Rockragious Garden

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

Santa's Workshop is working overtime. Of Course I can't show you
what's a makin in there until............later...........but some cool stuff I'm
tellin ya! I have made a BUNCH of hats.
Here's a few pics to enjoy!
If you're wondering who the stray child is in the above photo it's Paul's nephew. Robyn
babysits him 3 days a week and he's very attached to her.
I'm holding Dominic and Molly is holding Alex.

Aren't they so cute in their Christmas Outfits?

Dominic thought the giant animals were going to eat him. He kept a wary eye on them and clung to his mommy. Like this one....it has scary teeth and looks like it has blood on its fur from its
last meal.

What's so scary about this pig though?

Candy necklace IV's.....

Little Penguins....

I hope everyone is snug and cozy and enjoying this special Holiday Season.
I'm full of warm thoughts for everyone and am sending them your way.
Merry Christmas!

THANKSGIVING

2009-12-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

We ate a ton of food and had a blast!
Literally....Dan and Daniel shot off their rocket.

Here's our step children....

Paul made this fabulous apple pie.

Random eating shots.....

This is Dominic....

Pushing and shoving to get to the food scene....

Adorable Annie....

The Turkey came up missing but we figured out where it went....

yep! Sari had it the whole time...
Kathy's family...

We did crafts too....like making some ornaments (no pics drat)
but here's Shannon learning to spin on a drop spindle.

Cute couple...

Jam faced kisses...(dominic and megan)

learning to pretend...(dominic and alex)

jail birds...

Here's the kitchen help singing 'when we're helping we're happy'...

Christmas is around the corner!
I just finished these vests for the grantwids.
They're made from felted sweaters (a grand name for shrinking
the sweaters). I just got a
nifty fun felting needle tool and needle felted the Christmas
Trees on by punching up and down on the craft felt until the
fibers meshed together. It's really really fun!

BOO!

2009-11-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

I don't know who was more excited to go trick or treating....the kids or all the adults who trailed along. Here's some highlights...
NEMO...starring *Annie*

DINO....starring *Mathias*

PUPPY....starring *Alex* seriously what else would he want to be?

TIGER....starring *Dominic* yikes I lost my shoe!

PUNCHING BAG.....starring *Paul* believe it or not he got 3rd place at work for this!

80's DISCO DUDE.....starring *John*

MOLLY....as *herself* seriously....remember her hair growing up?

THE BOXER....starring *Robyn*

The DISCO DUDE and Molly hook up with a tiger for a pet...

Trick or Treat!

Some people kiss gnomes for luck....others kiss....skeleton lights!

Or anyone else who might be handy....

IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH

2009-10-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween because it signifies the closing of the year for me. All of a sudden the leaves have changed color, the garden goes to sleep and its Autumn. The color ORANGE is suddenly fashionable. With the arrival of new babies in our lives Holidays take on new meaning.

Alex kissing the garden gnome. He kissed every statue in the garden.

We're kids again...teaching new kids how to have fun. Seriously...have you ever taken the time to actually play with an 18 month old? I have this opportunity every week. For example...Robyn had an eye appt. so I watched Alex for an hour at the appt. We ran up and down the stairs, drank from the drinking fountains, then went outside. We played in the leaves, swung from the bike racks, walked on the curbs without falling into hot lava, threw rocks in the creek nearby, collected dinosaur eggs for gramsi's garden, threw helicopters into the air (the seeds with wings) and made the noises for helicopters, rode the construction cones like horses. We learned "danger." When a car comes I yell "danger!" and we run to the curb and jump up on it until the danger passes. It's amazing how well I can communicate with these little ones. They talk to me all the time and I know what they're talking about. Life has become new again through their eyes.

Here's some pictures from our annual trip to a nearby farm. Enjoy the little ones in your life. Try and see the world through their eyes and take the time to actually play with them. Get down on their level and be little again!

This farm is so amazing. They have a local 4H group run various activies for cheap! You can go in and pet all the animals for free. The pony rides cost $1
Going in the *maze*. It was dark in here but they loved it.

Ridin the pony...alex

Dominic feeding the goat...one kernel at a time...

I loved this next shot because they're so cute in their little overalls.

My camera battery died too soon but I'll get more pics from the moms.
And yes I knitted the cute hats and made the scarfs. Always in the height of fashion.
Dominic...

and here's a rare moment...Alex posing...standing still? a miracle!

Old St. Francis in Bend, Oregon

2009-10-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

We went with Randy to Bend and stayed in this cool little place called McMenamins Old St. Francis Hotel. McMenamins is known for their terrific pub food. They like to buy old schools and turn them into hotels/pubs. This one is an old catholic school.
We stayed in the Parish House. It was a 2 story 5 bedroom house. Very luxurious. The decor was old fashioned.

Above is the front of the house.
Here's the back. The path led right to a cozy little patio with fires burning to keep you warm.

I LOVED the fence which went all around the property.

There were cool finials on the posts.

Brick paths took you all over to the different houses.

In every room there were words written on the walls with a hand painted picture.

Here's one of the bedrooms.

In another building was the hotel if you just wanted one room. We had to go down this
really cool hallway to get to the soaking pool.

It was really dim inside. The hall was lined with pictures of students who went through the school. For those of you who know me see if you can spot me in this photo. It was kind of creepy really because it looks just like an outfit I used to wear.

Here's the soaking pool. It's actually a giant hot tub with no jets or bubbles.
Just this cool fountain with stalactites growing on it. And the lion heads spouting warm water.

The whole room was done in these tiled mosaics. Very pretty!

Here's another funny hall picture.

We ate dinner in the Theater. The movie was The Proposal. It was hysterical.

