2011 McAnulty Christmas Letter

(Note: This letter is written by Will, and comments in italics have been inserted by LeAnn, aka the Princess.)

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, just yesterday I went down to the post office and received the first wave of Christmas cards for this year. That marks the end of my procrastination about writing a Christmas letter and the beginning of this document. (It did not, however, mark the end of any such procrastination for myself. Will wrote it the first part of December. My job is to edit, print and mail it. They went out in the mail on December 23rd. I appreciated learning that my two younger sisters got their cards out the same day!)

I am going to try for a recap of the last year without being boring. I do however enjoy being boring as well as just being ignored whenever possible. The wife/princess/ breadwinner and all around queen of this establishment is the one you should go to for entertainment and excitement. During the last year she has engineered the most enjoyable opportunities for us to log our entertaining pursuits far and wide. We have: fished for salmon in over 5 different rivers in the new boat, (We? I've been in the boat, but I'm happy to be just a joyrider! Will and his buddies have had ever so many fishing trips!), camped on the Metolious River for over two and half weeks, traveled to Canada and back, been to Idaho, read scores of books, had countless dinners and family time with our boys, enjoyed the company of our close family including the weddings of two nieces, and learned to smoke meat in our new charcoal smoker. (The list can go on but I fear you might be getting a little tired of the drone.)

It’s been a good year. The boat, you ask, what about the boat. Well it’s the one the princess and the builder told me to get, it’s the one that looks and performs just like I hoped my boat would when I started dreaming about it so many years ago. It was custom built in Eugene by Koffler Boats and has had over 35 Chinook Salmon in it since being purchased in December last year. If you don’t have a wife that lets you have something like that, well, I’m sorry. (I do love the smoked salmon and those salmon dinners!)

The camping, you ask, well that started early this year and included trips to the Oregon Coast and the Metolious River, where all our boys and other family members joined us.

(One of my favorite things in the world is hiking the Metolius.)

The Princess and I were in the trailer over two weeks prior to the trip to Canada. I might have been out a couple of days more, but there was a lot less solo stuff going on this year and a bit more the Princess and me. It was enjoyable as long as the Princess and Zeek got along. Sometimes when Zeek grooms himself, (making those dog sounds) and/or rolls on the floor without offering to vacuum, the Princess begins to make those intimidating noises that can cause man and beast to fear for their safety. As long as Zeek and I sit quietly and don’t make those disgusting noises, we will be fine and allowed to be inside. (No comment.)

Trip to Canada, you ask, well, this was the year to go to Ft. Saint John in BC, to join in the celebration of 40 years of marriage for John and Betsy (my brother). Great occasion to get a group together that most often needs no excuse to get together regardless how far away everyone is. For so many years we have been told that the area around these Canadians is packed with fish and all manner of wildlife, and that the weather is some of the best on earth. Temperate and dry with views and vistas is the area. Having traveled into the area years ago, we well understood just how beautiful the journey might have been. The part we could not know was that this time, rain and damp would rule the majority of our time in Canada. All rivers seen were high and angry that they weren’t in Oregon. All moose were temporally absent, and mosquitos were also having a reunion of sorts very near the venue we enjoyed. I was grateful the Princess and the rest of the family allowed me inside every so often to brush the deceased mosquitos from my beard and hands. What beautiful country.

Even with those weather and insect distractions, we truly enjoyed the trip, the hiking, and the time spent with family. (All those Canadian Troyers are truly hospitable and awesomely fun people! And what a joy to spend time with all those amazing great-nieces and nephews!)

More about Zeek, you ask, many do and it never seems to fail, those two things Zeek and I hear most often. “That dog sure has big feet!” and “How did you get so dark?“ All through the year those statements seem to follow us. I know they weren’t meant to be hurtful but what can you expect? The Princess often times won’t let us come into the house or we are outside by choice, and failing a heavy overcast in the dead of winter, it is so hard to stay pale skinned as the more healthy amongst us are. As for the size of the feet on that dog, they are necessary to allow him the mobility in the soft mud he loves to play in and the streams and lakes he thinks are for him to swim in. Zeek seems to draw no distinction between cold and freezing cold when he begins a swim, for no other reason than he wants the pleasure of shaking off while standing next to someone dry.

