Memories of Jayleen

Jayleen Tjoelker impacted my life greatly. I spent countless hours in the Tjoelkers home as a girl and teen, including many late nights! 

I also worked for Jayleen during my HS years. 

She was full of life and personality and she laughed a lot! 

Lissa's friendship blessed me in so many ways and her friendship to this day is one of my GREATEST blessings.

When I was in kindergarten, Jayleen invited all of us Ebenezer kinders over to ride ponies in their corral. This was an absolute highlight. Bud and Jay drove a big van with a GOD IS GOOD bumper sticker. That van took me to ball games, K-mart, a sunrise Easter morning service, Sprouse Reitz many times, and the list goes on. 

I remember being at Bud and Jay's - so often Jayleen was crocheting. I also remember her making candy trains - boxes of them - to sell at the Ebenezer bazaar. Jayleen was a huge support to Ebenezer as a person and through her donated crafts. 

When our mom passed away suddenly, Jayleen reached out in big powerful ways. I was so thankful for her being giving of her time and praying for us all. 

When Merit was born, she crocheted him the most adorable baby blue sweater. 

As the years went on, Jayleen was so invested in her kids and her grandkids. She was so happy to talk about them and to be with them.

After my Grandpa Ken passed, Bud and Jay were in a small group - through church - with my grandma Al,ma. Grandma loved her time with them.

I drove to the service alone on Friday morning and the time of reflection was so important. The funeral was absolutely beautiful! Lesha leaned in and said "you know if Grandma were still here she would would be here" which I knew....

I enjoyed a quick lunch with my sisters at Fairway Cafe after the service and got back on the road. Again, quiet time being therapeutic. 

On Saturday I traveled to Spokane. I was able to talk to Lissa on the phone a good portion of my drive. 

This week is so full! Lots of baseball, track, teaching, and my garden starts in my greenhouse are ready to find new homes!! 

Find Joy in the Journey

 

History

Old brick homes

Weathered sheds

A cloudy day and

BASEBALL

the best! 

Weekend Goodness

photo taken Oregon 

 Friday night - Wenatchee 

 Saturday - Pendleton

ALL DAY TODAY at home

flowers near Knolls Vista

 

We had a fun weekend of baseball

My mom's birthday today! She would be 68 - the crazy thing is 68 seems young and she died so long ago-

I am still learning things through her, because of her. 

SPORTS ALL AROUND

 

SPORTS ALL AROUND!!! 

So much fun 

Walla Walla

Walla Walla has so much beauty - - 

Merit has about 6 weeks left there, seems crazy and a bit sad. 

He has sure enjoyed the ride! 

We watched the Warrior games there on Sunday, 

We had Japanese food Saturday night and explored a bit Sunday morning with dinner at Bacon and Eggs. 

Time moves a little to quickly

 I just spent three days in kinder! What a chatty, fun group!!

I think Hazel is busier than she has ever been!! Course work, her horse, track - her first meet on Thur - and cheer try outs this week. 

Her attitude remains laid back and terrific! 

Oren's first baseball game!!

ATTA KID OREN! 

Oren #25

 

April goodness

Walking through Marilyn's yard and greenhouse is such a sweet blessing.

Bleeding Heart

I love April

 

Happy Monday!

Our weekend was good! 

And this weather! Oh this weather!

Heading into sub a 3rd/4th split. Oren and I will have 45 min after school before we need to pick up Hazel from track --- SO COOL that she is trying this sport!! --

so I am throwing Oren's scooter in the back of the car and he will scooter and I will walk, downtown, soaking in the sights. 

I wonder where Merit will go next year and if he will play ball - I am sure this is on my mind often and when it is on mine, I just stop and pray. God has great things in store for him.

The greenhouse is looking good and the growth is rewarding.

Vance has a big irrigation project going on here and he is excited about more green and more trees.... we could consider planting corn, potatoes, wine grapes

Picture from Saturday's game! So fun! 

 We split the double header in Yakima. 

Longview's spring concert!!

Oren was quite serious but did such a good job! 

 Longview's spring concert was terrific!!!

SPRING BREAK!

SPRING BREAK GOODNESS!!!

*Work

*Play

*Friendships

*Baseball

*Easter

This sums up our spring break! Oh and Tasha and kids came and visited for two days right in the middle of it! And I celebrated my birthday! 

Easter Egg hunt! Our kids and two of Merit's college friends!!