I decided to go on the zip-line at our local nursery. It was really fun. Summer is really crazy around here and I will be canning, gardening, weeding, and so much.
I have a lot on my plate. I will be back in July or August. God bless you dear friends. 
Because I have wonderful rhubarb plants, they are prolific so I try to create recipes using it. Here is my latest experiment: Rhubarb lemon cake, with lemon strawberry frosting.
Because this is an experiment, I will cut the recipe in half.
Blend these ingredients: 1 cup rhubarb pie filling that's been cooked down like applesauce, 1 egg, half a box of lemon cake mix and half a cube of butter. Place in 9" by 9" pan and bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Then enjoy with your family.
We sat by the river to eat our spaghetti....
but not for long...
The wind started picking up speed....
We heard thunder...
We saw gorgeous lightning...
Our windmill began spinning very fast...
So it's back inside for some wonderful rhubarb lemon cake with lemon strawberry frosting.
Frosting recipe: 1/3 cup milk, 1/3 cup butter and 1 cup powdered sugar. Boil one minute on the stove. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp lemon extract, one dot of yellow food color, and 6 0z sour cream. Pour over cake and decorate with fresh strawberries. Your family will love it. Enjoy! Love, Kathi
I came in to say goodnight to the kids and found this cute little scene. Victoria was playing her guitar and singing "How Great is Our God."
To Garrett who was in a sleeping bag on the floor in her room.
Poor little guy has an earache. I'm taking him in to the doctor tomorrow morning.
Harrison was working on his science report.
Jessica was practicing her keyboard.
Goodnight children. I love you.
I'm very tired. I cut up rhubarb and made pie filling today, along with a few strawberries for shortcake. "Goodnight everyone. Sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs bite."
Good Afternoon Dad, Mom and Blogging Friends. Come along with me to the car show, but first a little history:
For those of you who don't know, this is Josh with my husband Stacey and our son Harrison. Josh completely restored this 1950 Chevy pick-up by himself.
He did a beautiful job. Would you like to see the before photos?
Here she was before. Here's Dad helping steer while it was being loaded.
She was pretty rough.
Here she is all shiny and restored and ready for the car show.
One week before the car show my husband Stacey and his friend Ron shined up their classic autos. Ron made his Cobra from a kit. Both are excited about the car show
Here she is all shined up and ready to go... the morning of.
There goes Stacey out the drive-way. The kids and I will follow with the blanket, picnic basket, chairs and bikes.
Jessica insisted on straightening my hair while I polished my nails. She did a great job. It took a half hour.
We are loaded and ready to join Stacey, Ron and his fiance Janet.
Stacey and the kids. having a great time walking around. Harrison and his friends took the bikes and road around town for while, so I didn't get pictures of them.
Love this cutie.
When I'm a grandma I want one.
This is Janet's favorite.
It was 90 degrees, so these were a must.
I'm so glad Janet and I are friends. We have such fun together.
This is a beauty!
And the winner of the pick-ups, yes, it's my sweet hubby!!! We were so excited!! Stacey and Harrison stayed for the evening cruise up and down the street. They had a blast. We will do it next year. This time my niece Whitney was at our house waiting for us.
Whitney spent the night with us and went to church with us in the morning.
After church we had a picnic.
We had a wonderful weekend, and I hope you did too. Love, Kathi
We love you, Kathi and All
Dear Blogging friends, this dear little boy is a boy to be remembered. So I want to share his story with you again, as this is the time of year he passed away three years ago. I want you to know about him and to pray for his family today.
I never got to meet Douglas, but I wish I had. He was seven years old when he was killed in an accident. I am repeating this post because Douglas passed away May 30th three years ago.
He was the age that my own son Garrett is right now. I recently found out about Douglas, and the grieving his parents and sisters are going through right now. My sincere sympathy goes out to you, Phil and Cheryl, over the loss of your precious seven year old boy.
“Douglas was a peacekeeper,” This was said about Douglas by parents whose children attended school with Douglas-- ‘our son was really struggling when he came into first grade and wasn’t making friends. And one day he came home and said, I have a new friend. His name is Douglas.’”
According to his parents, Phil and Cheryl, he was a “surprise,” Phil said, as he and his wife were in their 40s with older children, when he was born. 
Douglas surprised everyone around him in his short life. His love for dinosaurs and trains and compassion for others amazed his family. 
Douglas with sisters Krista and Jaimie a year and a half before he died.
The community showed their love and encouragement to Douglas' family.
Douglas loved red balloons. Many were released at his funeral.
Douglas' grave-site.
