We have been enjoying a wonderful Christmas with our family. Mark and I were joined by Sarah and Chris, Jake and Beka, David and Nikki, and Hannah. An added bonus was having Beka's parents, Kevin and Fiona, join us for Christmas dinner. The next day all four of my girls and I went to Lisa's Tea Room, a charming place located right here in Philomath. We enjoyed a delicious feast of sorbet, scones, soup, tiny sandwiches, pastries, and of course tea (and hot chocolate, in Hannah's case). For me, the best part of this memorable experience was just being together with these dear young women who mean so much to me. I love you, Beka, Hannah, Nikki, and Sarah, and am so very blessed to be your mom (or mom-in-law). Feel free to click on the picture for better details of my girls and our beautiful, elegant food!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tea Time
We have been enjoying a wonderful Christmas with our family. Mark and I were joined by Sarah and Chris, Jake and Beka, David and Nikki, and Hannah. An added bonus was having Beka's parents, Kevin and Fiona, join us for Christmas dinner. The next day all four of my girls and I went to Lisa's Tea Room, a charming place located right here in Philomath. We enjoyed a delicious feast of sorbet, scones, soup, tiny sandwiches, pastries, and of course tea (and hot chocolate, in Hannah's case). For me, the best part of this memorable experience was just being together with these dear young women who mean so much to me. I love you, Beka, Hannah, Nikki, and Sarah, and am so very blessed to be your mom (or mom-in-law). Feel free to click on the picture for better details of my girls and our beautiful, elegant food!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
HERO OF THE MILL
Christmas Eve just doesn't get any better than this. Today Mark received a package in the mail from Bob's Red Mill, complete with the letter pictured below.
You might remember that last summer, Mark and I had the privilege of meeting Bob Moore and his wife (and their dog) at their retail store in Milwaukie, Oregon. For many years we have been huge Bob fans, and have always enjoyed their products and whole-grain goodness. Last week Mark received an e-mail from the company saying that he had been nominated as a "Hero of the Mill" for his continual support. Upon his acceptance of the nomination, he was further informed that he would be receiving a package of Bob's products. Well, today was the happy day.
Inside the box was: a Bob's apron, a hat, a t-shirt, four bags of Bob's whole grain products, a mug, a clip for keeping opened packages fresh, a catalog, and a bowl scraper.
But did Mark need to change into his new Bob's t-shirt before I took these pictures? NO! Because he already owned a Bob's t-shirt, and he was ALREADY WEARING IT today.
Way to go, Mark! Way to be a HERO OF THE MILL!!!
Bob's Red Mill, Milwaukie, Oregon.
Picture of Bob and Charlee Moore, taken by Mark at their store in June, 2008.
You might remember that last summer, Mark and I had the privilege of meeting Bob Moore and his wife (and their dog) at their retail store in Milwaukie, Oregon. For many years we have been huge Bob fans, and have always enjoyed their products and whole-grain goodness. Last week Mark received an e-mail from the company saying that he had been nominated as a "Hero of the Mill" for his continual support. Upon his acceptance of the nomination, he was further informed that he would be receiving a package of Bob's products. Well, today was the happy day.
Inside the box was: a Bob's apron, a hat, a t-shirt, four bags of Bob's whole grain products, a mug, a clip for keeping opened packages fresh, a catalog, and a bowl scraper.
But did Mark need to change into his new Bob's t-shirt before I took these pictures? NO! Because he already owned a Bob's t-shirt, and he was ALREADY WEARING IT today.
Way to go, Mark! Way to be a HERO OF THE MILL!!!
Bob's Red Mill, Milwaukie, Oregon.
Picture of Bob and Charlee Moore, taken by Mark at their store in June, 2008.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
VOLITION
Apparently there is an online short film competition called "The Doorpost." And perhaps because our blog is called DORRPOSTS, the web site caught my eye. One of the finalists in the competition is a film called "Volition."