Dry, doesn’t that remind you of a rumor about the Princess this last fall. Something about being the only one in America that didn’t get the memo about washing her cell phone with the laundry and then turning it on to see if it would still work. Yes the very thought of the Princess getting a smart phone and all the technical challenges required to operate one may have scared her youngest son and husband. It was necessary to replace the phone but when and with what level of sophistication all feared to ponder. Finally something had to be done and decisions were made. All who might be impacted by the change were alerted and the purchase made. The Princess now has an iPhone and the impact was without turbulence, all fears unfounded. (I love it!) She also has an iPad, which may or may not be used by this humble servant.

Family, you might ask, not much has changed. The Princess still works at the middle school, the youngest still works as a computer person for a large retailer in the Northwest, the middle son continues to work in Albany and make music, and the oldest is also working in the area and preparing to return to school for more training as a culinary artist. They have all vacated the premises, and we have made a successful transition to empty nesters! (We love to horrify them by talking about their former bedrooms, Naked Rooms I and 2, which we discreetly refer to to NR1 and NR2. If you have seen the movie Failure to Launch, you’ll recognize the reference. No aquarium yet though.)

I, your humble servant, have fallen into the trap of doing what I want when I want as long as it is permitted by the Princess, whom we all strive to please.

Please, you ask, whom do we strive to please? A very good question, all in this house strive to please God. We wish you every one a happy and prosperous new year.

Love,
Will and LeAnn

Our Day Out

I realized today just how patient my husband is. Many women would love to see such patience demonstrated by their husbands. Why then, did I find it so irritating?

We decided to take the day off and have a fun day out. About 10:00 I told him I was ready any time he was. He was piddling around in the garage doing something. I tidied up the kitchen, discovered an extra set of lights and carefully strung it on the tree (a delicate task indeed on a decorated tree). I wondered what he could be doing to take so long, so I finally decided to take my jacket and a little cooler of snacks and drinks to the pickup. I was astonished when I opened the front door and found him sitting in the front seat with the pickup running, patiently waiting for me! "And just how was I supposed to know you were out here ready and waiting?" I inquired somewhat testily. "You saw me in the garage putting my coat on, didn't you?" Good grief!!

Well, it was a beautiful day at the Findley Wildlife Refuge. The sun was shining and it was 50 degrees.

We saw lots of ducks and geese, and a couple of hawks also.

We had a late lunch in Monroe at a little bakery/deli called "The Sweet Spot". Cute little place, very friendly proprietor. I liked her because she complimented me on my festive holiday outfit. (Red sweater with elf turtleneck. Oh, and of course, Santa earrings.) I enjoyed the red bows stuck up randomly on the walls as Christmas decorations, as well as the somewhat tacky red tinsel garland strung along the wall. The coffee was great, Will's Rueben was great, and my Philly Cheese Steak was a little dry. But I would go back. We like little local places.

Late lunch equals no dinner preparation required. How handy, since there is a 6 pm Friday night Zumba class to attend!

Birthday Dinner 2011

Oh joy. Today my oldest son cooked my birthday dinner and my two younger sons washed the dishes (well, most of them), by hand, because the dishwasher is still broken. Using no recipe, Craig made what he called "Lasagna Florentine a la Salmon". The garlic cooked in the clarified butter perfumed the air and whetted the appetite as he began this creation. It eventually turned into a rich Bechamel Sauce, to which he added sauteed spinach and cooked salmon before layering it with lasagna noodles and a mixture of cheeses. It's fun to sit nearby with a cup of tea and listen to him wax poetic as the dish develops. "Just look at the color!" "Something magical is happening here!" I used my new iPhone to take pictures while he was cooking, but none of them turned out. The finished product was a thing of beauty to behold, and a delight to savor. Paired with his garlic bread....well, I don't eat that kind of food every day. The unanimous verdict: fantastic!

The doorbell rang during lunch, which surprised all of us. What a fun surprise, a couple of very cute little girls at the door! They saw Nick's car when they were driving by and had to stop and say hi. I love delightful visitors like Madi and Rae and Tiesha!

Nick frosted the angel food birthday cake and put a full box of candles on it. Even though they were a bit short of my actual age, there were enough candles to be nearly impossible to light quickly. But many hands worked together for an exciting minute and got the job done!

I didn't have much luck with my annual picture with my boys on my birthday. After the first round resulted in squinty or closed-eyed laughing, ridiculous gape mouthed expressions, and eyes looking everywhere but at the camera as seen below, I ordered another round.

