Hey everybody hows it going? This is Nick again with another blog. I have recently been working on a website to promote my business. I have spent hours and hours working on my website. I primarily used Frontpage to edit the html code. If you would like to view my website please click this link.
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Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Farewell to a Beloved Youth Pastor
This evening we had a going away party at church for our middle school youth pastor, Jeremy Gange. He and his wife Mallory have been called to serve a two year mission term as house parents at a boy’s ranch in Southern Oregon for boys who have suffered tragedies. I was asked to share some memories and a tribute to him, and felt honored and privileged to have that opportunity. This isn’t exactly what I said, but it’s what I meant to say.
Did you ever wonder why sometimes in life, things don’t work out the way you want? And don't you love it when years later you suddenly understand? We have three boys, spaced about three years apart. I really wanted them closer together, but God is ultimately in charge of family planning. As I thought about the past nine years of having one boy in middle school each year, I understood God’s perfect plan a little better. He knew how much easier Pastor Jeremy’s life would be with only one McAnulty boy at a time in middle school youth group! And now maybe God is saying, “Great job, you got the McAnulty boys safely through middle school. Your work here is done, and it’s time for you to move on!”
Our oldest son, Craig was in seventh grade when Pastor Jeremy joined the team here. The first time he invited Craig to go on an outing with him, I was a bit taken aback. At the time, “pro wrestling” was quite popular on TV, but not with me. With my Mennonite background, I was against violent and aggressive activities, and I forbade it to appear on our TV screen. (However, I’m quite sure the boys and their father watched it when I was away.) So here is this new youth pastor, inviting my son to a pro-wrestling show at the Linn County Fairgrounds! Craig was quite excited about it, and I figured if the pastor wanted to take him, I’m not going to tell him I think it’s an inappropriate activity. Craig was quite pleased to return home with a wonderful souvenir of the evening, a battered metal folding chair that had been thrown into the audience. It leaned against the wall in his bedroom for a very long time, til I eventually sneaked it into the storage area in the eaves next to his room, where it probably still remains today. But the activities with Jeremy improved! He later went through the discipleship program with Craig and two of his friends, spending time each week to help them grow in their Christian walk.
Then the middle child, Eric started middle school. Miraculously, the only time I ever saw the slightest evidence of a little bit of exasperation from Jeremy regarding one of my angelic boys was after the first Seattle trip with Eric. They had a “three strikes you’re out” policy, and Jeremy told me he almost had to call me about Eric. I was shocked. What could have this quiet, unassuming boy of mine done?
Well, first of all, he signed his name in the guest book at the church where they were staying, and in the next couple of lines someone wrote some very bad words. Eric became the lead suspect. Apparently they didn’t know Eric well enough to understand that, not only would it never occur to him to write bad words in a church guest book, he is way too smart to put his name next to such a thing if he were to do it! He was soon eliminated as a suspect, but the really big bad thing he did was: GET SEPARATED FROM HIS ASSIGNED GROUP AT THE MARINERS GAME. Jeremy stressed to me that it had been made very clear to the kids that it was their responsibility to stay with their group and under no circumstances were they to become separated. Apparently he didn’t understand that a curious, inquisitive boy like Eric could easily become sidetracked by one of the many interesting things going on at a baseball stadium and completely forget that he was supposed to be keeping up with a group. Lucky for Eric, he hooked up with another group, but his own group leader didn’t know it and was frantic for awhile. There may have been a few other little issues as well, if so, I’ve blocked them out of my mind. After that rough start, things smoothed out and Eric and Jeremy came to really enjoy each other.
Eric loved to bring friends to youth group, and our Dodge Caravan was usually packed with kids on Wednesday nights. One night after youth group, Eric announced to me that we needed to shave a bald spot on his head before next Wednesday. Pastor Jeremy said anyone who showed up a youth group with a bald spot like his would get to go out to eat as Izzy’s with him. Eric was the only kid who showed up the next Wednesday with a bald spot. (We buzzed the rest of his head after church so that he wasn’t stuck with the bald spot!)
When Eric was in eighth grade, he learned to play the guitar. He wrote and performed a number called “I Like Cheese” at the Memorial Middle School spring talent show, and became an instant celebrity there. People still talk about that song. Jeremy heard about it, and invited Eric to play it at youth group. He created an opportunity for Eric to share his songs on Wednesday nights by scheduling occasional “Silly Songs with Eric.”
Our youngest son Nicholas graduated from middle school last year. He too loved coming to middle school youth group each week. One of the highlights for him was the rafting trip on the Deschutes River last summer. He and Jeremy were in the same raft, and they went completely under while going over a waterfall. We have a wonderful framed poster of sequential shots of this event, which hangs on the wall at the bottom of our stairway. So we can look at Jeremy every day if we want!
Jeremy knows the value of letting kids use their talents to help out at church. Both Craig and Eric played the guitar on middle school worship team, and Nick ran sound and computer equipment. Jeremy always let them know how much he appreciated their contributions, and they loved participating.