This extremely powerful, quality film was produced by brothers Tim and Matthew Morgan. That they have accomplished all they have is a great achievement in itself, considering their ages: Tim is only 23, and Matt is 20. If you have a few minutes and want to watch it without any further information, please click here: Volition. Be ready to pay attention right away, as it starts playing immediately and you don't want to miss the beginning.
If you want a little more info, here it is. First, what is the definition of volition? Simple - according to the directors, "It's the act of making a choice. Sometimes the choice of inaction has consequences stronger than we could ever imagine. Throughout history, men have been faced with difficult choices in a world that makes it easy for them to conform. This film explores the hope that lies behind every decision made in the face of adversity; the hope that is buried in the hearts of those that look beyond themselves and see something bigger worth fighting for." The "Volition" film masterfully places its unnamed central character in the context of three of the greatest human rights violations in history: the holocaust, slavery, and abortion.
It was filmed mainly in three days in August on a small budget, to be entered in a short film contest. There's not much info on it on the web yet, so it's likely that you haven't heard of it. But when you see it, I hope you'll join me in wanting to spread the word.
Tim says that although for most of his life he has been “pro-life,” he had never given much thought to the issue until last year when he attended a massive prayer rally, “The Call.” “That’s when it really hit me, hit my heart,” he says, “that there is a need for just some sort of voice in the arts, in the entertainment world, in defense of these unborn babies.”
The Christian community, he says, "has kind of left the art world on the back burner. My vision would be for them to treat the art world, the film world, with the same sense of urgency as they’re treating, for instance, an overseas mission." Note: this is exactly what we talk about on a regular basis at Doxology, the church we attend. Thankfully, at Dox there is an active group of Christian artists (including our son Jake) who are doing a wonderful job integrating their art with their faith on a number of levels.
"This is an emergency for our culture," Tim continues, "to be able to influence our film, our arts, the American pop culture in this way."
Okay, if you haven't done it yet, to watch "Volition," go to Volition. Again, it starts playing immediately, so don’t miss the beginning.
This extremely powerful, quality film was produced by brothers Tim and Matthew Morgan. That they have accomplished all they have is a great achievement in itself, considering their ages: Tim is only 23, and Matt is 20. If you have a few minutes and want to watch it without any further information, please click here: Volition. Be ready to pay attention right away, as it starts playing immediately and you don't want to miss the beginning.
If you want a little more info, here it is. First, what is the definition of volition? Simple - according to the directors, "It's the act of making a choice. Sometimes the choice of inaction has consequences stronger than we could ever imagine. Throughout history, men have been faced with difficult choices in a world that makes it easy for them to conform. This film explores the hope that lies behind every decision made in the face of adversity; the hope that is buried in the hearts of those that look beyond themselves and see something bigger worth fighting for." The "Volition" film masterfully places its unnamed central character in the context of three of the greatest human rights violations in history: the holocaust, slavery, and abortion.
It was filmed mainly in three days in August on a small budget, to be entered in a short film contest. There's not much info on it on the web yet, so it's likely that you haven't heard of it. But when you see it, I hope you'll join me in wanting to spread the word.
Tim says that although for most of his life he has been “pro-life,” he had never given much thought to the issue until last year when he attended a massive prayer rally, “The Call.” “That’s when it really hit me, hit my heart,” he says, “that there is a need for just some sort of voice in the arts, in the entertainment world, in defense of these unborn babies.”
The Christian community, he says, "has kind of left the art world on the back burner. My vision would be for them to treat the art world, the film world, with the same sense of urgency as they’re treating, for instance, an overseas mission." Note: this is exactly what we talk about on a regular basis at Doxology, the church we attend. Thankfully, at Dox there is an active group of Christian artists (including our son Jake) who are doing a wonderful job integrating their art with their faith on a number of levels.
"This is an emergency for our culture," Tim continues, "to be able to influence our film, our arts, the American pop culture in this way."
