Christmas Celebrations!

Grandpa Don Barnett opening his gift from the Gregor Grandkids.
A photo frame with a picture of the 3 of them.
The picture below of the five of them was added after opening the gift.

Grandma Cathy (O'Farrell) Barnett with her book on Ireland.
On December 13th she had the pleasure of meeting the President of Ireland in Portland.

Melissa, Joshua and Amber with Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Don.

Christmas Kisses all around

Our friend Chris home on leave enjoying a once in a lifetime WinterWonderland in St. Helens.

Mike and Nan working hard on the Snowman Canoe in the front yard Christmas morning.

Christmas Day with the Gregor's

paddling through the winter weather Christmas Day 2008

Sampson is a true Ohio SnowDog. He loves the white stuff.

I measure the snow level in dogs, not inches.

This is our friend Scooter who spent Christmas with us.

Rocky and Melissa posing for a photo before getting back to rolling snowballs,

or is that throwing tennis balls.

Beuckey (Boo-Ba) Jan. 1999-Dec. 21, 2008

Beuckey camping at Salmon Creek Falls Campground

Beuckey's favorite time of year was Christmas.

A stocking of her own filled with treats and presents.

No sharing with her brother.

Playing in the snow on Saturday the 20th of December.

Almost as much snow on her back as under her belly.

It's a sad, sad, sad day in the Gregor house. We took our beuckey to Dove Lewis an emergency vet in Portland. She was being treated for a stomach virus by our vet here in St. Helens. When we woke up this morning she was very weak and unresponsive to us. We borrowed the Suburban from Mindy and Dave Sass and drove thru the wintery weather to get her help. The staff at Dove Lewis did everything they could to help her feel better. But test results confirmed that her kidneys were failing and that there was really nothing that would help her. So Mike and I made the painful decision to let her go. It was a very peaceful departure.

Beuckey was born in January of 1999. She came to live with us on Valentines Day in 1999. Much to the chagrin of her big brother Sampson. He thought she was a pain. She would chase him around the house and nip at his feet. He would growl at her, but never get too angry. When we moved to Idaho in June of that same year, Sampson really started to like her. A change of territory I guess. They played together all the time. Beuckey loved trying to catch the squirrels in our back yard in Gooding. She used to bite at the mail when the mailman dropped it into the slot in the front door. We lost several cds and other letters and cards.

Beuckey was very attached to our friend Stephen. She would get excited and run circles around the house every time he came to visit. When she got out of the house and ran down the street, we always knew where to look, the Dairy Queen just down the road. She was led by her nose to the trash bins behind the building. When we moved to Oregon, Beuckey loved the big backyard, she would spend many hours laying out in the grass soaking up the sun. She enjoyed the walks we would take in the woods. Her favorite thing to do was nap. She was very good at it. Napping on anyones bed but her own.

We will miss our little boo-ba-stone.

She was a great addition to our family.

We love you boo-ba-lonie.

Snow dogs!

Rocky digging for his tennis ball

Beuckey up to her belly in the white stuff

Sampson wearing a path around the edge of the yard

Mike's 51st birthday

Birthday dinner at the home of Don and Cathy Barnett.

Snow Day

Amber, Natalie, and LeRoy (the snowman) hanging out on top Melissa's car.

Rocky the sled dog pulling Natalie down the road.

Melissa helping Nan out of the snowboard after falling on her butt.

Amber lifting the base of her snowman over her head.

Big Sister Time

Two of mom's favorite photos from Florida

Melissa May

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

This past year Melissa has worked hard to establish herself with the company she works for.  Last winter the engine in her car blew up.  For awhile she was driving Joshua's honda.  But in October she had to have knee surgery again, so she is driving the buick (nicknamed Betsy the bad ass Buick by her brother).  The surgeon could not completely fix her knee. He made some repairs, but will have to go back in this March. In November she took on another assignment at work that gives her the opportunity to travel to Ohio on occasion.  She also put an offer down on a house in Vancouver, Washington.  A nice little place for her to set up housekeeping.  Her dad will have to help her finish the fencing in the back yard, to keep Rocky in his place.  