The theater seating was old fashioned love seats. It was really cool and comfy actually.
You ordered your food and drinks in the back and during the movie they brought you your food. Alex was terrible so Robyn had to take him swimming in the soaking pool so that was kind of terrible for her in a way. But Alex loved the pool. The food was delicious and I loved sitting so comfortably to watch a movie.
The next morning we walked downtown and found this great crepe place for breakfast. There was this man sitting on a bench with his wallet open. Randy put money in it. LOL!

Then we went to Smith Rock. This is a famous rock climbing place.
I'll tell that adventure next time.
Here's one more picture of the cool fence. I want...I want...I want...

A Blog Book

2009-09-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Megan for turning me on to this idea. Making a Blog book from my blog.
This is a top quality hard bound book. Here's the front cover.

My first entry.

This last pic is the back of the book.

I used blurb.com. It was very easy to do. For this book I did the
first two years. I'll make another book for 2009. I added collage pages
to this book. The photos are top quality. I was amazed at how professional
looking it turned out. This book cost 60.00. A small price to pay for a copy
of my online journal complete with pictures. You know how we're supposed
to keep journals! yeah!

Is It a GIRL or a BOY?

2009-09-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

We had fun with Sari's belly. Here's our vote tally for her coming baby:

We told her not to wash it off. She's going in Tuesday to find out for real!
What's your vote?

Puppy Love

2009-08-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Alex loves Lucy. Here's his favorite way to give her a treat.

Of course he always eats one himself to the dismay of his mother.
But here is pure love.........giving kisses....

***
He really likes to pretend he's a puppy. We're always snatching up the puppy food
when he comes to visit because it's his favorite snack.
Lucy's bed is his favorite hang out. (also if no one is looking it's a great way to sneak outside)

FAMILY CAMPOUT 2009

2009-07-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

We had another terrific family campout this year on the South Umpqua River. Not as many as last years 65 number. Closer to 40 this year. For some odd reason the weather decided to dive into the 70's from our 105 heat wave. And then the following week it soared back into the 100's. Good thing we all are made of whale blubber or don whale blubber in the guise of a wetsuit. It was a lot of fun. Too short as usual...we even dodged a few rain showers.
Eating is always on the agenda...here's Dominic guzzling some milk in his cute chair.

Jeff made spaghetti and Alex was all over it...literally...

Sheldon was high tech with his microwave. His truck had a plug in for it. Can you believe that?

Here's Hunter in his Suave Pink Wrap with his slaves before him feeding him grapes on the beach.

Roasting Marshmellows for smores is always popular.

Fat Man in his chair...

Look! That there is rain a comin! Let's build us some shelter!
Ben and Christian...

Even Gavin helped...

Rain Gnome...

On to the beach....
We didn't go swimming without protection. Heres a pink fighter complete with pink goggles and pink fighter gun. (Nuala)

ONE....

PLUS ONE....

EQUALS 2..........

Sittin on a log.........Preston, Zac, Ben, Jeff, Hills, Sheldon

Hiking to Acker Rock...

It's a little creepy walking around up here. It's sheer drop off all around.
Here's our friends Gavin and Amanda.

We got to go inside the lookout. It was really cool. You can rent it and sleep and cook in it.

But if you have to go to the bathroom....then it's down these steep stairs...

a short hike along the trail to this...a room with a view...

Ben really had to go so here he is making sure no one is looking...hehehe...I am stealthy...

This is such a fun thing to do every year. I wish there was a pavilion with stadium seating so all of us could perform talents and such.
And even though we spent a great deal of time keeping the grantwids out of the fire it was sure worth all the trouble to get here.
We made new friends and caught up with old friends.
We saw a lot of these two. They are so amazing and FUN! I LOVE love love them!

Sage and Randy were Mutt and Jeff...

Hunter liked Ben's IPhone...

Here's some random shots for your enjoyment.

You can tell Ben is a real cowboy because he can ride the Bull backward.

A view of the beach from the rapids.

Inventive baby ride...Sabrina with Alex in the boat...

hangin out with cousins...
Lilly and Sabrina...

Alora, Miranda, Riley, Sage, Molly, Dominic...

Bran and Hunter...

Maria and Heather...Maria's mission was to drown Heather of course but we'll over look that...

These migrant workers flew in from Uruguay to do camp chores...

I LOVE these two......
Sheldon and Tammy........Sheldon is the best playmate EVER!

Sari made a brave show and came without hubby...here she is incubating the new little one...

Preston........love those trucks!

Sick Bed...who says you can't go to the beach with a fever?

Saying goodbye.....until next year.

Sari's Little Princess

2009-06-30T22:42:00.001-07:00

Mud Princess that is.

And Chicken Whisperer...

TAG FROM JESSIE

2009-06-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

6 Things That Make Me Smile:

1. Gluten Free Cookies and Cake. I loooooooooooove them and smile the whole time I'm eating!

2. Jessie's Face all RED and SWEATY when she's just climbed a mountain with Daniel looking for a geocache and her face is all excited opening the canister.....and she asks.........oh goody....where's the CASH? hahahahaha.........that really makes me smile! (she really thought there would be money in it! hahaha)

3. Alex when he's trying to sign 'poop'. It's soooooooooo funny!

4. Flowers blooming in my yard. Especially the roses. I sniff and sniff and SMILE.

5. Telling Robyn there's an earwig crawling up her neck and watching her scream and start to rip her shirt off! LOL! I trick her every week and every week she falls for it. Big SMILE moment!

6. Reading a good book. I smile when I finally get to relax in bed at night to read for an hour or two. And I think to myself.........I have a great life!

Fun Month of June 2009

2009-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Rainie Falls hike on Memorial Day. ( I know that was in May)

Sam Birthday on the 9th...

Lots of playing...

Gardening...work...work..work...

Evans Valley Duathalon....Molly and Dan got 3rd place in their category.

