SNOW

We have approximately 16 inches of snow on the ground. Looks like we'll have to head over Mt. Hood to the Dalles to get home for Christmas unless they open 84 tomorrow? A few pics from this morning. I decided to burn a few calories and shoveled the driveway....I'm way out of shape!

Family Pictures

Post Card:




No school again today for the kids! We went to the photo studio last night. It was nice to get the pictures out of the way. Our family photo for the house turned out pretty good. On a totally unrelated subject, it must be the holidays because my appetite has increased. I hope not to gain more than 10 lbs. this holiday season (ha).

Jer

Must be Christmas Time...Update No School Again?

We're into the 4th day (tomorrow) of "Deep Freeze" and "Arctic Blast" 2008 according to our local news honks. I think the school district employees/teachers just want a longer vacation for themselves (ha). You should see the roads here today after 38 degrees and rain...but there's a chance for a centimeter of snow tomorrow so lets cancel school again. All I can say is I wish I grew up here on the sissy side of the state!

Oh well the kids/myself had fun playing in the snow....



(Kids new snow man)



Sunday Morning Surprise:



It will be a mess around here tomorrow with temps dropping and all this moisture on the roads!

Finally a few words about OSU football

Pretty cool that Quizz got Pac 10 Offensive Player and Freshman of the year and Mike Riley was honored with Coach of the Year. I sure hope that will carry over to the Sun Bowl. I still have a really bad taste in my mouth with that Civil War performance. All I will say is Mr. Banker (Def. coach) better start in January 2009 learning how to defend the spread and particular the UO spread or OSU will never win another Civil War again! The D lost the game plain and simple. OSU football has changed for me in that I love just going to the games and being with family. Maybe I've matured some?????



Other news, we finally got our tree up and decorated. It's a real nice noble fir and smells terrific! The kids had fun wearing their matching elf hats (post photo later) while decorating the tree. We're all excited to see everyone for Christmas in Irrigon.

Bahamas Cruise

We had a great time on the cruise. My sister Jessy invited me to accompany her on her gig aboard the Monarch of the Sea. My mom, our friend Mrs. Flores, and our cousin Jenny went with us. Jess only had two performances so we got to hang out a lot. We flew to Florida on Thursday, and boarded the ship Friday from Cape Canaveral. The first day on board we tried to rest up, as we were all tired from traveling. There were three of us in our tiny stateroom which seemed to shrink to half it's size once our luggage arrived. Later that night we were treated to a viewing of the shuttle launch (which unfortunately Jen and I missed). I heard it was an amazing sight. Saturday morning we arrived at Nassau but there was some problem docking the ship so we weren't able to spend as much time there as we would've liked. Jess had to be back pretty early because she had a show that night. So we did some quick shopping close by, and then went to the Atlantis resort to check it out. The front page story of the Bahamas local paper stated that Atlantis had just laid off 800+ employees because of the economy. Atlantis is a beautiful resort and I would love to go back and stay there. We had a quick lunch and enjoyed their pool then had to get back to the boat. We had just enough time to get ready for Jess's show, and the formal dinner to follow. Sunday was my birthday. We were supposed to disembark at Cococay, but were unable to because of high waves. That was a bummer but we managed to have a good day on board anyway. We had a get together in our room with my mom and Mrs. Flores that morning and took some pictures without realizing our hair was a mess! Later I had a facial at the spa, and then we watched the Men's sexy legs contest on deck. It was hilareous. Most of the contestants were recruited by the staff, some with good legs the rest just good for a laugh. There were four judges and the contestants were supposed to impress the judges while showing off their legs and dancing to the Lambada. Some guys really got into it and let their inner exotic dancer come out. After dinner we went back to our room and I was surprised to find our room decorated for my birthday! We celebrated my 29th birthday at the Disco (I've decided it was a good number and I'll just stay 29 for a while). We had a great time dancing to Green light and Womanizer among many others. Monday morning we disembarked and all of us in Jessy's band had a pancake breakfast at the band promoter's house. It was fun hanging out with her group and their wives and getting to know them. The time went too fast, and now we are all back to work. Pictures to follow.

