Sister Time at Cannon Beach

My sis and I were so blessed to be able to go to the women's retreat at Cannon Beach with her church. We had a wonderful time getting to know other women in her church as well as getting in some quality sister time. Being from Eastern Oregon, we don't have a lot of shopping options so it was fun to do some shopping on the way up.  

My sis and I took pics of each other at Rooster Rock, right after I made her play a round of tether ball with me. I'm the fun twin that gets her out of her comfort zone. She says I'm good for her ;o) Love these scarves, our Aunt Joy made for us. They are so fun!

Stacie took a pic of me, too. I told her it was a good thing she took the pic before the retreat because oh my word, did they feed us WELL.

We went to lunch with our "roomie", Karen, at "Bigfoot Restaurant" in Seaside. The most delicious prime rib I've ever had. It was really fun getting to know her.

 The weather was absolutely perfect. Not even any wind on the beach on Saturday. It just added to the blessing of the spiritual renewal we received that weekend.

 This is probably the most interesting lighthouse I've ever seen. It is called Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. It is way out there, too. I really zoomed in to get this pic and then did some fun editing with it.

Our friend, Karen, took this pic of Stacie and I by Haystack Rock. Absolutely love the clouds in the sky that day. Breathtaking!

 I had a chance to take some sunset pics. I was trying to get the sun right above the whale's spout, just for fun.

This was my favorite pic of the weekend. I didn't even have to do any editing to it. 

The next day was windier when we walked towards Haystack Rock. You can kind of see the sand blowing around Stacie. The weather was still wonderful even though it was breezy on the beach.

Love trying to capture the wave, just as it breaks. Like many, I find the ocean waves fascinatingly beautiful and powerful, yet it is something to fear and respect. It is how I view God. I was so encouraged in my walk. God knew I would need that time of renewal before I started the next phase of my life. I needed to be encouraged in flexing my "faith muscles" in preparation for our upcoming move. 

Two days after I got back from the retreat, we accepted a good offer on our house and put a bid on a small homestead over the mountain. By a miracle we got it for a really good price and we look forward to moving in less than two weeks. We will live with my mom for about a month as we close on both houses. So thankful for a place to live inbetween houses. It has certainly been a "nail biter" and continues to be so, but I know God is going to take care of us. In the meantime these "faith muscles" are getting bigger.

God Bless, 

Jackie

Celebrating Grandpa Fay's Life

Last month, we had Grandpa Fay's "Celebration of Life" service. For a glimpse into the 91 years that he lived, worked and loved on this planet, click here for my "Hayin' in Heaven" tribute. He would have loved the day, "his day", as we remembered how much he loved each of us and what a truly great man he was. We had pictures of him all over the stage driving and farming with his team. My cousin, Kim, but together an amazing picture slide show complete with hymns as background music, giving a wonderful glimpse into his life and bringing back so many good memories. 

More pics of Grandpa farming with his horses. So much horse knowledge was forever lost when he passed from this world. Everyone talked about his incredible sixth sense when it came to horses.

My sister sang "When It's All Been Said and Done" while my Aunt Esther played the piano.

                                      
Here is a short video of my dad's friend, Duane Nelson, who is an amazing cowboy poet. He recited the comic "Horse Trader" poem because it was Grandpa's favorite. Grandpa was a heck of a horse trader himself. He had us all laughing and smiling. Thank you, Duane!

Duane was kind enough to read my dad's tribute to Grandpa for him. All the tributes were very special.

My Aunt Linda read a poem she wrote about Grandpa and then read a tribute for her husband, my Uncle Amos.

My Aunt Ada's friend read her tribute for her as well. Just easier that way. 

 After the service, some of our immediate family went up to Knebal Springs to spread Grandpa Fay and Grandma Mary's ashes. We used to camp here all the time with our horses while growing up. So many great memories! Here is a picture of my kids and Stacie's just before their ashes were spread in the meadow.

 Lily and Hailey are cousins who just love to tell each other secrets.

 My nephews, Marcus and Josh, both teenagers now, are growing up so much. Josh is wearing Grandpa Fay's shirt and coat.

 My cousin, Jay, with his mom who is also my Aunt Ada. They are standing and visiting with my Uncle Amos, whom we have affectionately dubbed, "The Cowboy Mountain Man".

 I love this pic of my BIL, Steve, explaining about what the ashes are and where Grandma and Grandpa's souls are now. Such a precious moment.

 The grandkids took turns reading sympathy cards to the family. Thank you for your sweet thoughts everyone!

My step-mom, Diana and Dad volunteered to spread Grandma and Grandpa's ashes together in the meadow. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

 Afterwards, we stood around and chatted while the kids explored the campground a little. I love the way all the guys were comparing hairlines.