Lots of bike rides....

More playing...

Enjoying watching the baby chickens...

Playing with Lucy...

Eating lunch...

Being creative...making a stepping stone...

Flower arranging...

Making egg rolls...

Pat making Mango Sorbet...

Molly making dairy free ice-cream...

Eating the dairy free ice-cream...DELISH!

Molly's Birthday on the 19th...

Playing at the Park...

What a fun month! And it's not even over yet! We're looking
forward to camping in July!

Really Cool Toy

2009-06-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

I received this for my birthday! It's called a Kindle.
You can read all about it here.
I already have 16 books in it.
I only bought 2 of them.
Amazon has lots of free book specials all the time.
There are plenty of free books on the internet.
i.e. I love Jane Austen....voila all her books are free.
Some authors want you to try their books so they'll offer
the first book in a series for free.
Right now I'm reading Stephanie Meyers....The Host
It's really good. I like it better than Twilight. *gasp*
I can search google.
I can email.
I can read blogs.
I can load in my own documents to read.
I can print a page if I want.
I can listen to audio books.
I can listen to any book with text to speech.
It's an mp3 player.
etc, etc, etc....
I know you're jealous!
The best part is I don't need to add on to the house
for all my books I like to read.
It was very expensive and I'm very spoiled.
Eat your heart out Zac!

New Baby in the Family

2009-06-01T10:48:00.001-07:00

Her name is Lucy. She is a mutt with some shepherd and border collie (being dominant)
in her. She is 3 months old.
Jack the love of my life ran away to live next door with Rachel and her 5 boys. After camping last year Jack discovered kids and his life with me was suddendly very boring. Rachel and her family love him to death.
Lucy is very laid back. Loves the babies. Loves the cats. Loves dandelions and water.
She is very gentle and sweet. Trained herself to potty in the forest in 1 day. She loves her deck with all her teddies. Isn't afraid of the night or thunderstorms.

Here she is planting beans.

Grantwid Tote

2009-05-25T09:44:00.001-07:00

If you really want a workout...throw in a momma...

While Pats Away...Randy Will Play...

2009-05-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Randy's Garden...he's been working REALLY HARD!

100 ft. garden fence...planted with sprawlers i.e. squash, berries, cukes,climbers,etc.
Huckleberries, goji berries, raspberries going in and thornless blackberries.

The new garden gate/arbor...designed and built by Mike Thornhill.

Mandavilla will grow over the arbor.

Fuschia and impatiens.

Here's the new pool deck.

He tilled, hauled compost, layed on his belly planting his seeds (so cute).

Ahhhhhhh.....At The Beach......

2009-05-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Can't you just feel the sand under your bare toes? The waves crashing beside you?
Robyn did a great post on our latest little venture so I thought I'd add to it.
Here's a picture of the Beach Front Inn. It is literally ON the beach. Our room
was in the building in the front on the first floor...all we had to do was step out
and onto the sand!

Feeding the seagulls...mine...mine..mine..mine..

Cool Costco kite airplane...

Suiting up to take the 'YAK' out...

Beach Bums...

Hiking...

Sand flea...

Only in Oregon...the forest meets the sea...

Wow! Which way should I go? ok...where's my mommy...
Dominic with a mission...

Cool Cave...
but it was wet inside...

Wish you were there....

Happy Birthday Private Buttface!!!

2009-05-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

I'm an idiot and forgot to post Private Buttface's Birthday which was on

April 29. Don't be offended by the cake created by Paul and Robyn. It is

a joke. The thing sticking out of the butt is a piece of poo.

Private Buttface is Daniels code word for online gaming.
We think its pretty funny.

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

As I sit here creating this post it is snowing outside. What cruel joke is this?
Anyways........Easter was terrific this year. The Church program was so inspiring.
And then hanging out with family the whole weekend was fun.
The grantwids are in their year of firsts. First birthdays, first steps, First Easter, etc.
Dominic started walking at church today. He made it 4 ft. before falling.

I found their baskets at the goodwill.
Mathias and Annie actually hunted for their eggs.

Then we had an Egg hunt for the BIG kids...
Molly and John dyed 54 real eggs...

I had a huge bag of plastic eggs which were filled with...
1 starburst...I know...is that all?

At the signal they all came sprinting down the hill.

They searched and searched....

And then they counted to see who won by getting the mostest...

Andrew won with a total of 19 eggs....
but Paul really wanted to win so he went back out for another
hunt and found 4 more than he had so he beat Andrew by 1!
Technically I don't know if this counts.

Then we ate a big feast and then chilled out playing tank wars on
XBox 360, chatting, or playing on the trampoline.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Mr. Potato Head

2009-04-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's April Fools Day and guess who's having a birthday?

Mr. Potato Head is a production from the Sutherland household.

The singing of the Birthday Song was quite terrifying...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN! We won't disclose the number of years.

Jump Over Here To View a Celebrity Chef In The Making

2009-03-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Randy says yum yum! Come over here to Serendipity Kitchens for the how to Video!

strollin along

2009-03-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Super Cool New Blog

2009-03-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

You must subscribe to Serendipity Kitchens! It's a blog all about food! By Molly, Robyn and Rochelle! If you'd like to be a contributor then ask Molly and she'll add you to the editor list. Come on it'll be FUN! We'd love to know what you're eating out there. And no you don't have to write out recipes unless you want to. Pics are fine or interesting things you find on the web and have tried.
http://serendipitykitchens.blogspot.com/

DUDE...I"m totally missing summer!

2009-03-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

What more is there to say?

JUGGLING...IT'S ALL IN THE FAMILY

2009-03-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

As many of you know this family is known for their juggling skills. Mainly Daniel and Ben but a few more are getting into the act.
Here's Daniel juggling with fyre balls...