This is what happens when you say, "Keep your eyes open and smile while you look straight at the camera."

Maybe just a little creepy! Some things never seem to change - it's just not easy to get a nice normal looking group photo. And Craig is really slightly shorter than his brothers, he is just standing on the fireplace ledge.

Nick and Molly got me an awesome app for the iPhone called my TREK, which has an armband and tracks your heart rate, calories burned, distance gone and all that kind of cool stuff when you work out. I was practicing with it tonight and learned that I burned an average of 150 calories in 30 minutes while I'm sitting watching TV and playing with my laptop, iPad (another earlier present) and iPhone. No smart cracks about my "workout", ok?! I was just practicing so I'd know how to use it! I'm interested to see how many an hour of Zumba burns tomorrow!

State Champion Game

We joined family and friends and hundreds of other fans to watch Santiam Christian play Dayton for the 3A State Championship today. (My nephew Duane is a senior at SC.) It was definitely worth sitting out in the cold for a couple of hours to watch what was unquestionably the most exciting football game I've ever seen! We were sitting up high in the stands, and I admit I couldn't always see exactly where Duane was and what he was doing down there. People around me would start screaming his name and then I would hear the announcer say "Duane Troyer had the tackle" but I just didn't see them all. He played an awesome game!

The score was tied during the third quarter and Dayton was moving the ball down the field. For once I had an excellent view of Duane, #65, in the center of the defensive line as they lined up, and saw him as the football was passed - right to him for an unexpected interception! He caught it and ran with it a respectable distance! His friends, family and fans went crazy! I'm pretty sure his mother and sister cried with pride! I might have even wiped a tear! A few plays later, it resulted in a touchdown!

Dayton scored two touchdowns in the last five minutes to tie the game with 1:08 remaining. We figured overtime was in our near future. However, SC worked the ball down the field, and with two seconds on the clock, kicked a 47 yard field goal to win the game!

I have become a sportswriter!

The fans swarmed the field after the teams were presented with trophies. Duane is loved by all who know him, and his youth group friends showed up in some awesome tshirts! The back says, "#65 on your team, #1 in our hearts".

The front says "Go Duane" and something about Santiam Christian 3A State Championship.

There was ever so much hugging going on. Duane "the beast" lifted his sister off the ground with one arm!

And here he is with his proud dad, uncles and aunt. I love that gorgeous happy smile!

I absolutely love seeing my family members grow up to be wonderful adults and accomplish exciting things! Duane is an exceptionally terrific young man, talented in many areas. The next thing we are looking forward to is watching him play "Prince Charmless" in his school play a few months from now!

Then I was off with sister-in-law Carol to shop for shoes and a dress for Venisa's wedding coming up in just two short weeks - and scored there too!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Some of the highlights of this wonderful Thanksgiving weekend....

Thanksgiving day was spent at our house with my brother Doug and his family joining ours. Will was able to impart some of his vast knot tying abilities to a willing member of the next generation. Way to go Duane!

Saturday I enjoyed hosting a family bridal shower luncheon for my niece Venisa. (Thank you to my good friend Candace Trower for loaning her beautiful Christmas dishes!)

Baby Jamison went for Lucy's shiny boots...

I had to have a picture of Aunt LeAnn with a few of her nieces and great-nieces.

Last night we went to the Duane's football playoff game and cheered as Santiam Christian won. Next weekend they play for the state championship!

Today my boys were all back for my turkey noodle soup and leftover shower goodies. We were also blessed with a visit from my great-niece and nephew, Brenden and Jenna. They helped me by decorating some of the extra cookies I had made for the shower. Brenden had to keep telling Jenna to go wash her hands every time she licked her fingers!

I spent a good part of the long weekend preparing for guests, having guests, and cleaning up after guests...our dishwasher stopped working so I washed a LOT of dishes! I am very thankful for the friends and family who I enjoy so very much and for great health and energy to go and do and keep busy. Now I look forward to going back to work so my dishwasher hands can heal up!

Refrigerate that Leftover Turkey!

It can be pretty interesting when parents call to excuse their kids from school.

Today, a parent explained her son's absence this way. "I think he has food poisoning, and I think I have it too," says she. "Can you believe it? Usually we don't get food poisoning until after Thanksgiving!"

