New Kitchen Cabinets!

New Kitchen Cabinets!

Okay, so I haven't taken very many before and after pictures but...we are at least at the halfway point or more after today. Jake has loaned us his handyman and trusted friend to help us out. He is amazing. His name is Eric Bjornson and he gets a ton done in a day. Last night the cabinets were laying un put together in boxes all over my house. They not only put the cabinets together but got them into the kitchen and attatched today. We are still waiting on tile that will come in on Monday and have decided that Jake was right and we are going to open the door into the dining room into and entry like the other side of the kitchen. It just opens the whole room up a ton. I still have not decided on countertops yet. In fact only halfway looked one day a couple of months ago. Where do the days go? It will probably be another month before the project is completed. We still have the floor, the doorway, and the crown molding and floorboards to get finished. We decided to try to pay cash for all of this and, because we want to go to disneyland and a few misc trips real soon, we are going to put off new appliances for a few months.
We are going to use stainless steal applicances...do you think I need a new sink? The new refrig will be bought to fit in the enclosure better. This refrig is wider than usual I think. I measured the black one downstairs and it fits almost perfect to the edge of the wood. We will splurge though and get a new over the stove microwave since the old one is too far gone to install again. Its night in these photos and so the walls look a golden yellow color...they are actually a golden brown that go great with the floor. I'll try to post pictures in the daytime so you can really tell the color..Daddy has worked all day every day of his vacation on this project for us. He actually had to get the walls and ceiling textured, then primed and then painted. Is it any wonder I love this man?

Half the Family home for a few days

Half the Family home for a few days

We went to the Temple for our Shift on Wednesday and Daddy was in so happy because he was able to pass off the inititory...he has been going on Tuesday night and practicing for the past couple of weeks...so he was very excited that he finally had it all word perfect...and then to add to that...Guy and Allison and the kids were at our place when we got home. We visited a little and hit the sack.Grandpa said it had been a great day! In the morning Guy and Allison got to go and ski/snowboard at Timberline...the snow was pretty good and they had a good time. They then went to a fancy cinama to watch "Alice in Wonderland" that they enjoyed alot. They spent the night in a Marriot someplace....and Grandma got to spend the day with her grandkids. We had alot of fun and Grandma LOVED Every Minute of it. One of those quiet sweet hold cuddle and play at home days. Ty and Brayden both are so delightful. That night however, TyTy got stomach flu, and Brayden was right behind him...by time Guy and Allison returned home.. POOR GUY AND ALLISON, pretty much stuck in the house the whole vacation..Guy and Allison had to spend that night with sick kids....Jen and kids came late in the evening. We slept through everything that night.. On Saturday we had Jen with her kids, Cindy and Jake came over with theirs, and Grandma and Grandpa Hill, Jay, Heather and their two, all came for the afternoon. The house was full but the kids played and enjoyed each other and so did the adults. Around 9 everyone left for home and Jen was heading to Sandy when her tire blew out on the highway. Guy and Jay and wives went to hlep her change the tire. Since she had bought the tire here in Gresham she decided to spend the night with us and try to get it fixed in the morning before heading back....ends up, no tire place is open on Sunday and so she got to stay another day. We all spent a lazy morning then got ready and went to our ward. Dad had to get up early to give a talk in Walters Hill ward. TyTy decided he was still sick and Allison took the brunt of that during Sacrament. Since she wasnt smelling so good, and Ty was sick Guy ran them home. Now Allison has come down with it too. It probably hasnt been a great VACATION for them, but I have loved every minute of having them all here. Family is where its all at! Maria and Kyle were able to close their house this last week and the ward helped them move in on Friday. How we wished we could be there to help. I got to go to the Temple on Saturday morning real early with Jennifer. I will always cherish that memory. JP stayed home to hold down the fort and earn a living for them this trip. He was missed. Missy and Justin had visitors all summer from the family but I am looking forward to having them here this summer for the Hood to Coast....so, the Hood to Coast....yup, we need as many runners as we can get, it will be hard to firm all that up till this summer...but plan on being here one way or another! Grandma Hill told us last night that Keri had been put on bedrest and that Donna had left to help out....and today they had the baby! Havent gotten all the details yet but we are all excited for them. Mandy got to see Keri the day before. Mike and Mandy are getting closer to their little one coming every day. They also got Cathy Gibbs to help them with their Taxes and they are excited that they will get a good return this year. Mike is finally feeling like he is catching up at school and Mandy is feeling pretty good for being pregnant. She only has a couple of months of working left....as if motherhood isnt a job in and of itself! They are trying to prepare so Mandy wont have to work after the baby comes. Oh, Cindy and Jake....amazing...well, thats what I say every couple of weeks when I go out there. Jake has now added the back deck and finished the new siding on the two lower portions of the house. They also have finished the stairs and upstairs hallway and carpeted. The whole house is looking way bigger. I couldnt believe how much larger it looks on the outside this last time. Last Thursday was Grandparents day for their kids. I had such a good time visiting the kids classrooms and at their music presentation. All the grandkids look like they have grown 6 inches to me. Kaeti and Kenz came to my class at church today...and then I realized that Kaeti really was old enough to have been in my class....Wakeup call for grandma! This is just a smidgent of what is going on...oh, but before I close...I FOUND AN ANTIBIOTIC that cleared up my 6 week sinus infection! I thought for awhile this one was going to literally suck all the energy out of my soul day by day... I woke up the second morning of the second anitiotic and could breathe through my nose...I felt like I was in Heaven...and then the kids all came and I knew that I was in Heaven...love to you all

