KOIN News Segment

The CBS affiliate KOIN actually had 3 segments that they aired, here are the websites:

11:oo News - interview with S'te that was done in California
Radio link for interview with Jeff Gianola - the reporter
and
the link for the interview done here in Florida with me.

Hopefully we will be blessed with someone who needs to get the info off of thier chest and will call in that "missing piece" so the Detectives can put it all together.

Jeremy's Story

The first news for today is that KOIN news (CBS) has done a segment on Jeremy's disappearance... Jeremy is almost 36 years old (May 25). . . . he has been gone for almost 22 years(Aug 14) and I am hoping this segment helps God open someone's heart and mouth. The Coos County Detectives have worked this case hard for many years. I can't begin to thank them enough for the dedication and hard work and the loyalty they have shown in their resolution to solve this for Jeremy. As S'te said in our conversation last night; We know how horrible it is to live with the "unknown" and to live with the knowledge kept inside must be pure torture. It will be shown only in Oregon but will be on the WWW on Friday. I will post the link to it as soon as I can offer it. Jeff Gianola - the reporter who sidroded the project- said he is very pleased with the way it turned out. . . . 3 of the Detectives will be at the newsroom both after the 11pm newscast and the Friday morning newscast. . . manning a hotline. . . so they will have firsthand knowledge of any tips that come in. They are working htis very hard. . . and pray that it is the Lord's will that finalizing this is in His plans.

S'te attended the preliminary hearing for Angie's case, the murdering adoptive mother has been bound over for trial. Here is the news article.

We've had some quite busy days just lately. We have been getting ready to get ready to leave for our annual trek across country. We have taken a load of "stuff" to donate, washed houses, cleaned carpet, re-arranged (cleaned out) the shed (again) so we have room to put the outdoor items - and have done most of the last Doctor appointments for the summer and are awaiting the decision on placement of our houseguest. Keith decided that we aren't taking the RV this summer - we will just be driving the van - and this year we will take a different route - after seeing Mom B and April -

We hope to visit Mom B for Mother's Day and then head for April's. From there Keith hasn't "plotted our course". Most of it depends on whether I can see brother Gerald. If allowed to do so - we will probably travel a northern route - of course, that is weather permitting!!! I'd love to see Yellowstone National Park - as far as the WWW news - it's still snowed in - so maybe that won't happen this year.

Our days are in God's hands so we will see what He has in store for us.

Never to young to learn!

P4070390
Originally uploaded by Just Taken Pics

I wanted to share this picture of Jaleel in the kitchen. He isn't even a teen yet (notice the phone?) He has on his Dad's apron and is complete with the smudge on his cheek.

What a guy!!

He really, really enjoy's this. . . .

When the kids were here from Spring Valley, Cavelle's blanket got left behind. . . . . It's a soft fuzzy furry blanket. . . . I've been mailing the momentos that got left behind - on a weekly basis. . . . but this just "hasn't fit" into any of the stuff I've mailed. I give up. . . . cause. . . . Baby really, really likes this blanket. . . . It starts out straight and smooth. . . then, he will snuggle up into it. . . . pull it all close to his head and rub his hands on it. . then rub his cheek on it until he gets everything wadded up like he wants it. . . . . rub his nose a few times. . . stroke it a little more . . . . .

And then he goes to sleep. . . .
and sleeps . . . . .

Like a baby!!! hehe

So, Cavelle, it looks like it might be summer before you get your blanket back. Love, Amah

4 Years!!

It doesn't sound like much to you "long timers" -

but we've just celebrated 4 years since that

fatefull, fun trip to Las Vegas.

And they've been 4 very full, very great years too!!

Found

The child that I posted about a while back. . . . She has been found. She is ok. . . and I am sure that family is very relieved. The Lord saw to it that she was kept safe during her absence from the family home. I don't know the details so. . . . just thankfully, she is alive. Thank you Lord.

Just an update

Nothing much has been going on around here - normal round of visits, frustration with lack of coordination with the "system", the love/hate feelings that I keep harbored for the lack of "for the children" that our current systems seem to have.