Once again, my amazing self control allowed me to hold my giggles until after I hung up the phone!

Principal for the Day

I get to meet the coolest kids at school We finished up our fall fundraiser a few weeks back, and the top seller this year got to be"Principal for the Day". A sweet, quiet 6th grade girl received this honor, and today was her day!

She came to the office this morning and read the announcements with great confidence. She was about to go turn in the day's homework to her classes when the principal introduced her to our assistant principal, who said, "OK, I guess you're my boss for the day. Is there anything you'd like me to do?" No hesitation, little Miss Principal handed over her homework and said, "Yes, would you please deliver this to my teachers!" The A.P. was a bit taken aback, but she followed orders! The young lady also directed the principal to go to her science class and take notes for her!

I gave her a photo id badge with her title to wear on a lanyard for the day, and also gave her some business cards with her name, title and picture. I heard she gave a few to her friends while she was supervising in the cafeteria at lunch.

I look forward to getting to know this student better in the next few years and watching her leadership skills develop! I have no doubt she can do whatever she wants when she grows up! The other fun thing is, I got to meet her mom and found out that they live nearby and I walk by and admire their house all the time.

I love my job. If I could get rid of all the paperwork and just visit with all the awesome people around me, it would be just perfect!

No Kidding

(NOTE: Names have been changed to protect the innocent, as well as the not-so-innocent.)

It was the Friday before Halloween, and the halls were abuzz with excitement as middle schoolers were confronted with a variety of unusual and exotic characters not usually seen at school, their costumes all appropriately obeying school rules just as they had been instructed. Well, everyone except the commando who walked into the school office and asked if he would have to leave his machine gun there. Smart boy, although he objected when Mrs. Secretary suggested it would be a good idea to also leave the bullet belt. “They aren’t even real, they’re just plastic.” Plastic or not, they spent the day hidden away in the office next to the toy machine gun.

The halls quieted after the bell rang and students were in class. The principal (let’s call him Mr. P) had just activated the intercom and was about to start the morning announcements when suddenly, the assistant principal (Mrs. AP) shrieked and ran out of her office and down the short corridor toward the main hallway, shouting, “You have got to be kidding!”

The office staff froze for a few seconds, Mr. P staring back toward her with the intercom phone in his hand. Mrs. Secretary dashed back there, wondering “Who is down that hall, and what have they done?”, suspecting that a student had committed some outrageous act. Mr. P started reading the announcements, while casting curious glances toward Mrs. AP’s office where a crowd of staff was gathering.

A partially open cardboard box sat on her chair. Mrs. AP had seen this box earlier that morning, when the custodian showed the snake inside to her, as well as to Mr. P and the counselor (Mr. C). The custodian had found the snake wandering the hallway near the office before 7 a.m. that morning.

By the time Mr. P finished the announcements, the custodian had showed Mrs. AP that the box was actually empty, because the pranksters had kindly transferred the snake to another box. When Mr. P headed toward Mrs. AP’s office to see what was going on, she told him vehemently, “You just wait, you will pay for this!”

“What?” he protested innocently. “Believe me, I did not put that box on your chair.” “And how did you know the box was on the chair?” (It was currently in the custodian’s hands!) He admitted he might know who put it there, but he would never do such a thing to her. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Mr. P and Mr. C, both laughing their heads off and well aware of Mrs. AP’s fear of snakes, had conspired in this diabolical prank.

Fortunately, there was a substitute in the front office who continued to answer phones and help students and parents, while less responsible office staff loitered in the back, joining the hilarity and speculating on the origins of the hapless snake.

A teacher found more comfortable temporary accommodations for the homeless snake, and Mr. P took it to his office. Everyone got back to work.

About 20 minutes later, a very sweet, wonderful teacher with a first period prep came to talk to Mrs. Secretary. Mrs. Secretary, being a very smart, efficient problem solver, immediately deduced this science teacher might be able to help identify what type of snake Mr. P was harboring. When Mrs. Secretary told this teacher that a snake had been found in the hall that morning, Mrs. Teacher clapped her hand over her mouth and gasped, “A little pink snake?! That’s my snake! It disappeared from my classroom a week ago! I was hoping to find it before anyone else did! I didn’t want to get in trouble!”