Although I have not seen Douglas' parents in years, I remember them as our chaperons on a church bus 30 years ago. They were newlyweds. We thought they were awesome and cool. These two, Phil and Cheryl, have the same attitude as Job in the Bible. They still love the Lord even after this great loss and sorrow. Nobody knows the pain they are feeling unless they have lost a child. Pacific West Bank in West Linn began the Douglas Bransom Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2006, awarding a $6,000 gift each year to West Linn High School students who showed strength academically, well-rounded school involvement, compassion for others and community outreach, Bransom said. Jamie, their 2nd daughter, graduated just a week after Douglas' death so the committee wanted to give her the first scholarship award.
Heather, the 2nd recipient of the Douglas Memorial Scholarship award.
Douglas' dad, Phil, a producer for 18 years, was just beginning work on his first full-length film titled “Train Master” about kids and trains, when Douglas died. The theme was inspired by his son, who loved trains. After nine months on hold, Phil Bransom spent July filming the movie, adding elements into the film in memory of Douglas. Capturing moments Throughout Phil Bransom’s career – which has included such projects as film equipment rentals, Bowflex, Honda and Red Lion commercials, infomercials for Jane Fonda, a hit craft show on PBS and a weekly show on an NBC affiliate station back East – he knew he always wanted to write and direct a film. Bransom often traveled with Douglas to Northwest Portland while he dropped off tapes for PBS. On the way back they’d stop at the freight yards near the Fremont Bridge to watch the trains. “(Douglas) started talking about how he wanted to get on one of the engines. I said, ‘by yourself?’ and he said, ‘no, I think I’d like to take some of my friends,’” Bransom re-enacted the conversation with his son. “I said (to Douglas), ‘what would happen if you accidentally got it started and it rolled out of the yard?’ He said, ‘I don’t know.’ And that was the seed for this film.” “Train Master” is the tale of a grandfather, Jeremiah, who works for Western Railroad in the Northwest. His two grandchildren, Thomas and Sarah, share his passion for trains. A wealthy heir to a railroad line on the East Coast, named Brett, purchases Western Railroad and kicks Jeremiah out of a job, leading him to despair. When Brett’s 9-year-old son, Thomas and Sarah – along with a few friends – end up on a runaway train, the grown men are forced to make amends and strategize a solution to save the kids. When filming began last year, Bransom was able to set up his 30-person crew and boxcars near the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant along the Columbia River and use its implosion as a special effect for this film. “Now we had a ticking clock, kids on a runaway train, cooling tower that’s imploded, damaged tracks and we had to get the train stopped,” Bransom said. “From there we developed the whole story line.” Geared towards children ages 3 to 9, the film tells of an adventure between friends, family and the value of respecting others. “It’s not about repairing a train,” Bransom said.
Awards Winner: Award of Excellence, Feature Film Accolade, Competition Festivals, Backlot Film Festival, Fairhope Film Festival, Big Island Film Festival KIDS FIRST! Film Festival , Professional Affiliations "every film that is accepted has been rigorously screened by
Douglas was a frequent visitor to West Linn High School events and was crown bearer for the 2006 May Day event, just weeks before he died. A wall within the library at Willamette Primary is set to become a 3-D reading nook in the shape of a dinosaur and called “Douglasaurus,” after Douglas.
When my three big kids were young I home-schooled them. Life was busy and I needed a chore chart for each child to keep them structured. I got the original kit from Noble Publishing about 12 years ago. I modified it for my children.
Here's how I did it. I got poster board and drew lines with black marker according to how I wanted it set up. I used Velcro with the sticky back side and placed a piece of the rough side on my boards.
I made copies of the little pictures, colored them and glued them onto card stock. I put clear shelf paper or laminate on top to protect them, and placed the soft side of the Velcro on each card.
The original Chore Chart set came with the above pictures. I found it necessary to add to these pictures because I wanted to make them suited to our family.
Because I had three children at the time, I needed to make one for each child. At the end of the week, if the children were faithful in doing the things on the chart daily, they got to spend "Mom Money" which I will show in a second.
I found out recently that the laundry photos embarrassed my daughter Victoria. She didn't want any friends who came over to see that. I had no idea. Once in while we'd have a field trip planned so I made those cards.
They didn't have a home-school card so I made that, and since we participated in AWANA, I made those.
My kids were on a chess team so each one got that card to show that they had to practice with each other 5 times a day, or that they had chess class, or a tournament.
I took plain old Monopoly money, added shiny stickers (to make them more special) and covered them in clear plastic.
