Did Not See That Coming!

For a time, we lived in an old house on Harold St. in Portland, OR. BreAnne and Krista were our only children, but Josiah was on the way. It was during August, and we were out in the yard enjoying the day.

I do not remember how it got started, but Bre was three and Krista was one and just barely walking. Bre had a squirt gun, and I had a squirt bottle. It was enough for a water fight. With our backs turned to her, Bre snuck up behind us and squirted us with her squirt gun. I wheeled around with my squirt bottle to return fire, and Bre would scamper away out of range out of my superior firepower, and all of us would laugh including the neighbor's across the street. Then we would turn our backs again, and the game would continue. During all this of this, Krista did her best to steer clear of the fight.

This went on for three or four iterations when we noted the neighbors were laughing AND pointing.

Via Google Images

De'Etta and I both heard Bre sneaking up on us so I was preparing to return fire. When I guessed she was about five feet away, I spun around to take up the fight only to discover that BreAnne had changed the game. When we spun around we were greeted by the full fury of the garden hose. She got tired of the meager output of her squirt gun. Before we could do anything, our three year old drenched us. She, next, turned her arsenal on her one year old sister, Krista.  We did not see that coming.  The neighbors laughed. We laughed as we ran out of range. We had no choice but concede the fight. We were completely outgunned and outsmarted by our three year old.

We learned to never underestimate that little girl or any of our children - ever. 

Land Locked Texan visits Oregon Coast

 Jamin lives in land-locked College Station. He has been asking if we'd have time to go to the coast. Krista is selling off things her roommates and her no longer need as she empties her house. She found a buyer for Arielle's old bed/desk at the coast. We loaded the bed and headed out. The coast is an hour away. We delivered the bed and then explored the coast.

Krista was determined to walk on the beach with us....she's a trooper. 

It's just easier to add a video than to try to explain how this worked out. 

This was shortly before a kid with a bow and arrow shot arrows in our direction and we decided the beach was getting to crowded. We headed to our next traditional stop. 

LOVE the Oregon Coast

Michael loves the clam chowder at Mo's and it's been our tradition since our honeymoon to stop in when we are in the area. I'm allergic to shell fish - BUT I have decided WHEN WE GO TO THE COAST (as opposed to living in a coastal town and getting it each week),  I will splurge on fish and chips. It was good.

Michael and Stacia had made this delicious Happy Birthday Jesus Cake. It had a brownie crust, two kinds of ice cream, Oreo crumbles and hot chocolate! We simply couldn't eat another sweet on Christmas, so we savored it tonight. 

Krista and Jamin decided to join a group of local friends for a game night. Michael went to bed. These three played Lord of the Rings trivia inside. I watched a bit of Netflix and called it a night too.

We discovered a county campground near the beach - we'll be going back in the near future with the motor home.

Christmas Memories

Every year I feel I must warn young families to beware of the traditions they begin. I have NO recollection of deliberately setting about to make cinnamon rolls a Christmas breakfast tradition - but it has become one.  When I jokingly complain it makes no sense as a tradition, they observe that  it connects us to Gram's Cinnamon rolls....and I bake on.😀

It was fun for us to have Jamin and Krista with the five home bound Gherkins. 

After we gobbled up our rolls, we headed over to Krista's church. I love it when Christmas falls on Sunday - it makes our celebration feel much more natural.  Krista gave an advent devotional, there was lots of worship and various ones of us read Scripture selections. It was perfect.

Cinnamon rolls, worship, some family....the only thing lacking to make it feel more Christmasy was MORE FAMILY. We headed over to Mom and Dad T's around 3:30 p.m. Mikhail and Elizabeth (Natae and Heather's children), Will and Sherri, all three of their kids and Lily (Matthew's fiance), BreZaak and Bella, us 5 homie Gherkins and CoRielle converged in Springfield.  I tried to get one picture of all - but failed.  We missed you Nate and Heather.....JaRissa and Josiah.....

 Mikhail complains all the games are too much strategy! I agree. 

 Sisters - Stacia and Mrs. S

Seating for 20....

Lots of Bella loving for Gemma.....

Bella's First Christmas

 Gherkins playing some card game.

Mom and Dad had some gifts for everyone. We each got part of Dad's coin/stamp collection....money and coins from around the world....

Sherri and Mikhail

Mom T passing out gifts...

Matt and Lily

 It took three to get Dad's gift open - an alarm clock shaped like a semi-truck. 

Will and Jamin checking out the value of coins - amazed at how they change over time. 

When we got home we noted lights on all over the house. We didn't remember leaving lights on. Then we noted a man carrying things OUT of the house. Jamin jumped out to investigate. CoRielle were picking up more of Arielle's things.

We were too tired to eat the Birthday cake Michael had made for Jesus....in fact, I went to bed while the others played games (will be good to get those new thyroid meds).

Practically Perfect

We went searching for an old-fashioned-Christ-centered candlelight service. We knew this is what Mom G would like to attend. Lindsey, invited us to her church's service, it was fairly near where Mom G is staying with Rebecca, and seemed like a good bet.

Via Google Images

It was perfect. We enjoyed an evening of Scripture reading and singing the beautiful old Christmas hymns.

The setting was gorgeous - lots of candles and white lights....

Mom G had told us this was "our year" for Christmas, but things have changed since the declaration. She had mentioned  she wanted to sit around the piano at her home and sing the old Christmas hymns and take communion on Christmas Eve.

There was no communion and we were in a church, rather than her home, but this was as close as we could have found.  It was a nice-sized church, but wasn't crowded, which is also a concern when out and about with the walker.