Okay, if you haven't done it yet, to watch "Volition," go to Volition. Again, it starts playing immediately, so don’t miss the beginning.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Happy Anniversary, David and Nikki
It was one year ago today that Dave and Nikki said, "I DO." Congratulations to you both. We love you so much. Have a wonderful anniversary.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Compared to yesterday...
We woke up this morning to lots more snow! No school for Mark or me today, either. YIPPEE! If you compare today's pictures with our posting yesterday, you can see the added accumulation. It's just so beautiful.
There is a trail in the driveway from our newspaper carrier, who rides his bike when making his rounds. Yep, even in the snow.
Mark measured between some boards in the fence and it looks like close to 4 inches.
The back yard, looking toward the house.
The ferns along the front porch.
Just makes you want to break out singing that old tune: "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas."
Love it!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hooray! LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!
Well, I may be a bit over-enthusiastic, as we didn't get very much snow by some people's standards, but still... we woke up this morning to this lovely scene. Our live Christmas tree, waiting patiently on the back deck until it can be brought into the house, had been flocked by God during the night.
The shrubs along the driveway wore a coat of white.
And the house looks ever-more-Christmasy (I think I just invented that word). Merry, merry, everyone!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Some jolly Christmas elves have come to entertain you
Sunday, December 7, 2008
It's beginning to look a lot (or at least somewhat) like Christmas
We were encouraged to wear our Christmas finery to Doxology this morning and the rule was: the tackier the better. Since Sarah had borrowed my worst sweater for her own tacky parties (you're welcome, daughter), I was left to wear my teacher Christmas sweater. I like it way better anyway.
Mark was all decked out in his Santa hat, green turtleneck, Santa t-shirt, and his holly bow tie with blinking berries.
After church it was time to put up the outdoor lights. Among the many things I thank God for about my dear husband is the fact that he genuinely enjoys decorating for Christmas. He always hauls the old boom box outside and cranks the Christmas tunes while he strings up the lights.
Here is the view of the house from the street tonight.
No pictures of our tree yet. We bought a live tree yesterday (a Nordmann fir) with the idea of planting it in our yard after Christmas. We did that a time or two years ago, but not recently, so that will be fun. The only problem with a live tree is that it's not advisable to leave the tree indoors for more than 5-7 days. So, we carried it to the back deck so we can see it from the sliding doors, but we'll wait to bring it in and decorate it until around the 20th.
Mark was all decked out in his Santa hat, green turtleneck, Santa t-shirt, and his holly bow tie with blinking berries.
After church it was time to put up the outdoor lights. Among the many things I thank God for about my dear husband is the fact that he genuinely enjoys decorating for Christmas. He always hauls the old boom box outside and cranks the Christmas tunes while he strings up the lights.
Here is the view of the house from the street tonight.
No pictures of our tree yet. We bought a live tree yesterday (a Nordmann fir) with the idea of planting it in our yard after Christmas. We did that a time or two years ago, but not recently, so that will be fun. The only problem with a live tree is that it's not advisable to leave the tree indoors for more than 5-7 days. So, we carried it to the back deck so we can see it from the sliding doors, but we'll wait to bring it in and decorate it until around the 20th.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear David
December 4, 1984. That was the day, 24 years ago, that David Charles Dorr entered the world. And at 9 lb. 13 3/4 ounces, he was the biggest Dorr baby of all. Where have the years gone? It seems like yesterday we were rocking him to sleep while he clutched his blankie and sucked his thumb. He was such a sweet and cuddly baby.
David was always eager to help his Daddy. We lived in Seaside, Oregon when Dave was born, and we heated our little house with a woodstove. That was a labor-intensive chore, and David loved to help Mark saw wood to keep us stocked up.
Was David a perfect child? Well, pretty much (weren't all of our kids quite perfect?). But this day he must have been a bit naughty, as he was sent to the corner to contemplate his offense. Doesn't he just look so cute standing there? Of course I had to take a picture before I acquitted him.