One of the duties of the middle school sound man was to put away all the equipment after youth group. One evening a few months ago I was back there as Nick was finishing up. Jeremy came back and thanked him for all his work. I was walking out behind them and I heard Nick say, “I love you, Jeremy.” Jeremy replied, “I love you too, Nick.” It literally brought tears to my eyes as I thought how blessed my son was to have that kind of relationship with a pastor. That is something you can’t miss when you are around Jeremy – he loves kids, and he shows that he loves kids. He very naturally makes them feel special. I don’t know if he still does this, but he used to have special nicknames for kids – Craig’s was “Easy Mac” and Eric’s was “Big Mac”. I think he ran out of “Mac” names by the time Nick came along!
And then there’s Mallory, Jeremy’s beautiful wife. She and Craig were good friends during high school, and we loved having her come over to our house. She became a good friend to the whole family. I was surprised when this mature girl became very involved in rather violent pillow fights in my living room, punctuated with much loud laughter. I had to put my new throw pillows off limits and designate the old ones as “fighting pillows”. I was privileged to go through the discipleship program a couple of years ago with Mallory and Lacy Fox, and I learned a lot from them.
Mallory and Jeremy are truly a match made in heaven. They both exemplify what Jesus said are the greatest commandments – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
On the Sunday when they announced to the congregation that they were leaving us, I was on worship team. I gathered around them as we prayed for them, and felt a few tears start to flow during the prayer. I sat down on the platform and tried to wipe them away. The more I thought about how much I love both of them, how much my kids love them and are loved in return, and the enormity of what we were losing sank in, the tears increased from a dainty leak to a major flood. I realized I was incapable of stopping them. There was no way I would be able to get up and sing in a few minutes. I had to leave the platform during the next prayer. I practically ran into Jeremy in the office. I think I might have punched him in the arm and yelled at him for not warning me that I should have worn waterproof makeup and carried tissues with me. I apologized later.
I am still sad for my family and for our church that we are losing these two people who love our kids so much. But I am so thankful for the years they have spent here, loving and teaching our kids. That investment they have made in kids and families doesn’t go away just because they do. God will continue to bless the lives they have touched, and their ministry here will bear fruit for years to come. The boy’s ranch where they are going are so fortunate that God is sending this couple there to be his hands and feet.
If I could be permitted to paraphrase Colossians 1:3-4 a bit - “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have seen your faith in Christ Jesus and experienced the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven.”
Did you ever wonder why sometimes in life, things don’t work out the way you want? And don't you love it when years later you suddenly understand? We have three boys, spaced about three years apart. I really wanted them closer together, but God is ultimately in charge of family planning. As I thought about the past nine years of having one boy in middle school each year, I understood God’s perfect plan a little better. He knew how much easier Pastor Jeremy’s life would be with only one McAnulty boy at a time in middle school youth group! And now maybe God is saying, “Great job, you got the McAnulty boys safely through middle school. Your work here is done, and it’s time for you to move on!”
Our oldest son, Craig was in seventh grade when Pastor Jeremy joined the team here. The first time he invited Craig to go on an outing with him, I was a bit taken aback. At the time, “pro wrestling” was quite popular on TV, but not with me. With my Mennonite background, I was against violent and aggressive activities, and I forbade it to appear on our TV screen. (However, I’m quite sure the boys and their father watched it when I was away.) So here is this new youth pastor, inviting my son to a pro-wrestling show at the Linn County Fairgrounds! Craig was quite excited about it, and I figured if the pastor wanted to take him, I’m not going to tell him I think it’s an inappropriate activity. Craig was quite pleased to return home with a wonderful souvenir of the evening, a battered metal folding chair that had been thrown into the audience. It leaned against the wall in his bedroom for a very long time, til I eventually sneaked it into the storage area in the eaves next to his room, where it probably still remains today. But the activities with Jeremy improved! He later went through the discipleship program with Craig and two of his friends, spending time each week to help them grow in their Christian walk.
Then the middle child, Eric started middle school. Miraculously, the only time I ever saw the slightest evidence of a little bit of exasperation from Jeremy regarding one of my angelic boys was after the first Seattle trip with Eric. They had a “three strikes you’re out” policy, and Jeremy told me he almost had to call me about Eric. I was shocked. What could have this quiet, unassuming boy of mine done?
Well, first of all, he signed his name in the guest book at the church where they were staying, and in the next couple of lines someone wrote some very bad words. Eric became the lead suspect. Apparently they didn’t know Eric well enough to understand that, not only would it never occur to him to write bad words in a church guest book, he is way too smart to put his name next to such a thing if he were to do it! He was soon eliminated as a suspect, but the really big bad thing he did was: GET SEPARATED FROM HIS ASSIGNED GROUP AT THE MARINERS GAME. Jeremy stressed to me that it had been made very clear to the kids that it was their responsibility to stay with their group and under no circumstances were they to become separated. Apparently he didn’t understand that a curious, inquisitive boy like Eric could easily become sidetracked by one of the many interesting things going on at a baseball stadium and completely forget that he was supposed to be keeping up with a group. Lucky for Eric, he hooked up with another group, but his own group leader didn’t know it and was frantic for awhile. There may have been a few other little issues as well, if so, I’ve blocked them out of my mind. After that rough start, things smoothed out and Eric and Jeremy came to really enjoy each other.