Other than that - the interviews for the segment on Jeremy have been done. They did S'te's at her home and mine here at our home. I have no clue what she said - and she has no clue of what I said. I really didn't get much said - it was a really bad day for me. I sort of lost it right at the beginning and never found it again. I didn't do a very good job. Jeremy and Gerald have both been on my mind and heavy on my heart lately. I just dropped the box that I had all my "stuff" in and it split wide open - I've been that way for several weeks now. . . but anyway, it's done. Last word was that it would be airing on April 28 out of the Portland KOIN station. I don't know what time or after or during what program. Hopefully, more will follow.

Trying to get into cleaning up and getting ready to head out. This year Keith wants to drive out - take the scenic route - by way of Mom B's and April's. It will be nice to see how Mom B is doing since her surgery. She was blessed with the presence of several family members to make sure her recovery was rapid! And soon she will have a new floor in her other bathroom. It's wonderful to know that she has so many caring people so close when Keith lives so far away. It will be great to see her. And April too. Keith went at Christmas and visited for a week but I haven't seen her or the kids since the Cruise ended last year. I was sorry that they weren't able to come down when S'te and family were here. It would have been a wonderful houseful!!

So, that's the update from the last update. Just being. . . . .

Hurry Home Rod!

Siggie Tag
Originally uploaded by Just Taken Pics

I'm stealing S'te's photo. The family went on a tour before Rod was deployed. Keep them in your prayers. Rod for a safe journey and a timely return home. S'te for stregnth to do all that she does while he is at sea. They are both heros in my eyes!!

Budding Artist

We have new artwork for our wall!! It is perfect for the tropical motif in the guest room!! Elizabeth painted Papa a wonderful picture of the beach. We received it yesterday - along with about a dozen boxes of Girl Scout Cookies - Papa was the original Cookie Monster !!! and lots of love. We always enjoy getting originals from the kids. Our shelves and walls are living proof of that!!

Otherwise, we are doing well. I go on Wednesday for a ct scan on my sinuses to see what is going on there. I still haven't gotten over whatever it is that I'm trying to get over. You should see me when I get ready for bed!!! First I drag out my "medicine box" and I take my medicine cocktail of antibiotics, restless leg stuff, fibromyalgia stuff, calcium, "D", and of course the Protonix to keep the acid from all the other stuff from eating my stomach. . . . then I put on my black wrist braces. . . . so that my hands will work the next day. . . . . then I put on my nose piece for the cpap~~~ Then I say, "Come on sweetie, kiss me goodnight" hahahahahahaha!!

I don't care what they say about getting old. . . . . it beats the option!!

The Presentation @ Lakewood Park

This is the presentation that the kids did 3 times during thier short visit here. They presented soooo well!!! They have such a gift, a great message, and such talent!! Everyone was thrilled!!

I think I have it figured out. If this didn't work - I will have to wait until S'te has time to figure it out for me!!!

Another Missing Child

This child belongs to an aquaintance of S'te's. She has passed this information to me - I know it is true and not a hoax. Please pray that this child returns to her home. As the parent of a child that has been missing for over 20 years- I feel their pain as tho' it is my own. I pray the information on their daughter is much, much better - and sooner than ours.

Fourteen-year-old Ventura County Girl Missing Since March 12th, 2008


The fourteen-year-old daughter of Heidi and Damian Warner was last seen leaving base housing in Port Hueneme the afternoon of March 12th, 2008. Thought to be with a Hispanic male, age 17-20 said to be on his way to San Bernadino, California, parents fear that she is being held against her will as she left with nothing but the clothing on her back and without money. Police and NCIS have been assigned to the case, though as of Saturday, March 15th, she has yet to contact home and little is known as to her whereabouts. At this point, we are concerned for her safety and well-being and urge the public to help bring Brenna Oppel (might be going by “Warner”) home! Brenna is 5’3-5’4 and around 110 pounds, with brown eyes and hair. She has her nose pierced and wears braces with green elastic bands.
Any information needs to be given ASAP to:
The Oxnard Police (805) 385-7600
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (805) 982-4591
Or the Polly Klaas Foundation (800) 587-4357

