Meet the Parents...

In Medford! Yep, my parents came over for the weekend. They actually visited some friends, went to the Redwoods, and on their way back to Bend, came to visit us in Medford. Well, Mom and I had a fun time beating and giving Dad and Tobin a run for their money at Hand and Foot (I had to rub it in one more time). They beat us at cribbage, but that was only because Mom was falling asleep while we were playing (I still love you Mom). =) Anyways, we had a lot of fun, and were blessed that it didn't get really smoking in Medford till Sunday afternoon (we are praying the winds die down and the fires are able to be put out soon). Saturday morning, before it got to be 100 degree, we went on a hike in a Wildlife Refuge. We saw some beautiful birds, a buck, snakes, flowers, and trees. It was a great morning. Then we took them to Butte Creek Mills (an old flour mill that still is operating). Then we had a great time playing cards, which give us a great appetite for dinner! We decided to take Mom and Dad to Jacksonville, and enjoy some Italian Dinner (where the photo is from). Sunday we were blessed in fellowship; we were reminded of what we have to literally look forward to...Heaven, and Wow it's going to be great! Then one more game of Hand and Foot, where Mom and I really tried to achieve another win, and almost did, but alas, we had to give up the victory by one 300 points to the boys. Now the parents are on their way home, and Tobin and I are relaxing for the rest of the weekend. These are the moments we cherish. =)

We Love the Outdoors!!!

Feeling Dogged on Dog Mountain

Last Saturday we took Darrol and Marty on a good hike. Dog Mountain is in the Columbia River Gorge, and we took advantage of a beautiful day to enjoy the hike up, and the misery coming back down.

That's Tobin on the right, hard to see him behind the huge pack!

The trail is 3.8miles and gains a little more than 2,500 feet of elevation--so not just a walk in the park.

The one picture on top. There were lots of flies and bugs up there...so it wasn't the most pleasant. Thankfully the wind started picking up making it a little more tolerable. For some reason they seemed to swarm around Darrol...hence why Marty is standing so far away!

Shooting Practice

We went to Trout Lake this past weekend. The first evening we were there, Tobin noticed the pesky rock chucks that are literally taking over their property and making holes all over! So he got out the ol' 22 and took one down for the team.

Then I got to shoot a gun for the first time in my life. I have to say my first shot wasn't all that bad, I actually got the bullet somewhere on the target I was aiming at. But holding a gun, aiming, and keeping it steady definitely takes practice! I know I'm not cut out to actually get something that could be moving. Oh well, it was fun anyway. Now, I had a very brief 101 on gun safety too, and that could be useful at some point.

Please Pray for Tobin

Well, Tobin is heading up to Portland again for another set of exams. These exams are over the rotations he has been doing. This time will be two exams on OB/GYN and Pediatrics. Thursday he'll take a practical exam where he has to examine an actual patient and determine the appropriate steps in front of examiners, and Friday will be the written exam (so all in all 4 exams). We are trusting in the Lord to give Tobin peace, direction, and stamina this week! We would appreciate your prayers as well! Tobin has and does work extremely hard and so do so many other medical students, but these exams are tough! And even with diligent studying we feel that the hand of the Lord is also a critical factor. The Lord knows the outcome already, and whatever the outcome may be, we still TRUST IN THE LORD! It's wonderful to have that security in life. Otherwise, Tobin would probably be on anti-anxiety meds because of the immense pressure from school, exams, and schedules!

I will be here at home working this week. And then Thursday night I'll be travelling up to stay with my sister in Salem for the night and then meet up with Tobin after he has finished his exams on Friday. Thanks again for all your support, love, and prayers.

This week from fellowship this morning, we were reminded that we were created to "Enjoy the Presence of the Lord." May you do that this week. And if you don't know the redemption of our Saviour; I urge you to consider your life, your purpose, to look at Creation, and realize there is one God who created this world, you, and gave you the opportunity to commune and enjoy that Presence and Present of His Redemption! Have a great week!

Sunday Picnic

We had the pleasure to have a Sunday evening picnic with some great couples from our church. We were the only couple there without any kids or dogs...oh well. =) We got to "share" responsibility for Mike and Alli's dog, Duke (since they don't have kids either, they were willing to share their dog). Anyways, it was lots of fun and some good BBQ picnic food. The place was a piece of property that several couples own and plan to eventually build on. It was a great evening to be out!

If you look closely at Tobin's face you can see it's bright red, and no that's not from the little BBQ smoke; it's from not putting on sunscreen during our 10hour climb on Mt McLoughlin. And yes, he is still suffering the consequences today. Next time I'm going to have to be a mom and force him to put it on; it's better than getting a Partial Thickness Burn!

The two little ones had fun in the creek, and so did the three dogs (not in the photo).

Mt McLoughlin - 9,495ft

Today we had the amazing opportunity to go Mountaineering and Snowboarding in the same day. Our friends from church (Mike and Alli), invited us to go climbing on Mt McLoughlin, and we weren't sure with weather conditions that we would be able to do it. Well, we drove up at 4:30am, and at 5:30am decided we'd start. It looked like fair weather conditions, but as the day progressed it was perfect! We even skied and snowboarding down in some fresh snow (I think it was on Thursday or Friday that it snowed here). It was amazing. Quite a new feat for me to haul up a snowboard and boots, but I was excited to make it. Tobin made it with a slightly bum knee (he might be in a little pain for the next few days but definitely worth it).

The Mountain we Climbed!

Putting on the crampons.

Just taking a break

On the long way up, This was Alli's first real Mountaineering experience!

Mike and Alli, friends from church

One of the beautiful views, where you can see Mt Shasta

" One Step at a Time"

Getting close....

It was pretty intense (don't worry Mom's this was a staged photo)

At the top! You can see Mt Shasta in the background!

And the fun way down!

Since it was Alli's first time Mountaineering her husband carried all the gear. But he let her take the pack the last few yards, it was massive on her!

And last but definitely not least...Mr and Mrs Rummel at the top!