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Matt and Wendy
Family News
Marsha has her baby
Alexia Arrived Friday, Sept 15th. She weighed 8lbs 15oz and
was 19 1/2 inches long. She came via caesarian after a
difficult labor. Joe (Marsha's husband to be) has taking on
much of the baby duties while Marsha is recuperating.
Denny and Karin are thrilled to have another new grandbaby ....
but are not as thrilled about being great-grandparents!!
Watch this site for pictures to be posted soon!!
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Wendy's Report - Jan 25 2007
We are nearing the end of our "moving/transition time period",
and we're excited to move-on to a less hectic life. We aren't quite
done with everything, there are still plenty of boxes to unpack and
pictures to put on the wall and shelves to build, but we have all of
our stuff at our new house. The bedrooms that we are building in the
garage are almost done!!!! And with all this almost behind us, we
are happy! The kids have learned many valuable lessons, which is
good since we have gotten behind in our actual school work (no
summer break for us). The kids have painted, sheet rocked, framed
walls, insulated, taped and textured, masked, hung doors,
electrical, built decks, stairs and all kinds of stuff. It's not
perfect, but it's our house! Aside from house stuff, we have been
busy helping my Mom. She has had an injured shoulder for a few years
now. (She had surgery on it a month ago. It's supposed to take her 6
months or so to recover.) The kids and I have been over there a lot
helping with house cleaning, yard work and misc.
Including the two bedrooms in the garage, our house is about
2160 sq.ft. and has 6 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, living room,
dining room, breakfast nook. We have a large shop, trees
everywhere and a long driveway with plenty of parking. Our home is
not at all fancy, but very usable. It's very peaceful out here,
but not close to much of anything. We're still getting used to
that.
We have had interesting weather this year. Our summer was dry
with no rain for well over 60 days (at one point the news said
66 days, but I don't know how long that was before it rained). I
heard someone say 92 days, but I don't think it was that long.
This fall we had several wind storms (not too common for our
area). Our power was out a few different times. One time for 4
days. This winter has been dry and cold! We have had lots of
snow and temperatures as cold as 12 degrees F (which has, twice,
made for frozen pipes).
I am going to be working for the Post Office part time. We
decided that we needed the extra money, so I took the postal
exam to be a carrier and after that I had to jump through
several hoops to get were I am now. All I need to do now is
complete my physical and my criminal background FBI check and
then my training will begin.
James is driving now. He passed his driving test with a 90%!
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Wendy's Report Nov
2008
We are busier than ever. Our goal as a family is just to have a
little time on Matt's weekend to be all in one place with no
work/errands/cleaning/etc to do. It doesn't happen very often.
We have two new foster boys, Brent who is 10 and Seth who is 8.
They are really nice boys, and I really like them a lot. They
will be being adopted in the next several months. We are pretty
sure this will be our last placement. We love to help children,
but I get wayyyyyyy too attached to the foster children and want
to keep them all. In addition to that, there is a lot of running,
meetings, appointments and we also end up spending additional
money (which is in short supply right now).
Marsha is doing fine. She and her daughter, Alexia are living in
an apartment in Portland. Marsha is still going to college and
working. She is really smart so school is pretty easy for her,
and she doesn't have to spend much time working on it. Alexia is
adorable, and talks like crazy. She just turned 2 in September.
James is a senior this year; he just turned 18 this month. He
will be done with all of his school work in a couple months, but
he will not have his graduation ceremony until June 12th or 13th.
I think it's the 13th, so mark your calendars. He will
participate in the home-school graduation ceremony at the Oregon
Convention Center. After that, he plans to go into an
Electrician apprenticeship program. He has been having some
difficulty, though, with his cognitive functions. He feels
light-headed and spaced-out 24 hours a day, and his memory is
greatly effected. The doctor insisted that James must be taking
drugs and that's why he felt that way, and she insisted on taking
a drug test. After the test came back negative for everything she
had to come back and apologize. I thought maybe it had something
to do with him working at a gas station, but it doesn't go away
when he is on vacation or away at camp. The doctor doesn't think
that's what it is. It started in June, but since we have
Kaiser insurance we have had an uphill battle to get anything done
about it. We are waiting for the test results from
a cognitive test. We have not been able to get an MRI or any
other tests, besides the cognitive test. James is also still
struggling with his back. He has an abnormally straight back, and
a ruptured disk (that just isn't getting better). Gabe is doing
just fine. He was in a short movie this fall (he had a small
speaking roll). It will be shown at a local movie theater in
December. We can't wait to see it! He went to Canada this summer
with a group of Christian skaters, called Skate Church. He had a
blast! He is still trying to get more sponsors. He is
currently sponsored by Monster Energy drink and Pac Sun. They
aren't great sponsors. He would really like to be sponsored by
Adidas. He loves their skate shoes, and other products. Kelly
and Rebecca are both turning into nice young ladies. They both
love to volunteer. They love to help out in the nursery at Church
and help with younger children's classes. This passed week they
have been handing out Thanksgiving boxes to people in
the community who don't have enough food. The girls and I have
begun to scrapbook and make home-made cards together so if you're
one of our favorites you just might get a home-made card for
Christmas (you'll have to be pretty special because it takes so
much time and energy to made just one card, and since we are
beginner it's even more difficult for us). They are also both
working on sewing a skirt. Kelly did volleyball this fall and
Rebecca did soccer. Isaac did soccer, as well. He skates with
Gabe a lot, and really likes it. He also is learning the guitar
and bass, but has a real passion for the drums (we're not real
excited about that one). He took a Tae Kwon Do class and just
loved it. He wants to go back as soon as the next class opens.
