HFR 2008 on the beautiful Oregon coast

We returned last week from an 8-day family reunion/vacation with our Hemmert Family. About half of the family flew and the rest drove out to Oregon. We were fortunate enough to be in the flying group. As our kids were fighting on the way to the airport, we realized that there was no way we could make the 13-hour drive if we couldn't even make it 1 hour to the airport without problems. Our VERY lively 2-year old made the flight very troublesome for his parents. It was about as bad as you can imagine. Not staying in his seat, screaming, kicking the seat of the "not-so-friendly" passenger in front of us. But alas, we made it. After picking up our rental car, we made the 2 1/2 hour drive out to the coast. We stayed in a great rental house in Lincoln city. Check it out here. It should be noted that this was a LARGE family gathering. Jared's parents, all of his 5 siblings, spouses and grandkids. 14 adults and 14 children. Of the 14 children, the youngest 11 are all boys, and the oldest boy is 7! It felt like about 30 boys.
Our first full day was Sunday, Father's Day, so we just hung around the house and relaxed. It was nice after all of the travelling the day before. Monday, we headed towards Tillamook. Our first stop was Oceanside. (see above pictures). We played on the beach and collected shells and rocks. There is this little cave through the rock that leads to another side of the beach. It was really cool. Chandler froze, which is why he is wearing 2 of his own coats and one of Jared's in the pictures.
Our next stop was a short hike to the 'Octopus' tree. There is also a lighthouse there that we got to go to the top of. Very pretty! After this, we were all starving so we had lunch at the Tillamook Cheese factory. We got to see cheese and ice cream being made there. Sorry, no pictures, though.
We next stopped at Cape Lookout. More beaching. Preston, of course, found a stick to terrorize some of the other cousins. After a very fun, exhausting day, we headed home. Note Chandler's quote on the right-side bar. This applies here.
The next day was 'picture day.' Reese Christensen, a Provo photographer accompanied us to Oregon and took family pictures on the beach. He also spent the 'Tillamook' day with us and took a bunch of candid shots. I'm sure I'll be able to post some of those at some point. It was quite an adventure with so many people and kids. After the formal pictures were done, we enjoyed hanging around the beach. My boys found some microscopic shrimp on the beach and enjoyed watching them in a cup for awhile.

These pictures were taken around the house. Each family had a night to do a devotional. For Joyce's night, all of the kids were given cowboy or pioneer garb and she told them an old pioneer legend of 'Injun Joe.' The top middle picture is of the wind shelter that was built early on when it was quite windy. We flew kites and had a couple of illegal bonfires on the beach as well. On Wednesday, we headed to Silver Falls and went on a hike. It was so beautiful hiking in the lush green forest and past multiple water falls. The boys did pretty good and only had to be carried briefly at the end. We had a picnic lunch by the river and then headed to the Aerospace museum in McMinnville.
This is where the 'Spruce Goose' is housed. It was Howard Hughes' enormous airplane that is featured in the movie, Aviator. You can tell from the pictures how enormous it is. There are also tons of other aircrafts and space stuff there. There was even some tanks outside. Yes, it was boy heaven! After another exhausting day of sight seeing we had another home day filled with lots of crafts for the kids and multiple trips to the outlets for the grown ups. Note: No Sales Tax in Oregon!
Friday, we went to Newport and visited a really cool aquarium there. The boys loved it. The picture of Preston with a glare is in a fish tank that you can crawl under and it is open in the middle so that the fish swim right by your face. Above is also some crazy spider crabs, a shark jaw and a little play area. We also got to stop at another lighthouse on the way home.

Saturday morning, a bunch of us participated in a 5k that was held on the beach in Lincoln city. After an exhausting week, I had decided just to walk it with some of the others who were going to walk, but then Jared decided to join us and decided that he was going to run. So I said to myself, "If Jared's going to run, so am I!" (For those of you who are unfamiliar, Jared's had many health problems and is not a runner). We stayed together and ran and walked our way through it. Jared even got 2nd in his age group! Matt got third in their age group! Don't ask how many were in their age group. (3) Wynn got first in his age group! Don't ask how many were in his age group. (1) The best part was the raffle after the race in which all registered family members walked away with prizes. Yes, it is a small race, but it was a lot of fun.