Eric loved to bring friends to youth group, and our Dodge Caravan was usually packed with kids on Wednesday nights. One night after youth group, Eric announced to me that we needed to shave a bald spot on his head before next Wednesday. Pastor Jeremy said anyone who showed up a youth group with a bald spot like his would get to go out to eat as Izzy’s with him. Eric was the only kid who showed up the next Wednesday with a bald spot. (We buzzed the rest of his head after church so that he wasn’t stuck with the bald spot!)
When Eric was in eighth grade, he learned to play the guitar. He wrote and performed a number called “I Like Cheese” at the Memorial Middle School spring talent show, and became an instant celebrity there. People still talk about that song. Jeremy heard about it, and invited Eric to play it at youth group. He created an opportunity for Eric to share his songs on Wednesday nights by scheduling occasional “Silly Songs with Eric.”
Our youngest son Nicholas graduated from middle school last year. He too loved coming to middle school youth group each week. One of the highlights for him was the rafting trip on the Deschutes River last summer. He and Jeremy were in the same raft, and they went completely under while going over a waterfall. We have a wonderful framed poster of sequential shots of this event, which hangs on the wall at the bottom of our stairway. So we can look at Jeremy every day if we want!
Jeremy knows the value of letting kids use their talents to help out at church. Both Craig and Eric played the guitar on middle school worship team, and Nick ran sound and computer equipment. Jeremy always let them know how much he appreciated their contributions, and they loved participating.
One of the duties of the middle school sound man was to put away all the equipment after youth group. One evening a few months ago I was back there as Nick was finishing up. Jeremy came back and thanked him for all his work. I was walking out behind them and I heard Nick say, “I love you, Jeremy.” Jeremy replied, “I love you too, Nick.” It literally brought tears to my eyes as I thought how blessed my son was to have that kind of relationship with a pastor. That is something you can’t miss when you are around Jeremy – he loves kids, and he shows that he loves kids. He very naturally makes them feel special. I don’t know if he still does this, but he used to have special nicknames for kids – Craig’s was “Easy Mac” and Eric’s was “Big Mac”. I think he ran out of “Mac” names by the time Nick came along!
And then there’s Mallory, Jeremy’s beautiful wife. She and Craig were good friends during high school, and we loved having her come over to our house. She became a good friend to the whole family. I was surprised when this mature girl became very involved in rather violent pillow fights in my living room, punctuated with much loud laughter. I had to put my new throw pillows off limits and designate the old ones as “fighting pillows”. I was privileged to go through the discipleship program a couple of years ago with Mallory and Lacy Fox, and I learned a lot from them.
Mallory and Jeremy are truly a match made in heaven. They both exemplify what Jesus said are the greatest commandments – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
On the Sunday when they announced to the congregation that they were leaving us, I was on worship team. I gathered around them as we prayed for them, and felt a few tears start to flow during the prayer. I sat down on the platform and tried to wipe them away. The more I thought about how much I love both of them, how much my kids love them and are loved in return, and the enormity of what we were losing sank in, the tears increased from a dainty leak to a major flood. I realized I was incapable of stopping them. There was no way I would be able to get up and sing in a few minutes. I had to leave the platform during the next prayer. I practically ran into Jeremy in the office. I think I might have punched him in the arm and yelled at him for not warning me that I should have worn waterproof makeup and carried tissues with me. I apologized later.
I am still sad for my family and for our church that we are losing these two people who love our kids so much. But I am so thankful for the years they have spent here, loving and teaching our kids. That investment they have made in kids and families doesn’t go away just because they do. God will continue to bless the lives they have touched, and their ministry here will bear fruit for years to come. The boy’s ranch where they are going are so fortunate that God is sending this couple there to be his hands and feet.
If I could be permitted to paraphrase Colossians 1:3-4 a bit - “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have seen your faith in Christ Jesus and experienced the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven.”
Friday, February 23, 2007
Eric's First Flight
Last night Eric and I spent some quality time together as I trimmed his unruly mane of hair. Noticing the stubble on his face, I asked if any managers have spoken to him about his facial hair, due to the fact that it violates McDonald's grooming policies. (He shaved the goatee a few weeks ago and hasn't shaved since.) He said, "No, but speaking of that, it was a pretty exciting shift for me today because I had to avoid letting the manager see my face. I had to be constantly alert to turn away or look down every time she came around. Had a few close calls! Fortunately we were very busy." Can you just imagine! He is going to trim it down to the goatee again Saturday night after he returns from his exciting trip.