Mrs. Teacher identified it as an albino corn snake, and retrieved it from Mr. P as hilarity again ensued. Mrs. Secretary unobtrusively took some photos of Mrs. Teacher and her snake, which she used to start a file on her computer for Mrs. Teacher’s retirement party, which hopefully will not be for many years! Mrs. Secretary is always thinking ahead.

Mystery solved! Mrs. Teacher is only in a little trouble! Mrs. AP’s blood pressure is back to normal and she is no doubt plotting worthy revenge. Mrs. Secretary now waits, camera nearby, with great anticipation to witness the well-deserved payback Mr. P and Mr. C will receive from the grievously mistreated Mrs. AP!

Scintillating Conversation

It's just amazing the exciting conversations we have at the dinner table, just Will and I. Tonight the newspaper was lying there, neatly folded, awaiting my after-dinner perusal. I noticed a story title "Next up for mid-valley weather: Frost...maybe" and thought sadly about my pretty pink impatiens still blooming out under the trees. Then I got up from the table to get something from the kitchen, put a few dishes in the dishwasher, came back to the table.

I saw the paper headline again and said something about maybe having frost tonight. Will gave me a look and said, very kindly and patiently, "Yep, it's that time of year. That's what I told you when you mentioned it earlier." Hmmm. I could have sworn I only thought about mentioning it earlier. And I think Will mumbled when he replied.

Well, at least I can rest assured that as we get older we will never run out of things to talk about - over and over again!

It is just amazing, the exciting conversations Will and I have at the dinner table!

A Work Party

I wasn't the last one there (my sister Hope was!), but my siblings were finishing up their coffee accompanied by bread pudding as I walked into the house, the air fragrant with the aroma of freshly baked rolls on the counter (waiting for lunch) and the aforesaid bread pudding. Wow, bread pudding made with day-old cinnamon rolls from the bakery where Mom works is amazingly delicious. But even better than that was seeing my 2-year-old niece Serena's radiant smile and hearing her shout, "LeAnn!"

So eventually, three of my brothers, two sisters, my husband, myself, and five nephews(age 5 through 12), got busy doing some outside chores at Mom's house this morning. The boys grabbed rakes and had a great time under the huge cedar tree raking huge piles of cedar needles. A leaf blower, pressure washers, hedge trimmers, and eventually, the John Deere lawn mower, were being operated all around the house and yard. My sister Hope and I harked back to our youthful days, washing inside windows together. It might have taken us twice as long as it needed to but it wasn't our fault. Our baby nephew Jamison was happier being held than being left on the floor, so we took turns washing windows and holding the baby! While we "worked", it was fun hearing my sister Linda in her room, singing along with the southern gospel group on her CD player.

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together, but the five boys at the kitchen table seemed to be laughing and having more fun than we adults. I kind of wanted to join them, but when I learned the cause of one their bouts of hilarity was the unwanted salmon skin they were tossing from one plate to another, I figured they'd probably have a lot more fun without me! When they got done with dessert (pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting), I heard one of them say, "We better get back to work." They came over to the big table and thanked Grandma for lunch, and a couple of them even thanked me and Will for the salmon! My sisters are raising wonderful boys! Sure enough, I soon saw them out the window loading the debris they had raked up into a trailer. They were having a great time, jumping and rolling around in it to pack it down!

I was pretty upset that I forgot my camera! But I hope that, in my mind's eye, I will always be able to picture little Serena in her hot pink dress, brightly striped leggings, hot pink boots and even a hot pink bow in her cute hairstyle, and that fantastic smile on her happy face! We got to spend a little quality time together, and she didn't even ask me for gum! Before I left, I made sure she and her brothers got some from me!

So really, it was a fun day. I think we all left around 3:00, and the place looked great! Brother Dave rode his motorcycle down from Sherwood, so we were only missing Mark and John from Fort St. John and Tom from Indiana. (We did admire pictures of Tom's children!)

I'm thinking we should take turns - once a month, everyone come to one of our houses and do a bunch of maintenance type things together? What do you think, kids? Mine first! I have some cabinets and a table that I would really like to refinish! Oh, ok, I won't be selfish. You first!

Don't be afraid of watermelon!

What a beautiful month of September - the geraniums, roses, and Black-eyed Susans are keeping my back yard in a state of beauty and we are still eating most of our meals on the patio. My everbearing strawberries have had a very tasty fall crop. I love going out and picking fresh tomatoes and zucchini.