Special moments with special friends

Joshua and Ashley in Grangeville, Idaho
Joshua and Sampson at Salmon Creek Falls Campground

Joshua Ryan

ALL WORK & NO PLAY

Joshua moved into a new apartment in Eugene, he also has a new roommate.  He took classes over the summer and continues to work at the Swim & Tennis Center.  In July, he and his girlfriend Ashley met the family for a camping trip.  He is working hard and taking classes.  He doesn't get much time to come home.  He did make it home for Thanksgiving.  Last summer he flew down to North Carolina to take part in a road trip back to Gooing, Idaho with his High School friends, Kip and Travis.  It was a very fast paced drive.  Melissa and Amber met them in Gooding to bring Joshua back to Oregon.  In August, Mike and Nan drove to Grangeville, Idaho to meet Ashley's parents and see Ashley off on her way to U Mass.   It gave them a chance to see another part of the state and spend time getting to know the Bailey family.  

Hanging with my homies

What a dork!  It's not the hat, or the face, it's the T-shirt.
What is Uncle David teaching our children?

Amber Colleen

TAKE IT LIKE A WARRIOR!

Amber completed her first year at Corban College.  Her classes went well, but her softball season never really got off the ground.  In the spring she had shoulder surgery to repair some damage.  Her rehab took several months.  In July she flew down to Missouri to participate in the wedding of her friends, Kristen and Doug.  In August she headed back to Salem to start her Sophomore year.  She moved into a new dorm room with a new roommate, as well as a whole new set of teammates.  Instead of returning to the softball program, she chose to play golf.  The season is challenging to her, but she seems to be enjoying it.  She is still active in the band as well as other on campus activities.  She has taken on an internship position with the sports program and is student teaching at a local school.    Her days are filled with many activities.  She is looking forward to spending some down time during the Christmas break.  

Fun in the Sun

Bonding on the board walk.
     Mike doesn't want to hear he is 50
Our Spacecadets!
Say Cheese!  
Hammin' it up!

Mike's Turns The Big 50!

COCOA BEACH

The family did a lot of tourist type activities while in Florida.  They spent time at Sea World and Busch Gardens.  Their trip was filled with lots of ups and downs (roller coaster style).  One whole day was spent at The Kennedy Space Center, where they viewed the launch of a satellite rocket.  Nan got some great photos.  She made a photo book for everyone.  The view from the room at the resort was incredible and just a short walk to the beach.  The first day there the family helped rescue a Green Turtle sickened by a Red Tide.  Nan and the kids took Mike out for a great birthday dinner.  Many other delicious meals were shared.  The time spent in Florida was a  wonderful way to celebrate Mike's 50th birthday.

St. Helens Girls Tennis

Coach Mike with Tori at Districts
Words of encouragement before a match

District tennis 2008

For Love Of The Game

FOR LOVE OF THE GAME

In February Mike continued his coaching position at St. Helens High School.  This year his focus was on the Girls Team.  Chris, a fellow tennis fanatic, helped Mike out during practice and matches.  The girls worked hard to learn the basics of the game.  Mike was very impressed with their commitment to the season.  It was tough going at times, but they put their hearts into every match.  Overall, it was a terrific season.  

EVENTS IN 2009

2-22     Melissa's 25th birthday

3-30     Joshua's 22nd birthday

7-22     Amber's 20th birthday

7-27     Nan's 45th birthday

12-15   Mike's 52nd birthday

Come On In, The Waters Fine

Mike and Joshua crossing the creek.

Amber, Lindsay, Melissa and Ashley taking a Dip in the creek.

Nan's birthday

MORE BIRTHDAY BONDING

This year for Nan's birthday the family headed to Salmon Creek Falls Campground.  For some camping a relaxation.  Ashley and Cousin Lindsay joined in the fun.  Much of the time was spent playing games.  Everyone participated in a game of frisbee golf around the campground.  Mike and Joshua spent time fly fishing while the girls took a very cold dip in the creek.  The dogs came along as well.  Hanging out at the campground keeping watch over the great outdoors.  Mike cooked Nan's birthday cake in a dutch oven over the campfire.  Now that's livin'.  