He has never been in a commercial airplane before, so it was with a bit of trepidation that I sent him off today to catch a flight to Boise. We talked through the airport check-in procedures last night, and he felt pretty confident because he had seen people at airports catching flights in movies! Molly and friends took him to the Portland Airport, where his flight was to leave at 4:35 this afternoon.
About 3:45 I called to see if he had made it all the way through yet. No answer so I called Molly's phone. I freaked out when he answered it. "You're still with Molly?!" He replied that he was four miles from the airport because traffic had moved very slowly since getting off I-5. If I were prone to anxiety attacks, I would have had one then. I was worried sick and thought I would never make it through the long minutes until I received word that he was safely at the gate. I said a prayer and fortunately was immediately distracted from my overwhelming anxiety by some entertaining conversation with co-workers at the end of a Friday.
About 4:15 I remembered that I was worried sick and called him again. Straight to voice mail. When I called Molly, I was relieved to hear her voice. She reported she had seen Eric clear the security checkpoint. He soon called me to report he was safely at the gate and the flight was delayed at least a half hour because the plane hadn't landed from Boise yet. I asked him to let me know when he arrived safely.
At 6:30, 45 minutes after his expected arrival time in Boise, I received this text from him, "I'm safe and I'm in Boise...And I'm in a very small plane....."
Will's sister was to meet him in Boise and drive him to Cousin Juanita's beautiful place on the Snake River in Glenn's Ferry, where Will has been staying. They will head for home tomorrow, Will driving his new pickup and Eric driving his grandpa's pickup, which Will is going to sell.
We need a bigger driveway! And I'm going to have to cook meals again!
He has never been in a commercial airplane before, so it was with a bit of trepidation that I sent him off today to catch a flight to Boise. We talked through the airport check-in procedures last night, and he felt pretty confident because he had seen people at airports catching flights in movies! Molly and friends took him to the Portland Airport, where his flight was to leave at 4:35 this afternoon.
About 3:45 I called to see if he had made it all the way through yet. No answer so I called Molly's phone. I freaked out when he answered it. "You're still with Molly?!" He replied that he was four miles from the airport because traffic had moved very slowly since getting off I-5. If I were prone to anxiety attacks, I would have had one then. I was worried sick and thought I would never make it through the long minutes until I received word that he was safely at the gate. I said a prayer and fortunately was immediately distracted from my overwhelming anxiety by some entertaining conversation with co-workers at the end of a Friday.
About 4:15 I remembered that I was worried sick and called him again. Straight to voice mail. When I called Molly, I was relieved to hear her voice. She reported she had seen Eric clear the security checkpoint. He soon called me to report he was safely at the gate and the flight was delayed at least a half hour because the plane hadn't landed from Boise yet. I asked him to let me know when he arrived safely.
At 6:30, 45 minutes after his expected arrival time in Boise, I received this text from him, "I'm safe and I'm in Boise...And I'm in a very small plane....."
Will's sister was to meet him in Boise and drive him to Cousin Juanita's beautiful place on the Snake River in Glenn's Ferry, where Will has been staying. They will head for home tomorrow, Will driving his new pickup and Eric driving his grandpa's pickup, which Will is going to sell.
We need a bigger driveway! And I'm going to have to cook meals again!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Freaky Feline
Apparently there is a shortage of available male cats in the neighborhood. Every time I am outside after dark (as well as some daytimes), a certain dark gray female cat is hanging around. A few nights ago while our family was sitting in the living room visiting, Eric's cat Toki (Chinese for rabbit) was sitting contentedly in his lap. Suddenly we noticed the infatuated female cat on a table on our front porch, pressing her face against the window and meowing desperately. It took Toki awhile to catch on, but soon he was on the windowsill pressing his face from the other side meowing back. We tried to get the stalker cat to go away, but it kept skulking around.
I would have closed the shade, but there's no shade on the window. After ten years, it needed to be replaced. Will took it down, and I've been sporadically looking for a replacement for about six months. (At least two visits to Home Depot.) I can't find one I like as well as the last one. I loved that shade, a pleated fabric with a subtle floral print. Anyway, the cat would have probably clawed it to shreds at that moment.
Toki is a house cat only. Eric and Molly firmly believe outside cats teach each other bad habits, as well as spread disease. Toki has never even tried to go outside.
Tonight I arrived home at 9:30 p.m., finally finished with work, a meeting, basketball game and grocery shopping, 15 hours after leaving this morning. The children were still not home from church. I had several bags of groceries. When I went out for the second load, I nearly tripped on the stalker cat in my doorway. I shooed it away and finished bringing in groceries. For one startled moment, I thought I saw a dark cat behind the couch in the family room, but on closer inspection nothing was there.
