Congratulations, Jake! Way to be a famous artist! We are huge fans! We are very proud of you! And we love you!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Artist Jake Dorr
Jake was one of seven artists whose work was showcased at the Giustina Gallery at LaSells Stewart Center on the campus of Oregon State University last night. Mark, Hannah, and I went to the reception (which was very well attended), and were impressed with the work of the various artists represented. Of course, we were most impressed by one artist in particular, our son Jake. And he even sold a piece! See more of his work on his web site and on his and Beka's blog (links at right). Jake's work will be on display at the Giustina Gallery through the month of June, so stop on by if you get a chance!
Congratulations, Jake! Way to be a famous artist! We are huge fans! We are very proud of you! And we love you!
Congratulations, Jake! Way to be a famous artist! We are huge fans! We are very proud of you! And we love you!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Happy 30th, Sarah
It was June 8, 1978, when our lives were forever turned upside-down. For it was on that day that Mark and I became parents, with the arrival of Sarah Elizabeth Dorr. And we wouldn't have it any other way. Sarah - we love you so much, and praise God for the privilege it has been and continues to be, to be your Mom and Dad. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear girl !!!
Sarah and I in the hospital in Dayton, Washington, the day she was born.
A proud new Daddy holds his firstborn. (Gotta love those curtains, no?)
We couldn't believe we were allowed to take you home from the hospital, Sarah! Mark drove up to the hospital entrance, and as we placed you in your car seat, we looked back over our shoulders at the hospital staff who had accompanied us to the curb. Could we really just drive away with you? Did those nurses and doctors really think that we knew what we were doing? If so, we certainly had them fooled! I can remember just marveling over and over that you were ours, and feeling so inadequate to the task of being your mom. And yet, despite our often bumbling efforts, you have become a lovely woman of God, an amazing teacher, and a beloved wife.
Well... except for one thing... you DO kind of have BAD taste at times! :-) We loved your BAD TASTE birthday party on Saturday. Note to readers: you simply MUST check out Sarah's blog (link at right) to see pictures of the outrageous party that was held to celebrate Sarah's milestone birthday. It was very fun! Love you, sweet girl! XO
Sarah and I in the hospital in Dayton, Washington, the day she was born.
A proud new Daddy holds his firstborn. (Gotta love those curtains, no?)
We couldn't believe we were allowed to take you home from the hospital, Sarah! Mark drove up to the hospital entrance, and as we placed you in your car seat, we looked back over our shoulders at the hospital staff who had accompanied us to the curb. Could we really just drive away with you? Did those nurses and doctors really think that we knew what we were doing? If so, we certainly had them fooled! I can remember just marveling over and over that you were ours, and feeling so inadequate to the task of being your mom. And yet, despite our often bumbling efforts, you have become a lovely woman of God, an amazing teacher, and a beloved wife.
Well... except for one thing... you DO kind of have BAD taste at times! :-) We loved your BAD TASTE birthday party on Saturday. Note to readers: you simply MUST check out Sarah's blog (link at right) to see pictures of the outrageous party that was held to celebrate Sarah's milestone birthday. It was very fun! Love you, sweet girl! XO
Friday, June 6, 2008
And the baby turns 21...
Our baby girl turned 21 yesterday. Can it even be possible that all those years have flown by so quickly, and that Hannah has now celebrated that milestone anniversary of her birth? Apparently so, for we gathered last night at our home to help her celebrate. Jake and Beka, along with Hannah's boyfriend Mitchell were here. Before it got too dark, they played bocce in the back yard. I'd never seen this game before, but my research shows that it's been around since at least 5000 B.C... who knew? (yeah, I looked it up.) Anyway, Jake and Beka brought over their set, and the kids (including that big kid below on the left) played before and after dinner.
Above, Mark, Jake, and Hannah's boyfriend Mitchell pose between rounds. (Hannah and Mitchell had spent the day in Newport, going to the aquarium, the lighthouse, and out to lunch. It was rainy on the coast, but they had a nice time.)
For her birthday dinner menu, Hannah once again chose a breakfast-foods theme. So we enjoyed french toast, bacon, a huge fruit salad with tons of fresh fruit, and orange juice. After dinner, more bocce ball was played, and then Mark fired up the chiminea (aka outdoor fire pit), and we had Hannah's birthday dessert outside.
Hannah invented her own "cake" for the occasion: ice cream sandwich cake. I unwrapped lots of frozen ice cream sandwiches, squished them into a bowl lined with plastic wrap, and refroze it. When we were ready to serve, I plopped the concoction out onto a plate and pressed crushed Oreo cookies onto the top and sides. I cut it into wedges, and Beka helped me serve it. It was delicious!
Beka is always ready to lend a hand.