Here's Ben and John learning Rings.

ok
OK that wasn't a very good one but you get the idea.
Then Ben and Robyn practice....

ok
Here's the best part. Our aspiring proteges....

ok
Alex plays with these rings ALL THE TIME!
He watches the jugglers and then tries to do it himself. He's even
standing and juggling now. Sorry didn't catch that on video.
This next picture isn't juggling but it's cute anyways. Watch Alex
studying seriously the technique.

ok

ok
Juggling is lots of fun! Try it if you're bored!

Ride Em Cowboy

2009-02-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

How much fun is a 4.99 horse from Goodwill?
vid

end

SHUFFLE TRUFFLE WUFFLE STUFFLE 2009

2009-02-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

Molly posted on this already but....Here's some more pics of the Run. I didn't get a pic of them stuffing their faces with the HUGE truffle that looked like lumpy poo. Their reward for finishing.

Jeff friend, Hills, Jeff, John, Molly....
Here come 552 people running at me....

Where's Waldo? see if you can spot them in this next pic...

Here they come closing in on the finish line...
Jeff friend was ahead of Hills....then came Hills finishing in 157th place...

Jeff, Molly and John coming in...they look a little too happy...

356, 357, 358th place...
We went to pizza afterwards...

And then to the Columns........woohoo!

Here's Daniel and Dominic hanging out...Dom sporting his new hat...

It was really fun getting together as usual!

RUNNING Y 2009

2009-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here's part of the gang...honestly...trying to corral everyone
for a photo was a hair pulling experience...

We went on our annual running y trip this last weekend.
To spice things up some of us left early Friday morning and went
to the Lava Beds. It really is pitch black in here. The camera
flash lights everything up.

Yummmmmmmmm...chocolate.........

Actually Pat brought her box of chocolate that she picked up
in Belgium to share with everyone. Delish!

I know I can fit in this 12 inch space...

Alex loved it...

Going down the shoot!

Here's that chocolate again...all over the walls...

There were patches of snow outside but it really was warm
in the caves and out. It was weird.

Running Y was fun. No sledding this year. Everyone had fun
chillin, hiking, swimming, ice-skating...
Here's Ralph and Alex with out 2 bedroom condos (we rented 5 of them)
behind us.

Herd hiking...

Uni cycling down the golf course hills...

ice-skating...now this was hysterical...Pat and Hillary were so
upset about this...I knew this pond wasn't over my head deep...
but they kept yelling all sorts of funny things to try and stop
these guys...

Jeff is dancing on ice...

We got in trouble by the golf course nazis for doing this...

Cute munchkins...

Here's some real ice-skating...

Chillin by the fire...

Pat and Sabrina under the heaters...

Swimming...hot tubbing...and sauna time....way to relax!
Babies love water!

We had a great time. Here's Chris and Alex. The babies
LOVED Chris.

One last photo....biking in snow...John and Dan...

Ahh...Jan...That Bleak Cold Time of Year...

2009-01-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

NOT! This January has been exciting...colorful...active...SUNNY!

First off...colorful....I painted the entry and hallway leading to bedrooms
in YELLOW!

This pic isn't showing it at all. I was going for a
stone wall effect. Which turned out rather nice.
Wait until you see it in person!
The weather has been super fab lately. 25degF at night
but during the day almost 60degF. And if you go UP high
in the mts. it's even WARMER due to a inversion level from
California.
Case in point...Rattlesnake the Rock Climbing Haven of Shady Cove.
A Balmy 70degF. Did it ever feel good!
We four wheeled it up the snowy road which was fun in itself.

Hiked a little bit in the snow through the woods...

Once we started UP the warmth hit you. Unbelievable!

Check out the trail...it can be quite treacherous...
sturdy feet required...

Almost vertical at times...

Some of the stairs are in need of a fix...

And then...VOILA...the Cathedrals of Rattlesnake appear!
Such beauty and majesty to rival London! Carved
by the hand of God himself...

Inside the Cathedral looking out the window it's
a 100 ft. drop to the depths below.

First climb of the day...setting top rope...here's Ben...

John climbing first...

This was a really exciting moment because this was John's first
rock climb outside. What a thrill to make it to the top! Yeah!
High Fives to John!
Watching daddy...

Ben...

Yeah! Go Ben! Ben is a Fabulous teacher by the way...so
patient and encouraging!
Molly and I found a great lunch spot...on a rock that both
our butts fit on! LOL!
We basked in the sun and ate our lunch and almost napped...
ahhhh...the luxury....

looking up...

looking out...

The man with so many keys....er...I mean carribeaners...

Climbing back down to the main trail...notice the
clinging to the little trees....

Leaving the Cathedral...

It was a good day...good times together...

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A SHRUNKEN SWEATER?

2009-01-13T19:30:00.001-08:00

sing to the tune of What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor...
The answer is.....

Make felted little boots of course. Wool is warrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmm...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

From Dan, Rochelle, Ben, Daniel, and John P.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

First of all this the third time it's snowed in a week.

Here's the front walk....

The grantwids have been a lot of fun lately...
Here's Alexander with some pretty funny facial shots!

Now for Dominic...

And then the two of them together...

Here their helping gramsi with some charm bracelets...

These next pics were taken at the Bear Hotel in G.P.

Riding the giant fish! (alex)

Banquet at Narnia...

This banquet room was full of these giant animals. Alex was scared
of them. But Dominic seemed to like them.

Moving into the great hall...

There were these giant tepees with cool scenes inside
to look at...

Giant Nutcrackers...

Playin with the polar bears...
(alex)
Crawling to the next event...and enjoying the hard
floor...it's really fun to slap it!

Inside the storytelling tent with the giant teddy bear couch...

I loved Dominics face here...