Eric, Molly and Nick came in the front door and immediately said, "Toki did not do this! He hasn't been here all day!" I went out there and saw that the flimsy round table inside the front door was tipped over, with the pictures, plant and candles scattered on the floor. (Toki has previously been guilty of this situation.) Surely it was not that way when I came in! How could I have missed it! Then we heard the tinkle of a cat collar. The stalker cat was cowering in the back corner behind the family room couch! Fortunately, Toki was still at Molly's house!
Nick and Molly chased the intruder around a bit, managed to catch it and deposit it outside. I told it to go away and never come back. A bit later Nick said, "It sounds like something is at the front door." Molly cautiously opened it a bit. The cat was there but it ran away. It has not appeared at the front window.
What is the deal? Aren't there any outside male cats available in this neighborhood? Are pets really worth the trouble?
I would have closed the shade, but there's no shade on the window. After ten years, it needed to be replaced. Will took it down, and I've been sporadically looking for a replacement for about six months. (At least two visits to Home Depot.) I can't find one I like as well as the last one. I loved that shade, a pleated fabric with a subtle floral print. Anyway, the cat would have probably clawed it to shreds at that moment.
Toki is a house cat only. Eric and Molly firmly believe outside cats teach each other bad habits, as well as spread disease. Toki has never even tried to go outside.
Tonight I arrived home at 9:30 p.m., finally finished with work, a meeting, basketball game and grocery shopping, 15 hours after leaving this morning. The children were still not home from church. I had several bags of groceries. When I went out for the second load, I nearly tripped on the stalker cat in my doorway. I shooed it away and finished bringing in groceries. For one startled moment, I thought I saw a dark cat behind the couch in the family room, but on closer inspection nothing was there.
Eric, Molly and Nick came in the front door and immediately said, "Toki did not do this! He hasn't been here all day!" I went out there and saw that the flimsy round table inside the front door was tipped over, with the pictures, plant and candles scattered on the floor. (Toki has previously been guilty of this situation.) Surely it was not that way when I came in! How could I have missed it! Then we heard the tinkle of a cat collar. The stalker cat was cowering in the back corner behind the family room couch! Fortunately, Toki was still at Molly's house!
Nick and Molly chased the intruder around a bit, managed to catch it and deposit it outside. I told it to go away and never come back. A bit later Nick said, "It sounds like something is at the front door." Molly cautiously opened it a bit. The cat was there but it ran away. It has not appeared at the front window.
What is the deal? Aren't there any outside male cats available in this neighborhood? Are pets really worth the trouble?
Monday, February 19, 2007
The New Truck
Will got home yesterday afternoon and we went for a drive, with Nick and I each taking a turn at the wheel. Nick is nearly as excited about it as his father. They ogled it good after we got back! It's a 2007 Chevy Duromax 3/4 ton with an Allyson tranny, silver birch in color. It will pull a trailer like a dream. That's all I know.
Unfortunately, Will received a call last night that his dad was in the hospital after taking a fall, so he and his truck headed back to Idaho early this morning. At least he has a comfortable rig to drive!
Unfortunately, Will received a call last night that his dad was in the hospital after taking a fall, so he and his truck headed back to Idaho early this morning. At least he has a comfortable rig to drive!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Dreams Coming True!
This morning at last Nicholas got to put on the pack that he's been loading and unloading as he checked and double checked his gear, dreaming all week about going on the Search and Rescue Snow FTX (Field Training Exercise). He gets to put on snowshoes and hike up to 10 miles carrying that little pack! After he gets there, he gets to dig a snow cave and sleep in it tonight! Aren't we all so jealous of him!
Will has been dreaming of a new pickup for over a year. He left early this morning to pick it up in Kellogg, Idaho. One of his many fabulous brothers-in-law, namely Doug, went along and will drive the Durango back. I'm sure you'll hear more on that soon.
As a young girl, I dreamed of being a famous author some day. I went to the Oregon Christian Writer's Conference today, and confirmed within me that while I enjoy writing and blogging, a famous author is not something I aspire to be. I did get to meet and have lunch with Dorcas Smucker and her daughter. I feel like I know Dorcas because I faithfully read and enjoy her blog and column in the Eugene Register-Guard. She spoke on writing essays about life's events, and her session was the best one out of the four that I attended.
At the conference, I spotted a friend across the crowded room who moved out of the area 16 years ago. We had a wonderful visit, but I was saddened to learn that she has a prodigal son who I am adding to my "prodigals and their parents" prayer list.
