The Camas County High School Senior Class has 13 students. I have never been associated with a school this small. The Junior class is even smaller and the Sophomore class is even smaller still.

Volleyball Team Went to State.

Julie and I were casual fans last year of the girl’s volleyball team here at Camas County High School. We attended most of the home games. This year, with Mette on the team and having gotten to know all of the girls on a much more personal level, we only missed 3 of their 24 games. The girls had an incredible year. Last year, they took last place in their District, winning only two games. They got a new coach this year and worked very hard all year long. They ended up taking 2nd in their district and going to State for the first time since 2000. It was an especially fun year to be a part of. Now we look forward to basketball season. These girls learned that they can be winners – we’ll see if this translates into the basketball season. (By the way, Julie is going to be the Stat keeper for the girls so she gets to travel to every game this year.)

Football Season is Over!

Camas County High School had a fairly poor season. They won two games and lost seven. That’s two games more than they won last year. I think next year they have the potential for breaking .500 – we’ll see next year.

On a more positive note, Jeff did have a fairly good season, despite not really having any blocking up front for him. He rushed for 1,269 yards and 14 touchdowns. That made him the #1 running back for yardage in the State (1A Division II) and the #2 in the State for all divisions and classifications. He averaged 7.21 yards per carry. With Camas placing tied for last in their league, there is a pretty slim chance that he will have any league honors, even though he lead the league in yards. (This is why I do not like voting on All-League and All-State Honors, there is too much personal conjecture involved and politics. In track, on the day of the District Meet, if you beat everyone else, you are the league champion. No one votes, you prove it yourself.)

We are a little bit worried as it appears there are no offensive linemen returning to block up front – it might be a very tough year for Jeff coming out of the backfield.

New Pictures.

I just wanted to share a new picture we took today.

A Long Over-Due Update!

You’d never know it from our blog, but I honestly do enjoy writing each update – I just never find the time. We’ve had a very busy start to the new school year. With Jeff playing football and Mette playing volleyball, we have an athletic event 3 if not 4 nights a week. The other nights are filled with church and homework. Today is a Saturday and I came in early to work, but I found that my mind was wondering and I having to do the same tasks over and over again because I just don’t have the attention span today. So I gave up and decided to read back through the older posts on everyone’s blogs. It has been a fun morning. I feel re-energized and committed to keep mine updated better.

The two pictures here were taken just outside the front door to my office. You can begin to understand why my mind has wandered so much today; It is incredibly gorgeous outside right now. I feel like I should be spending my time outside, probably taking pictures, instead of sitting inside on one of the last nice Saturdays of the year. Snow is just around the corner, as it is below freezing now in the mornings when Julie and I leave for work.

Jeff's Football:

Jeff's team this year is better than the team last year and he has had a very good season so far. He has played four games so far and he has a total of 511 yards rushing and four TD's. With five games left, he could easily gain over 1,000 yards this season. The really exciting thing is next year. The team only looses 3 seniors, but has a lot of freshman that are coming along and will fill in nicely. We are looking forward to next season with baited breath.

Mette's Volleyball:

Mette arrived here having never played volleyball. The school got a new coach with a long history of winning behind him. The Camas County voleyball team only won 2 matches last year. They have had a very winning season and are improving significantly each week. The very first match this season was against Carey, which the girls lost in 3 straight sets. Last Tuesday the Camas County girls blew Carey off the court, wining 3 of four with scores of 21-25, 25-14, 25-12, 25-15. It was exciting and fun. They have worked hard and Mette is becoming more and more comfortable with the team and the game with each passing day.

My Baby - 27 years.

Here is a picture of my baby. Can you believe this is the mother of four and the grandmother of three? Sorry to get all sappy and drippy on you all, but i think she is more beautiful today than the day I married her 27 years ago. As far as I can tell, she only has one flaw - her cats, but I even tolerate the cats and their annoying habits just so I can live with her and spend time with her. This past year has been incredible; we see each other litterally all day long as we commute to work together, work in the same office together, and then commute back home together. In my personal prayers, I thank God daily for her.

The beauty of Oregon.

I moved to Oregon when I was 15 and have traveled around and through the state many, many times however, I am still awe struck by the diversity and beauty of the state every time I travel in it. Below are just a small sampling of what I love in Oregon. (We took a trip in late July and early August of this past summer.)

The rough and tumble Oregon Coast on a calm, beautiful day. It is even more beautiful on a nasty, stormy day.

The lush green folliage is always filled with abundant life - here is a dragon fly.

Multnomah Falls. The double falls are spectacular.

The Columbia River Gorge looking at Crown Point and on eastward to Beacon Rock.

The Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Below and West of the South Falls at Silver Creek Falls State Park.

Same Falls, closer view.

Here is the South Falls, which you can walk down to and completely under. I'm sure you can see why it is one of my favorite places in Oregon.

Kohen, Jeff and I standing in front of the North Falls at Silver Creek Falls State Park. Mette, Jeff, Kohen and I got to spend the day together walking around the park and looking at the various water falls.