Sunday, April 20, 2008

Senior Prom Snow!

Last night Lani & I "chaperoned" or "chauffered" Hannah & her date and another couple for their Prom. We dropped them off for dinner at a nice place in downtown Portland's "Brewery Blocks/Pearl District" called "Henry's Tavern", then we strolled around the Pearl District on foot, stopping to eat at a small Mediteranean restaurant. Then we drove them up around and through Washington Park, letting them enjoy the lovely older homes and the incredible gardens. Their prom was in the buildings at the Oregon Zoo, so we went over the hill to drop them off. The parking lot was full of limos, party buses, kids' cars, and quite a few parent-driven rigs like us! We met another parent friend, Des, and she got in our car to hand with us. We had popcorn, cookies, and a laptop to watch movies (we watched "Amazing Grace", which I can now highly recommend).
The coolest part was that around 11:30 p.m. when the kids were all coming out, it started snowing these big, thick flakes! It was gorgeous and memorable! I'll bet they've never had another prom where it snowed on them.

In follow-up news:
I ended up calling AT & T about the cell-phone charges. After much hassle and speaking to a couple different people, they took $250 off the phone bill and made us pledge not to let our son do that again. Of course, they tried to sell me an "internet access" plan, but I told them we didn't want that. I also found out that you can't turn off the internet features, if you still want to be able to text message (which we do; we have a family-unlimited plan for this). All in all it was a hard lesson learned for my son and all of us.

Hannah now has about two weeks to make her college decision. She is going to try to do a music scholarship audition this week at George Fox, but if that doesn't come through in a BIG way, then she wants to go to Chapman and then PLU in that order. We still may need to check with Chapman about actual costs and any other possible aid.

Hannah sings at the Oregon State Solo Contest (held at Lewis & Clark College) this coming Saturday. I know she can do quite well if she's rested and healthy. The following weekend, she and Micah sing in the Gresham Concert Choir at the State Choir Contest (which is held at George Fox). These will be some busy and important weekends!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Ah. . . Spring!

So on Friday (Apr. 11) Spring finally, really arrived here! It was sunny and got up to about 70 and then yesterday it topped out at about 78 (at the Portland Airport; on our Yukon's thermometer it read 84 at one point while we were driving around).
Today it started out still sunny and nice -- I think getting into the mid-60's -- but then it has cooled and marine air and clouds have returned and are supposed to be around for the rest of the week. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted! I took a run yesterday evening while it was still about 70 (did my favorite run up to Butler Creek Park) and then this afternoon Lani, Levi, Caleb, & I went on a bike ride on the Springwater Trail.

Hannah is now trying to decide (along with our advice & concerns) about where to go to college next year. She's been accepted to Pacific Lutheran U., George Fox U., and Chapman U. All are quality schools with excellent music departments. Chapman is in L.A., while PLU is in Tacoma, WA and Geo. Fox is nearby in Newberg, OR. Fox is the most expensive option since they seem to provide way less financial aid (at least for us as we compare their offers); Chapman & PLU will cost us about the same, although travel and expenses in the L.A. area would be higher. We have to let the schools know whether Hannah is accepting or declining their offers by May 1st, so something must be decided soon. We appreciate your prayer-support in this matter.

One of my kids ran up a HUGE bill on a cell-phone, apparently not knowing that our family plan does not include any internet access. We have unlimited messaging and way more voice minutes than we ever use, but no coverage for internet use. We just discovered this tonight as I was checking out some bill payments (our cell plan payment is an auto-pay right from our checking account, so I often don't even open the statement when it comes). What would you do?

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Sunday night buzz

So, this marks the third Sunday in a row that I've found some time to post on my blog. Maybe I should make this my goal to regularly post on Sundays.

Tonight "Men in Black" sang at the Hinson Memorial Baptist Church Talent Show (yeah, really big-time! About 75 or so in attendance). It was our first non-Christmas performance. We're still trying to learn some more arrangements so that we can get out and sing more. Here's a picture of the group from back when we sang on Christmas Eve at Abundant Life.



Hannah got home today from the Oregon State Thespian's Conference in Medford. Sounded like the Gresham kids did well and had a nice time.

Here's a prayer request: my mom had to have a second surgery on her eye (which was severely injured a few months back). They removed scar tissue, reattached the retina, and had to put silicone oil in it for now. We're praying for healing in the eye and that she may eventually regain sight in this eye. God is faithful and able to heal! Thanks for joining us in prayer.