I'll carry two favorite memories with me from this evening....Mom G, Michael, and family singing  the old favorites. Gustily. Worship crosses all generational lines when each enters in wholeheartedly.

The other memory is rather sacrilegious - but it's MY memory - and I will cherish it.  Our fourteen year old son is rather guarded with his emotions. He's grown up in an Air Force chapel. Some of the hymns have been edited.  As we sang about "oxes and asses" feeding, I noticed a perplexed sort of disgusted look on his face. I leaned over and said, "Donkeys are also called asses."

He dissolved into laughter - covered by the lusty singing of the congregation. It was pure joy to share a Christmas laugh with him during the service.

The Scriptures took us from prophecy to redemption and were a wonderful was to refocus on what truly matters at this time of the year and year round!

We came home and had breakfast for dinner (our Saturday routine) and then settled in to watch "sappy Christmas movies." We couldn't find the ones we wanted on Netflix or Amazon Prime, so we settled for Muppets Christmas Carol, which Jamin hadn't seen for awhile.

Brain Fog Strikes Again

Sometimes things sneak up on you. Sometimes you KNOW they are sneaking up on you but you have no energy, nor time to do a thing about it. 😄😃

I avoid doctors. I do go at least once a year to have labs so my cholesterol and thyroid meds can be refilled.

It took me MONTHS to find a doc in Crescent City that would take Tricare. It took another month to apply, be accepted and schedule an appointment. Michael needed to stay here for doctor's visits and I had to cancel that appointment.

I have had little energy, been incredibly tired, more emotional and forgetful than my norm, my skin is cracked, my nails are splitting, and I've gained 30 lbs in 6 months - since JaRissa's wedding.  Some of you have already put this together.....I claim brain fog and the stress of meeting the needs of several loved ones.

I thought the weight gain, fog and emotions could all be explained away with learning new things about Parkinsons, hitting 50 (I'd been warned I'd gain a bunch of weight all at once around my waist - I am nearing 53 and hadn't gained the weight yet), adjusting to living in Crescent City - I thought I must be doing a lot of EMOTIONAL or STRESS eating.  I've spent a bit of time disappointed with myself and beating myself up over this.

Michael mentioned my eating hadn't changed and I chalked it all up to not having a home gym  - but I didn't gain a ton of weight the first 6 months in the RV.

I ran out of cholesterol meds (thought it was thyroid, but it was cholesterol - brain fog).  I spent free moments in waiting rooms trying to find a doc here that would take Tricare AND would accept new patients.

The medical practice Mom goes too called back after I chatted with them when I took Mom in. They agreed to accept the kids and I and made an immediate appointment for me when I told them I was out of cholesterol meds and nearly out of thyroid meds. I had labs that day and they called with results early the next day. WOW - I'm impressed.

I am anemic.

My cholesterol labs are out of kilter - expected.

My thyroid is out of normal range! Ta duh! The PA said all my symptoms pointed to that and the labs confirmed it, so they are adjusting my dose again.

I feel a bit silly for not figuring it out....but I really haven't been thinking about my health much this year. LOL

The Weeks.....

Rather than attempt daily posts, here are some glimpses into things "other than the wedding," that happened in the last couple of weeks.

It is ALWAYS a joy to have all the Gherkins in one spot. These times are becoming rare as they spread across America (and soon I expect some will venture outside of America).  Currently, WEDDINGS  have provided the chance for gatherings. For this I am truly THANKFUL.

We visited Mom G (and Sherlock), Michael had several therapy appointments, and  I took Mom T to two appointments. At one of her appointments I visited the business office and asked if they would take Tricare. They take a certain number and will call back.  As a side note - there have been 12 appointments in the past 2 weeks....I've spent a life time avoiding doctor's offices and now I'm on first name basis with receptionists, therapists and doctors. ::snort::

Some Sherlock lovin

Elizabeth stopped by one evening and it was fun to see her! 

Nate and Heather's daughter

We played lots of games....

Bella got uncle time....

Jared & Bella 

Jamin and Bella 

 This week has been quieter....I've spent most my free time this week blogging one day. ::snort::  Michael has worked on projects on the motor home - that will be a separate post.

We made time amidst the doctors, visiting and projects to go see Moana at the CHEAP theater. We were surprised that there were recliners - honest to goodness REAL, comfortable recliners in the theater. Seems they are converting - and I suspect it will soon no longer be the CHEAP theater in town. LOL

Jamin has instigated workouts for the Alex and Nolan. He's a trainer/coach at heart - regardless of what his other fancy degrees say. ::snort::

Sunday night, while playing soccer, Krista hurt her knee. We moved this way on Sunday and have been able to insure she keep it elevated and iced the first few days. The doctor confirmed she had sprained her collateral ligament and that it will heal in time. Her Air Force career had flashed before her eyes as her teammates asked why hurt and tried to patch her up.

Add Gherkin sized  cooking to the last couple of weeks and this gives you a fairly good summation of what we've been up to. LOL

Fun with Mom and Dad T - #WYFF

Merry Christmas Adam (day before Christmas Eve).  Last year we had a cool tea party. 

This year we spent the day working on various projects and playing Nintendo.

This evening we took pizza to Mom  and Dad T's. We discovered several of us prefer Dominoes to Papa Murphy's....and one or two prefer Papa Murphy's to Dominoes.

Next on the agenda was to  find Christmas lights to view.  The guys put an extra seat in the van and we all headed out. I should have taken photos at dinner or got everyone out of the van to take a shot in front of lights, but I didn't.

Not sure what the dino has to do with Christmas

We stopped at Applebees on the way home to enjoy a bit of dessert - and spend last year's Christmas gift cards. ::snort::

Fun memories.