The Blanding Bugle

Volume 17 Issue 3

March 2008

Kray Passes--He is Legal!

He never thought this day would come, but alas it does.

On February 26 around 9:30ish in the morning Kray climbs in the red car with a total stranger in the passenger seat.  Kray follows the instructions given very carefully and even parallel parks! He then returns to the starting point and looks at the paper: 94! He passes! he has his license.  He is now ready to take on the world.

His parents aren't quit sure about this, but the State of Washington say he has successfully done what is required to be able to drive a motor vehicle.  You have had your fair warning.

This has allowed Kray the freedom to start having a social life, of which he is most thankful.  He also drags Jason along with him. 

Little Colbie Nicole Ostler

When I was in high school, her oldest brother, Lee and his young family moved back into town.  While Lee was figuring out housing, work and his family situation his five young children spent an awful lot of time at our home.  I along with my younger brother Mike and our mother, Nellie, did a lot of babysitting as Lee got his practice up and running, found a house and sorted out the details of family life.  It was a very trying time for all, but there was a bright spot.  I was able to bond with my nieces and nephews as I took care of them. I actually found it quite enjoyable.

Of course I bonded with Lee's children and ever since then I've had a soft spot for them.  They are all grown and now have children and families of their own--boy how time flies. 

The second oldest son, Ryan, and his lovely wife, Ashley have lately been in our prayers. Over a year ago Ashley was pregnant with their first born and had a difficult time as she is diabetic. Soon after the birth of Teancum, she found out she was pregnant again. This pregnancy wasn't pleasant either. In fact she spent some time in University Hospital during Christmas where we were able to visit her. 

Not long after that she went back to the Tri-Cities where she gave birth to Colbie Nicole Ostler on January 25.  Soon after the birth Colbie wasn't doing so well and transferred to Children's Hospital here in Seattle.  Oh, how I wished I could come visit but I was stuffed up and coughing and one doesn't go to Children's in that condition. 

Then the sad news came. There was little Ryan, Ashley or the doctors could do for little Colbie.  On February 18, 2008, Colbie was released from this life to go back to her Heavenly Father.  Thankfully I was able to go Colbie for just a moment.  She is a beautiful little girl and for the few hours I was there know that she is loved and cherished by her parents.  Ryan and Ashley have a very special spirit waiting for their return (may it be many years from now) who I know is with my sister.  Nadine can resist little babies and I know Nadine was one of the first to welcome Colbie home.

Later that night we had the privilege of having Ryan and Ashley spend the night with us.  It was a joy for us to have them in our home if only for a few hours and were honored.  I was just glad I could be their for my "little" nephew who is now a grown man, taller than me by a foot and gone through things I would never wish, but he has done so with grace, dignity and a faith that will not end.  A true statement to honor his family and his Savior.

Missing Teeth

Jessie is bound and determined to break the tooth fairy's bank account.  She was already missing quite a few teeth, but one Wednesday while we were at the pool, Mike's kick board hit her in the mouth.  Her loose front tooth became even looser, but not loose enough to come out.

Side note: While I was in high school I worked at my brother's dental office.  I had no problem helping him with extractions or other gross stuff, but when it come to my children's wiggly teeth.  I swoon and about faint! Go figure.  Pulling teeth is Steve's job!

I forgot all about her tooth and went about the rest of the afternoon and evening.  As I prepared to drop kids off at Scouts, Jessie and I were going to do some grocery shopping. I told her to grab a piece of bread to tie her over until we got home and had dinner.  Somewhere between the bread drawer and the car her loosened tooth from the kick board accident went missing; literally missing. 

It was too dark to look on the ground and we knew we wouldn't find it on the wet ground. I did a quick look the next day but it wasn't there. The only explanation is that is was swallowed. 

For dinner that night she ate soft foods and will be for quite some time as she now has no teeth!

Jessie without any chompers!