Playin a ball game...you're supposed to stand back and throw
the ball in the bucket.

winning a stuffed animal...

The Finale.....SANTA!

Dominic loving Mrs. Santa...

The Decor in this place was amazing!

The end and playing with the loot...

The gang...gramsi is taking the pic...

Finally...riding back to the car and a nap!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN

2008-12-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Remember Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and his encounter with the abominable snowman?
He was soooooooooo scary!
Molly reincarnated him here for Robyn's birthday.

Robyn is totally enamored.

They want to be just like him when they grow up...

He tasted Marvelous!

COOL MUSIC GROUP

2008-12-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

These guys are Great! Check them out! Straight No Chaser Music Group
v

v

PAINTBALL 2008

2008-12-03T08:23:00.001-08:00

Greg we missed you this year!

Team Red Band....Defend the Hill!

Part of the camera crew fraternizing with Team No Band...

Showin some War Wounds...

Killer Newbs...
Ralph
Serena
Yumi
Random Shots....
Mike and Heather
Morgan
Sam, Morgan, Taylor
Daniel, Serena
Lets see the action!

On a side note....Molly, Dominic, and Rochelle went on a walk
and here's what we found....
a mushroom...

We honestly found this next item already set up on the side
of the road...

Well that's it! It was another terrific Thanksgiving Bash!

REDNECK BABY JUMPER

2008-11-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

I never got to post about this homemade outdoor baby jumper. Dan built this thing for
Daniel a few years ago as a chin up bar. I dragged it out of the forest and Voila!
The babies loved it. One day I hit it with the lawn mower and it fell over and broke. Almost wiped out a rose bush on the way. So it is history...I burned it in the fire pit and roasted smores over it.

PLAYIN WITH MY BUDDY

2008-11-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

This is just too cute! BTW...Alex loves his clothes off. Whenever he's cranky off they come
and VOILA he's happy!

WHO IS THIS CUTIE PIE?

2008-11-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

It looks like she's wearing a hat!
Here's another one...

What nationality did you say you come from?
She looks like kids from MY high school days here.
In this next photo she looks like my friend Julie. Oh
yeah...Julie is her mother.

Have you guessed who she is yet?

She is.........Serena! Serena was supposed
to be born into our family but got mixed up
somehow. Now she's adopted. These pics
were done while she was in class. Must be
a very interesting class.....hmmmmm.....

EXPLOSIONS, SNAKES AND PURPLE CHIPS

2008-10-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Dinners Ready! Go ahead and dish it up out of the oven!
I was happily knitting in the living room when I heard an
explosion that shook the house. How kind of this spaghetti
squash to announce it was done!

I found this Cool Basket at the Salvation Army...It took
awhile...but I finally charmed this snake out of it!

I kept playing my lute to see if I could charm
anything else out...I'm amazing...or the basket
is amazing...

And last but not least....purple chips....anyone
can do....
take a purple potato (or any color will work) it
is Halloween after all so therefore the purple...

Slice it thin and evenly...and then lay on Parchment Paper
in the Microwave...and microwave for a few minutes...keep
checking them to see if they're done. Salt and Eat!
Yummy!

No mess!

Pumpkin Chub

2008-10-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a chubby tan pumpkin for ya! They're not always orange you know.

This guy wasn't in the mood for posing...

I just love this shot...

Bringin In The Pumpkins

2008-10-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Farmer Al and Farmer Dom bringin the pumpkins in from the
pumpkin patch.

video

video

6th Album...6th Picture Tag

2008-10-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

It seems kids never grow up....thank goodness!
Here's Robyn really enjoying her smore.
She has always liked to wear her food.

LOOK WHAT I GOT ZAC!

2008-10-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks mucho gusto for the gift! from Ben....

Mt Rainier here we come!

CAKE AFICIANADOS

2008-10-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY got my computer back and unloaded my camera....two months worth of photos. geesh...
I've been dying to post this terrific birthday cake. Another FANTASTIC creation by Robyn and Paul. I ask you...what kind of cake can you make someone who is INTOLERANT of Corn and Wheat? Something that actually tastes great. Robyn and Paul put their heads together and Voila! A very happy birthday cake for..........BEN!

Doesn't it look Delish? We had our party at 9:00 p.m. Had to
squeeze it in amongst all the feverish activities. Notice the
Kiwi people?

A DAY WITH GRAMSI

2008-08-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dominic came and spent the day with me. 10 hrs. He did pretty well for his first day away from the parents.

In spite of his initial anger at being fed a bottle he caved in and chomped/sucked his way through it.

He mostly liked being in Gramsi's sling she made from an old t shirt. Take a t-shirt and
cut it off under the armpits...voila! no sewing involved.

Everyone eventually had a hand in playing/helping.
Grandpoppers...

Serena...

(Daniel helped too but I didn't get a pic)
Ben...

In fact Dominic thought Ben quite funny...

He loved playing with his Octupus that speaks 3 different languages naming colors when you squeeze a leg...

Dominic wore everyone out including himself...

He was VERY happy to see mommy again after such a long day away from her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD POOP!

2008-08-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

yEP! John turned 37 Aug 3....

Paul and Robyn made his cake and here's what he thought of it...

We had fun playing volleyball, water balloons,Unicycling, Video games, and Ticket To Ride...

These last 3 shots are of the Master Sensei Cake Maker getting it ready.
Even the babies had fun!

Large Knees

2008-07-25T08:33:00.001-07:00

Gramsi and her Chipmunk

2008-07-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

65 people in a River

2008-07-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Olympic Penninsula 2008

2008-07-18T09:26:00.001-07:00

Olympic Penninsula 2008, originally uploaded by blarggstar.

Here's Greg! Sorry no pics of Zac yet. Ben's only posted these two.