March 7, 2010

March 7, 2010

Dear Family,

Here is mom and Hannah! Nothing like a new photo! I promise I will do better next time!

This morning in Stake PEC, I rec'd an new Ward as a HC representative. Guess what Ward:
No, not Powell Valley that was my old Ward assignment. If you guessed Estacada Ward then you would be right. It was fun to go back to Jen and JP's old Ward. Lots of good people and good memories! Bishop Wells is at the helm and there will be good times in the future. Besides my regular assignment with Music and The Blood Drive, I have now been assigned the Relief Society. I learned so much from the girls in the YSA Ward. This will all be fun!

I went to Salem for a worskshop on Friday... Proficiency-Based grading workshop. I dropped by Franklin to pick up the tests, afterwards. Looks like the students had a great time when I got up in my classroom. Lots of paper on the floor! So much for a day with the Sub!

We worked on the kitchen , Saturday, and Eric (a worker Jake recommended form his Ward) will be coming back on Monday to finish the taping and and preparing the floor for the tile. This has become a long project. Mom says we are not cut out for this remodelling. Hopefully by Spring Break we can get started on the kitchen cabinets.

Mom is still under the weather. She has emailed into her doctor for stronger medication. Hopefully, that will work! She will be going in on Monday to see a doctor.

Guy and Allison will be coming this Wednesday. We cannot wait for the Grandchildren, oh yah and Guy and Allison you are welcome too! Did I mention that the grandchildren are coming? Not that we don't want to see the parents, but is always fun the see how the grandchildren have grown, changed and to be a part of there lives, once in a while.

Kyle and Maria... Feliciationes! Glad to hear you got into your new home! We can't wait till we come and see it. How is Riley? Hope he is fine. How is Brookie taking her new room. Do the girls get their own room yet? How is the new job, Kyle?

Melissa and Justin... How is the family doing. Any more new projects. Life is a project some days, it seems. It was good to skype with your family, yesterday. Missy it was good to see your knitting on the blog. I guess I should make comments at the end, but I do really read them!

Jake and Cindy are really making progress on the siding of their house. I have not been over there recently, but I am told it really is moving on. Cindy and the young one will be over tomorrow... Cindy has a dentist appointment.

Jen and JP Should be up next weekend. Guy, see you are bring your sister from a far! We all will be eating on Saturday for a family feast around 5pm. Be there or be square! Jen, Jp, Cindy, Jake Dad and Mom! Any other takers?

Mike and Mandy went to the Fireside with Elder Rasband, Sunday evening. WE miss those Firesides. Mike is working all Saturdays 12 hours ...yesterday. Kind of neat to be working in your own same field of work! Way to go Mike!

Love you all!
Dad

February 28, 2010

February 28, 2010

Today, we had our Stake Conference. The theme was the "rescue". Do you remember the General Conference when President Monson referred to Joseph Mallard William Turner's painting "Life boat and Manby going off to a stranded". This painting the prophet renamed "The Rescue". I am sure you can see the many symbols depicted in this painting. We spend many minutes discussing the symbolism in this painting one Stake PEC Meeting. Look at those on the shore not being able to particpate in the rescue, those in the boat going out in harm's way, and the light shining from the storm itself. We came up with great suggestions for these meanings. What are your interpretations?

Anyway, we went to the temple this week, (another rescue). We went out for a couple hours visitng those in the Stake that might need a visit, yesterday. We had leadership session talking about why visitation are so important and these resuce principles. We had the traditional adult session as well as the regular session, on Sunday. The Mt.Hood Ward sang in both sessions with their choir. It was so beautiful. I got to sing with the tenor section since they were a little short. It was so fun to be with the YSA! Our Stake President basically threw out his talk during the Sunday session and went with the spirit talking about what we need to do as families to get back to the basics. He said he had such a good talk, but isn't it so much better when the spirit whsipers to go in another direction? (I definitely would have trouble with that!) He trully was speaking from the heart directly for our Stake for a good 25 minutes!