To Catch up

The very same day that the kids were flying - I got a call from the Coos County Sheriff's Department to discuss a phone conversation with the CBS affiliate in Portland, OR. They were looking into "spotlighting" Jeremy's case during the "Without a Trace" program. I was totally speechless. It is such wonderful news - that yet another source of keeping Jeremy's disappearance from becoming a cold case. I am so amazed that the Lord has provided such resources to us - so many haven't had the blessings of the many people that have worked hard on this mystery. In January 1989 Jeremy's case was televised on Unsolved Mysteries. And now, this~~ I've spent many, many hours in prayer ~ hoping the Lord would provide us with an answer - He is providing us with another resource. The answer will come in His time. Someday he will make that person who knows something open up and we will then know.

I am just so glad that the Lord is giving yet another opportunity and resource for information to us. And I still pray for answers - not only for myself - but for all the parents, sisters, brothers, and children out there who haven't as many answers as I've gotten. I've not been as "lucky" as some - but still "luckier" than others. The Bible says that the Lord won't give us more than we can bear ~ He must know something about me that I don't know :)

So, if anything comes of the conversations and if I get an idea of when or if something may come to fruition, I will definately let everyone know. I doubt if the "spotlight" will be shown outside of Oregon - but who knows? Who'd have ever thought that this 21 1/2 year old case was still on so many peoples minds? Right now all I can think of is 23rd Psalms. . . . . . Tho I walk thru the valley. . . .

Back to California

They didn't get to come back!!!! BooHooo!!!! It just got to late. Finally at 6:30 with them only about 1/2 way here - they decided to head for Orlando as their flight was before noon - and the airport is about 2 hours north of here.

So, as disappointing as it was, I agreed with the it-makes-no-sense-to-drive-2-extra-hours-South just to turn around and drive the 2-hours-North in less than 6 hours.

So, I put all their "behinds" in a box and Keith mailed it out for me. They should get it in a week or sooooo ....... good old USPS!! And I found all sorts of good stuff, electric razors, socks, hair stuff, toothbrushes, mouthwash, shirts, toys. I had lots to send. I also sent their Florida shirts that I didn't have a chance to give them - since they didn't come back. . . . . .

I hope to see them again in just a few short months. I am still blessed enough to be able to keep up with thier lives thru S'tes blog, the webcam, Im's, and at least 2x a year visits - a few of them several months long. . .. !!

We are working on a time frame for her to be able to bring the kids to Oregon. If there is time between Ty's summer school, Mak's medical appointments, and the trial for Angies killer - they will come north. If not - I will go South!!! Keith is looking forward to doing the Tiger Cruise this year and I look forward to spending the time with S'te. Life is soooo wonderful! Now if we'd just get some answers for Jeremy - it would be absolutely perfect. Lord, please send an answer - this is my daily prayer.

Week 2 of Visit

Boy, the week went by soooo fast. They are on thier way to Georgia right now. Planning a wonderful visit with the other side of the family.

But days stayed soooo full!! We've had great weather for sightseeing and swimming and beachcombing. We even got rained on at the water park!! They packed up on Wednesday night (sniff sniff) and S'te repacked on Thursday morning. Much research was done on the best and most scenic route between here and Atlanta!!! Last I heard was about 9 pm and they had finally reached the Georgia border!!!! Must've done more seeing than driving hehe.

We were so blessed to be able to have them here!! The older kids did presentations for our Church (at 2 different campuses, in fact) and got standing ovations!!! They also did a presentation for the Village during our Tuesday "Coffee" that everyone just loved!! We celebrated Mak's 7th birthday and Baby CB actually started crawling and figured out how to roll from his back to his belly!!! It was so great!!!

So now they are gone - to be back on Monday. . . . and the house is way to quiet. It was sooooo great having them here!! I miss them already!!

Our Week

The kids have been having a lot of fun. Brayana and Jaleel immediately found the basketball court. We have a couple of bikes so others rode bikes. S'te and I took a tour in the golf cart, then picked Rod up and went for another one. . . . They did several activities but unfortunately - I wasn't feeling well enough to go with them.