Staying with everyone was a lot of fun. It probably won't happen again for at least a couple of more years. Thanks, everyone, for being patient with us and our kids! Above is a video of Devin teaching Preston about the 'Secret of Silence.' He uses this to move things with his mind. You probably figured out that the 'Secret of Silence' is the antithesis of Preston's high-pitched scream. Video courtesy of Julie. Thanks!

Funny sayings from Oregon

After a long day of sight-seeing in Oregon, we arrived at another beach, and Chandler threw a bit of a fit. Trying to get him out of the car, I said, "Come on, Chandler, it will be fun." He replied with, "I told you! No More Fun!"

"I don't like Julie! I'm going to throw up on her!" Preston was upset after his aunt, Julie, screamed when Preston had two rocks in his hands, arms raised at his younger cousin, Mason. This really is naughty behavior, but is kind of funny since no one got hurt. If you knew what a sensitive gag-reflex Preston has, you would watch out--he probably could do it.

Happy World Blood Donors Day!

Today is World Blood Donor Day. Don't worry I didn't get you anything either. I am a BIG believer in Blood donation, so I thought this was a good opportunity to encourage anyone and EVERYONE who is eligible to donate. I am the coveted O-negative blood type, so I am harrassed into donating every 13 weeks. It is a good and important thing to do, but before you congratulate me too much, you should know it's really all about...

The Lorna Doones and juice!
Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule your appointment to donate!

Strengthen your family!

Awhile ago, our High Councilman gave an excellent talk that included 15 things we can do together to increase the strength of our family.  Jared was out with Preston, and I was kicking myself that I wasn't taking notes so that I could share it with him and others.  Fortunately, our Bishop decided to put the list in our ward newsletter this month, so now I have the opportunity to share it with all of you.  (Talk was given by Bryan Pope, Sharon Stake High Council).

1.  Turn off distractions.

Not just bad things, but anything that distracts from family unity.

2.  Set meaningful, adequately high, yet attainable expectations.

Discuss and set expectations as a family.  Be clear and make sure everyone understands them thoroughly.

3.  Pray together as a family and individually every day.

There's great strength in having family members pray for each other.

4.  Read scriptures together as a family and individually every day.

The promise of increased love and understanding is true!

5.  Attend church meetings as a family every Sunday.

Then discuss what each person learned over Sunday dinner or in family council.

6.  Hold regular Family Home Evenings every Monday night.

Actively promote harmony, understanding and involvement in the home.

7.  Spend quality and quantity time together.

No one on his deathbed ever uttered the words, "I wish I had spent more time at the office."

8.  Mom, be at home at all costs.

Carefully consider what this means in your situation and to your family.

9.  Dad, be at home at all costs.

It is easy to let outside distractions keep us away.  Work hard, and then be with your family.

10.  Hold regular, conversational interviews with the children.

Interviews, not interrogations.  Make open communications part of a healthy family culture.

11.  Give Father's blessings.

At the beginning of school, during difficult times, before missions, before marriage, etc.

12.  Settle all disputes, issues, and differences before the close of the day.

Seek understanding and forgiveness; Live each day as if it were your entire lifetime; Focus on what is important today.

13.  Actively inject spiritual influences into the home.

Listen to good, uplifting music; Provide mutual support of each other's undertakings and interests; Create opportunities to share spiritual experiences and feelings.

14.  Eat together.

Prepare meals as a family and use this opportunity to teach valuable skills to children; Sit down and enjoy the meal with good conversation; Clean up together.  Don't leave it to Mom or one individual; many studies support the power and positive influence of family dinnertime.

15.  Create family traditions centered around gospel living.

Provide opportunities for service both within the family and to others.

Good stuff, right?  Feel free to add some of your own in the comments.

Basement: before pictures

We are in the process of finishing our basement.  I am beyond excited to have the extra space.  When all is said and done, there will be a large toy room (could be used as a bedroom, though), 2 additional bedrooms, a bathroom and a living room.  We are also having some shelves built in the storage room area so that we can finally get organized.  As of right now, they have just about finished framing.  Here are some before pictures.  Expect updates often!  

One of the bedrooms.

Family room with the soon-to-be-former treadmill.  (We found it a nice home with some people who will take good care of it.)