The Gregor Family

Calvin, Rebecca, Mary, Lindsay, Cole (down in front), 

Melissa, Madeleine, Amber

Mike, Frank, Grizzly Adams (I mean Vince), David

Not pictured:  Noah & Shanon (in North Dakota),  

Joshua (at the vet with Crash) and Nan (taking photo).

Mary and Andy Say "I Do"

WEDDING BLISS

In April the Gregor's came together to celebrate the wedding of Mike's sister Mary to Andy Bouni.  A true family affair.  It started out on a sad note.  While setting up for the ceremony, one of their dogs was hit by a car.  Joshua spent most of the early afternoon at the vet, making it back just in time for the event.  Mike officiated and Melissa and Amber read scripture.  Joshua served as the DJ for the reception.  He surprised Andy by playing the Ohio State fight song for them to dance to.  The wedding party kept the dance floor hopping.  Their other dog "Captain CupCake" spent his time hanging out under the tables waiting for any food that hit the floor.  It was wonderful to meet Andy's family and to spend time with the rest of the Gregor clan.  The only down side to the event was that Shanon and Noah couldn't be there to share in the joy.

Rest In Peace

Funeral Service for Ed Holt

Great American Hero

REST IN PEACE

This past June, Mike and Nan drove back to Coure d' Alene, Idaho to attend the funeral of Nan's Great Uncle, Ed Holt.  Many folks came to pay their respects to this Great American Hero.  Military Men and Women from all over the state participated in the service.  Some stood outside the building with flags in hand for hours, others carried him to his final resting place.  

While visiting last summer, Uncle Ed shared stories of his time as a prisoner of war.  

He left quite an impression on Joshua.    A piece of our history is gone, but we will never forget.  

Uncle Ed

Our American Hero

may you truly

Rest In Peace!

Tipi Camp- Suttle Lake

   Mike (Cheif Tunewriter), 

Nan (Woman With Many Headdresses), 

    Chris (man of fire) , Emily (PowWow) and the rest of the tribe.

TIPI CAMP

TIPI CAMP

Mike and Nan spent a week this past summer sleeping in Tipi's and cooking their food over a campfire.  Although this is nothing new for them, this time they set up camp at Suttle Lake near Sisters, Oregon.  The setting is not as remote as Sawtooth, but the environment is just as fulfilling.  

Each camper brought their own personality to our family in the forest.  By the end of the week each camper had an Indian name based on an experience they had at camp.  Chief Tune Writer (Mike) enjoyed sharing his love of God and  knowledge of the Out-of-doors with the campers.  Suttle Lake has a lot to offer, from hiking, swimming, canoeing and a very challenging ropes course.  Nan (Woman with many Headdresses) even tried her hand at archery.  She had a lovely bruise to show for it.  They had such a great time at camp that they have signed on for the summer of 2009.

Christmas Wrapping- Up

Hi everyone! It’s Amber. I’m just finishing up another semester here at Corban, and barely making it out alive! This year has been so busy so far but it has been great as well! I have been able to take part in our Women’s golf team here and was appointed team captain, which is really exciting. Our season didn’t go too bad. We didn’t have a full team for any of our tournaments but Morgan and I were able to represent our school in each match. This spring we should have a full team for sure. I am thinking that we will be pretty good! Let’s see…I am the sports information director’s assistant here at the school! It is an awesome internship that is really fun! I get to write the articles for the various sporting events, I am the photographer for some of the events, and I put together our schools new athletics website! (www.gowarriorsgo.com). It has been a really cool job so far and I am loving it! I will be continuing it into the spring semester as well, which is baseball season, so I am stoked! I just added another minor this semester, this will make my load a little more but it is going to be worth it! My current areas of study are now: Major – Special Education, Minor – Environmental Sciences, Minor – Sports Journalism, Minor – Inter-Cultural Studies. Inter-cultural studies is my newest one and I am so excited! I have been offered and awesome opportunity for this upcoming summer break! A group of students from my school and church will be going to Uganda in May/June to help out with their ministry programs! They have asked me to come and be in charge of the sports department/planning. This will be a really cool trip if I end up going!Last, but not least, my shoulder is doing really well! I still can’t throw, which is a total drag, but I knew it would be a slow process. It does not hurt as badly anymore and I have most of my range of motion back! I am pretty excited to be able to throw again in February or so. I hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas season and God Blesses you in many ways! Remember what Christmas is really about! =D God Bless, and happy holidays!
- Amber
**************************************************************************************************************************