My Mom has been living in Oklahoma, because there is a really
good doctor there that specializes in shoulder problems like she
has. We are so excited that she is home for the holidays. My
sister, Jami is expecting baby number 3. We miss you all, and
wish that we could see you. Have a great Thanksgiving, Christmas
and New Year
Wendy's Report - Nov 13 2007
We have been adjusting to country life quite well. It's pretty
common to see Matt chopping wood in his flannel and big boots.
Isaac in front of the wood stove making fires, or out at the burn
barrel doing one of his chores. The girls taking the dogs to roam
in the ravine or taking walks to our neighbor's house (they call her
the little old ladyyyy----hoo) to ask her if she needs help
with anything. James hauling wood with the wheel barrel or Gabe
trying to build something to skate on. We have a lot of work to do
before ourproperty is the way we want it, but it's fun getting
there.
Our summer was uneventful, which was just fine with us. We went
on one little vacation (3 days camping-lite [in a cabin] at the
beach, going to Fort Stevens, and Fort Clatsop). Then we went on
one mini little vacation [one night and two days] going to Wild
Waves in Federal Way Washington. We would have had pictures to
share with everyone, but our camera/camcorder didn't return with us
from our vacation. All the kids went to Church camp (they are split
up into age groups so each age group goes on a different week), they
had a great time. It was Isaac's first year without a parent, it
was a
long week for me. Luckily, the camp posts pictures everyday so I
could see him doing various activities.
Soccer season is now over. The kids go to home-school soccer.
There aren't as many children as in some other soccer programs, so
little Rebecca was on the same team (and played against teams) with
16 year old boys. I was a little concerned that she would get
knocked around, but she held her own. Kelly had no problem because
she is about the same size as the 16 year old girls.
The kids sure have been growing and changing. Here's a brief
over-view of what they are up to.
Marsha- she has moved back to Oregon and is going to be staying with
us for a couple months (starting on Dec. 1st). She does a really
good job with Alexia, and we are proud of her. She is going
to school to get a degree in IT. She hasn't decided whether to get
an Associates or go for a Bachelors. So far she is getting a 4.0!
James- He just turned 17. It's so hard to believe. (We are having
a air-soft/ Four-bying birthday party this Saturday). He's in his
Junior year of High School. His Senior year will be a breeze for
him, because he only needs to take a couple of classes before he
graduates. He would really like to go to a school (not home-school)
next year because he wants to do the whole graduation thing. We
will have to see, all of the choices that we have are pretty
expensive. He's very easy about it, though, so if he needs to
do home-school he'll be fine with it. He's been working for Safeway
for 5 months. But his main focus is his band. He writes his
own songs, almost always sings, usually plays guitar, sometimes bass
and sometimes drums. (He is also taking a Band class at the Public
High School where he plays the drums.) He has been giving a
lot of thought into a good career choice for him. He's thinking
about Electrician (he really likes the idea of learning through
being an apprentice, he would still have college classes, but a lot
of the learning would be hands-on), but he's still not sure.
James and Gabe- Both boys hope to be able to raise enough money to
go on a mission trip to Toluca, Mexico this July. BTW- I was really
nervous when the kids starting their teens. I had heard that it
was horrible to raise a teen. But for all out there that are
worried, don't be afraid. It's great! We have the greatest talks
and adventures. It so good to be able to be a part of their
lives. They come to me to ask advice and really care about what I
have to say. And it's really fun to joke around with them. They
are a delight and a blessing.