When I got home, I had a phone message from my cousin Cindi letting me know she's here from Arizona visiting her parents. I called and found out she and her mom were lying in bed eating cheesecake with blueberries, but I accepted her invitation to come visit anyway! So off I go!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Table Talk 3
Last night at dinner, Eric got to talking about Pope John Paul I, whose 33 day reign in 1978 was the shortest in history due to his unexpected death at age 65. Isn't it interesting that Vatican law prohibits a papal autopsy, so the cause of his death was never certain. Hmmm. After sharing some interesting details with us and discussing this fascinating situation, somehow the conversation degenerated to death investigations in general. I commend Will for his tact and sensitivity. I noticed when I left the table to start clean-up, the boys leaned in closer as he lowered his voice, apparently to share some details too gruesome for my tender ears.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
A Day Out
We went out today. Not only did we go out, we stayed out as long as possible. Galen ordered us to come with him and Carol to visit some sites for our Oswald family reunion in 2008, so we complied. We looked at Aldersgate and Canby Grove, and our plan was to also head out to the coast to check out some places for people who wanted to go there after the reunion. As we were passing through Newburg, we thought it would be a good place to have lunch, but no restaurants were visible as we drove through town.
Will asked who we knew that would be familiar with Newburg. I said Dave and Judy, of course, their son was in college here for the past four years. I memorized their phone number many years ago, and I rattled it off to him. Will dialed it, a man answered and Will got right to the point, "Hi, this is Will. We're in Newburg and we'd like you to give us directions to a good place to have lunch." The response was, "Hi, Will, who are you?" Oops, I was just one little number off on the phone number. Unfortunately, the stranger he had called was not familiar with Newburg. Right about then we came across an Izzy's so we pulled in there.
By the time lunch was over, we realized it was too late in the day for the long drive in the rain to the coast. We happened by an RV dealership so we stopped and drooled over some fantastic fifth wheels. As we left, we commented on how good the sales guy was. Very low key, didn't ask a lot of questions or try too hard. We sought out another RV lot, much harder to find, long story that involved a call to Nick to get on the computer to look up the place. In the mean time, we came to to the Evergreen Avation Museum and decided to stop and see the Spruce Goose. We enjoyed browsing the gift shop and seeing that enormous plane from the second story gift shop. Galen and Carol spotted a brochure for the RV place we were trying to find and thought they then knew how to get there. Unfortunately, they left the brochure there and it wasn't as easy as it seemed. We managed to find it anyway. We stepped into a 5th wheel to check it out and a salesman hurried on over. His first comment to Will was, "Wow, you're a big one." Then he started asking us questions. I immediately made it clear that we were just looking, and he told us where to find the rest of the fifth wheels and wisely went back inside out of the rain.
As we were driving through all the wine country, for some reason it made us think of our brother Mark who lives in Alabama. So we called and chatted with him a bit. He was busy buffing the muffler on his motorcycle. He had a little incident on it and managed to burn his riding pants on the muffler, leaving a nasty black mark. Fortunately he nearly had it removed. It was fun talking to him. Cell phones are great.
We were having such a good time that we just weren't ready to come home. We stopped at a Starbucks in Salem for coffee where we all agreed that Aldersgate would be the best place for the reunion. Then we got our free piece of bread from Great Grains next door to it. Wow, great bread. Nex we drove across Salem to the state fairgounds where Carol had heard there was a backyard show. Once again we didn't manage to take the most direct route there, but pretty close. It turned out to be hot tubs and backyard kitchens. Interesting, I think Will is going to build me one of those outdoor kitchens very soon now.
Then it was our privilege to introduce Galen and Carol to the Sportman's Warehouse. It was the least Will could do when he learned they had never been there. I tried to talk Galen into posing for my camera in front of the elk sculpture in front of the building but he declined. So it's his fault that I don't have a picture to liven this up.
As we approached Albany, we decided it would be fun to rent a movie. We joined the rest of the wild weekend party people at Blockbuster, found a movie, stood in the long line, and made our way home. Popcorn and a funny movie was a great way to end the day. We are so proud, we all stayed awake for the whole thing, even though it was after 10:00 when it ended!
Will asked who we knew that would be familiar with Newburg. I said Dave and Judy, of course, their son was in college here for the past four years. I memorized their phone number many years ago, and I rattled it off to him. Will dialed it, a man answered and Will got right to the point, "Hi, this is Will. We're in Newburg and we'd like you to give us directions to a good place to have lunch." The response was, "Hi, Will, who are you?" Oops, I was just one little number off on the phone number. Unfortunately, the stranger he had called was not familiar with Newburg. Right about then we came across an Izzy's so we pulled in there.
By the time lunch was over, we realized it was too late in the day for the long drive in the rain to the coast. We happened by an RV dealership so we stopped and drooled over some fantastic fifth wheels. As we left, we commented on how good the sales guy was. Very low key, didn't ask a lot of questions or try too hard. We sought out another RV lot, much harder to find, long story that involved a call to Nick to get on the computer to look up the place. In the mean time, we came to to the Evergreen Avation Museum and decided to stop and see the Spruce Goose. We enjoyed browsing the gift shop and seeing that enormous plane from the second story gift shop. Galen and Carol spotted a brochure for the RV place we were trying to find and thought they then knew how to get there. Unfortunately, they left the brochure there and it wasn't as easy as it seemed. We managed to find it anyway. We stepped into a 5th wheel to check it out and a salesman hurried on over. His first comment to Will was, "Wow, you're a big one." Then he started asking us questions. I immediately made it clear that we were just looking, and he told us where to find the rest of the fifth wheels and wisely went back inside out of the rain.