An easier method for a chore chart is this paper, which also originally came from Noble Publishing. I also, modified this. I wanted to show that teeth were brushed twice a day and added read the Bible.
This is the completed paper chore chart with stickers for doing the chores.
This is my "Mommy Store." One item may be purchased per week at the cost of $7 "Mom Dollars." "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
Dear Dad, Mom and blogging friends, We've had a busy, but delightful month. Here's what we've been up to. We've enjoyed this lovely weather and had many meals outside.
Lots of fun bike rides to the market.
We have a new photographer in the family. Victoria has been taking a class.
Her pictures are quite stunning.
Stacey finally got to bring home his restored 1950 Chevy. We've all enjoyed riding in it.
Victoria got five turkey babies. 
It's amazing how fast they have grown. They stay in the barn, but she lets them out too. She also has some Rhoad Island Red hens.
Jessica and I went out for a taco and had some mother / daughter time.
Stacey and I have been taking long walks down country roads in the morning.
Harrison got a buzz cut and looks great.
Jessica, Victoria and Harrison have spent lots of time in the creek.
Garrett anticipating getting up on stage to sing at his school.
He got right into the routine and was almost a "ham" up there. It was really cute.
We have three watch cats.
This one is "Shorty."
We watched tadpoles turn into little frogs.
Big sister Victoria made this plaque in her glass-arts class, for her sister Jessica's birthday.
Harrison has learned amazing stunts on his dirt bike. He is quite good at popping wheelies.
As you can see the proof that he's had a few spills.
He loves this wound in the shape of the Nike swoosh.
Fun fun fun, but watch out or you might get wet.
I never could get Harrison really well. He was always able to outsmart me.
...but Garrett did.
The girls got him pretty good too.
Garrett got his first baby chick to care for.
He loved the way it felt and it's little peeping sound.
I hope you all have a wonderful week. I am behind in returning your visits, but I hope to visit you all very soon. Love, Kathi "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal" Proverbs 12:10
"Miss Dailey" is my puppet. She comes to school with me. The kindergartners think she is real. They listen to her and obey her. In fact they'll do "anything" for her ~ smile!
I want to share with you where I got "Miss Dailey's name. I have great respect for the woman I was teaching under during my student teaching in the big city in another state. Yes, you've probably guessed, her name is Miss Dailey.
The whistle is a clue..
The tennis shoes are another clue...
The track and two of twenty-six elementary children are another clue. Have you guessed yet? well, I was the lucky one who got to teach P.E. all day at the grade school. It was a gorgeous day. I love it. The only thing I did not count on was...
Llamas!!!
Believe me, they look so sweet and mild here, but they got scared by a train whistle and came charging at us before these photos were taken. I felt nervous and protective of those dear children. These animals weigh a lot more than they look and they do spit. I am not certain if they stampede, but they looked like they could. All in all it was a glorious and happy day. I hope you had sunshine where you live. Love, Kathi
When my children were this age we did a Bible memorization program called AWANA, which was wonderful. I highly recommend it. When we moved out into the country it was hard to find AWANA, plus our children were much older by then. I decided to use these spiral notebooks below to help my children learn verses.
These little fat 3 x 5 note card spiral bound booklets are helpful way for your young children to memorize Scripture. When your child has memorized the Scripture after several days of practice, he or she is awarded the little sticker on the page. Bless you as you teach your child God's Word.
I had not planned to go to our women's retreat this year. I felt that I shouldn't spend the money, even though I really wanted to hear our guest speaker, Rosa share with us.
I wrote about Rosa's work translating the Bible into the language of the West Papua people, in Indonesia. I placed the link at the bottom of this page so you may go to it if you'd like. I would not have attended our retreat, but Maralee asked if I'd decorate the tables. 
So I did. Rosa mentioned that all of us were there by God's appointment. I was there because God wanted me there. Wow! If you will recall this is what I came up with: copper jello molds with living chive plants, and cut dogwood flowers placed in the dirt and fake candles and crystal candle holders in the center. I bought fabric and hemmed 22 inch squares for the tables. They turned out beautifully, which thrilled me for I had not done this before.
Come join me at my women's retreat. Here is the entry table where we signed in and below is Rosa speaking to us ladies.
I'm so happy I got to attend. Rosa spoke about the difficulty of laying down our most valuable treasures at Jesus' feet. The things we hold onto the most and would be afraid of losing. Could we give those to Him? or would we be afraid to live without them?
I thought of many things which would be hard to live without: My husband, children, home, financial security, reputation, and much more. It's a matter of trusting the Lord, that if He were to take those things, could we still believe Him? could we still trust that He is in control?
