Coffee With Elly

Phinehas was happy to be matching with Grandpa Mike after church, after Family Camp. Michael enjoys playing a little basketball with his big boys. Judah was shaking his head afterward and commenting that Dad can still beat him. 

My mother's day cards from my kids! We had a family birthday party for Grandma Valerie, Uncle Bryan, and Monica on Mother's Day

Burning energy is fun! Elena finished her first book! "Do you want to go out for a drink tonight?" he said. I said yes. :-) My project - researching buying a dining room table! (still, continually) Spring can be rainy in the Willamette Valley. But not all the time! Watching the big kids' assembly isn't always exciting, but anything is better with a friend! You never can tell what the weather will be like here, though. Taken on March 6. Phinehas likes to write out the Sunday School verse before class starts.

All three of the older kids did basketball with the home school HOOPS league this winter! Judah and Ezra were on the same team and did really well. At the end of the final game, with the seconds ticking down, Judah shot a basket that won the game - so he was happy! Ezra was one of the two point guards, which, apparently for basketball people, is impressive. He practiced a lot and his ball handling skills are great! I look forward to seeing how they do next year!  Monica enjoyed having spiffy basketball clothes and seeing her friends a little more often. Although she never got to the point where she really knew what was going on on the court, she certainly tried to follow directions and pay attention to the coach. There was some consternation and talk of quitting mid-season, but she pulled through and by the end was determined to try again next year! Good for her! Monica and friend Margo - so cute!

Opening her gift from Grandma Valerie! New Dutch Blitz cards! Excited about his Star Wars themed playing cards! Phinehas loves the Flash shirt from Grandma Valerie Monica is already making plans to wear her new hat to Family Camp! My sweet Valentine! Why must she grow up?! Sending Valentines to Grandma Rachel is so worth it! (We gave them to Grandma Valerie, as well!)

It was rather bright.  I got inspired earlier this week with the purchase of a package of English muffins. Using the muffins and a Costco precooked breakfast sausage patty and an egg, I made myself a delicious breakfast sandwich. Since the kids would probably like one, too, I considered making them for lunch, but with a burst of energy and ingenuity I made them right before I left for pick-up, wrapped them separately in foil and brought them their own "fast food" breakfast sandwiches for... well, for lunch! Shocked by their good fortune, they were  very appreciative and the quick stop at Clackamette Park to observe the mildly flooding river was very welcome, as well.  See the tree trunk in the water?! I even brought a piece of old bread to feed the seagulls! The activity was a hit! You really have to take advantage of those beautiful days, in Oregon!