Finally, on Friday, we agreed to meet in Sebastian. Keith and I had both gotten Dr. appointments and neither of us were feeling well at all!! S'te packed a picnic lunch and we met at Riverside Park. We had lunch and Keith watched the babies while we went on over to the "waterfront". This is the Inland River / Sebastian Inlet - not the ocean. We had a nice walk - the kids "discovered" lots of things in the rocks and then it was time for Keith and I to go get our chest xrays - so we parted. They drove back over the A1A coastal road - and we headed straight for Vero.

The family at the Memorial in Sebastian

The kids got to play in the sand and ocean - and see the big waters an entire country away from the big waters they are used to playing in. hehe.

They are here!!!

It was a tough wait. All day I just checked plane activity!! I finished getting enough pillows and blankets counted out. Changed all the sheets and made sure we have enough towels - etc. Busy work to try to make the day go by!!

I drove up to Orlando and found out the plane was going to be 30 minutes late (it was still "on time" the last time I checked on the internet). I was so excited that it was a loooooonnnnnggggg 30 minutes!!

But I finally saw them coming thru the secure area. I was soooo happy to see them......

We got thier luggage and van and got headed south. We went by the Lone Cabbage - but it was already closed. So we wound up at McDonalds. It was great being with all of them again. They've all grown sooo much. And so well behaved!!! I almost thought they'd be cranky and/or grumpy after that long flight and then the long drive = but they weren't. I think they were excited to be here. I pretty much had the kid van - I have the dvd in it. They watched a movie during the drive. Raquel kept saying "I can't believe I'm in Florida!!" Even Tetee stayed awake and watched all the movie. It was dark - so there wasn't much scenery - and blessedly - not much traffic either. Just a trucker that must've been trying really hard to stay awake at the wheel and then someone else just "parked" in the lanes on one of the 2 lane roads. But we made it home safely and all are tucked in thier "beds". On the floor, in the beds, in the recliners, all soundly snoozing. I'm so happy. Just wish I felt better. Hope I don't "pass anything around". Baby hasn't "caught" whatever it is I have but I think Keith might be feeling a little under the weather.

Blogger won't let me upload pics right now -

Visit

So excited to be getting ready for S'te's visit. I am like a little kid in a candy store. To think that the Lord provided a way for all 11 of them to come visit - all at once - it's like a miracle!!! Brayana and Ladaria were here a few years ago - and Kiah was here when he was 2. So it wasn't the only visit for some - but to make it all happen so they could ALL come!!!

I'm busy getting "family" packs of STUFF. I did a huge trip to Sam's since I was to sick to go to the commissary. Between fevers, sweats, coughs, and changing damp clothes, I am cleaning, and making room!! And it's great excitement. A purpose, a light, and to see my "babies" again!!! It seems like so long ago (and it was in August!). I just know Cavelle is 1/2 grown already.

The Crossings Community Church has invited the ones that do the Action Presentations to perform at both their Lakewood and Vero Campuses!! Ladaria is working on songs that 5 of them can do. It will be so exciting. They are going to present at the coffee hour here at the Village too. Everyone is going to get to meet our family!!!

I'm just tickled!!! I plan to drive up to Orlando to meet them!! Can't wait for them to get clear here!!! I am soooooo ready to see them. and it might possibly cut some of the lonliness around here too.

Anyhow, I'm sure they have lots of great plans and I only hope that I finally get better enough to enjoy and "run" with them. There are so many things I want to show them. And take them to lunch down at the "Driftwood" and show them the house I just love that is totally inappropriate - but I love it anyway. And take S'te and Rod to Bingo and Bunco. And see the Atlantic together, and just be with them. Oh, to be sooooooo blessed!!!!!

Back at Canaveral

Woke this morning feeling better. Went up to the gym thinking I'd sweat some of it out. Well, I got about a ton of stuff sweated out... As soon as I got warm enough - I started coughing - well - then I had to go to the shower - - and I coughed up some of my toenails - I stayed in that hot shower until my lungs and sinuses cleared way out!! Attendants stopped by several times to see if I was ok - back at a really good place to be sick. . . . .LOL But after all that - I really felt sooooo much better.

Got up to the Lido in time to catch Sharen and Jack having coffee after thier breakfast, Keith finally came thru - we got our carryons - and waited our turn to debark.