I have had quite the year. I’m about to close on my first house, had surgery (again), and I’ve transitioned roles at work. It’s very exciting all the changes that present themselves during life. I want to thank you all for the warm wishes, prayers, and notes. I will be having surgery again in March and would love your good thoughts at that time too. I truly appreciate you all. Thanks again, and may God bless each of you.
~Melissa May~
**************************************************************************************************************************


Hello again family and friends. You know it's that time of year when it starts getting cold outside, there's a scent of pine in the air, and your Mommy starts nagging you about Christmas letter entries! (love you Scerd :)) I hope you all have had a wonderful 2008. My year has been filled with plenty of non-stop college life. I'm still employed at the swim and tennis club and still enjoying the atmosphere but mostly the friends I've met there. It hasn't all been hard work and studying though, I did manage to take a few road trips in '08 that were pretty monumental. I flew to North Carolina in the spring to welcome my good buddy Kip Seifert home from Afghanistan and accompanied him home on his cross-country farewell tour from the Army. Believe it or not I managed to make it from coast to coast in just over 42 hours. In the summer, I had the amazing experience of driving my girlfriend home and spending a week with her and her family in Northern Idaho for swimming, boating, and laziness on Lake Coeur d' Alene. I couldn't thank them enough for the great time I had or how well they treated mom, dad, and me. Just before fall semester my good friends Joseph, Doug and I drove up to Seattle to be groomsme in what was the first of our high school friend's weddings. David "Hoppy" Hopkins got married to his beautiful wife Katje in a park overlooking the Puget Sound on a perfectly sunny day. After the rehearsal dinner me and the other groomsmen set sail on the Sound for over two hours watching the sunset while reminiscing and talking about what's in store for our futures. As we stepped off the boat and onto the dock I'd realized it was one of the best experiences of my life. I know I have plenty of books to read and essays to write but I hope hat next year is just as great as this past one. I love you all.
~Joshua Ryan~
**************************************************************************************************************************
Hi to everyone and Happy Holidays. 2008 has been a pretty good year for me, but I am looking forward to 2009. We are five years into ministry here at St. Helens and we love living here. The town is going through tough times right now as the paper mill shut half its production down. The church is growing however and that’s really great. This year I was the head coach of the high school girls tennis program, we are turning the corner and were competitive with almost every team in our league. We finished the season tied for 4th place. 2009 will be an even better season.


I didn’t do very well in keeping in contact with my old friends but I think of you all often. Wouldn’t a reunion one of these days be great? Maybe in Montana or some other great spot. Our home remodeling project continues on. We are hoping to get kitchen counters done pretty soon and then replace a sliding glass door with a window. There’s always something to do that’s for sure.


Here’s to a Merry Christmas to you all and may you be blessed and prosper in 2009.


Mike
**************************************************************************************************************************


Greetings to all,
I hope your journey thru 2008 was a happy one. Our road was full of surgeries, celebrations and more remodeling. We all came thru with our limbs in tact and our hearts filled to overflowing. In June, the doctor determined that I have arthritis in my upper back. I cut back on my work load, but it didn't make a difference, so I recently took on a full schedule again. Each of us is looking forward to events in 2009. Mike will be taking the month of February off for continuing education. He has been accepted to Duke Divinity School in North Carolina. I get to tag along. We will be visiting our friends the Coles and spending some time at Hilton Head. I am thankful that we will all be together for this Christmas Season. I pray that this Holiday is a blessing to you all.
God Bless, Nan