This is why we like Bend, Oregon

The thing about Bend is, we "always" have cool nights.

Last week we had high temperatures.. but this weekend we are having GREAT weather. Dee you failed to let me know what the weather channel was saying about our upcoming weather. For our friends in Nevada, California & Texas come here to cool off!

Our little weather man here on our temperature gauge... we call him "Bob Shaw" after our weather man shows the outside temp. on top and our house temp. on the bottom. Look what the newspaper shows for upcoming days.

Do I need speech therapy?

This has happened to me twice.
First time was a Jamba Juice. The young boy at the register asked me my name. He looked at me and said "Really" I said yes. Than when the girl was ready with our drinks she went and spoke to the young boy. She than said, "Order ready for Chill."
I just dismissed it and took my drinks wondering if I'm the one that needs speech, not Derek... or no wonder people have a hard time understanding Derek, his mom has problems. Wednesday I took Derek and Lyndee to MacDonald's (I stopped by Subway for my meal.. just so you that know me know that I still don't do fast food). When Derek's order was ready I could barely hear my name, but I knew it was his so I went up to get it. There on the receipt once again was written Chill.
Oh well, what's in a name! Yes Alisha, I had to blog it.

The Bledsoes came by to "Hang" out!

Rebecca and her family have been anxious to attend the Rick's Family Reunion at Mt. Shasta, at Shasta Lake. Lucky for us they were able to stop over and spend time with us before and after the reunion. I wanted to kidnap the boys and hold them hostage for the week, but the other grandma would have not approved them not being in attendance. Justin's brother and wife (James and Tina) and their 5 children came one night before and after the reunion as well. It was a housefull, but it sure was fun. Trey discovered our climbing tree (thanks Clawson kids for pointing out that it was climbable), had fun again on the 6 wheeler, and he LOVED being out with the cows. The picture shows him with Patty (read in another post about Patty the Cow-Whisperer) Rebecca apologized for Trey being in his p.j.'s but you know how excited 4 year olds can be about getting out the door ready for a trip. In fact he had been counting down the days for 2 weeks. The morning that they were leaving to come to Bend Trey ran in their room and said, "Today is July 25th, we are going to Bend!")

Now that he is 4 years old he "isn't scared a bit of them" Tian was excited to sit with Grandpa Bend on the 4 wheeler, and Rebecca had to get a picture of him with all the cousins too.



Sunday with both Bledsoe families here we still made it to church on time(Altogether there was 14 of us). For the Garretts information (Dee, Donna, Kent) we have 4 bathrooms, not a problem signing up for "shower time."

If anyone else needs to stop by for a nights sleep
"We'll keep the lights on for you"

Lyndee came for a visit

If you that are involved in my American Idol Fan Club know that Lyndee is one of our faithful members. Besides loving American Idol, she is up with all the new, young, hip stars of the Disney type.
She came from Washington along with her younger brother and mom to help surprise her grandpa for his 70th birthday (Lyndee celebrated her birthday on a Disney cruise earlier this year) party. We were happy to see Lyndee at the party, and we invited her to go to McDonald's with us the following day. Thanks for being Derek's friend Lyndee!

Patty, the "Cow-Whisperer"

We've known Patty and Rodney for many years. Patty was my grandma Garrett's backyard neighbor. Patty is as sweet as they come. While grandma was alive, we depended on Patty to give her the love and attention that we couldn't while we were too far away. Though the years since Grandma has passed, and even though we don't go to Reno any longer, we have still kept in touch with Patty and her husband Rodney.
Patty is always interested in two things, Derek and our cows. She always asks about Derek even though she had never met him. She has sent junk mail, has asked to hear his piano playing, and keeps tabs on all his accomplishments. Patty has decorated her house in a cow theme. Rodney, being the great and caring husband decided to vacation for 2 nights here in Bend. My parents were still here which was so nice since my mom (and her siblings) still keeps in touch with Patty. The weekend they came was a crazy one. Our ward had its 24th of July party here at our house (Over 170 people came), and Rebecca and her family were coming through on their way to a Ricks Family Reunion at Shasta Lake and then the Redwoods. Well, Patty got her wish. She saw the whole family, she got a hug from Derek and she got to spend time with the cows.
Rodney and I both had our cameras.

Rodney even got in a shot or two.
We drove around to the top of Pilot Butte, and a few other sights of Bend (Bend hosts a world-wide biking race, which happened to be that weekend, so many of the streets were blocked off) Come back Evans! It was a fun, but short visit!

It's not the same without Mom & Dad

We were so fortunate to have mom and dad here for most of the summer. Besides their company, they are so helpful in sooooooo many ways. Just yesterday Derek said, "Mom is washing the sink". It was if he hadn't seen me do that for such a long time. My mom was pretty much my housekeeper, and cook, and planner and organizer. We all have those Tupperware cupboards that are in disarray.. not me any longer. While my parents were here I had several dinners and funeral luncheons to plan for.. she, being a 2 time Relief Society President came to my rescue. Thanks MOM.