With his big sis Sarah.
The three Dorr boys: Dave, with his ever-present blankie, Jake, and Ben. I love you guys so much!
Several years after David's birth, Hannah was born, and in honor of the occasion Mark's uncle sent teddy bears for all the kids. See if you can find little Hannah among the bears! Give up? Well, left to right we have Ben, David, Jake, Hannah, and Sarah.
Fast-forward to last December, and our now-grown David married his sweet Nikki, and they live happily in Colorado. Have a wonderful birthday, dear Dave. Dad and I love you so much.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Of Thanksgiving and Hexes
Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had two feasts at our house. On Thursday, our cousin Chloe joined Hannah, Mark, and me for a small but sumptuous meal. That night, Sarah and Chris came to Philomath following their special time with Chris' side of the family. Jake and Beka joined us on Friday, after their time with Beka's family, and that afternoon we ate Feast II.
When we went around the table on Thursday and shared what we are most thankful for, I said family (aren't you SURPRISED!). Because it's true. I love my husband, my kids, my kids-in-law, my soon-to-be-grandson from Ethiopia, and my extendeds.
I got a little crafty and made these little turkeys for each place setting. They were so fun to make, and they kind of added a little extra personality to the table.
I recently got a haircut, and Sarah came to the house armed with a new straightener to help me maximize the new look. I hope she can come over every morning to do my hair. PLEASE, SARAH???
Friday night, we all played a game that Mark plays with his middle school students. Called the Hex game, teams compete to try to move from one side of the board to the other. The game squares are shaped like hexagons, hence the name. There are a few other rules to remember, and the game can be adapted to any topic, but we played with Thanksgiving trivia questions. The teams were composed of Jake, Beka, and Hannah at one end of the table, and Chris, Sarah, and me at the other end. Mark ran the game. There is definitely strategy involved, as one team tries to block the other from completing their journey from side to side, or top to bottom.
My team takes a break while Mark questions the other team.
Hannah gets her question right, to the joy of her teammates.
Hmmm.... I don't know the answer to that one.
The ever-handsome and charming game-show host.
Chris has his game face on.
Sarah is ready to take on the competition.
Jake contemplates while Hannah giggles.
Beka and Hannah plot their strategy.
Hannah was in a goofy mood - but don't let that fool you - she's one tough competitor who really knows her Thanksgiving history.
And, of course, the real winner of the game was Goliath, simply because he's the cutest.
When we went around the table on Thursday and shared what we are most thankful for, I said family (aren't you SURPRISED!). Because it's true. I love my husband, my kids, my kids-in-law, my soon-to-be-grandson from Ethiopia, and my extendeds.
I got a little crafty and made these little turkeys for each place setting. They were so fun to make, and they kind of added a little extra personality to the table.
I recently got a haircut, and Sarah came to the house armed with a new straightener to help me maximize the new look. I hope she can come over every morning to do my hair. PLEASE, SARAH???
Friday night, we all played a game that Mark plays with his middle school students. Called the Hex game, teams compete to try to move from one side of the board to the other. The game squares are shaped like hexagons, hence the name. There are a few other rules to remember, and the game can be adapted to any topic, but we played with Thanksgiving trivia questions. The teams were composed of Jake, Beka, and Hannah at one end of the table, and Chris, Sarah, and me at the other end. Mark ran the game. There is definitely strategy involved, as one team tries to block the other from completing their journey from side to side, or top to bottom.
My team takes a break while Mark questions the other team.
Hannah gets her question right, to the joy of her teammates.
Hmmm.... I don't know the answer to that one.
The ever-handsome and charming game-show host.
Chris has his game face on.
Sarah is ready to take on the competition.
Jake contemplates while Hannah giggles.
Beka and Hannah plot their strategy.
Hannah was in a goofy mood - but don't let that fool you - she's one tough competitor who really knows her Thanksgiving history.