My Dad a Vietnam Veteran

It was great to have mom and dad over for a short visit this weekend to watch the OSU game, and the kids in their primary program. I'm jealous of Sarah and Riley, not just because they always have a babysitter (ha), but because Kendle and Morgan can be around such great grandparents! Dad conversed with Caleb about the recent election and Caleb actually was listening.

One thing that was cool is dad brought a few of his old Vietnam war photos for us to look at. I remember being a kid thinking it was so cool that my dad was in a war. Rich and I used to sneak into dad's closet and look at his guns and pictures. He even let me wear one of his cool headbands for football in high school. It was the coolest thing telling my friends that my dad wore this in Viet F'n Nam (sorry had to say it)!

I guess what I'm trying to say is this; I'm proud of my father for being a true American Hero, just like John McCain, just like anyone else who's ever risked their life for this country. I'm sure dad wishes he didn't see or have to do certain things during that war but at the same time it made him who he is today (and being raised by great parents as well). I'm sure I've never told dad this but he is definitely my hero and someone I look up to daily!

A few pics of the meanest 5'7ish guy you wouldn't ever want to mess with:





Cool M-60 machine gun on the chopper

Leaves, costumes and candy!

Caleb and Alia were good helpers cleaning up the leaves with me. I had them wear head protection because nuts were still falling from our tree. I'm sure glad we got the front yard done because the rain is here to stay! The back yard is going to be a chore.



After seeing Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull, Caleb has morphed into a mini me version of Dr. Jones! We now have all four Indie movies and he's watched them all many times.



Alia loves everything princess. She was Princess Jasmine this year. We took the kids to our stake trunk-or-treat last night and had a good time. Lots of candy and some interestingly decorated vehicles. Now I need to hide the kid's candy somewhere so I can eat it all!!

We're all going to the OSU vs ASU game tonight and hope to hook up with Rich and Deb. I'm sure it will be raining, but here's to hoping for clear skies before kick-off!

Back to work

Well hello everyone. I am going back to work tomorrow. I guess they still need me at Newberg Hospital. I was hoping maybe I'd been replaced in the time I was away recovering from my life changing surgery. I feel great. I've had an easy recovery from abdominal surgery and I feel so much better about myself. I had a severe Diastasis which is a separation and weaking of the abdominal (rectus) muscles due to pregnancy. I lived with it for 6 years. Jer was my biggest supporter in my decision to do something about it. I feel stronger and ready to finally get in shape! I have no more excuses now. I also have been contemplating a career change. I've been thinking about it for a really long time and have decided that there is something else out there for me. I have never really loved my job. So far I know I don't enjoy sick people, or sales people. I think I'd like to do something with kids, music, clothes, or hair? First I have to get over my aversion to school and I'll be set. I've never been a great student, but anything is possible I say. It's also the perfect time for me now that the kids are in school all day. I would like to set the example of setting my mind on something and accomplishing great things to my kids. Although I have found that the first step in a new direction is the hardest.

Quick Update

Molly is recovering from her surgery last week quite well I must say. I think she handles pain better than most especially me! She's off the hard drugs now and just taking Tylenol. Caleb and Alia were a little worried seeing mom in bed with "tubes sticking out of her" but those are all gone now and things are back to normal. I'm going to Providence, Rhode Island next Tues-Wed to tour a risk management testing facility that WM uses. Basically a place to light fires and blow things up! Kids are doing well in school and are adjusted to their schedule. I hope to do some form of fly fishing here soon (Trout or Steelhead)... the weather over here has been fantastic! Kids school pics below....

Why I LOVE getting facials

1. I love going to the salon
2. The setting is very relaxing i.e. comfy bed, blankets, darkened room, and peaceful music
3. The products always smell fabulous
4. The application of the product feels wonderful and includes a facial/neck/shoulder massage
5. I can't even describe how great "the warm mister" feels. If I ever found one I could buy I would.
6. I love the "just washed skin feeling"
7. I never want it to end!!!