Gabe- Gabe is doing a lot of skate boarding. He is really good
at it, too. He almost got sponsored last weekend, but the
sponsors wanted him to prove he's really interested in their skate
shop, first. He teaches Isaac all about skating. He's very
patient. He has a really good reputation with all the parents of
other skaters. They let their children go places with Gabe because
they trust his moral judgement and know that Gabe will just leave
(skate parks, skate spots) if there is cursing, drugs, or alcohol.
Which actually is a real problem with some of these kids. He still
struggles somewhat with his dyslexia and dyscalculia, but has
recently found a new appreciation for reading.
Kelly- Kelly is growing taller all the time. I think she's about
5'6''. A boy at Church has been following her around. We are not
in favor of this situation. He called the other night and we had
to tell him that Kelly is not allowed to have calls from boys. I
have also noticed some looks from boys when we go to the stores and
such. (Not looking forward to this stage.) She still loves to cook
and will make dinner for the family every now and again. She tried
her hand at Volleyball this year. She really liked it, but wasn't
able to finish out the year because it was too much of a time
commitment. As you know, Kelly has Fetal Alcohol Effects, and she
struggles academically. She wasn't able to get her homework done
and spend two hours a day on Volleyball. We are hoping next year
might be easier for her, so she will have the option of playing. We
have some really neat curriculum for her, so we are hoping that
something will click.
Kelly and Rebecca- Both girls are so very helpful. They always
look for ways to help others. They help our elderly neighbor. They
help in the nursery at our Church. They help teach the kids for
Christ program at our Church. They both are really good with
babies. They are just starting youth group this year, where they
have the great opportunity to sponsor families and children as a
group. They are also gathering clothes and food to give to the
homeless. And the youth group helps out local small Churches with
visiting their congregation (doing yard maintenance, cleaning,
various projects) and
encouraging their teens (they just went to Lincoln City last Sunday
to do this).
Rebecca- Rebecca is just starting a little growth spurt. She's
still a shorty. I'm sure that she will soon be taller than I am
(of
course, that's not much of an accomplishment). She is an
excellent student. She is self motivated and really cares about
doing a good job. If I have something to do and I am not right with
her during her assignments, I know she will still do a great job and
she won't take any short cuts (she is very thorough). She has a
very sweet heart. She cares a lot about everyone. She is always
looking for ways to help whenever she can. She also has that great
sense of humor, although it's not always lady-like.
Isaac- Isaac's sense of humor reminds me of my brother Troy's
humor. He is always thinking of something witty to say (still needs
a little work, but he really nails it quite often and has everyone
just rolling with laughter) about everything. He just got
contact lenses. I made James wait until he was 13, and told Isaac
he had to wait, too, but he's the baby. Not really the reason, but
it sounded right. Actually, I decided it was better for him to be
able to see than for me to insist on him being 13. He will not wear
glasses. He is super sensitive and was afraid of being teased. We
have been trying to get him to wear glasses for 2 years. I guess it
was time to give up. Anyway, he's doing really well with his
contacts, and he likes being able to see. Isaac is starting to wish
for more friends. The kids all play together, but lately the girls
have been a little more girly than Isaac likes. He has been hanging
out with Gabe and James a lot more, but still spending a good amount
of time
with the girls. Isaac could use some more friends, though.
There have been a few times lately that no one has been home except
for Isaac and me, and he really notices. Isaac doesn't like to be
alone, ever. He likes lots of people to be around. He's been
learning a little guitar from James and skate boarding from Gabe,
cooking from Kelly, and elaborate make-believe games and a love of
reading from Rebecca.
Well, I better end this. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas,
Happy New Year to everyone. Hopefully, I will get our cards out
this year, but if not just know that we think of all of you very
often.
We miss you! Much love from Matt, Wendy and family
Matt's Report - May 30/06
I got the driveway, house dig out, back yard, and some more of
the road etc. this is turning out to be quite a learning
experience, I'm out at the property every day. I'll also be doing a
lot of work myself to keep costs down. I plan to wire and plumb the
shop, wire and plumb the well, and run the 200amp service from the
shop to the house. On the house I plan to do the rain drains,
decks, and painting myself. Needless to say I'll be really busy
this summer.
Wendy's Report -
March 2006
Hi everyone, we have been pretty busy,
but everything should settle down now. I think most of you know
we moved into our rental house. It's a small, old home (in need
of repair), but we are fine with it. (To be quite honest, I
wouldn't be fine with it if we were going to live here
permanently.) Our land purchase is slowly coming along.
Everything takes longer than it should, because there is so much
"red tape, permits, paperwork, inspections" from the County. But
we are hopeful that things will begin moving more quickly, soon.