And below is Handsome Husband, who really helped make the party happen. He pre-cooked all the bacon the day before, cooked the french toast for all of us, and got the firewood all ready. Jake laid the fire, and did a real good Boy Scout job of it.
Love you, Hannah - so much! May God give you His joy, peace, and love forever. Thanks for all the ways you bless our lives. We are humbled to be your parents, and thank God every day for giving you to us to be our daughter.
Above, Mark, Jake, and Hannah's boyfriend Mitchell pose between rounds. (Hannah and Mitchell had spent the day in Newport, going to the aquarium, the lighthouse, and out to lunch. It was rainy on the coast, but they had a nice time.)
For her birthday dinner menu, Hannah once again chose a breakfast-foods theme. So we enjoyed french toast, bacon, a huge fruit salad with tons of fresh fruit, and orange juice. After dinner, more bocce ball was played, and then Mark fired up the chiminea (aka outdoor fire pit), and we had Hannah's birthday dessert outside.
Hannah invented her own "cake" for the occasion: ice cream sandwich cake. I unwrapped lots of frozen ice cream sandwiches, squished them into a bowl lined with plastic wrap, and refroze it. When we were ready to serve, I plopped the concoction out onto a plate and pressed crushed Oreo cookies onto the top and sides. I cut it into wedges, and Beka helped me serve it. It was delicious!
Beka is always ready to lend a hand.
And below is Handsome Husband, who really helped make the party happen. He pre-cooked all the bacon the day before, cooked the french toast for all of us, and got the firewood all ready. Jake laid the fire, and did a real good Boy Scout job of it.
Love you, Hannah - so much! May God give you His joy, peace, and love forever. Thanks for all the ways you bless our lives. We are humbled to be your parents, and thank God every day for giving you to us to be our daughter.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Just Stop and Think
If you have fifteen minutes, you might want to take the time to watch this powerful video. Produced by a small Christian film company in SoCal (see juststopandthink.com), it succinctly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ in a refreshing way. I guess it's been out for a couple of years, but it was new to me. Anyway, I loved it, and wanted to share it. Hope it rocks your foundation and blesses your heart as it did for me.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Farming, Part 2
The girls were back at it yesterday, checking on the progress of their farming venture and planting a few more things.
A few things have actually popped up - any guesses as to what these tiny grass-looking things are? If you guessed carrots, you would be correct. OK, we know... they're so very tiny, but we're predicting that they will be huge and lovely very soon.
Beka transplants some of the lettuce starts into bigger pots, so they will hopefully get bigger and stronger.
Time to label the broccoli - or is it brah ko lee, brock oh lee, or bra co lee? Beka is so very creative, no?
This is the spot where "let us" will someday flourish. Where is it now? We don't know.
Hannah is planting more lettuce in this bed.
Mark mounted these black metal rings and terra cotta pots on the six posts along our back deck, and planted petunias in them. Aren't they sweet?
The gardeners (oops - FARMERS) confer about their operation.
Half the fun of farming is hanging out together with fellow farmers.
And hooray! The peas are up and looking GOOOOD !!!!!
A few things have actually popped up - any guesses as to what these tiny grass-looking things are? If you guessed carrots, you would be correct. OK, we know... they're so very tiny, but we're predicting that they will be huge and lovely very soon.
Beka transplants some of the lettuce starts into bigger pots, so they will hopefully get bigger and stronger.
Time to label the broccoli - or is it brah ko lee, brock oh lee, or bra co lee? Beka is so very creative, no?
This is the spot where "let us" will someday flourish. Where is it now? We don't know.
Hannah is planting more lettuce in this bed.
Mark mounted these black metal rings and terra cotta pots on the six posts along our back deck, and planted petunias in them. Aren't they sweet?
The gardeners (oops - FARMERS) confer about their operation.
Half the fun of farming is hanging out together with fellow farmers.
And hooray! The peas are up and looking GOOOOD !!!!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Dearest Dayton
We spent Memorial Day weekend in Dayton, a tiny town in southeastern Washington. Mark was born in Dayton, and Sarah and Jake were born there as well, prior to our family's move to Oregon in 1981. This visit was to celebrate the life of Mark's mom, and to reintroduce our kids to some of the sites of the area. Beka and Chris had never been there before, so it was fun to show them the town and the places where their spouses had their beginnings.
The route to Dayton from our house takes one along the Columbia River Gorge, where the scenery is breathtaking. The water was very calm and the clouds were spectacular.
Once in Dayton, we met up with Mark's sister Nancy and other relatives at the city cemetery. Nancy and her husband Roland had brought the stone for Margie's grave with them from Seattle. The cemetery workers had pre-dug the hole for the urn, but it was up to us to bury the urn and set the stone. In the picture above, Mark's cousin Bill and his cousin Vicki's husband Randy are digging out the recessed area where the stone will be placed. The stone is on a hand truck in the foreground, waiting to be set in place. It weighed 350 pounds, so we really appreciated all those who helped with the process.