I need a facial right about NOW!

7 Weird Random Facts About Jeremy

1. I hate the Beavers!
2. I buy season tickets to Beaver Football games
3. Every year I say I'm never buying season tickets again
4. I hate the dentist
5. I write in all CAPS like my father, except not as neat sometimes
6. I never wear sunscreen lotion and will probably die soon from skin cancer according to Molly errrr Malena
7. Did I mention I hate the Beavers?!

Seven weird and random facts about Molly

**** I hate rules! ****

1. Molly is not my real name. My given name is Malena. My mom picked the name Molly for me when I was in Kindergarten because my teacher told my mom that the kids were having a hard time pronouncing Malena. So I've been Molly ever since. Most of my family calls me Mole because I was named after a character on Pinwheel (kids show on Nickelodeon) named Molly the mole.

2. Spanish was my first language. I didn't start speaking english until I started preschool.

3. I've had two surgeries on my pinky toe because I was born with an extra bone in it.

4. I have a fascination with royalty which started shortly after starting school. When I was younger one of my favorite books was a book with pictures from Charles and Diana's wedding.

5. My idea of fun is getting a facial.

6. I went on my first diet with my best friend when I was 10 years old. I was overweight and luckily I slimmed down enough to survive school.

7. My favorite food is Cheesecake fantasy ice cream from Cold Stone creamery. I could eat it every day.

I'll take a QUIZZ!

True fresman Jacquizz Rodgers (#1) had a game to remember. I know most my family is the only one who reads our blog here so I'm not saying nothing you all didn't watch on ESPN. I will tell you though watching it live was crazy. His motor never stops and for an 18 yr. old kid to run 37 times against that D, it's just insane. My old buddy Jeff Tingey went to the game and Tam and her roomate sat by us along with Lester, Logan, Decker, Dave Jones and son and Les's bro-in-law. Also on a side note, there's like 3-4 LDS players who actually contributed for OSU to get this win. Watching those USC players walk off the field was, as they say, PRICELESS!!

First Day of 1st Grade!

Final Vacation Recap (Pics only)

Days 7-10


(Grand Tetons)


( Me on the South Fork of Snake River)




(Big bull moose)


(Henry's Fork rainbow)


(Kids with my aunt Sue's dogs)

Vacation Recap Cont...

Days 4-6



Day 4-

Molly and her aunt drove to Helena to do a little shopping? I don't get it, but they had a good time and brought back some food from the big city. The kids and I went exploring a little. We drove to the the town of Augusta and had lunch. Then we headed out to a lake to try our luck at fishing. Very pretty lake with the mountains all around and I forgot to take any photos. Oh well, we ended up throwing rocks and driving around these dirt/gravel roads checking out the local wildlife (photo above). By the time Molly got back we were starving so I ate some left overs from the Macaroni Grill. Weird to be eating that kind of food at this place. Before it got to dark I took Caleb fishing on the river by the cabin and we caught 5 trout in row. I was using my spinning rod so Caleb could reel them in. He had a blast!

Day 5 -

I tried my luck at fishing again on the Missouri, but got blown out. I'm talking Eastern Oregon wind. Went back to the cabin to find that Caleb, while playing jump off the bunk beds, sprained his ankle pretty good. I tried to get him to keep ice on it but he couldn't quite handle the cold. We all decided to go back to Augusta and have a final feast at this bar/restaurant. After, Molly was concerned so we drove about 20 miles north to a town with a small hospital to check Caleb out. They said he sprained his ankle! Oh well, I guess better safe than sorry right? We then headed back to the cabin and watched a few movies before bed.

Day 6 -

Woke up early and cleaned up around the place and got everything packed. Drove to Idaho Falls, which took us about 4 hours or so. We really enjoyed our stay at the cabin. More later.....


( Bunk House)


(Dearborn Canyon in the background)

Vacation Recap

Days 1-3


(Big Sky Country)

This was the longest trip that we've been away for thus far and let me tell you it was a blast! That's the fisherman talking of course, but we all did have a great time. The driving did not bother me one bit with all those mountains and rivers. I will briefly recap the events from our trip with mostly pictures and very poor grammar.