As we were driving through all the wine country, for some reason it made us think of our brother Mark who lives in Alabama. So we called and chatted with him a bit. He was busy buffing the muffler on his motorcycle. He had a little incident on it and managed to burn his riding pants on the muffler, leaving a nasty black mark. Fortunately he nearly had it removed. It was fun talking to him. Cell phones are great.
We were having such a good time that we just weren't ready to come home. We stopped at a Starbucks in Salem for coffee where we all agreed that Aldersgate would be the best place for the reunion. Then we got our free piece of bread from Great Grains next door to it. Wow, great bread. Nex we drove across Salem to the state fairgounds where Carol had heard there was a backyard show. Once again we didn't manage to take the most direct route there, but pretty close. It turned out to be hot tubs and backyard kitchens. Interesting, I think Will is going to build me one of those outdoor kitchens very soon now.
Then it was our privilege to introduce Galen and Carol to the Sportman's Warehouse. It was the least Will could do when he learned they had never been there. I tried to talk Galen into posing for my camera in front of the elk sculpture in front of the building but he declined. So it's his fault that I don't have a picture to liven this up.
As we approached Albany, we decided it would be fun to rent a movie. We joined the rest of the wild weekend party people at Blockbuster, found a movie, stood in the long line, and made our way home. Popcorn and a funny movie was a great way to end the day. We are so proud, we all stayed awake for the whole thing, even though it was after 10:00 when it ended!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Another Call from Germany
Craig called today, and when he started talking about how great it is to experience the power of Jesus in his life and how he realizes that I have been right about it all along, I decided to grab a pen and take notes!
I am so grateful for God's mercy and grace.
It has been a little frustrating not being able to communicate with him. We had been sending messages back and forth on My Space, but he hadn't been on there since January 20, his "new birthday". He said he's been spending his spare time reading the Bible, two to three hours a day, trying to make up for lost time! He has just finished 1 and 2 Samuel. He said they have been studying the father heart of God and he has been thinking about his dad a lot. (He called him today and they had a great conversation also.)
I mentioned that his 21st birthday is coming up (March 4) and asked him to give me some ideas of what to send him for his birthday. He got all excited and said "It would be so great if you would send me some microwave popcorn!" I had to laugh. I might want to send a little more than that for your 21st birthday! He said he really wants a Bible. He didn't even know where his was when he left, and he is using one of Kari's now. He wants an NIV Study Bible, so I shall go buy one tomorrow! I found out tonight that Eric has been using Craig's Bible, which is a New King James, and he wants to keep it!
He asked me if I would contact my brother John (who lives up in the Yukon) and let him know that he loves him and really appreciates the time a year or so ago when John gave him a ride somewhere from our house. John told him that God's hand was on him and prayed for him before he got out of the car. He said he felt the power of that prayer and felt that God protected him because of the prayers of people who love him. Thank you so much to all of you who have prayed for him. He asks for continued prayer as he often feels under attack from the enemy. He has been over a week with no cigarettes, and he says there is no way he could do that without God's help! Dawn, be sure to tell Tavin that God is answering her prayers!
I ran into Nick and Jessie Saemenes at a concert at our church Friday night. Jessie is Nathan's wife Kari's sister, and Nick was in the band Mere Image with Craig and Nathan. They were in Germany for Christmas. Jessie said she loved traveling with Craig, because being seven months pregnant at the time, she needed more bathroom breaks than the others - but Craig always needed them too! He has always been famously annoying to go places with because of his pea-sized bladder! Jessie said Kari had just told her that Craig saved his goatee when he cut it off and she was getting really tired of seeing it in her bathroom! She was about to put her foot down and say it has to go away! They were kind enough to email me some pictures. Here's Craig, Nathan and Kari at Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Table Talk 2
Yesterday at lunch Eric said, "I've been thinking about something lately." Do go on. "Scientists are doing so much with genetic engineering these days. I think some scientists need to take on a project to make a little bear that is to a regular bear as a house cat is to a wild cat such as tigers, cougars, and so on. Imagine how great it would be to have pet house bear about the size of a cat or small dog! It would be so cute! Just like a living teddy bear!" Perhaps he will have to spend a million years in college and take on the project someday. We used to hope he'd find a cure for cancer....
As we discussed this matter, I reminded him about the list he made in sixth grade of necessities for his college dorm room which included a couple of pet raccoons, specifically a kodimundi. (Also on this list were "All flavors of Wheat Thins!) He assured me he still intends to have pet raccoons someday.