Nancy is holding the wooden urn with Grandma's dates etched on the top. It was very beautiful.
After placing the urn in the hole, we all took turns placing shovelfuls of dirt in the hole. Mark's Aunt Marilyn awaits her turn, while Mark places his shovelful in the grave.
After the stone was set in place, Nancy and cousin Bill fill in the edges with sod to make it look so nice.
We then placed flowers around the spot to make it look nice for the service the next day.
Not only was this Memorial Day weekend, it was also Dayton Days, which is the town's annual celebration. We went to the parade on Saturday morning, staking out our places in front of the county courthouse.
There were lots of horses, and lots of rodeo queens and princesses.
And, of course, the Dayton High School marching band.
After the parade, we drove all around the town, taking the kids on a tour of places important to the family history. This building used to house the pharmacy of J.C. Dorr, an early pioneer in Dayton (1831-1892). He was a "drug dealer" who owned "J.C. Dorr & Co., Dealers in Drugs and Chemicals, Proprietary Medicines, Fine Perfumery and Druggest's Sundries!" An ad we have from the 1890 Dayton Chronicle states that the business was located on Dantzscher's Brick, Court House Block, Dayton, Washington. "Physicians' and Family Prescriptions Carefully Compounded," reads the ad. J.C. Dorr came out west in 1850 as a teenager from Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, to the California Gold Rush. He had seminary training, was a mortician, a coffin builder, a physician, a judge, and a California legislator from northern California before moving his family to Dayton in the 1880s. At the time, Dayton was the third largest city in Washington, with about 10,000 people, and was considered as a possible site for the state capital. Today it has a population of only 2,500 people.
Next it was on to the house where Mark's grandparents lived. They built this house after Grandpa Dorr returned home from serving in World War I, and it cost them $3,000 to build!
We went to the Dayton train Depot, too, and took the grand tour.
One of the items on display in the depot was this typewriter, which, we were told, had no shift key to make capital letters. Instead, it had separate keys for all the lower case and all the capital letters.
What made the typewriter so fun was the sign beside it. This machine was donated to the depot by Mark's grandmother and her three sons. George was Mark's dad. How often do you visit a museum and see something that was donated by your family? That was so cool!
Next we went to the elementary school where I taught first grade before Sarah was born. We're looking in the window of my former classroom.
And of course, the kids had to check out the playground!
Here is the church we attended when we lived in Dayton. It was known as First Baptist Church then, but is now called Community Bible Church. Before the kids were born, I also served as the church secretary here. Good memories!
Next we drove out to the country to see the sights. You might not know that most of the recipes that Mark cooks here at home are titled after places in Dayton, mostly Jasper and Hogeye. He makes Jasper Hogeye bread, Jasper Hogeye chowder, and Jasper Hogeye pancakes, to name a few. Here is a picture of a road sign in Dayton - proof to our kids that these places really exist!
The Navigation system in our new car proved helpful - here it shows the way to the family cabin at Hompegg Falls in the Blue Mountains, where we spent the nights this weekend.
On Sunday it was time to honor Grandma. Mark led the graveside service which preceded the memorial service at the church. He read some scripture, and Jake prayed.
Roland, Nancy, Kris, and Ben
Chris, Sarah, Beka, Jake, Mark, Jo, Hannah
Mark, Fred, Jo
The banner on the wall at the church where the service was held. The service was very nice. Pastor Greg Brownell gave a wonderful message, songs were sung, and Mark and Jake shared special memories. It was also gratifying to have so many people attend to honor Margie and to support the family.
The barns at Mark's Uncle Bud and Aunt Marilyn's place.
When we lived in Dayton, we lived in several places, but lastly in the country. Our chickens were kept in this shed, and Mark made a sign for their house which said "Chicken Hilton." Over the years since we moved away, the place has fallen into some disrepair, but the building and the sign remain.
Mark painted an old saw for his Uncle Bud, depicting the barns on the old home place, completing it this weekend. Here Bud holds the saw after receiving it from Mark.
Last, but not least, here is a picture of the ultimate souvenir from Dayton - a clucking chicken, which makes its obnoxious noise when you clap. Oh, it also clucks when you close the door, when you close the microwave, and when you take its picture. Fortunately, Mark took it to his classroom this morning, so perhaps we won't have to listen to it anymore. Good luck, Mark, keeping all of your middle schoolers from making it cluck CONSTANTLY!
The route to Dayton from our house takes one along the Columbia River Gorge, where the scenery is breathtaking. The water was very calm and the clouds were spectacular.