Olympic penninsula 2008

2008-07-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

Olympic penninsula 2008, originally uploaded by blarggstar.

Since Ben doesn't have a blog yet I thought I'd share these flickr photos with everyone! I thought Megan would love to see Greg.

Photos of The Big Family Campout 2008

2008-07-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

It seems I didn't take that many pics. But here's a few shots.

playing hacky sack...

Every morning Bran would come calling "ack...ack..." Then every
dog became "ack".

Heidi made these cool pacifier clips for Alexander and Dominic...

This last photo....camp surgery...getting stitches from Dr. Mike
I had a really fun time. I didn't get to visit as many people as I
would have liked. Where did the time go?

4th of JULY!

2008-07-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

We had a blast! hardy har har....first some nerd time with the Wii...

then a little hot tubbing...

then lots of fire! .....

I got some cool vids of fountain jumping and fountain wars but
They're too long for blogger to handle and I don't have time to
do UTube. Oh well! Happy 4th everyone!

Steppin Out

2008-06-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

Daniel graduated June 7...

He's flying the coop in August for Eugene. Serena and I made him
the lei's. One is made of rosebuds from all my roses.

LIFES LITTLE BLESSINGS

2008-06-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Alexander and Dominic are indeed lifes littlest blessings right now.

Alexander was blessed on memorial day.

Then Dominic a week later on June 1

Rochelle and Dan are very happy grandparents!

Here's the parents.

And a group shot...

Here's a close up of their outfits made by gramma Rochelle.
cost....$6 each to make.

Back To Nature

2008-06-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

WHEN THE COWS COME HOME

2008-05-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the pudgy little calves...

WHO or WHAT AM I?

2008-05-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

After taking a few quizzes I finally know...
I AM GONZO THE GREAT!

"Is something burning in here? Oh, it's just me."

You're a total nutball who will do anything for attention.

The first to take a dare, you'll pull almost any stunt.

You're one weird looking creature, but your chickens don't mind!

The Muppet Personality Test

What kind of animal am I?
I AM A RABBIT!

Playful and hyper, you enjoy being around other people... as long as everyone's having fun.

You are easily bored, and you almost always need some sort of entertainment.

If you're not keeping busy, then you're apt to get in some sort of trouble!

Why you would make a great pet: You're very entertaining, even when you're not trying to be

Why you would make a bad pet: Well, personal hygiene isn't exactly your thing... you kind of smell sometimes

What you would love about being a rabbit: Playtime... and eating flowers

What you would hate about being a rabbit: Being held like a toy

What Kind of Pet Would You Be?

If I were the weather what would I be?
I AM SUNSHINE!

Soothing and calm

You are often held up by others as the ideal

But too much of you, and they'll get burned

You are best known for: your warmth

Your dominant state: connecting

What Type of Weather Are You?

If I were a cookie...
I AM A FORTUNE COOKIE!

You're a rather normal person, except that you have extraordinary luck in life.

People want to be around you (even when they're a little sick of you), in hopes of being lucky too!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

Am I left brained or right brained?
I AM 35% LEFT BRAINED, 65% RIGHT BRAINED!

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.

Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.

If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.

Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.

Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.

If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.

Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

What color is my mind?
MY MIND IS PURPLE!

Of all the mind types, yours is the most idealistic.

You tend to think wild, amazing thoughts. Your dreams and fantasies are intense.

Your thoughts are creative, inventive, and without boundaries.

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking of fictional people and places - or a very different life for yourself.

What Color Is Your Mind?

There are many more tests I could take but I really wouldn't want to bore you that much. Anyways maybe some of you would like to test yourself. If you do here's a link.

http://www.blogthings.com/
Good Luck!

FUN AT THE BEACH

2008-05-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite spots to go diving is in Brookings behind Fred Meyer to a beach that only the locals and a few out of towner's know of. It's a great beach for tide pools, climbing on rocks, basking in the sun, and well diving. It's basically a little cove. Here's a pic of it from the top of a cliff.

Here's the divers...Randy...Paul...Dan...Ben...

Robyn and Rochelle and Alexander sat this one out.

The surf was a tad bit high for our tastes. Besides Alexander
isn't certified yet.
Here's the entry...

After swimming a VERY LONG WAY out the divers went down...
The VIZ was about one foot. Terrible...so they aborted the dive.
But all was not lost for Randy brought his new diveyak along.
Here they are filling it up.

Preparing to launch...

Now here's the great part...Warning...this is a long video...

They had a lot of fun once they got out of the breakers. Coming back in was a hilarious event.

This is pretty easy... yeah right...

wipe out!

where did they go?
Looks like the boat came in without them.

Somebody was a little tired out...

Someone else still had quite a bit of energy left...

Others just dreamed of someday going out on the boat...

We did some hiking and geocaching too but I'll save that for another day.

HOT PROM COUPLE

2008-05-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Here's some shots of my gorgeous boy and his date for Prom.

She's pretty buff...he's 6'2"

The three amigos...

TWIDDLE SHOOT

2008-05-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Just pose and say cheese!
No...I don't wanna!

Did he...just flip me off? I'm not going to cooperate now!

Really...I have better things to do...this is so boring...

1..2..3...4..5...how many times do we have to do this?
ha! I can count on my fingers already...

Stop squishing me!

Will you look at that guy? He's so impressed with his fingers...

OK...fine...both our eyes are open...what more could you ask for?

whew! at least that's over...here's our mommies!

WOAAAAAAA! Hold off on the kissing already!

FYRE BALLS

2008-05-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Daniel turned 19 on April 29. Here he is blowing out candles.

Now Daniel loves to juggle. He juggles everything. He's even
learning to ride a Unicycle to juggle on.
So I'm always looking for something cool for him to juggle.
Here it is...FYRE BALLS...from magicgeek...
Light the balls on fire...and with your bare hands...JUGGLE!