And, of course, the real winner of the game was Goliath, simply because he's the cutest.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
(School) Night at the Museum
On Friday night, Mark and his 8th-grade boy students spent the night at our local history museum. The girl students had spent the night there the previous weekend, so it was the boys' turn this weekend. The kids have been learning about local history, and this overnight adventure was a fitting conclusion to that unit of study. The kids toured the various exhibits, had a scavenger hunt, and watched a movie before hunkering down in their sleeping bags for the night. It all went very well.
Above is our beautiful museum. We are fortunate that our county's wonderful museum is only about two minutes from our home and schools. Below, Mark explains one of the exhibits to the kids - note his genuine coonskin cap!
A reporter from the Corvallis newspaper, the Gazette Times, was on hand to chronicle the events of the evening, and there was a great article about the evening in today's edition of the paper.
And what better movie for the kids to watch than Night at the Museum? Good job, Mark and students at Philomath Middle School (aka PMS, but that's another story for another day)!
Above is our beautiful museum. We are fortunate that our county's wonderful museum is only about two minutes from our home and schools. Below, Mark explains one of the exhibits to the kids - note his genuine coonskin cap!
A reporter from the Corvallis newspaper, the Gazette Times, was on hand to chronicle the events of the evening, and there was a great article about the evening in today's edition of the paper.
And what better movie for the kids to watch than Night at the Museum? Good job, Mark and students at Philomath Middle School (aka PMS, but that's another story for another day)!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Images from our week...
Ben and Christine flew in from Aspen, Colorado, on Wednesday afternoon, and our time since then has been filled with family, food, and fun times. It had been a year and a half since Ben was last in Philomath, and it was a first-time visit for Christine. Here are some pictures, in no particular order...
Above are Ben and Christine just before they left for their return flight to Colorado this morning.
Mark went to a farm auction in Lebanon on Saturday, looking for some hand tools for the wood shop at his middle school. The auction turned out to be a bust, but doesn't Mark just look TOO handsome for words?
On Thursday night, Denny, Betsy, and Bella came over for dinner. Denny and Ben have been great friends since first grade, and it was fun that they could join us for the evening. Abby wasn't feeling well, so she couldn't be with us - we missed you, Abby!
Here Denny, Ben (holding sweet Bella), and Christine visit.
We also played Boggle at some point this week. Starting at the top: Ben, Christine, Jake, Sarah, Hannah, Chris, and me.
Goliath is always a faithful participant at family gatherings.
Everyone gathered around the table last night: Mitchell, Hannah, me, Chris, Sarah, Christine, Ben, Jake, and Beka. Mark is taking the picture.
Here I am having pity on poor Golly in his Halloween costume. He was a cute little lobster! And by the way, we had 194 trick-or-treaters at our door this year - a new record! We usually top out at around 150, so we were very busy passing out the candy! It was fun.
Above are Ben and Christine just before they left for their return flight to Colorado this morning.
Mark went to a farm auction in Lebanon on Saturday, looking for some hand tools for the wood shop at his middle school. The auction turned out to be a bust, but doesn't Mark just look TOO handsome for words?
On Thursday night, Denny, Betsy, and Bella came over for dinner. Denny and Ben have been great friends since first grade, and it was fun that they could join us for the evening. Abby wasn't feeling well, so she couldn't be with us - we missed you, Abby!
Here Denny, Ben (holding sweet Bella), and Christine visit.
We also played Boggle at some point this week. Starting at the top: Ben, Christine, Jake, Sarah, Hannah, Chris, and me.
Goliath is always a faithful participant at family gatherings.
Everyone gathered around the table last night: Mitchell, Hannah, me, Chris, Sarah, Christine, Ben, Jake, and Beka. Mark is taking the picture.
Here I am having pity on poor Golly in his Halloween costume. He was a cute little lobster! And by the way, we had 194 trick-or-treaters at our door this year - a new record! We usually top out at around 150, so we were very busy passing out the candy! It was fun.
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