Yeah, we recycle...

Last year we splurged on a living Christmas tree. We were doing some major landscaping in our back yard, and we wanted a tree we could plant there after using it for our Christmas tree. And that's precisely what happened - we paid big money for a lovely Nordeman Fir, used it for Christmas, then planted it afterward. Fast forward to Christmas 2009. We debated cutting a tree versus purchasing another live tree. And then we looked out the window at our back yard and started thinking - could we? dare we? - use last year's tree again? Hmmm. And our conclusion? We could! We dared! And we did. Mark dug it out of the ground, hauled it inside, and we re-used that tree again. And it worked just fine. It's now been happily replanted in the back yard. And I'm already wondering about next Christmas. Might we get three years out of one Christmas tree?
Stay tuned.

Where's the line to see Jesus?

She did it!!!!!

On Saturday, our baby graduated from George Fox University with a B.A. in Sociology. We are so proud of you, Hannah! As many family as were able came to Newberg to watch the ceremony and celebrate this major milestone in Hannah's life.
Grammy journeyed from Santa Barbara, and will remain with us through Christmas.
Very proud parents with our sweet girl.
Hannah receives her diploma.
Chris, Mom, and Sarah.

The siblings.
Hannah's boyfriend Luke.

Her shoes were classic orange.
All of us.



Welcome to the GFU Alumni Association, Hannah. They will be asking you for your money for the rest of your life. Still, a nice gesture for them to give you the neat license frame.

We ate dinner at the Macaroni Grill afterwards, and Jake drew an appropriate picture on the paper table cloth.


Number of kids we have: 5. Number of high school graduates: 5. Number of college graduates: 5.

Our hearts are full

We would like to introduce to you our beautiful grandson, Ayeresam Jacob Dorr. Today, in Ethiopia, he officially became part of Jake and Beka's family, and by extension a part of our family as well. But he has been deeply loved by all of us long before today. We were hooked the first time we gazed into those big beautiful eyes of his. We can't wait to meet this precious little cutie pie in January. Most of all, we thank God for His tender care and faithfulness throughout the process thus far. Love you, Baby Dorr.

And for David and Nikki.........

I am a few days late in posting this wonderful news, but Dave and Nikki announced that the sweet little bundle Nikki is carrying is of the female variety. Which we love. Super much. Congratulations!!!

Even colder!

Yesterday morning's low temp has been shattered by this morning's low. The temp gauge on our kitchen window sill tells the story. Only 8.4 degrees outside, and 59.2 inside. Things are supposed to warm up beginning today. Hope so!

Baby, it's cold outside!

Our outside thermometer reads 10.9 degrees this morning. Brrrrrr.....

Today. In Costa Rica.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Dorr

And on this day, a quarter century ago...

...David was born. Here he gets his first haircut, May 1986.
Wrench in hand, he helps Daddy fix the lawn mower.
Enjoying the sunshine in Santa Barbara.
And enjoying the snow in Aspen with his lovely wife Nikki and Moose, their dog. We love you beyond measure, David. You have brought so much joy to our lives. Happy 25.