmas tree ornaments to give to their mommy and daddy. I posted some pictures that were taken today of the boys into our gallery.

Margaret and I wish each and everyone of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS. It is my prayer that we all remember that, Jesus is the reason for the Christmas Season, and that we will all have the joy and peace that only He can bring.

Prayer for Bonnie

Please continue to keep Bonnie uplifted in prayer. She just posted this update on her website. God bless, Margaret & Lloyd

Thursday, December 18, 2008 12:28 PM CST

More cancer and no chemo. :-(

We are already home from my Dr visit at the U and chemo was cancelled because of the allergic reaction I had last time. They said it would only get worse and my air passages could swell shut on me.

My ca125 went up again and the ct-scan showed that not only did the previous areas grow but there was new tumor growth. My Dr is trying to get a different drug approved; if it isn't approved we will try weekly taxol. Of course I have already shed some tears, I was feeling very hopeful again. Not good news, but we remain hopeful this other drug will be approved and that it will at least slow the cancer down and who knows maybe kill some of it.

Jeannine on her bike

Jeannine on her new bike.

Update on the rest of the family! (Last update 12/21)

Since everyone in the family knows how much I love snow, they know I am quite happy over our scenery lately! But here is an update on the rest of tha family:

• My wonderful, long suffering hubby is only 3 days away from his 2 week long vacation. Update: hubby is on vacation--yea!!
• My DIL recently heard from her hubby. Please continue in prayers for him. She is doing fine although she is blaming me for this snow (imagine that?? LOL) Update: still snowing here! Unfortunately ice too. But the ice is beautiful on the trees. I am so glad we always leave fruit on the trees. I've noticed a bird enjoying it today:)
• My oldest son is doing fine; we will -- hopefully--be getting together with him and his fiancee around Christmas for dinner. Update: Christmas may be postponed till after Christmas; depends on the weather. So maybe while everyone is in the stores after the 25th we'll be eating out!
• I am going through BF withdrawal as my friend of 21 years is out of state. Good time for my hubby to have vacation!! Update: She may be even longer getting home. Since she is in nice weather that may not be too bad.
• Baby C is growing and has produced her first big chuckle in response to her big sister!! Needless to say, big sister thought that was pretty neat! Update: Baby C is rolling over now. So cute:) Kind DIL is sending us video updates --- fun!!
• Nothing to report from my daughter's way; she has been super busy with work for the last several months though. Update: Now she is getting our weather---looks like we are in winter now!

Blessings, b

Penguin Baseball

I beat your score how do you like me now.

Penguin Baseball

Okay. Go to the "Favorite Family Websites" and see if you can beat my score of 317.1 in Penguin Baseball.

alot of snow

Here is a picture of the kids outside last night. we got alot of snow. and the kids love it.

Getting ready for Jesus' Birthday

Hello family,
We are getting ready for Jesus' birthday here in Bend. We are supposed to get dumped on tonight, maybe a few inches of the white stuff. The pass blizzard conditions made Wes' swim team cancel their meet at North Bend. They are pretty bummed about that. The kids are all doing well in school. Jessica is sporting a new hair cut and highlights because she brought her grades up. Now I'm sure Courtney will pick her grades up!!! She really got her nose bent out of shape.

I finished our shopping yesterday, feeling very fortunate especially since twice we have been touched by people in church and the community who are having it pretty tough this year. One family has four small children living in their neighbor's garage with no heat (Jim's gonna fix their pellet stove so they can have some heat) and the other are barely in a house with the father recently losing his job--- they too have four children. We are doing all we can to help these two families out.....just doesn't seem like enough. Courtney is parting with some toys she got when she was younger --littlest pet shop and bratz dolls/cars....Jessie has offered up her karaoke machine and CD player and some other gagets...easy bake ovens and such.....Wes is digging around too to find something to donate to these families. We are so blessed. Please put these families and many others going through a pretty rough time in your prayers. Take care,
Love Marty, Jim, Wes, Jessica, and Courtney

Post From Bonnie

Thursday, December 11, 2008 6:52 PM CST

Cookies are baked, fudge done, Christmas shopping done; now I just need to work on putting a few of the gifts together and then wrap them. We are ready for family, friends and the continued wonder and amazement of Christmas time and chemo next Thursday. :-)

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." Norman Vincent Peale

Story Time at the Library

It is such a blessing to have grand kids. Margaret and I went with Amy and the two boys this morning to the Library for Story Time. It was so much fun watching Jack, who was setting on the floor with grandma on rugs, listening to the story teller. Sammy was a little fidgety, so grandpa was elected to hold him.

After Story Time, We went over to the church for our prayer session, then we went out and visited with homebound members of the congregation. All-in-all, we had a pretty nice day just goofing around and being retired.

How was everyone else's day? Well, I got to go, so POST when you get the urge and don't be shy about letting us all know what is happening in your lives. God bless, Lloyd

Checking In

Baby Grace modeling the latest in baby girl wear:)

We’re doing OK and hoping for some snow (well at least one of us is).

Hubby person will soon have 2 whole weeks off and I am very excited for him!!He deserves it -- I can say that because he never logs on here so he won’t know I am bragging on him:) That is unless one of you tell him!!