As we discussed this matter, I reminded him about the list he made in sixth grade of necessities for his college dorm room which included a couple of pet raccoons, specifically a kodimundi. (Also on this list were "All flavors of Wheat Thins!) He assured me he still intends to have pet raccoons someday.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Pinochle
Last night was our turn to host the monthly pinochle group which we have been a part of for more years than I can remember. You'd think after hosting it every eight months all this time, I'd have it all figured out. A couple of years ago, we were about to play when someone asked, "No table treats tonight?" The host always provides dishes of candy/nuts at each table. I had completely forgotten. Will drove down to Cenex and paid a great deal more for a great deal less than we would normally have! So I figured I would certainly never forget that again.
Last night about an hour before the guests were to arrive, Will asked, "Did you get table treats?" For a chocolate lover like myself, you'd think that would be the highlight of the evening! How could I have possibly forgotten again! At least there was time for Will to run in to Fred Meyer. Sadly, he was somewhat harassed for his selection, as guests were already here when he returned bearing treats. I had told him to get nuts, chocolate candy, and jelly beans but not normal jelly beans, just the special ones. He came back with Life Saver jelly beans, Starburst jelly beans, and Jelly Bellies! Also a few other items, but nothing that I normally get. But it's good not to be stuck in a routine! At least last night my coffee pot didn't overflow and make a mess like it did, not once but twice during a previous pinochle party. The only other near disaster was after someone put a pizza ifrom Costco in the oven. (We have a snack break after two rounds of four hands.) I smelled something burning, so I came and checked on the pizza. It was still on the cardboard! The person who brought it said, "Well, when you buy them at Papa Murphy's you bake them on the cardboard!" Anyway, we rescued it before the cardboard really started burning. The food was great, the people are fun, and Will won prize. How could an evening be any better!
I guess playing with your Envy at the same time can make it even better. I hear my brother Doug was quite prolific with his text messaging yesterday. Will claims to dislike Pinochle because his parents forced his sister and him to play it as a family activity. However, judging from the amount of laughter emanating from his table, he manages to have a good time anyway.
Last night about an hour before the guests were to arrive, Will asked, "Did you get table treats?" For a chocolate lover like myself, you'd think that would be the highlight of the evening! How could I have possibly forgotten again! At least there was time for Will to run in to Fred Meyer. Sadly, he was somewhat harassed for his selection, as guests were already here when he returned bearing treats. I had told him to get nuts, chocolate candy, and jelly beans but not normal jelly beans, just the special ones. He came back with Life Saver jelly beans, Starburst jelly beans, and Jelly Bellies! Also a few other items, but nothing that I normally get. But it's good not to be stuck in a routine! At least last night my coffee pot didn't overflow and make a mess like it did, not once but twice during a previous pinochle party. The only other near disaster was after someone put a pizza ifrom Costco in the oven. (We have a snack break after two rounds of four hands.) I smelled something burning, so I came and checked on the pizza. It was still on the cardboard! The person who brought it said, "Well, when you buy them at Papa Murphy's you bake them on the cardboard!" Anyway, we rescued it before the cardboard really started burning. The food was great, the people are fun, and Will won prize. How could an evening be any better!
I guess playing with your Envy at the same time can make it even better. I hear my brother Doug was quite prolific with his text messaging yesterday. Will claims to dislike Pinochle because his parents forced his sister and him to play it as a family activity. However, judging from the amount of laughter emanating from his table, he manages to have a good time anyway.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
This For The Nerds
Hello every body this is Nick McAnulty. I have never posted a blog on my parents blog so this is kinda new for me.
So tonight I was toying with the idea of creating a network drive for all the files my mom usually prints out for us all to see (such as the Saturday chore list!). So I started experimenting, and found out how to do this.
First I had to create a new file and share it among our network.
Then I had to map the network drive and that was that.
But I became obsessed with doing better and better. I created a network drive for every computer in the house. But I still wanted to do more so I had an external hard drive laying around so I networked the drive. I was excited about what I had done so I came downstairs to tell my father. He didn't seem too excited about it and called me an addict.
He also challenged me which was a lot of fun for me. He wanted me to make it so we could all view the same DVD at the same time from one computer. No sweat. I just did the same thing for that as I had done for all the other networked drives. So now we can all watch the same movie in different rooms on different computers.
Thanks for reading.
Leave some comments.
Sincerely
Nick McAnulty
So tonight I was toying with the idea of creating a network drive for all the files my mom usually prints out for us all to see (such as the Saturday chore list!). So I started experimenting, and found out how to do this.
First I had to create a new file and share it among our network.
Then I had to map the network drive and that was that.
But I became obsessed with doing better and better. I created a network drive for every computer in the house. But I still wanted to do more so I had an external hard drive laying around so I networked the drive. I was excited about what I had done so I came downstairs to tell my father. He didn't seem too excited about it and called me an addict.
He also challenged me which was a lot of fun for me. He wanted me to make it so we could all view the same DVD at the same time from one computer. No sweat. I just did the same thing for that as I had done for all the other networked drives. So now we can all watch the same movie in different rooms on different computers.
Thanks for reading.
Leave some comments.
Sincerely
Nick McAnulty
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