Can you imagine what you would say, if you had the keys and mantle for your Stake. It was not anything new: Stay to the bascis : Prayer, Scriture Study, FHE, Serve, and magnify your calling. ...Fathers lead out! Mothers tend to your children. Children prepare for the temple and don't let anything get in your way to stop you from that goal! So there it was in a nut shell.

We love you and so much enjoy the telephone calls, the special FHE at Cindy's ( WE are meeting once a month and talking about family stories and answering questions of the children). WE can do FHE ovver the internet if you have any questions out there for grandpa and grandma Hill. The technology is so great. We even had a three way converstion on the telephone today with mom, jen , and missy! Thanks Melissa on telling me how to hook up! The days are going so fast!

WE are planning on having Jake's friend over to help get the kitchen prepare (Eric). Kyle, once again... Thanks for getting us started. We would never of had the heads start without your early lay off. Kyle, did you get your clearance to be on the base yet? Mandy, how is the baby coming along? Your early morning sickness is past thanks goodness! Mom, has not been able to shake this sickness. She emailed her doctor to gets some antibitics. She got a blessing yesterday, so she she be on the mends. Guy is coming March 10 and will be leaving the following Monday. We hopefully will have a family dinner for all who can come on Saturday (Dad and MOm have already penciled in the date). Maria how is the house closing coming along? Melissa is loving not having the dog to clean up and that goes with that. We are hoping to get the a new kitchen soon (Spring Break). We got our taxes but still are a little short so everthing will be coming soon since our contract has finally settled (almost 90% correct on that part). We will be getting some back pay from the contact that should have settled a year and half ago. Also, I will be teaching credit recovery for the next couple of months after school on Thursdays (8 WEEKS), so the kitchen money is coming along. The temple is so fantastics on WEdnesdays nights. Just love it! ...Go to the temple, if you need extra blessings (WHO DOESN'T NEED EXTRA BLESSINGS!). It is so neat to be there with dad on his same shift. We were able to work on both sides of the veil last week. So neat, what a pay day! Mike, hope your studies are going well! Can't wait till the grandchildren come in a couple weeks. Mom is already planning activities. We live for your visits and time together. It comes so far and few as we get so spread out. All the more important to plan those trips to come home now and then! ...or should we plan a reunion in Utah this summer? Got to keep the juices and creativity going, so we can keep this family close if not in body; then in spirit, at least! This summer we will be PARTICIPATING in the Hood to Coast at the end of August. Keep your training going. Mike is up to 7 miles per day when he is able to get out. You go boy! Guy say he needs to get started training for his 26 mile marathon in Nashville, TN around April 24th weekend. Wow, Guy what numbet of marathon is this for You, anyways? Way to go! Jake is working again around Kaizer near Salem. JP, how is your foot from last week's run? Scott& Donna , Dad and Mom, and ourselves will be meeting at AppleBee's tomorrow for dinner. We enjoying getting out with family once a month.

Well, got to go!

Love you all,

Dad

We went back to the temple last Wednesday! It is so great to be back. We still are in the beginning stages, but we are on the same session as Grandpa Hill. That is a dream come true. Did I mention, it is great to be back in the temple.

So ever since Kyle has gone back to Utah, our kitchen has stood still. Thanks again for preparing the kitchen for the cabinets. We will order as soon as the income tax money comes back! Stay tune for that to happen soon. Mom say the order will come a week after you put it in.

This weekend, Mckenzie came up with her dad. He is running a race ... 31 miles plus or minus... he took a wrong turn so it was maybe a mile more. Anyways, McKenzie came to spend some time with us on Saturday and into Sunday. WE went out and celebrated her Birhtday at Red Robin with her other grandparents, later we went shoppin, and then some more shopping and finally some shopping. We got some good sales and watched a good movie in the evening.

Monday Portland Public Schools is voting on a contract...the first one in about 1 1/2 years over due... that they might approve! Hopefully the same benefits will be in place.

We are excited for Kyle, new job in Utah, Mandy for a baby girl, JP for running his race, McKenzie for coming to Gresham and celebrating her birhtday, Katie for staying Kalmath Falls to play her last game before Regionals, Mike for working on his school, all the men in our family still working and having jobs, all the dauthers who are raising righteous familes and the list goes on and on.

Love you all,
Dad

ing.

Dear Family,

This week we have been busy with the grandchildren. Maria's tribe came over Saturday. I was off to the temple praying about names for a new position in the Ward. Very strange how those answers come. I did not feel good about those name for one reason or not and I left the temple asking the Lord to let me know if there were someone else out there. Sure enough when I went up to the church parking lot for the HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY my man was there. I called the new Ward MIssion leader today and he will be sustained next week. WE had new people come out today, yet when the Ward started we only had 25 members there and after Sacrament there were at least 50. I talked last week, because of extra time left amd Bro Standing talked this week since there was on speaking calling in sick.