Once in Dayton, we met up with Mark's sister Nancy and other relatives at the city cemetery. Nancy and her husband Roland had brought the stone for Margie's grave with them from Seattle. The cemetery workers had pre-dug the hole for the urn, but it was up to us to bury the urn and set the stone. In the picture above, Mark's cousin Bill and his cousin Vicki's husband Randy are digging out the recessed area where the stone will be placed. The stone is on a hand truck in the foreground, waiting to be set in place. It weighed 350 pounds, so we really appreciated all those who helped with the process.
Nancy is holding the wooden urn with Grandma's dates etched on the top. It was very beautiful.
After placing the urn in the hole, we all took turns placing shovelfuls of dirt in the hole. Mark's Aunt Marilyn awaits her turn, while Mark places his shovelful in the grave.
After the stone was set in place, Nancy and cousin Bill fill in the edges with sod to make it look so nice.
We then placed flowers around the spot to make it look nice for the service the next day.
Not only was this Memorial Day weekend, it was also Dayton Days, which is the town's annual celebration. We went to the parade on Saturday morning, staking out our places in front of the county courthouse.
There were lots of horses, and lots of rodeo queens and princesses.
And, of course, the Dayton High School marching band.
After the parade, we drove all around the town, taking the kids on a tour of places important to the family history. This building used to house the pharmacy of J.C. Dorr, an early pioneer in Dayton (1831-1892). He was a "drug dealer" who owned "J.C. Dorr & Co., Dealers in Drugs and Chemicals, Proprietary Medicines, Fine Perfumery and Druggest's Sundries!" An ad we have from the 1890 Dayton Chronicle states that the business was located on Dantzscher's Brick, Court House Block, Dayton, Washington. "Physicians' and Family Prescriptions Carefully Compounded," reads the ad. J.C. Dorr came out west in 1850 as a teenager from Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, to the California Gold Rush. He had seminary training, was a mortician, a coffin builder, a physician, a judge, and a California legislator from northern California before moving his family to Dayton in the 1880s. At the time, Dayton was the third largest city in Washington, with about 10,000 people, and was considered as a possible site for the state capital. Today it has a population of only 2,500 people.
Next it was on to the house where Mark's grandparents lived. They built this house after Grandpa Dorr returned home from serving in World War I, and it cost them $3,000 to build!
We went to the Dayton train Depot, too, and took the grand tour.
One of the items on display in the depot was this typewriter, which, we were told, had no shift key to make capital letters. Instead, it had separate keys for all the lower case and all the capital letters.
What made the typewriter so fun was the sign beside it. This machine was donated to the depot by Mark's grandmother and her three sons. George was Mark's dad. How often do you visit a museum and see something that was donated by your family? That was so cool!
Next we went to the elementary school where I taught first grade before Sarah was born. We're looking in the window of my former classroom.
And of course, the kids had to check out the playground!
Here is the church we attended when we lived in Dayton. It was known as First Baptist Church then, but is now called Community Bible Church. Before the kids were born, I also served as the church secretary here. Good memories!
Next we drove out to the country to see the sights. You might not know that most of the recipes that Mark cooks here at home are titled after places in Dayton, mostly Jasper and Hogeye. He makes Jasper Hogeye bread, Jasper Hogeye chowder, and Jasper Hogeye pancakes, to name a few. Here is a picture of a road sign in Dayton - proof to our kids that these places really exist!
The Navigation system in our new car proved helpful - here it shows the way to the family cabin at Hompegg Falls in the Blue Mountains, where we spent the nights this weekend.
On Sunday it was time to honor Grandma. Mark led the graveside service which preceded the memorial service at the church. He read some scripture, and Jake prayed.
Roland, Nancy, Kris, and Ben
Chris, Sarah, Beka, Jake, Mark, Jo, Hannah
Mark, Fred, Jo
The banner on the wall at the church where the service was held. The service was very nice. Pastor Greg Brownell gave a wonderful message, songs were sung, and Mark and Jake shared special memories. It was also gratifying to have so many people attend to honor Margie and to support the family.
The barns at Mark's Uncle Bud and Aunt Marilyn's place.
When we lived in Dayton, we lived in several places, but lastly in the country. Our chickens were kept in this shed, and Mark made a sign for their house which said "Chicken Hilton." Over the years since we moved away, the place has fallen into some disrepair, but the building and the sign remain.
Mark painted an old saw for his Uncle Bud, depicting the barns on the old home place, completing it this weekend. Here Bud holds the saw after receiving it from Mark.
Last, but not least, here is a picture of the ultimate souvenir from Dayton - a clucking chicken, which makes its obnoxious noise when you clap. Oh, it also clucks when you close the door, when you close the microwave, and when you take its picture. Fortunately, Mark took it to his classroom this morning, so perhaps we won't have to listen to it anymore. Good luck, Mark, keeping all of your middle schoolers from making it cluck CONSTANTLY!
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