As I've said before - it is amazing how quickly and well organized they manage to move the thousands of people, bags, grumps, and kids on and off of the ships. Only improvement would be to shut down the all but the aft set of elevators and steps so that people aren't coming down the front stairs and "cutting" in line. After I've walked to the end of the line, waited in line, and am taking my own turn, I have a "resentment" (as Keith calls it) for those who think they or thier time is more valuable than me or mine. Carnival does a wonderful job of getting those with airlines to catch, handicapped and disabled people go priority, and all of that is great. I'm all for it. But for a group of 20 to come crashing down the stairs and run over my feet with thier wheeled carryons, and just butt into the line - yes, I have a resentment. Kind of like the car that drives up the shoulder of the road to a blocked exit - because they are to important to wait in the same line everyone else is in. Someday they will be in a line that they can't butt into - I'm a firm believer in "what goes around, comes around" and the Lord sees everything!! So I can let my resentments go to Him - and know that someday. . . .

So anyway, we took Sharen and Jack to Orlando where they had a room booked - said our bye-bye's and headed for home. Sharen can tell you what they did - I know we headed south - it got hotter - we decided not to stop at the Commisary (I didn't want that far from a bathroom or fresh clothes) - and picked Baby J up from the sitters.

She wasn't happy to see him leave. She had a wonderful week with him. He is so lucky - to be loved so much by so many people!!

We got home and I spent the rest of the day in absolute agony!!! Several times I wished that I had left Baby at the sitters. . . just for 1 more day!! But thanks to Papa - we all made it thru. I sat in the hot shower again - got my head and chest cleared up again - and it was better. . . . . .

So ended our February 2008 Cruise

Thanks for going with us

We definately enjoyed your company

The difference in our excursions gave for many

conversations and lots of fun.

Hope to do it again.

And of course no pictures, as I lost my camera sniff sniff.

Friday at the Bahamas

We pulled into Nassau about mid-morning. It was the first time I've ever actually watched us dock. I was sick enough that I wasn't busy elsewhere!!! By now. . . whatever my body had ahold of really had ahold of me!! I wasn't DOWN sick - but no one really wanted to be close. . . . .LOL By now Sharen and I were both looking for cough drops, syrup, hot tea - anything that would stop the horrible deep crappy coughs!!! I had taken my last antibiotic for my sinusitus on Thursday - so I was even out of that.

We got off of the ship in pretty good shape. Sharen and Jack had some stuff they wanted to do - so we went our own ways. We took a little 20 minute horse and buggy ride - just great. There was enough breeze that it wasn't stiffling and the constant fresh air seemed to help my head. It was way to short. . . and great fun. And I took lots of pictures too.

We then went to Bay Street (I think) to take the ring setting and stone in to be set - found out it would be. . . like 3 hours. . . by this time Jack and Sharen had caught up with us and we sat on the bench and watched Captain Hook, several pirates (complete with real birds), and some other characters strolling along the sidewalk. Meanwhile, I'm feeling worse and worse. And it's getting hotter and hotter. But I wanted t-shirts for the kids. . .

Sharen and Jack had found a neat little stand - so we went there and I got 12 tshirts. I miscounted - - - and I got 2 of the same - - - and a couple were the wrong sizes. . . . . but at that point I didn't care!!! I checked my wallet - and of course - I didn't have enough cash - and couldn't move without coughing and. . . . so anyway, I asked Sharen to go get some money from Keith - - she came back with the money and laughing like mad. . . . . She said "things don't change much" I was still telling her what to do and she was still doing it without question LOL. Now, mind you, this isn't really the way it always was. When we were kids, if we had to ask Jack something - I did it, if we needed Mom's permission - she did it. We knew how to work that system to a T!!