But fall is in the air. Yesterday when I stopped at my favorite produce place, the 4 Seasons Farmers Market, there were no Hermiston watermelon. I asked the proprietor if they were done for the year and he said yes, most likely. "But did you notice the black watermelon?" "Yes," replied I, "but I was afraid to try them." He assured me they have great flavor and yes, the flesh is pink like a normal watermelon. I consented to try one. He judged my selection as too soft and went out to choose just the right one for me. He helped me carry my fresh local corn on the cob, nectarines, apples, cantaloupe and watermelon to my car. After I closed the trunk, he shook his head and said in a slightly scornful tone as he walked away, "You don't need to be afraid of watermelon!"

Ok, so I wasn't afraid of watermelon, duh. What I meant was, I didn't want to spend money on something that we might not like.

And speaking of awesome produce, the strawberries at another fruit stand, the one 7 Mile Lane just off Hwy 34, are delicious! I got a flat for half price ($10) because they had been picked the day before.

And what about the black watermelon? The family liked it. It has a good flavor, but the texture is a little firmer. I definitely prefer the normal beautiful green watermelon! But I'm glad I tried it and I will try not to be "afraid" to try a new fruit again. At least if I am, I won't admit it in the hearing of a produce store proprietor!

Weekend Whimsy

Today the forecast called for temperatures in the mid 90s, but we beat the heat by driving out to Newport. It was a little breezy on the beach - ok, it was actually downright windy. So we found a sheltered spot up on the dunes where we could put our chairs and see the ocean as well as watch all the kites flying. When Will decided it was time to fly his kite, I once again witnessed his curious magnetic effect on little girls! There he is, just minding his own busines, trying to get his kite to take off...

...when two little girls showed up offering to help. One of them ran off with her own kite, but her sister stayed to assist. I heard her tell Will, "I might know more about kites than you do!"

Sad to say, by the time she got done "helping" Will, his line was hopelessly tangled, and we won't mention how long it took him to get it straightened out!

Yes, flying a kite is a blast.

You just never know what might happen when you go somewhere with Will. Last night we went to watch my nephew Duane play football at Santiam Christian. (Great job, Duane, but ahead 65-0 at half time?! Really!!!) At the admission table, Will was in front of me and the gal there motioned him forward and stamped his hand. I thought it was a little odd to do that before we paid, and I had the money. Will stepped back behind me, I paid and stuck out my hand to receive the stamp. The woman saw Will behind me and gasped. "Did your twin brother just go through? I just stamped the hand of someone who looks exactly like you! He's even dressed like you!" I said, "Yes, it's really embarrassing at their age, they still insist on matching their clothes whenever they go out. I'm trying to break them of it!" Oh my goodness!

Tomorrow it's only supposed to get up to 92. I think I will soak up and enjoy every morsel of warmth while sipping iced drinks in the shade of my back yard.

Please do not grade my writing!

The warm evening air surrounded me as I sailed down the road on my bike, accompanied by a plethora of sights and smells that enhanced the cycling experience. The odiferous scent of sheep dung accompanied me for a good part of the journey. Fortunately the delightful aroma of sun ripened blackberries wafting across the road negated the former nose-wrinklng redolence. The golden orb of the setting sun in the pink western sky and the reflecting light glowing on the diminutive clouds clustered across the eastern sky reinforced my belief that the sky is one of creation's most scenic wonders. I congratulated myself that I did not disturb the twilight calm by shrieking when I nearly ran over a coiled snake on the road. I went by Tyler's memorial in the park and inhaled the sweet fragrance of the petunias there, while trying not to be too grumpy about the empty Pepsi can that I had to get off my bike to pick up.

I am indeed fortunate, after a busy day working with awesome teachers and students, that I can come home and enjoy relaxing on my lovely patio as I listen to the fishing adventures of my happy husband, and then take a bike ride in the country.

Today I walked a visitor down to our Basic Skills classroom and enjoyed observing those awesome staff members caring for the special kids there. It was such a calm and happy place, with so many things going on with different students, including a busy boy crawling around who I managed not to trip over! I know it can't possibly be that calm and happy all the time, but it was really cool to be in their environment and see how caring those staff members are with challenging needs of students. I need to get out more!