Preston checking out the pile of lumber that now frames the wall.

Pinewood Derby 2008

From the title of this post, you probably thought, "Pinewood Derby?  That's weird.  They don't have anyone of 'scout' age in their family."  This year our ward did an Elder's Quorum vs. YM pinewood derby.  Jared got really into it.  He took his car to his office and used his 'dental' tools to drill out areas and then filled them with amalgam.  He spent countless hours in our garage working with our little boys observing.  His car was painted and repainted at least a few times.  BUT, it was all worth it, when he won FIRST PLACE!  Jared's dad and Brother and 3 of our Hemmert nephews came to watch.  Wynn said, that Jared finally broke the Hemmert Pinewood derby curse.  (I guess they have come in second place numerous times over the years).  Jared is already looking forward to Chandler being in scouts so they can do it again.

A Sampling of some of the cars.  I think the Swiss Army knife one is really cool.  His car is the gold one with black stripes: #5.  Chandler chose 5, because he's 5 (obviously).

Chandler with the winning car.

The Champion and his car!  **P.S. Sorry about the cultural hall lighting.

Good ol' Number 5 is now mounted and on display in Jared's office. 

My name is Preston, and I'm a potty-mouth...

Lately Preston's favorite words have been of the "naughty" variety, and we're getting pretty fed up with it.  I'm not talking the 4-letter words that the parents of teens would worry about the the 3-letter variety that toddlers seem to love.  Here's an example:

Me: "Preston, what would you like for lunch?"

Preston: "Pee!" followed by giggles, of course.

These words have found their way into every situation you can think of; even sacrament meeting.  (Yes, we are the main entertaining attraction of our ward.  Certain families like sitting by us because it's so amusing).

He even changes songs.  Example:

Preston: "Twinkle, twinkle, little bum!"  giggles again.  

Cereal has gone from 'Frosted mini-wheats' to 'Frosted mini-poops'.  You get the idea.  No more examples needed.

We started out reprimanding him, but this only seemed to make it worse.  Like most kids, Preston thrives on attention.  We are currently trying to ignore the behavior.  We'll see how it goes.  We've talked about using soap or cayenne pepper, but we'd really like to save these punishments for the 4-letter words when they make their inevitable appearance.   Any parents out there have any bright ideas? 

T-ball is here!

Well soccer is over, and we are onto the next sport: T-ball!  Chandler picked out his new mitt at the store.  Of course, he picked the one that has lights in it and lights up when you catch a ball-who wouldn't!  His team has 15 kids on it, so the pace is much slower than it was for soccer.  So far, he seems to really like it.  It's so funny watching these young ones play.  Chandler was playing third base and someone from the other team hit the ball near 1st.  All of the kids, including those in the outfield, ran clear across the field to try to get to the ball first.  I'm sure they'll figure it out as time goes by.  Entertaining for all!

Posing in his new uniform.  They are the only team who has matching pants and hats along with the requisite 'Orem City' T-shirt.

Batting.  Look at that awesome swing!

Running between 2nd and 3rd bases.

Memorial day weekend '08

We spent Memorial Day weekend up in Midway this year.  All of the Hemmert clan that currently lived in the area were up there too.  Some at the cabin and some at the Zermatt resort.  We also had our annual ride on Thomas the train.  My boys aren't really as "into" Thomas as the have been in years past, but they still wanted to go, so we went.

Preston and Chandler in front of Thomas, himself.

Chandler getting a temporary (sigh of relief uttered here) Thomas tattoo.  Jared and I both got tattoos as well.  Preston was scared for some unknown reason.

Preston and I on the train.  (notice the lovely 'Rosie' tattoo on my hand).

Jared and Chandler on the train.

Another 'Midway tradition' for us is feeding the ducks at Wasatch state park.  A word of caution: the ducks do have some aggressive tendencies!  You will never see my mom there, in other words.

Another feature of Wasatch State Park is the large pond.  Chandler got to fish in it with Jared and Wynn.  Jared caught a trout and we enjoyed it for dinner.

Chandler riding the carosel at Zermatt with his cousin, Mason, and Mason's mom, Julie.  Everyone is all smiles because we had just finished a wonderful prime rib buffet dinner.  Yummy!