Many people in the Bible had their faith tested in such a way. Abraham and Job were two. I can remember two incidents in my own life where God asked me in a gentle nudge, which I know was coming from Him, whether I could trust Him or not. The first was, "Could I live single and be an 'Old Maid' for my whole life?" I struggled with this when I was about 20 years old. I finally, said, "Yes, Lord, if You want me to be single the rest of my life, I will trust You." I had instant peace. Then, the Lord showed me who my husband was going to be. I laid this thing I held so tightly down in His lap, and He gave me the desire of my heart." Yes, ladies, we can trust Him, with big or small things. He is faithful and loving.
This is Lonna. She led worship and has a gorgeous voice. I continued to ponder the question Rosa had asked us. I remember another time when I had a fear of becoming a quadriplegic. This was after reading Joni Erickson's book, about her life after a diving accident. I had so much fear that I panicked at times when driving my car, for fear of an accident. Finally one day I sat behind the wheel of my car and said, "Okay Lord, here I am. If you want me to be paralyzed for the rest of my life to better glorify You, You can have me. I trust You."
This is Mariah. She did a great job with the songs and overhead projector and Pat was marvelous at the piano. Right then and there in the seat of my car that day, I felt so much peace and love. All fear was gone. I am so thankful I can truly trust Him. I know that if such an accident were to happen to me, I would never be alone. He would never leave me. I also know that though this life seems long, it is just a dot compared with eternity with Him in a place where there are no heart aches, problems, pain, fear, crying or despair. It won't be long and I will be with Him in my new glorified body.
Sorry this one's a bit blurry. We all talked about the things Rosa shared with us and we prayed together. Then it was time for fun and games.
Maralee and Danita placed us on teams. Since our theme this year was jungle and was called "Survivor," they were actually "tribes. I was placed as tribal leader. That's me in the red top.
These are our team posters. I am noticing that I am being placed in leadership positions more and more, which is quite out of the ordinary for me. I am both honored and ready to take up the reins. I guess there is a time and a season for these things, and I don't take it lightly.
Here we are staying up past our bedtime playing cards. Those are pretzels in our mouths. Okay, okay, I confess, it was my idea. That's me again in red with my hair up and glasses. We played "Apples to Apples." What fun and what sweet ladies.
Breakfast! How nice. No cooking and no cleaning up. I love these two ladies. This is Liz and her daughter-in-law Danita. We are praying for Liz, who has cancer.
We felt so loved and encouraged by one another.
Time for morning exercise. It was raining outside so we briskly walked laps around the gym.
Charla tells us we have a very important guest. She is a soul survivor.
Here is our soul survivor, Virginia (paper bag over her head).
Virginia shared her life story and how she has survived many things because of God's mercy and grace on her life.
This lady in front is Ann. She was our "cabin mother." I appreciated her thoughtfulness to us girls in her cabin.
Ann brought this bright and sunny yellow plant for our cabin.
Ann was so sweet to give us these little gift bags with water bottle, chocolates, pen, paper clip and note pad. Thank you Ann.
Lunch time!! I loved the yummy salad bar and soup.
" Mmmmm" Again, no cooking and no clean-up; just rest and relaxation!
This is so good for us ladies. We need this kind of refreshment once in awhile.
Oh, my, time to go shopping!!! Lonna, Danita and Maralee show me how it's done.
They brought me to this darling place!
I love this kind of store. This is where ideas are generated!!
I want at least one of my windows to look like this! How fun.
I know I'm way too old for this to be worn as a dress, but worn as a top? with a a cap sleave tank or tee underneath with jeans? Maybe.
Oh the girly jewelry. I just love looking and imagining.
I even decided since I don't work-out, that this is the year I start. They had sweat suits on sale. I've actually gone out walking and jogging with my husband since this purchase.
I used to knit those cute cotton washcloths, but forgot how. I brought my knitting with me and Liz re-taught me.
She knits beautifully.
We stayed up again, way past our bedtime again. It was such fun; like being a kid again. No responisbility, just do what we enjoy and visit with one another.
Rosa spoke again and touched our hearts with God's word. She shared her testimony and brought many of us to tears. Thank you Rosa.
I loved hearing these two dear ladies sing. What beautiful voices. Thank you Lonna and Danita.
Thank you for coming along with me to my women's retreat. If you would like to read the post about Rosa's work, please click here. May God richly bless you today as you tell Him your hopes and dreams, and trust Him with your life~even those hard to let go of pieces of your life. Love, Kathi