The school is going very well for the children. We have our
"Spring Showcase" today where the kids are judged on their science
fair projects. All the kids did really well. Isaac's teacher
says he a typical last child, a daydreamer. She says she
occasionally has to call him back into this world, but he is a
very good student, so it works out just fine. He is our only
child this year who has gotten straight A's for the entire year,
so far. He is such a perfectionist that I hope he continues,
otherwise he is likely to be very disappointed in himself. .
Spring is fun; we have many new opportunities. Isaac is going to
begin baseball and Tae Kwon Do. Rebecca is going to a volleyball
clinic and starting softball and either cheer leading or choir
(she hasn't decided). She also is considering auditioning for a
musical. Kelly is going to the volleyball clinic as well and she
will be going into softball and either cheer leading or choir.
Gabe is taking lessons for bass guitar and he is taking Tae Kwon
Do and auditioning for a musical. And of course he is still
filming movies and creating his own animated movies on the
computer (Don't know how he learned to do all that, he just
figured it out). James is taking guitar lesson; he's getting
pretty good. He's also learning to drive (he has his permit,
yikes!). And he's considering football for next school year.
They are all doing well. I have to tell you though, Matt and I
have been amazed at how much Rebecca acts like a "McCoy". She has
the funniest sense of humor. It is not your typical jokey child.
She thinks everything is funny, and she picks up on things that I
would never have noticed and then she brings it out to everyone in
such a funny way. It's hard to explain but if you spent time with
her you would understand. She also gives us lots of personality
animation through her facial expressions and many other
things, she often reminds me of when I first met Maren. Matt has
been busy with many projects like fixing our Suburban, getting his
part-time business advertised, fixing our computers, which crashed
for the second time in a month. I have been spending my time
buying Gabe shoes. Seriously, that kid has a big foot and he just
turned 13 year old. Went to the store and he could barely fit
into a size 12, we had to get him a size 13. Maybe his feet will
stop growing now? Anyway, we miss you all and wish we could see
you. We hope that all is well for you.
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Matt and Wendy live North of Portland, OR. with their six children:
Marsha, James, Gabe, Rebecca, Kelly, and Isaac.
Latest Matt and Wendy
Pics
Matt and Wendy's new mountain home
McCoy kids making new friends
Kelly .. more snow
James and Gabe
Rebecca and Isaac ... wet and wild
Gabe acting in "Guys and Dolls"
Wendy's Report - Sept 17,
2006
HI to everyone.? ?Congratulations Heather and Jeff;? Maren and
Brian on your new little ones!? We have been excited to see pictures
and hear all the baby news.??
We have had a busy summer as usual.? We are not finished with
the building of our house and it looks like it won't be done until
January.? ?I'm still hoping for a miracle;? that it will be done
early so we can move-in before Christmas. ? ?
Kids are growing fast. ? We have had so many activities I can't
name them all.? Our Church has things going on constantly for the
children and actually they have many things going on for
everyone.? The kids all went to camp this summer.? James has gone
twice.? Gabe was in a play, Guys and Dolls, and he has spent a lot
of time skate boarding.? The girls did cheer leading and now they
are in soccer.? Isaac's starting soccer tomorrow.? He's been
enjoying being the little brother. ?Gabe teaches him how to skate
board, Rebecca and Kelly play all kinds of things with him and
James teaches him guitar and hacky sack.? ?James is really "into"
his guitar and writing his own songs. ?He can't wait to get his
license (in November). ? ?Marsha is living a few hours away.? She
calls me a couple times a week.? After she moved out of our house
she got in with a bad crowd and made some bad choices.? She is
getting it together now and we are very proud of her and how she
is handling herself.? She's 20 years old now and is pregnant and
going to have a little girl.? She is a few? days overdue and so
she will be induced this Wednesday at 7pm.? I am going up there to
stay with her for a few days; I'll let you know when the baby
arrives.
Matt got a new job.? It's a few blocks from his old one, but it
has a lot of potential.? He's been working non-stop on the
property all summer.? He did manage to find time to go to his
first rodeo and he really liked it.? We all had a great time.
I have had a rapid heart beat for some time now and finally the
doctors have figured it out.? They have put me on a beta-blocker,
and my heart rate is much better.? I just wish it didn't make me
tired and dizzy.
Home-school will start soon (I'm putting it off a week because of
Marsha's baby), and so will all the many activities.? We are
looking forward to a normal schedule.? The last week in September
we are going to Disneyland.? We should have some good pictures to
post.
We miss you all and look forward to reading your updates!
Wendy
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