Sunday in church, Pastor John asked us to think about our most influential teacher. My high school Creative Writing teacher came to mind. He encouraged, complimented, and laughed at things I wrote, but the main thing I remember he said was that I needed to work on my descriptive writing. That was 34 years ago. It's never too late. I thought I would start working on it tonight! I believe long sentences were sometimes an issue also. I don't want to even think about what kind of grade or comments he would put on my first paragraph! But it was fun coming up with it anyway!

I have so much respect and admiration for all my friends who are teachers and classroom support staff. It is a very noble calling! Sometimes I wish I would have become a teacher...

Join me for a walk along the Metolius River...

Hey kids, if you take a walk with Great-Aunt LeAnn to the store, I'll buy you a treat! It's only a mile! And there are many things to see along the way...

There are ducks playing in the water and the occasional fly fisherman wading in the water gracefully waving his line....

Lots of wildflowers are still blooming, although I keep thinking how much prettier it is in July when the gorgeous purple lupine is blooming...

The butterflies love the flowers...

There are butterflies everywhere!

A drink or ice cream? How about both!

Some bright sweet peas!

Ah, speaking of sweet, look at Tavin and her grandma walking with their arms around each other...

Oopsie daisy, down she went! Did Tavin trip her? No, of course not! But a small stump was hidden under the greenery right next to the path and Grandma Carol didn't have a chance! Isn't she a good sport! She's even smiling! Luckily she is ok, just skinned up a little. Look at all the loving family support she receives!

We continue sedately down the trail, in a safe single file manner.

The ducks are resting now...

And it's time for us to rest too. Why do the kids get the good chairs?! Because we love them.

Yes, a walk along the Metolius is a thing to be savored, alone or in the company of beloved family members. Coordination is desirable but not required. I have tripped on rocks and roots so many times but manage to gracefully skip my way out of the stumble so far!

(Pictures posted with permission of my awesome fun sister-in-law Carol. What a great person to camp with!) Will was up there for two weeks, and I went up for the weekends. During that time, we got to enjoy the company of my brother Doug and his family, all of Galen's girls and parts of their families, and all of our boys and some of their friends. I am so thankful for the great company, good times, beautiful location and NO mosquitoes.

I Like It

Last night when I watered my new project, I decided it needed more blooming flowers, so today I picked up a few annuals from Home Depot. By the time I finished planting this evening, it was growing slightly dark (because after work I went to visit my sister Hope who just celebrated her 50th birthday!!). I took a picture, dim though it may be, to share what it looks like when you create a flower garden by keeping a few existing pansies and dianthus plus randomly adding the best selections on the clearance rack, then adding some of my favorites, petunias and chrysanthemums

Here's another view since it's kinda dark.

I like it.

Yesterday when I was over there watering, a neighbor from the other side of the loop walked by and stopped to talk. We hadn't talked in ages, and I learned that she has a grandson in Afghanistan who is heavy on her heart. We had a wonderful conversation, and I was very blessed! Courtney's little boy spotted me and got drove his little car over, and I was honored when he listened attentively as I told him about Tyler. Very awesome.

I'll post a brighter photo in a few weeks when hopefully the plants grow and flower profusely!

So Much Better!

I feel so much better now.

Saturday I was at the park behind our house with my great-niece and nephew, Jenna and Brenden. It's so much fun to take visiting children there to play. Of course I had to look at the veteran's memorial there right next to the playground, dedicated in memory of my nephew Tyler and other veterans. This picture was taken back in 2006 right after it was completed.

Beautiful, right? And as usual, when I read the plaque, it brought tears to my eyes.

Even more tears came to my eyes when I observed the area. No flowers were planted this year and the weeds had taken over. It really upset me that something in my neighborhood dedicated to Tyler looked like that. On our second trip to the park, I brought some supplies and got busy weeding! Jenna and Brendan had so much fun playing together that they didn't even care if I wasn't playing with them. (Well, except for that tearful "He stepped on my ponytail." "But it wasn't on purpose and she punched my side on purpose!") As I listened to the children laughing and playing, I was struck with such strong nostalgia for the good old days when Tyler and my kids were enjoying the innocence of youth and playing at the park. My Nick was Jenna's age when that park was built! How did their childhood disappear so fast? (Just when I was thinking the empty nest thing was maybe ok!)

