Eugene.

So, today we went down to Eugene just to do some exploring to see what was there. Kyle had been there previously, but it was a first time for me and the kids. The drive down was really nice and easy, and when we got there we went to the mall. This is a big thing for us, now, because the only mall that is close is in Albany, and it is ridiculously tiny. Doesn't even have a play area for my boys. So, to say the least, the boys thought it was really cool that this mall did have a play area. Payton kept yelling, "Awesome," in his cute little Payton way, and Gracen just ran around like a boy on a mission. lol. They both loved it. We ate lunch at this random chinese place in the mall, and the chicken was amazing! It was a realy basic place, but the food was great. Both of the boys tried to use chopsticks, but undoubtadly did not work in the end. Gracen gave up trying after about two minutes, but Payton is a little more stubborn than that. He tried to actually eat with them for about two minutes, and then just decided to hold the "sticks," as he calls them, while he was eating with his hands. Which is hard to do with rice. lol... So, being good parents we tried to switch the sticks for a fork, which he would have nothing to do with. He cried, so we gave the sticks back. After a while, one of them fell on the floor, so I quickly hid the other set that Gracen gave up, and after a few minutes he started using the fork. Good Times!!! Anyway, after lunch we walked around the mall a little more, then decided to find the 5th Street Market which is downtown. We found a park on the way there, and stopped and let the boys play for a while. We also passed by Eugene First Church of the Nazarene, which was interesting. Nazarene's are everywhere! Eventually Gracen had to poop, so we had to leave to try and find a restroom. We stopped by the church to see if it was open because Kyle insisted, but I figured it wouldn't be, and it wasn't, so we went to find the market. Once we found it, we took Gracen potty, then explored the market. There was some amazingly beautiful art there, jewelry, toy stores, and things. It was really nice, and just had such a culture about it. It was really cool. Anyway, after that we came home, and just chilled out cuz that is what Kyle wanted to do. I spend all week in the house, and he spends all week really busy, and so we both want to do the opposite of each other. Which stinks, but we compromise. Anyway, tomorrow is church and I plan on trying to go to bed early. I am singing tomorrow, so I need some rest. ttyl, Val

A day at the park.

So, last weekend to went to the park in Downtown Salem that is right by the river. We really enjoyed our time there. We had a picnic in the park first, and then the boys got to ride the carousel. They loved every minute of it... Gracen riding Bucky the Bronco
Payton riding his horse, he giggled the whole time.

Mommy and Payton

Daddy and Gracen

Mommy and Payton

Gracen being a child model, lol.

Taking a walk.

I love Payton's face in this picture. It's classic. lol.

Well, Have a great day all my friends. God Bless.

I am a new blogger!

So, this is the first time I have ever had a blog site. I have posted some things through myspace and facebook, but this seems different somehow. Anyway, an update on us is due. We have been living in Lebanon, Oregon for some time now. We moved here six months ago from Grand Junction, CO. We have really enjoyed our time here, but have been immensely busy with the church this summer. This district has two teen camps, jr and sr high, and it makes for a long summer, but it's good for the campers, so I am not complaining. Add in Vacation Bible School, block party's, teen events, and so many other things, and it has just been a long stretch of non-stop going. I am not complaining, though, because through it all God has blessed us in so many ways.

We have met so many great friends here, and are eager to continue to become a part of peoples live's here. Kyle has two wonderful youth sponsors that are a part of the youth group, and that in itself is amazing! We went four years at Junction without having a single sponsor, so this takes a lot of pressure off of me. I can focus more on my kids, and not having to be at everything for the youth group all the time. I am pretty sure this helps Kyle, too. lol...

The youth group is doing great. Our numbers have gone way up, but beyond that we have had two teens accept Jesus into their lives. They are both on fire for God, and it's amazing to see them in their baby Christendom. We really want to start reaching out into the community more, and we had the opportunity to do that this last Tuesday, when four different bands played at our church. The cops were called on us no less than three times, the first starting at 8:00, but all was well by the end of the night.

Gracen and Payton have been having a great summer, too! Payton turned two on May 24th, and since then he has been growing like a weed! He has been talking constantly since we moved, and I am so thankful that I went with my own feeling that he didn't need speech therapy. I knew he had it all in that little head of his, he just didn't want to bring it out yet! He loves going to the river and throwing rocks into the water, and would do this for hours on end if we let him. Gracen is doing very well, also. He loves throwing rocks into the water, too, but gets bored more easily than Payton with it. He loves hiking, and bike riding, and basically anything that has to do with being outside. He turned four on July, 9th, and he can't wait to be five so he can go to kindergarten. (In his words exactly.)

In May I started watching two little boys, Matthew and Isaiah. I really wanted to make sure that I helped the right family, one with similar discipline styles and Christian values as us, and so I put up an add on Craig's List, and made sure to describe these things as best I could. I really prayed about it as well, and God answered my prayer. They have a great family, and the boys are amazing! Having four boys in my home in a challenge some days, but all in all it's been going well. We are getting into a routine and are settling into it quite nicely.

I have to go now, but I will definately keep updating this. I am not sure how often, but I hope to do so weekly or at least monthly. ttyl, Valerie