So we've got our t-shirts, the gem man from Carnival has agreed to bring my ring back to the ship with the other stuff, I am feeling like I've been run over by a truck and Sharen is looks close to feeling the same. . . . so we head back to the ship. Thank the Lord for it being close!!!!! We got to this really cute statue and I want a picture. . . .. no camera. . . .no idea where I put it down. . . so Keith keeps heading for the ship (his basketball aches are catching up and his legs hurt hehe) and I head back to visit our previous stops. . . Sharen catches up with me on the corner. . . . we can't find the camera anywhere. . . Someone got themselves a fairly nice camera - just wish I had the photos!!! We don't find it - but on the way back - we find Jack looking for us. . . . But I can't stop - I've got to get back to my room. . . . It's like a beeline. I felt so bad that I knew if I stopped, sat down, or slowed down, I would be done. . . . I was terribly rude and left them back in the customs line . . . I got to my room - changed out of my sweaty, wet clothes, into a cool shower and laid down with my cough drops and a wet cloth. And there I stayed for about an hour.

I finally felt human and not like an internal inferno and went up on deck for lunch, found the others, and got some soup. By this time Sharen is pale and looking for a lay down - so they left - Keith went to find a basketball game - and I ate my lunch - went back to lay down some more and missed dinner. Now, you know I'm not well if I miss food - especially that great food!! Our room steward was wonderful - she filled up our ice bin - brought me a cold cloth for my head and offered anything else I wanted. Oh what a place to be ill!!! If it wasn't that I was missing all the fun - It's the best place in the world to be sick. Everything is available, someone is there to bring it, change the bed, clean the room, empty the garbage cans full of tissues. Even being sick on the cruise was decadent.

Keith had to go cash out our Casino cards and do the Purser stuff as we wanted to be done before getting home. I just stayed in bed. He brought me tea and chocolate on his last trip to the room. Then we had to pack. By now I cannot bend over and put my head down!! I was sitting on the floor trying to pack. . . Keith finally had to finish it up (of course I supervised hehe) He's a wonderful guy!!! He had the bags out in the hall before time.

I took a bunch of meds, put on my c-pap, sucked on coughdrops and finally slept for a few hours - until my head and chest hurt to bad to lay down!!! It was a memorable ending to our last day of the cruise.

And of course - I have no pictures - because I lost the camera!!!!

Sea Days

Wednesday and Thursday were our At Sea days. Sharen started hers off with a visit to the ship's clinic and a round of antibiotics - and I hung out on deck. I picked a chair that would get some sun on the side that didn't get any sun on Sunday!! LOL I had tanned on the left side of my body!! Wednesday I spent trying to get the right side kind of evened up. Keith found a basketball hoop and several others that wanted to play - so he spent several hours at the hoops. . . . They had shoot-off contests scheduled in the Capers - and afterwords - they picked teams and played some more. He had a wonderful time. . . . I went to the 10:00 silver sale (lol) . . . and spent the rest of the morning looking for Sharen and Jack. At lunchtime I finally ran into him and he told me of Sharen's trip to the doc. She was resting and hopefully we'd see her at dinner.

Keith hanging out on deck. He was really enjoying the music. We took the Cribbage Board on deck and each of the three of us won a game. Jack pretty well waled on me - he's much quicker at counting (I think I have old-timers) and we bored him after he won the 1 game - and off to see how Sharen was doing!!
Jack is watching the views as they walk by (LOL) and hoping that Sharen gets better soon. He kept her supplied with all sorts of goodies. Every time I saw him he was getting a sweet, or a drink, or something to take to her.
Sharen was so sick that they missed the 2nd formal night (like I missed the first) and boy did she miss a treat!! Chateaubriand and Baked Alaska!! Here is our server with the Baked Alaska!! And a flower for Valentines Day!! It was absolutely delicious. By this time - I had a cough and a forever and ever dripping nose and was getting a headache - but I wasn't ready to quit yet~~ We went to the really~best~neatest~ show that they had put on yet. It was another musical - but it was great!!!

Even tho' I spent most of Thursday between laying down napping, coughing and blowing my nose and sunning myself - I did manage to make it to dinner. . . LOL

While in Belize Keith bought me the most beautiful Valentines/Birthday gift!! It's a georgeous square cut diamond - unset. The setting we go to go with it has 2 marquise diamonds on it so it will match my wedding rings!! Here he is with the largest diamond I've ever worn!!! He is such a sweet-heart - and all I got him was a new bicycle seat!!!

After the show. . . we headed back to our freshly turned down cabin and to see which animal we were sharing our room with for the night!!

Oh..... what treatment.......