Well, I can't do anything about that, but I can plant flowers. I got permission and went shopping yesterday. Since it's late in the summer, I thought maybe I'd find some colorful cosmos that would reseed next year or maybe some geraniums. I didn't want to spend much money this late and after all, it is in a park where lots of kids (including young teenagers) play and they don't always respect the property. I checked a few places yesterday and today after work but couldn't find anything. So guess what, I asked God to please help me find something. Hmmm, how about BiMart? Would you believe, BiMart had all their remaining large perennials and annuals on clearance for $1.00 each?! They weren't blooming much but I was able to pick out 12 very healthy looking plants, a mix of annuals and perennials! Twelve big plants for $12!! Thank you Lord!

As I was leaving with my prizes, I thought about digging 12 holes for those big plants. Now this may surprise you, but I'm not very good with a shovel and we have very nasty hard clay out here. I usually get a big strong man to dig my holes. Will is gone right now, I knew Craig and Eric were scheduled to work, and Nick went to work at 6 this morning for at least a 10 hour day so I figured he wouldn't be thrilled to be my digger. (And strangely, his phone went straight to voice mail when I tried to call!)

But another young man popped into my mind, a wonderful young veteran from Tangent who used to occasionally play basketball at that park and who is a long time family friend. I got up my nerve and gave him a call. He didn't hesitate to agree to come on over and help me out! By the time I had the plants all delivered to the park (and made about 10 trips back to my place for things I forgot!), Brent Riley and his lovely wife Kathrin were there to help me with the planting!

I had texted my friend and neighbor Courtney that I was near her house planting, so before long she and her family came strolling along. In no time at all, everything was planted and it looks so much better! Everyone was kind enough to come to my patio where we enjoyed watermelon and iced tea. I was even able to finally give Brent and Kathrin their wedding gift (a juicer) which has been in our garage for about a year because we were out of town on their reception day! He was very excited because he really wanted one!

We have missed Brent on the family camping trips to the Metolius over the past few years while he was in the Army. Brent always impressed me with his kindness and patience with the younger kids (like my Nick!). I told him tonight that when he was overseas, I would see the lighted flag when I looked out my kitchen window at night and it would remind me to say a prayer for him. I can't describe how good it felt to be working together at that place with that young man, safely returned home. I so appreciate that he and his wife were willing to come help, especially at the last minute. Obviously he is still a very kind and helpful young man, and I believe God has great things in store for him and his beautiful wife.

The day was topped off by some girl chat time with Courtney, who I also love dearly! No wonder I feel better!

Brittany's Wedding

On this beautiful sunny Saturday, my dear niece Brittany got married in a beautiful garden. Here are a few pictures of the family there. (This is for you, Aunt Lela!)

Brittany was an absolutely beautiful bride, with a gorgeous dress and fabulous hairstyle. Cody was quite handsome also!

I enjoyed sitting at a table with my sister Hope, her daughter Janelle, and my sister Linda. My husband and boys sat there too.

My brother Dave (the father of the bride) and his lovely wife Sandy. I could't decide if I like the natural, unposed look...

...or the posed picture, so I am showing you both! (Sorry Sandy! You looked beautiful also! And Dave - very handsome!)

This lovely couple, my niece Venisa and Anthony, will be getting married in December! Sorry, I failed to take a picture of Doug and Anisa on the other side of the table!

My sister Jean and her lovely family. My cute little niece Serena came trotting over to my table and spent some quality time with me....I was the "gum aunt" at the recent family get-together in BC! Best thing I ever did!

My niece Jody and her husband and adorable little girl Jenna. (People really love it when you take pictures while they're eating!)

My niece Dawn and her family who are growing up way too fast, here from Hermiston.

Mom, brother Galen and Carol, and Jody's son.

Since I missed Simon in the last picture I took one of him and Brenden. Brenden doesn't seem to love getting his picture taken...

And of course, the handsomest men at the party...Missing Craig because he couldn't get off work. Wonder what they were scheming about?!

As the bridal party stood at the front and again at the reception when I saw the bridal party at their table, I couldn't help but think that Brittany's brother Tyler should have been there. He has been gone for nearly 6 years, but he will always be dearly missed. I like to think that he got to take a peek from heaven to see the joy of this wedding and to know that Brittany has found a wonderful life partner to walk with her through all of life's joys and sorrows (and may the joys outnumber the sorrows a millionfold!) I pray that God will bless them greatly with a long lifetime of wedded bliss and delight with each other.