The Family
| William, Dad |
 Bill works for the U.S. Coast Guard. He is retired from the U.S. Air Force, but has continued to work for the government for the past 15 years or so. His favorite thing to do is work outside in his yard. He loves flowers and trees, and gets a kick out of cutting down alder trees with his nifty chain saw. I don't mind him cutting those Alder trees down, it keeps the caterpiller population down. However, I put my foot down when he tries to cut any of the other trees down. After living in the desert in California, I don't want to see nothin' but trees when I look out my windows. Bill does half of the homeschooling, too. It's not one of his favorite things to do, but it sure helps mom out. He works mostly with Daniel, while Donna does work with Jessica. And Bill's major accomplishment this past year (1996) was in
getting his Ph.D. He worked long and hard for it (years and years), we're very proud of him. |
| Donna Mom |
 Donna (that's me) is a stay at home mom of four children, ages 8 to 21. I love it here in Washington because I love the rain so much. Some people I know don't understand my love for the rain, but this fair skinned person (me) can't stand the sun for long periods of time, so Washington is the best place to be, right? I finished up schooling our two oldest this past year, so now I just have Jessica to keep me really busy. I do grade all Daniels work, but Bill does the bulk of his schooling (one of my blessings).
One of my favorite things to do is play and work on my computer. Yeah, it's become part of me, I believe. I do work for our Churches web pages, along with some other great minds, I really enjoy this work. I also work on my own education, I'm completing my Bachelors Degree in Christian Education through a correspondence college. The same one
Bill received his Ph.D. from. When I'm tired of "working" on my computer, I like to play cards or surf the internet. You wouldn't believe the
information you can get on the net. I am also a Sunday School teacher for the 1st and 2nd graders in our church. I teach during the Saturday evening service so I can worship at the second service on Sunday mornings. I am also the secretary of the Christian Education Board at our church. |
| Christian, #1 Son |
 Chris is 21 years old now, OH MY! Well, Chris finished his year at Miracle Ranch. His apprentiship program was a wonderful experience for him. He was working as a counselor during the summer months at Miracle Ranch with children ages 8-17. The miracle of Miracle Ranch is that its a Christian camp for non-Christian children. They are trying to reach those children who haven't heard the Word yet. A great blessing I assure you all. Chris found a great job, unfortunately its in another state. He is now in West Yellowstone, Montana. He is the Executive Housekeeper at the Brandin' Iron Inn, which means he is in charge of all the housekeepers, making sure things get done and managing the housekeeping duties. He even has his own office. Right now he is literally up to his neck in snow, which means its the busy season in West Yellowstone. This area is one of the most popular snowmobiling areas in the Northwest. Chris keeps busy trying to keep all his employees busy and out of trouble. Hehehe! He goes to the local library to log on to the internet so that he can communicate freely and easily with his many friends (AND HIS MOM). On his days off he either explores the Park or spends the day alone with his Savior. He attends a local Protestant church and has been asked to lead their music during Sunday morning services. We sure are proud of him and the God loving man he has turned into! |
| Dustin, #2 Son |
 Dustin finished up high school in three years. We used Christian Liberty Academy so that he would
receive a high school diploma. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force right after he graduated. He spent six weeks at Lackland AFB in Texas for Basic Training, graduating on May 9, 1997. He said he had gotten some teasing because he doesn't swear, smoke or drink, but he was surprised he actually stood up for himself. He actually started a small Bible Study while he was in basic, not an easy thing to do in there. He told us he wants to go to Seminary after his four years are up and become a Youth Minister. He attended Tech school at Sheppard AFB for fifteen weeks, also in Texas, and now has gone on to his duty station, Seymore Johnson Air Force Base, in North Carolina. I can't remember the exact job title he has, but I do know it has something to do with loading bombs on the F-15 Eagle fighter jet. He was a little upset that he got that career field, but he's content to just put in his four years and attend college in the mean time to prepare himself for seminary. Pray for him! We are very proud of him in this new life of his, he is being faced every day with temptations of this world, but he is relying on God for his strength. |
| Daniel, #3 Son |
 Daniel is 11 now. His birthday is on the same day as his oldest brother Chris. Sure makes things easier for Mom to remember (ha-ha!). He loves to draw and paint pictures in his spare time. He started taking art classes last year with a wonderful, talented young lady. He has done some really great work, and if you'd like to go see some of Daniels Art work go and enjoy it. They are learning to draw with a grid type of concept. I've seen some of the work the other students have completed, really good stuff for such young people. He enjoys baseball and collects baseball and hockey cards. He also enjoys working and playing on the computer. A really close friend gave him a computer program to keep track of all his baseball and hockey cards. He even has two pen-pals that he communicates with on the internet. |
| Jessica, #1 Daughter |
 Jessica is our energetic eight year old, who keeps us busy most of the
day. She's a remarkable child, who has accomplished more than we ever thought she would. Because of the abuse she received as
an infant she has mild brain damage, but she tries hard to compensate for her handicaps. She enjoys playing with all her stuffed
"dogs", who she treats like they were her children. She loves to learn to read new words and really enjoys reading her little books to anyone who will listen. She really is a blessing from God! |
Bill and I have been here in the "wonderful" state of Washington for 10 years now. Since we've been here, we have gone through several life changes. Our two older sons have grown into wonderful young men. Our younger children, Jessica and Daniel, have grown more than weeds grow. We lost our beloved 15 year old dachshund, Rusty.
We've been homeschooling our children since we moved here from California. This has been a challenge in itself, but well worth the rewards. I'd recommend it to anyone no matter what your educational background is. Anyone can do it!