Day 1

Up early and drove to Molly's aunt's cabin near Augusta, MT. The drive takes you through Missoula and then you take HWY 200 following the real Blackfoot River until you get to the town of Lincoln from there it's about an hour of paved and gravel/dirt roads to the cabin. The cabin and bunkhouse are located on the Dearborn River, which borders the Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wilderness area. Real mountains here. The cabin was awesome and the location is just out of this world if you like being in the middle of no where, with no cell phone coverage. The cabin and bunkhouse are like homes (i.e. TV/DVD, kitchen, bathrooms etc.) so it was nice to kinda stay clean and have some creature comforts. We basically relaxed the first night, although I did a little fishing on the Dearborn and caught a handful of wild native rainbows. A 13 inch fish is still in the freezer up there!

Day 2

Before we left for this trip I finally realized the location of this cabin was in proximity to one of the finest trout streams in the world = The Missouri River. So I woke up early (5AM) and drove about an hour to Wolf Creek, MT and proceeded to get schooled that morning by 18-20ish inch rainbows. I did manage a few smaller brown trout down river and after lunch headed back to this stretch of the river:


(The Mighty Mo as the locals call it)

I finally figured out what the fish were eating and found a spot where there were 4-5 big fish feeding and was able to hook 3 fish and land two of them. Both fish were 18-20 inch rainbows and fought harder than any fish I've ever hooked on a fly rod! See photo:



I was excited to catch these kind of fish on a river as difficult as the Missouri on a fly I tied myself. I will be back there next summer for sure. Molly went on a hike while I was gone and had fun, but hurt her feet a little. She took lots of pics with her new phone, too bad she forgot to save them. Ha!

Day 3

The weather turned a little stormy on us but then cleared up later in the day. Molly and her aunt enjoyed hanging out in the cabin watching movies and relaxing. I took the kids for a little hike which lead to this bridge over the river. Caleb and Alia are both going to be fine fly fishermen/women because while on the bridge they spotted a nice size trout rising eating flies off the surface before I did. I proceeded to hike down behind the fish and caught him on the 1st cast. A nice 14 inch trout, which I let go much to the disappointment of my fishing partners. We then proceeded on our hike and scarred up a Sage Grouse. They're the dumbest birds I've ever seen. The kids had a good time picking out their hiking sticks and posing for the camera. More later.......




(Wilderness/Bear country.... I will have a larger caliber pistol for next summer)

Fishing pics and random ramblings........

These are all pics from a few weeks ago. Took the boat down a stretch of the Deschutes river below Shears Falls. Fishing was so so, caught a few nice trout, but being on the water and going through a few rapids was why I went. I'm going to try my hand at fishing for steelhead this year with a fly so I wanted to get familiar with this part of the river. More pics......



I'm really excited about our trip here in a few weeks. It will be fun relaxing in Montana at Molly's aunts cabin, which just happens to be close to a nice little stream. I have not been to Yellowstone since I think my early teen years? We'll spend a day there and then to Idaho Falls. I will be floating the South Fork of the Snake with my uncle Paul on a guided fly fishing trip and I can't wait! I think Paul's wife and Grandma and Grandpa Pilkington will take Molly and the kids to Heise (hot
springs/swimming) for the day. Lots of driving coming up but we're still looking forward to it.

What a show!

It was a great show last night. Molly and I and Rich and Deb had a blast. Best concert ever? Yea probably for me. The Foo's played forever it seems. Molly I think, lost some hearing....mine has been gone for awhile now. Our seats turned out to be fantastic as the band played 4-5 songs right in front of us! Here's a few more photos (also got some video that I'll burn to dvd). More blogg stuff later......

Things Molly is looking forward to:

Going to Eugene for the 4th of July. We are going to BBQ with Jen and Brad on the 4th and on the 5th we're all going rafting on the McKenzie River.

Hangin' with Rich and Deb at the Foo Fighters concert on July 10th. Caleb and Alia are looking forward to playing with their cousins and Grandma Mel?