 Oh, the hours we spent playing in and around these corrals while growing up.

 My dad and his older brother, Amos, talk so similar and even stand the same way. So glad I managed to capture this moment between them.

 This is the beautiful Knebal Spring. Same trough that was there as when I grew up. Couldn't believe it was the still there.

 I wanted to get a pic of Grandpa's surviving children who are my dad, Russ, and his siblings, Ada and Amos. Grandpa was proceeded in death by four of his children.

In lieu of flowers, we had asked everyone to bring a pie to his service, which was Grandpa's favorite dessert. In fact, you would ask him what his favorite pie was and he would always say, "More Pie!". The next day, our immediate family got together for some leftover pie from Grandpa's funeral and used it instead of birthday cake to celebrate all the Sept birthdays in our family. Here are the goofy birthday boys!  

A huge thank you to the approximately 200 people who came to support us and celebrate the fact that our dear patriarch is gone from this earth to a paradise where there is no more pain, no more tears, only goodness, love and paradise. It still doesn't change the fact that we miss Grandpa greatly, but it certainly does make it easier knowing we will see him again. "O death, where is your sting?" 

When it's all been said and done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for truth?

Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done

All my treasures will mean nothing

Only what I have done

For love's rewards

Will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great

That you look beyond our weakness

That you found purest gold in miry clay

Turning sinners into saints

I will always sing your praise

Here on earth and in heaven after

For you've joined me at my true home

When it's all been said and done

You're my life when life is gone.

- By Robin Mark

God Bless,

Jackie

"Happy, Happy, Happy" Birthday, Josiah!

Because things have been so crazy around here lately (with us not knowing when we were going to move), we decided to do a low-key birthday party for Josiah with just a couple of his friends. He loves all things "Duck Dynasty", so many of his gifts were DD stuff. Michael found an Army uniform for him at a PX and made sure his name tape was on it. Josiah was thrilled!

Thank goodness this small town boy is about to move into the country! Does he look ready for it or what? Yesterday we accepted an offer on our house and we are moving! We are putting an offer in on a little 3 acre homestead and hope it gets accepted. By the end of next month, we may finally be living our family dream! Please pray for us that all will go smoothly.

Instead of a party, I took the kids to this really fun local recreational center. Josiah was allowed to invite two friends. We got things rolling with some arcade games. Josiah used his dad's hunting gear to play this deer hunt game and laser tag later. What can I say, he's a unique kid.

I was going to make it a "boys only" party, but Josiah insisted that Hailey be there, too. She was delighted to be included. She saved up her money and bought Josiah an "Uncle Si" tea glass. She also bought herself a pink one.

We got Josiah a rock tumbler. He really enjoyed this.

One of his friends got him this Harley D. jacket. Very nice!

We got Josiah these DD plates. I love Hailey hiding behind the tea glass, LOL.

Laser tag, oh yeah, baby! I got to play this last summer and it was so fun. It is all in the dark and under black lights, so the pics didn't turn out great. Josiah was trying to hide his white skin so that he wouldn't glow under the black lights, LOL. Poor kid!

Mitch and Josiah going toe to toe.

Where is he?

Jacob was a first timer and beat everybody. So proud of him!

Hailey was right in there with the boys, having a ball.

After laser tag, we went upstairs to play some challenging miniature golf. It has an "Old West" theme.  I call this picture, "Hailey and the Boys". Sounds like a 80's country band.

We finished up at a local frozen yogurt shop. Josiah chose to go here instead of getting a cake. We are singing "Happy Birthday" to him in this pic.

I had to throw in this last pic of Josiah with his new cameo sporran that he got from our friends, Billy and Kay. Josiah loved it and can't wait to wear it with his kilt the next chance he gets. Unique to say the least.

Dear Josiah,
I can't believe you are already 10 years old! Times flies when you're busy and having fun. We are excited to see you taking on the responsibility of caring for your very own dog.  We look forward to watching you increase that responsibility when we move to our homestead where you will have even more animals to take care of. Even though we butt heads sometimes, we know how to laugh together and get through those rough patches as your dad and I strive to teach you the ways of the Lord. Your heart for Him continues to grow. Your understanding of His paths continue to widen. It is an exciting thing to watch as a parent and I pray you will always continue on that path, never looking to the right or the left, but keeping your eyes on Jesus, knowing you will be blessed indeed if you put Him first in your life. This will be a year of huge changes for you - some will be wonderful, some will be hard. Of this I'm sure - we will get through it together and come out even stronger as a family unit. 

We love you beyond words, dear son,
Your Loving Mama