Congratulations, Nikki - WAY TO GO!!!

Saturday morning, we went to Salem to watch our daughter-in-law, Nikki, graduate from Corban College. She graduated with honors, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Best news of the day: Nikki was offered and has accepted a job teaching first grade in Basalt, Colorado, beginning this fall. This will be at the same school where she did her student teaching. We are so proud of you, Nikki !!! You will be a great teacher.
Nikki and her parents after the ceremony.
Nikki and her family. All of her family were able to attend except her sister, who is studying in Italy. Sarah and Chris came for the graduation, too, but our camera went dead and I didn't get a picture of them... sorry, guys - guess I really DO have to charge that camera battery every now and then.
David was able to secure a cheap flight at the last minute and join us at Corban. Hooray! We hadn't seen either Dave or Nikki since their wedding-gift-opening party in December. It was WONDERFUL to see them, and we are so thankful David was able to make it.
Sorry - this one is a little blurry. Nikki's family came to our house after the graduation, and we celebrated some more. Jake and Beka came, too. Love you all! Thanks for coming!

We're going CUCKOO !!!!!

Even before we went to Europe, Mark was contemplating the idea of purchasing a genuine Black Forest-made cuckoo clock. So, once in Germany, the quest began. Thankfully, he found the one he wanted on the third day of our trip! It arrived in Oregon just a few days ago, and is now hanging on the wall in our dining room. It alternates playing two songs, Edelweiss and The Happy Wanderer. It's also very MANLY in design!
It's up and running! At first there was a problem, as an inner axle had come out of its proper place during shipment, but Mark did some trouble shooting (YES, there are internet sites for cuckoo clock repair), and he got 'er done! :-)
And, in other news, Hannah is working very hard to complete the last of her papers for this term. She's been at it day and night for several days now, and the end is in sight. Good thing, since the deadline is fast approaching. Go, Hannah! You can do it!

Saturday S'mores

Just a relaxing Saturday evening at the Dorr compound. We made pocket stew in the fire pit, with steak, potatoes, corn on the cob, and onions. Together with a salad using lettuce from this morning's visit to the Farmer's Market, and it was a feast!
And, what to do after dinner with that wonderful bed of coals in the fire pit? Why, make s'mores, of course!
We're LOVING having Hannah home!
Mark and his scrumptious s'more. He had mowed the lawn earlier, so it looks all nice and trim!
Hannah roasting one of her marshmallows. It was such a warm, calm, beautiful evening! Hooray for spring! And hooray for s'mores!

Five I have...

I have long been interested in the life and writings of Ruth Bell Graham, the late wife of Dr. Billy Graham. While her husband traveled the world, Ruth spent many lonely nights baring her heart and soul on paper, all while raising five children. Her deep faith and sense of humor shine through in her books, especially in her prose and poetry, and her stories tell her remarkable journey through joy, pain, brokenness, and healing. I especially recommend Footprints of a Pilgrim and Prayers from a Mother's Heart. Here is one selection from Footprints, which has always really resonated with me, since she and I are both mothers of five. Her prayer is mine as well:

Five I have:
each separate, distinct,
a soul bound for eternity:
and I - blind leader of the blind -
groping and fumbling,
casual and concerned, by turns...
undisciplined,
I seek by order and command
to discipline and shape;
(I who need Thy discipline
to shape my own disordered soul).
O Thou,
Who seest the heart's true, deep desire,
each shortcoming
and each sad mistake,
Supplement and overrule,
nor let our children be the victim
of our own unlikeness to Thee.

How full is my heart with love for my own five...
...now grown to EIGHT! and all so very precious and dear to me.

You know it's spring in Oregon when...

...our camellia bushes are in full bloom...
...the blossoms on our three cherry trees are breathtakingly gorgeous...
...our grass is an otherworldly amazing kind of green...
...and there's a new Honda CR-V in our driveway... :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEN !

Happy 26th Birthday to our very favorite middle son! We love you so much, and hope your day is filled with joy and fun.
Ben the Builder - you're AWESOME !!!

A special message to two very special people...

Happy Birthday, dear Beka! And welcome home from Germany, Hannah! We love you both so much, and can't wait to CELEBRATE!