Jer's planning on taking us camping on Mt. Hood somewhere on the weekend of July 12-13th (Sarah, Mel and Deb you're all invited if anybody wants to make the trip). I enjoy overnight camping, more than that is too much for me.

We are going road tripping to Montana, Idaho and Yellowstone park August 8-17th. We are going to my Aunt's house in Montana, and then to Jer's grandparents in Idaho, and then to Yellowstone park. Jer's really looking forward to this trip because he's planning on fishing the whole time.

The kids will start first grade in September. Yay! no kids all day.

And the biggie... (imagine drum rolling) I'm going on a all expenses paid CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS with my sister for my birthday in November. I can't wait!

Kids/Molly's New Toy!

The kids and I put this together on Saturday. We figured instead of buying one of those play house swing structures we'd do the trampoline and then a tire swing or something in the trees or maybe a fort house with sticks for swords of course! I'm thinking about just putting up our tent as well and they can just stay outside 24-7! We're so happy that the sun is out with warmer temps on the way. The river is calling me........

T-Ball's Finally Over!

Our team photo below:



It's weird but I think I kinda of all ready miss coaching. I had a good time or at least better than I thought I would. There were some cool parents who helped out a lot with the snacks/planning parties and such. We had some kids, including Caleb of course who really improved from day one. Being a Tovey you know I have to brag a little, but I think Caleb's really going to do well with baseball. In his last game he collected a couple of grounders with perfect throws from short stop to first. He also hits everything we pitch to him.

Here's Caleb's Trading Card:

A Cousin who can run!

I'm excited that I will be able to watch my cousin Seth Pilkington (below) run the 10,000 meters for US Olympic Trials next month in Eugene (UO/Hayward Field). The event was sold out but Seth hooked me up with a pass to be on the field (helps that his dad/my uncle is the head coach for Weber State!)



Seth just finished placing 5th at the NCAA Nationals in the 10,000 and was the first American to finish.... he emailed me and said he just couldn't out sprint the Kenyans on the last lap! My aunt Susan and her husband Kelly were there at nationals as well watching their son Derek Taylor. He's a great runner as well at BYU and I think Seth and him have met and found the connection to me. Anyway, I'm glad I've been able to keep in better contact with all the Pilkingtons. Great families and examples for me just like my other relatives (Toveys, Covingtons, Dodsons, etc...). We're planning our summer trip to Montana (Molly's aunt's cabin), Yellowstone and Idaho Falls this August. That will be our major summer vacation, but we hope to hook up a weekend or two with the Tovey gang if possible this summer. Flyfishing/rafting/camping on the Deschutes anyone?????

Peace!

Busy Last Week!

Thought I'd just let the pictures do the talking.......



Very proud of my baby sister (I hope Alia will be just like her!)



Can't believe we all graduated from this school??



Kids with their new squirt guns!



Caleb and Zack

We had a fun time, but wish we could have stayed longer and had Molly with us. Molly had a fun time going to Reno again to help Jessy sell some CD's. Jessy flew back with Molly and is staying with us for a week. The kids are real excited to see their Tia. I'll let Molly post some pics and discuss their trip.....

Hope we all can hook up for a camping/rafting trip this July?

Backyard Camping.....in the rain of course!

We were all jealous of Sarah and Riley going camping so we decided to have our own camping experience in our backyard. We just got a new tent so it was good practice for the kids and I. The weather was great until we decided to start cooking/burning hot dogs and marshmallows. Luckily under the apple tree we stayed dry. We had lightning and thunder most of the night and the kids were a little scared... too much War of the Worlds. I had to explain to them what lightning and thunder really is... and no, it does not "wake up" the alien monsters! It rained hard but the kids slept right through it. Molly was smart and stayed in the Tovey hotel next door. I need to purchase a cot or a real nice pad because even on soft grass is was not soft enough. I'm looking forward to hearing about how the Dodson's camping adventure turned out. I might be heading over to the Deschutes tomorrow if the river levels stay the same.