Last Friday Kyle went to SLC for a job interview at Hill Air Force Base. If the isn't a catcher nothing is! Our prayers are with you, Kyle. Cindy's Tribe came Friday. We went to the park to play scoccer and got home right before dark. The kids had fun running, kicking, bouncing the ball past the goal against grandpa, watching the Gordan Russel Football Team, rolling down the hill (don't tell mom!), and playing in the sand by the track. We started home when it started to lightly strinkle. It was a good excuse to come home. Shad was wet so we had to dry his pants in the dryer when he got back. He really didn't like the pink loaner sweat pants, but they were the only ones in the house.

This week the class has been studying clocktime. some students have become real experts! The other class is doing a power point on Portland all in Spanish. If you were to say I would use this technology 10 years ago I would have said you are crazy, but the kids know all about this technology so I am the expert with the Language and the students work very well by themselves on their power points.

Mom is busy with her genalogy as usual. She found somebody who is related to Robert Moosman in 1843. she sent the email for contact information and hopefully she will get some info back this coming week. She went to the library with some friends this week and they are finding info a bunch on their family names that needed to be done. As you know there nothing mom can't find for genalogy.

Hope your week goes well.

Love you all!

Dad

Summer Projects

Summer Projects

I know its been a couple of months since we have blogged but the summer has went by so fast. Heres a little peek at a couple of the projects that we got done in the last couple of weeks. Guy took a trip to Provo for a week and I got to stay home and recoup from a little bruised rib incident that I obtained while trying to cut down a bush...okay, so the cortizone shot had worn off of my right hand and I couldnt get the loppers to cut so I braced them against me...dumb move..the pain killers and a little rib brace made it possible for me to keep moving while he was gone. The bright side of all of that is that Guy was able to take Maria and her kids to Provo with him to see Missy. This is a little table that Mike had in his room that got a coat of paint...sorry Mike! The next picture is of my very green family room in the basement. It actually looks a different color than the photo...hard to describe but I am gonna leave it till probably next summer. Its alot calmer than it looks...honest...this is a bright sun day...in Oregon we dont get many of them. In the early hours and late hours it takes on an olive tint that makes it cozy feeling. Thats the cedar chest that I picked up a while back that finally made it out of the garage and a new table that I got at a garage sale. I love it. The older woman that I bought it from said it was old when she bought it. One day I will try to find out when it was actually made. The next photo actually show the room a bit. I think once I get pillows and curtains up that it will all pull together.

at least that is what I keep trying to tell myself. I had just started painting and realized that although it really was the color I had picked out...and planned on picking out, that my mother had painted a room that very color in my home once while I was growing up and I had wondered even then what she could be thinking. Ya leave an old lady alone in a house for a week and she needs something fun to do for entertainment. Imagine what my children would have to deal with if anything ever took my husband away from me for any real length of time! Daddy and I are slowly moving our stuff back down to the basement for the winter months. The whole renting it out idea is on the back burner for a bit. I am sure that daddy will want to blog about his trip but he was able to bring not only Maria and Kids back to Portland with him, but Mike too! Mandy stayed in Provo and worked and Mike came home to try to make some extra cash during the semester break.

We were so excited to have someone here to help us. He moved all the heavy objects all over the house for us. The TV downstairs again...all the books out of the den. The big desk out of the basement...etc. He pretty much worked from the time he got up until he crashed in bed but boy did he get a ton of my projects done. The biggest one was the floor in Guys old bedroom. It had been green since 1993 when we moved into this house. We were able to pick up a great deal on some really nice wide plank laminate at the Eagle Outlet in Sandy. The first day Guy and I tried to figure it out but it wasnt holding together. Mike worked for Dave that day. The next morning Mike came in to help us and he figured out the problem right off. We werent being mean enough to it and tapping the pieces into place so that they locked. By evening the floor was in and the woodwork trimmed to a matching color! Mike had boxed up all the books and the closet stuff and torn up the old carpet and pad in the first hour he worked...it would have taken us a couple of weeks to get that much done. Not only is the floor georgous but my hands are still functioning! if I had tried to do all that, I wouldnt have been able to move my right hand for a week! It was fun to be able to sepnd time with him and to see him working with his dad. He had so much to figure out and do when he got home from his mission about this time last fall, that we hadn't really just had time to hang with him. It meant a ton to get to do that. We watched a few movies and just pretty much chilled while he was here but it was probably one of the biggest highlights of the summer.The floor is actually a cherry color..the lighting makes it look light...oh well, I tried.