Of course they're the coolest at night...

Robyn and Paul got him a fire extinguisher to go with these LOL.
Now we just need to get Megan down here and she can FireDance while
Daniel juggles.

CHILLIN AT THE DAY SPA

2008-04-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics showing off my hair...

I know...I look really athletic...or so my Aunt Robyn says.
I surprised everyone by being blond. I'm darn handsome though.

Dominic's First Photo Shoot with Gramsi

2008-04-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

I love taking these photo shoots! Look at all the expressions captured in a couple of minutes.
He is 20 hrs. old here.

His mommy Molly actually knitted his little hat he's wearing.

Dominic Joel Bermea

2008-04-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick post on our new arrival! Born April 26, 2008 7lbs.4oz 21 inches long.

Here's our two little guys "the Twids" together again...

Falling Down...Gently Down...See the Falling...

2008-04-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

SNOW! In April? It's supposed to be Spring! You know...warm sunshine with gardens beginning to bloom. But it keeps snowing!

Here's a couple shots from my house.

Alexander One Week Old

2008-04-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how life changes in just one week. On Sunday's Robyn and Paul usually come out and spend the afternoon with us. One week ago they came out and Robyn was restless. We finally went for a 1/2 mile walk. Just a few short hours later Alexander came into the world. Now life is suddenly different. Somehow more exciting in a way. It's only been a week, yet we can't remember life without him. He's already growing and quickly changing and it's only been a week! We're very antsy for Dominic to show up. Life will be twice the fun. I love being a gramma. The best part is...I get a full nights sleep! I get to play and cuddle and take a thousand pictures...and then...sleep. Here's some 1 week old pictures....Enjoy!

I really HATE getting my diaper changed! Usually I cry my head off...right now I'm working on my angry eyes...

Daddy's nose is good for something...

But I think I like my finger better! I just discovered this...

My mommy has a really hot bod after just a week...

We decided to relive the same 1/2 mile walk of just a week ago.

I think I like my car seat...

Gramma says I'm really a good newborn...I have my moments but most
of the time I'm pretty easy to please...
Here are the many faces of me...

And by the way...am I supposed to like tummy time?

I like it better with Uncle Ben...

I hope Dominic gets here soon to share in all this attention. My gramma is the paparazzi!

FLY ING AWAY

2008-04-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

We had a busy week...Alexander born on Monday....On Wednesday at 5:30 in the morning 10 of us met at the Medford Airport to see Chris off for his mission to Spain. I have to say...what a great guy Chris is. We had the opportunity to hang out with him Sunday evening. He told us some of his experiences going out with the missionaries in the R.R. area. He's going to be a terrific missionary. Of course we'll all miss him.

Here's some favorite goodbye shots...

Goodbye Chris...see ya in 2 yrs!

Grandma Grandpa Aunts Uncles Cousins

2008-04-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

A steady stream of people wanting to welcome Alexander into the world. I've been busy posting on Robyn's blog but I thought I'd better put one up here too!
Here's a classic three generation pic....Rochelle (grandma) Robyn (mother) Alexander (baby)

Grandpa (Dan) with his daughter and grandson.....

This is a great shot of this trio 8 hrs before he was born...
Chris...Robyn...Paul...

And then just a few hrs. later.....

Uncle Ben...

Auntie Molly...and Dominic...

Uncle Daniel...

Uncle Sam...on the phone...

Great Auntie Pitty Pat...

Cousin Chris...

I left before seeing Auntie Brook and Cousin Sari so no pics of them.
But here's one last pic of the proud to be grandparents.

hmmmm...WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THIS BIG PILE OF STICKS?

2008-04-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

I KNOW! I'll make the biggest ball of grapevine in Oreeeeegon!
(p.s. remember weird Al's biggest ball of twine in Minnesota?)

Thanks to Molly for the wit.
I'll post more pics later if it grows.

HOW MUCH FUN CAN YOU HAVE IN ONE DAY?

2008-04-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Apparently quite a bit!
Start with a hike up Roxie Ann in Medford. This is such a great hike. The views are exquisite!
Here's Dan and John the Mountain Bikers.

Daniel, Ben, Molly and Rochelle (taking the pic) the hikers.

Things to do on the way up....
Tree Surf............sit on a rock...........

admire the mud on your shoes...

Watch it snow in Medford while we're bathed in warm sunshine...

Get ambushed with snowballs........Push Molly up a shortcut.....

Admire this cool old tree......pose in the snow....

Hug a passing biker...

At the top it's time to eat and play on the rocks and admire the view!

At the end of the day........chilling out with video games.....and Happy Birthday to Dan!

That's chocolate chip cookie dough for fresh hot cookies!
Birthday dork face...

The babies had a play date.....

Fun Day...Great Times...Terrific Family....
Diva moms to be....

Shannon and Ralph Faulkinbury

2008-03-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

For those of you who couldn't make it to Shannon's Wedding here are a few pics of the event. I have to say that my favorite part was the Friday night endowment session for Shannon and Chris. WOW! It was so cool to have so much family in the temple that night. Of course the wedding itself was wonderful but that Friday night session was amazing. This wedding had the added bonus of turning into a Family Reunion/Friend Reunion. There were so many people that we know and love combined into one gathering. It was truly amazing and quite overwhelming at times trying to visit with everyone at once. There were friends from R.R. who even came up and they're not members. It was nice that the Temple has such a huge waiting area with the beautiful garden room walk through. Lots of nonmembers got to experience just this part and I'm sure they were touched in some way. Anyway here are some pics. Enjoy!

Ralph was carrying Shannon down this flight of stairs and I really think he was worried that he was going to drop her.
Here's a great shot for those of you who can't imagine Shannon kissing anyone.

Here's Shannon with all her brothers.

