Mathias Update

Mathias's got to Coos Bay yesterday (Wednesday 8/20/08) during a rain storm – but their vehicles did make it upppppp the hill ok using their 4 wheel drives pulling the trailers. Last night after the kids were all in bed (13 of them total – ALL under 11 years - OMG!!!!!!!) the power went out. Evidently when it rains the trees get so heavy they fall over on the power lines. Evidently a common occurrence. Tammy said the couches are more comfortable than sleeping in the car. They don’t have the motor home there yet for them live in – but hope to soon.

Their cell phones do not work at their house. But they do if you can happen to catch them in town. Internet only works during the mornings and evenings!

Alexis is excited about having a girl cousin who will probably be in the same class as she is. They haven’t got enrolled yet in school, but there are no foreseeable problems.

Jacob learned that you eat when the food is put in front of you. They don’t have snacks at their house. He chose to not eat lunch yesterday and got hungry around two – but learned that food wouldn’t be available until dinner time! Tammy said that her children will learn all about living in a huge family, without her and Ammon having a huge family!

Even though things were rough getting up to Oregon – Tammy and Ammon still feel good about their move. She sounded good!

Ammon’s brothers name is Allen and his wife is Geraldine. They have 9 children all under 11! Geraldine is evidently a saint – Allen leaves early in the morning and doesn’t get home until around 9 pm.

I’m missing them…….I think they’ve gone back in TIME about 10 years or so. It will be an interesting adjustment for them all. Lots of changes – but she did say IT IS BEAUTIFUL up there.

Tammy & Ammon - Oregon bound

Here's the UPDATE referred to at the bottom of this post - 8/19/08 5PM - CALLED TAMMY - they were in Northern California - didn't leave Modesto until around noon today, Tuesday. Ended up purchasing a nice walk-in type trailer with a skylight which Ammon will be able to use for his work. Sold their other trailer for $10 to the motel manager! They were going to try to get as far as possible with just maybe a nap at the side of the road. All are happy - Tammy does sound tired.....duh!!! I don't know why! Can you imagine the incredible endeavor, journey, etc they are going through? What a couple! What a woman! What a family! I love them so much!

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It's been an emotional last couple of weeks with Tammy & Ammon and family getting ready to leave for their relocation to Coos Bay, Oregon. I think it was a bigger job than what anyone thought it would be to get their house packed up, patched, cleaned, etc. I really think the Lord wants them to be in Oregon - because they were being hit with so many things to delay and make harder the whole process. They were learning lots of lessons and being tested to see how they would handle everything that was being thrown at them....Ammons accident, the children running fevers, repairs not going smoothly, etc....

I really enjoyed having them at the house for the week prior to leaving. I love those children so much. They are so precious and sweet. Don & I spent some time on Friday evening recording some little 10 second messages on some sound picture frames with pictures in them of Don & I and each child. The funniest one we did was Joseph's. We said "Grandma & Grandpa love you Joseph, - KNUCKLES!!!!" He loved it and would laugh when we said knuckles. That is his favorite "high 5" type greeting. Abby's was "Abby, Abby, Grandma & Grandpa love you". Jacobs was "Sergeant Jacob - your assignment is to withstand the temptings of Satan! We love you!" The sergeant thing is something he and Don had going on. Alexis's was "Alexis - Always remember your special scripture - we love you!"

We got up Saturday morning and finally made it up to their house and got things finalized and they were on their way! A very teary time for me & even Grandpa had some wet eye moments.

Tammy & Ammon and family left Apache Junction around 11am on Saturday. They called around 6 pm on Saturday and were in 29 Palms in California. Still driving…….
Tammy called Monday 8/18/08 about 8AM. They were stuck in Modesto, CA with a blow out on the trailer that Tammy was pulling. It happened about noon on Sunday 8/17/08 – (they had been driving for about 24 hours) at an off ramp. Long story short - they rented a motel room and just settled in there Sunday & Monday night. Tammy was hanging out at the hotel with the kids while Ammon tried to take care of finding a tire & rim and/or a trailer. He found a tire & rim, but they wouldn't work because the axel was bend and the tire rubbed on it. So last I heard they were looking for a trailer.

They are all doing well – except Tammy – she is freaking out a bit – her legs are swollen from all the sitting and her arm is sunburned – I guess from hanging it out the door? Having the tire blow wasn't fun. But her spirits are up and they will be fine. Gerta is hanging out in the car – it’s cool enough. The motel has an outside and an inside entrance – so they are able to keep an eye on the trailer. Tammy was joking about their wagon breaking down and now they are worrying about the Indians stealing their possessions!

I haven't heard anything from them today - Tuesday - but check back for updates!