Dad was such a part of our ward (and everyone of course loves my mom), he taught Priesthood several times, sang in sacrament meeting at a missionary farewell, and sang in the ward choir. My mornings are not the same without Dad up and at 'em helping me with the cows and the irrigation. Dad loves the cows and came to help watch them (long story with the AI situation.. and the AI doesn't stand for American Idol). We had a great system in the mornings and at night, which cut my time down quite a bit. On some evenings when I was out with Derek on a field trip, dad would get started without me, which made for an early night. Now it's very boring and the cows aren't getting any attention from me as I try and drive past them on the 6-wheeler. Dad would stop to say "Hi, you pretty girl" as for me, I just give them a honk and I yell "Out of the way".

Bob appreciated Dad being here and used him during the weekends with all the "chores" that there will always be.

You'll love the pictures of dad. Yes he is wearing a farming hat (Much to his disapproval), that mom insisted he wear. Notice the coveralls also.

Hurry back mom and dad!

July came and went so fast

July whizzed on by!
Two of the fun things we did were attend "Oregon, High Desert Classic" horse jumping contest. My dad loves horses and had never been to such an event. Derek, my dad and I went twice to watch the hunter/jumper contest.

It was so relaxing and exciting. Derek really did like watching and clapping for the horses... but he especially enjoyed buying root beer snow cones.

Then for the 3rd year in a row Derek and I joined the YMYW church group at Billy Chinook. Derek loves riding in the boat, and riding the waves on a tube.
We want summer to slow down. There is still much to do in such little time.

50 years and counting!

Yes, it came... my 50th birthday! I wanted a nice relaxing weekend
and that is what I got! My parents were here so we were able to go Dancing.. (Yes ballroom dancing, lessons and than open dance... really Bob did it)
A movie (The Proposal.. loved it),
dinner out and bouquets (5 dozen to be exact)of flowers and so many nice cards and calls from my friends & family. Rebecca made a book,(hard bound and everything) with such kind words to me/about me. I had to laugh when Rebecca told me she felt like she was planning my funeral!

Thank you all for all your kindness through out these years. (Why didn't someone tell me to fluff up my bangs, Crazy hair day I guess!)
I truly am a happy, happy (young at heart) girl!

Derek and I are Butte Buddies... joined by other Babes!

During the school year Derek's PE class would hike the Butte once a week. We've decided to try and continue hiking. The State park has a program where if you keep track of the trips up and back, you get a certificate. Derek just received his second certificate showing that he has hiked 200 miles. He loved getting the certificate int he mail. We are joined this summer with some ladies and babies, and sometimes dogs. It's been a lot of fun. Derek is way ahead of us, but he sets the pace. Two times a week we walk the track at the middle school, once again, Derek not only goes, but he jogs ahead of us! He's one in shape 16 year old! And what 16 year old wants to get up and walk/hike at 8:00a.m. HE DOES!!!

Another Tutor gets married

First it was Niquelle, than her little sister Nancy (not really, but they talked that way), than last was Vincent. We had Vincent long enough to appreciate him and take advantage of his "skills". Thursdays were great with Vincent helping Derek in the men's locker room at the Athletic Club. It sure was easier in those days!
We wish Vincent and his adorable wife a happy marriage. Their open house was at the Heinrich's house around their pond.
Derek especially enjoyed getting driven to the house in a fun old fashion jeep.
"Happy Marriage Vincent & Brynna"

Taylor had a birthday!

Yup, Taylor turned 23 years old. He came by after work just in time to blow out his candles. Had he not stopped by, we were going to do it for him.
We love you Taylor!

Read, Read, Read

We love going to the library on Thursdays. Every year they have a summer reading program for kids. Derek joined and was so excited to get his first free book. Wow, a Thomas the Tank Engine book, couldn't do better than that. Not only did he get a free book, but he earned a gift certificate for fries (His second best food next to nuggets) at Carl's Junior. (I guess 3 hours of reading deserves a small fry)
A happy day! Last week he got a tambourine.. Thursday we will "buy" another great "treasure".

Derek's a cherry picking kind of guy!

Our good friend Mindy invited us to pick cherries off her tree. I thought it would be fun for Derek to try it out. Oh my goodess, he loved it. He couldn't stop. I kept telling him we needed to leave some for others, but it was as if he couldn't get enough. Here are some good pictures (Mindy took GREAT ones) of us picking the cherries, and than the pie and cobblers we made out of them. Thanks Mindy for the adventure. It almost makes me want to go buy a cherry tree. But until we do, please invite us next time!

No comment on our crust. It tasted better than it looked!The cobbler was wonderful! All recipes dot com.

Name this animal

Just curious if anyone can name this animal.
This morning while I was driving down my driveway I saw hopping down the field next to the fence this "rabbit" As I got closer I realized it wasn't a rabbit. I luckily had my camera close at hand (all for the blog) and had it ready if the animal would stop. Finally he did, we had eye contact and I got a shot of him. A cute little baby what???? My dad said it looked like a wolf. I think it is a baby coyote. What do you think it is?

Tree Climbing Visitors

I was so happy to have the Clawson's come by to visit.
They've been in Washington for over a year. We miss them!
Wow has Hannah grown taller and Ben is becoming such a mature little man.
I loved sitting on the chair outside catching up with Alisha. I should have put on sun screen, or worn a hat, my part is burned (I don't think about it when it isn't that hot)

We've lived at this house for how many years??? All this time not one person has climbed our tree. I couldn't resist taking these pictures of the two little monkeys climbing up the tree.

Thanks for the visit, and the junk mail.. it made Derek's day and mine as well!