We are moving back to the ‘abnormal-normal’ that goes with having a child/ spouse in the Service. It's a difficult time as I can’t help comparing this year to what was happening last year. Would appreciate your prayers on that. Oh and I am supposed to say that the young one made it back there.

Have been searching through a lot of blogs and sites studying recipes for Nordic treats (one of my big weaknesses!). Since the man has repaired/replaced our cook top/oven and microwave I can hardly wait to really use them for more then just dinner. And besides I have till Jan 1--well maybe Jan 2 to enjoy my old style of carbo-loving eating. Oh the joys of lefse, aebleskivers and more!!

Hope all of you are well!! Blessings, b

Nice Day in Roseburg

Good evening everyone. Margaret and I had such a nice day around the house. Not too much happened that was noteworthy. We did our thing at the YMCA, then we babysat Sammy and Jack.

Now I have to tell you, it was so much fun to watch Jack and Sammy play and be able to be a part of their lives. Jack and I walked down to the playgrounds near our house. I played on the swings, slides and big tires with Jack. Jack is growing up so fast.

Well, that's enough about our day. How is everyone else doing? Hope all is well with you. I have been checking the photo galleries and really enjoy looking at the pictures. It is also sort of fun to chat with Terry and Raven in the chat room.

Everyone take care and may God bless, Lloyd

Family Blog Followers

Good morning everyone. I hope all is well with you and your families. I just want to let everyone know that I believe this Family Blog might be a good "Tool" to use in keeping up with all that is happening within our families.

The Family Blog has been up and running now for over two months. We now have 19 family members that have signed up. I encourage everyone to spread the word to all relatives who have email address' to join the Family Blog and start having fun communicating with each other.

If you look over to the sidebar you will notice a "Family Blog Followers" widget that I installed. When you sign up as a Family Blog Follower your profile photo will appear. This shows everyone who comes onto the Family Blog that you are a regular reader.

I also encourage everyone to give me a little feedback on the Family Blog. Remember, this is a family blog, so your opinion is appreciated. If there is anything you would like to add to this Family Blog, just let me know. God bless, Lloyd

Sammy's Visit

Sammy visited us this morning while his brother, Jack, went to the library with his mom. Sammy just loved to have grandma and grandpa read to him. (See more photo's in our gallery).

Up late again!!!

Happy Advent season to all--hope everyone is well:)

Since my great & wondrous (and most patient) hubby person thinks I should be in bed by now so I can (shock!) do actual housework tomorrow (today) like most homemakers .. I will make this fast (that is if modern technology and a very slow dial up modem cooperates).

I just wanted to pass on that Baby C sends her Thanksgiving greetings to all the family! She would have posted it here herself but is still recovering from the festivities. Oh and she has not had any computer classes -- yet.

It was a very busy Thanksgiving day for her. She was put in charge of entertaining her 2 grandmas, 2 great grandparents, 1 grandpa and uncle J throughout the evening. It was very hard "work" but she proved to be a trooper and did it with a lot of grace.

She managed to survive the torture of having every little grin, smile, scowl, clothing change, cuddle, etc photographed by a certain, unnamed, very pesky grandma. And being held and loved a whole bunch, talked to whenever she made an appearance and loved more, photographed again, fed and changed. It was a very, very busy day for her.

Poor child. Soon Christmas is coming ... and I have it on good authority that those very pesky grandparents will be back again.

Blessings, b

Bonnie's Family Photo

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 6:20 AM CST

God's morning to all! I am well :-D no fevers. Yesterday Josh picked me up and we did a little Christmas shopping. Found several things on my list, we had lunch togehter and then shopped a bit more, it was a good day!

Last night was Tuesday night Charis at Sandstone Prison and I went to that too. Was such fun to be out and about, talking and laughing with others.

I know getting through the chemo side affects have not been fun but worth the time it may give me here with my family and friends. And we know for a fact God works miracles all the time, for I am still here. :-) Sometimes it seems they are missed because one gets so focused looking for the answers we want; and we all know the answer can be totally different than we could ever imagine. For me I will try to continue to live in hope and enjoy the time we are blessed with. God is good all the time!

Sending buckets of hope, teal hugs and prayers. Bonnie

Job 9:10 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

I'm Back!!

How is everyone doing this fine cloudy December morning? Margaret and I are doing much better. We are just about over our colds and that is such a blessing.

I got up early this morning to go down to the YMCA. It's hard to get going, but after I do my thing, I always feel better. Like an old piece of machinery, you got to keep it moving or it rusts.

I got a few little things around the house to do this morning, then we are going to go play BINGO. After that, I think Margaret wants to do a little Christmas shopping for the grand kids.

Well, got to go now. Everyone take care, and may God bless, Lloyd

Thanksgiving Colds!!

Good morning to all of you. Margaret and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving week-end with our family. God has truly blessed us with family and friends.

We take Tara back home to Albany this morning. We were going to drive up to Newberg to visit, but being we both picked up pretty bad colds, we decided against it. I'm blaming our colds on the kids in Margaret's Sunday School class at church. We will try and get our Newberg visit this month sometime.

How did all of you do over the week-end? If you were like me, I over-ate on all of the Thanksgiving leftovers. Well, got to go. Everyone take care and don't be to shy about "Posting" here on our Family Blog. God bless, Lloyd