The whole Fam....

And even more family...

Skip to my Lou...

Just hangin around...

Reflecting Pool...

The toast...

$$$ From the shoe money...

Cake top...

These were random shots from my camera. Hopefully someone will post some from theirs.
Maria was the bonafide photographer. I hope everyone had a terrific Easter.
My group...which consisted of Dan, Rochelle, Sam, Emily, Molly and Dominic, went on a fun night hike in the mts. of Portland in the dark dark dark...It was a blast. Molly has a few pics of that. Easter Sunday we ate at our favorite restaurant Beau Thai and then drove home. We were going to hike but it turned out Very cold and Rainy so next weekend we'll do Roxie Ann in Medford.

WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU SCRAPS....

2008-03-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

MAKE A QUILT!!!

And here's Robyn with her new baby!

Life is SEW SEW these days...

2008-03-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Robyn decided she wanted to make everything for her baby room. So we went shopping and for $30 we bought fabric to make curtains, crib skirt, crib bumpers, diaper stacker...and the leftovers will make a quilt. Not bad huh?
Here's some pics....Bumper

Bumper backside...

crib skirt...

Curtains...ok we forgot a photo of the finished curtain...

Diaper Stacker or whatever stacker...

I'm currently working on blankets. That's it for now!

CIRCUS ACT

2008-02-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Jack says" These Guys Are At It Again!"

OUR NEW SON

2008-02-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

He only lived with us for a week. It was amazing how much like Daniel he was!

SNOW FAIRIES

2008-02-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

I believe in Fairies. One day while out trekking at Running Y I saw some fairies come dancing across the snow. It was magical! Here I am clunking through the snow sinking with every step and here come these fairies fairly dancing across the snow! They didn't even leave a print!

I hope all of you believe in fairies. Maybe someday you'll get
to play with some like I did!

If you ever get the chance to play with Fairies then you should.
Fairies keep you from growing old.
All good things come to an end eventually. This day with the Fairies
was fast closing. I miss them already!

They stayed with us through the long trek back and then so
fairy like...disappeared.

MYTH BUSTER

2008-02-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

PLAYIN WITH MY BUDDY

2008-02-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

The world takes on fresh meaning when a child is around. Everything to them is new and exciting. It's so fun being a kid. Playing with one brings back that memory.
Mathias came to play while his parents went shopping.
First ...build a fort...

Since it was snowing (again) we decided to go out and play in it.

When I was a little girl we didn't have mittens or boots.
We used plastic bags for insulation. Mathias thought it
quite fun putting baggies on his hands and feet!

He wasn't sure if he was done yet...but then we mentioned lunch and he got excited.
We played in the tent some more and when mom and dad came we were hiding in it
and jumped out and scared them!

AHHH...THE FACES OF LAUGHTER...

2008-01-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

Humans are beautiful...especially when the corners of the mouth turn up!
These shots say it all! Enjoy!

FAMILY FUN AT THE RUNNING Y 2008

2008-01-25T22:48:00.000-08:00

This great vacation spot is only 1 1/2 hrs from home. We rented 3....3 bedroom condos this yr. plus a 1 bedroom (for John...he hates noise)...hehehe...with John's connections the condos were only 65$ night. These are small homes by the way. Fully equipped with full size kitchens and large dining table, living room with gas fireplaces, spacious decks with BBQ's. Which we used by the way.

If our hair looks wet we had just come back from swimming in the spacious pool, hot tub, and basking in the sauna. Robyn spent a lot of time in the kiddy pool because it was warmer than the pool. hmmmm...warmer? I wonder why?
Other activities besides swimming, were sledding, ice-skating, trekking, snowmobiling...(just kidding we don't have any...but if we did there is near by lake of the woods for plenty of trails!) cross country skiing, sno shoing...hanging out and eating smores...
It's really fun watching the marshmellow in the microwave!

I'll post some great sledding and trekking pics next time.
Here's what Molly got on the ice-skating...

Outside of the rink is a huge gas firepit to warm up by.
The weekend was too short. If anyone wants to join us next year that would be awesome!
Here's a couple of pics up at lake of the woods on the way home.

Remember to stay tuned for more pics...sledding and trekking....

GOODBYE OH TANNENBAUM

2007-12-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

Oh Tannenbaum Oh Tannenbaum
Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

How lovely WERE your branches...
FLAME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I always wanted to see if one strike of the match would
make the tree explode. It went up and out in 30 seconds.
And we keep something this explosive in our house?

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

2007-12-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

The making of an icon....in pictures....

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
See ya at the Running Y!

FIRST SNOWFALL

2007-12-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

While some of you are basking in the sun, we are reveling in SNOW!

This is looking right out the front door! (that Jack...he's such a camera ham)

So far it's measuring 5 inches and still coming down.

In spite of it all these winter pansies just keep blooming!

I love snow....

The Mysterious Broken Cement Edgers

2007-12-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

The Mystery unfolds....these cement edgers are naturally curved and meant to go around trees. I found a pile of them, broken of course, for 10 cents apiece. Now what would you do with them?

Make BUGS of course!

I love the way this caterpillar turned out! The lime green will be
fabulous in the garden.
OH NO! I've always hated it in the spring when the ANTS invade
the kitchen!

Here's one more...

These were all painted with spray paint! Super fast and fun!

JACK THE REINDEER

2007-12-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

Elves are in short supply so Santa has to make do and utilize the help of his Reindeer!
Jack the Reindeer is so willing....

He especially likes to pack the food goodies into the boxes...
I'm not sure how much actually MAKES it into the boxes so if you
just get crumbs....well...don't blame me....blame the help....

What do you think Santa is going to do with all these broken
cement edgers?

You'll have to stay tuned for that one! The Christmas Shop is working overtime!
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!