Tristan's 3rd Birthday Celebration

We had a big turn out for Tristan's birthday part...and he had a fun day playing with his cousins.  You will not believe what he got for his birthday...as a grandma, it is concerning, it is even for Lacey...but the Dad could not be talked out of it...so you can probably guess....here is a picture:

Can you guess what his "big" present was?

what a surprise when Daddy wheeled in this bike!

I am sure Lily  asked Tristan want he wanted painted on his face and he said, "a fish!"

Lily face painted the number "3" on Tristan's cheek

Papa Ben and Tristan

Getting ready to blow out his three candles!

Do you see the smoke coming out the back of the bike?  The little guy kept revving the motor by turning his right wrist back and forth...he was loving that!  So do you see my concern?  Do you feel my pain?  Caleb already has a broken arm doing this sport, Aaron broke his collar bone and 4 ribs last September...need I say more?  Lacey will have to be the one who watches over this and makes sure he is always safe...always wearing his protective gear...fortunately the bike cannot go too fast, Aaron has it worked out that way...we will make sure he practices a lot on a grassy area in case he falls...a soft landing.  Why can't these kids play baseball? 

Well, it was still a happy day...the sun was shining the kiddos were outside playing, we had pizza, salad and then of course the cake!  Yummm..

Easter....

What a gorgeous day we had for Easter...our family gathered at Dina's house for a dinner.  Lacey made some yummy desserts..carrot cake whoopie pie...filled with yummy cream cheese frosting...and then the sides rolled in some chopped walnuts...soooo good!  And of course for the kiddo's...their favorite rice krispie treats with some fun sprinkle candies for color!  Of course, I am responsible for the little decorations!

And here is a group shot of all the kiddos with ME!  they are a lively group, for sure!
From left:  Tristan in Lily's lap, Jalen, Ellie, me, Addie, and Caleb.

A Day to Remember

Thursday....Holy Thursday of Holy Week...the most important week of the church year...the week that is the reason we go to church every Sunday....the day we said our good-byes to Bill Foelker.  It hailed, it rained, we had a break in the weather and then some more rain...but we were in a shelter, so really the weather was of no consequence to us. 

Retired Marines stand guard and greet us

The Urn of Bill's ashes are behind the folded flag

The Marines take the flag and unfold it one fold at a time

They hold the full flag and then refold it

Singing of the Marine Corp Hymn

At Bill's 80th Birthday party, he pulled Dina and Lacey beside him and placed these exact hats on their heads and they had to sing the Marine Corp Hymn in front of the large gathering of friends and family celebrating his birthday.  He taught his grand-daughters that song when they were quite small...every time they were in the car with he would insist they sing the song and learn it.  He asked them to sing it at his funeral.  He had enough hats for the three older great-grandchildren to wear while they joined their mom's in singing.  Bill was definitely a proud Marine...and so proud to have served his country.  Caleb is actually wearing Bill's Marine hat.  In an earlier post I wrote the messages that all the 'kids' had written and most of them were brave enough to get up and read it...there were of course tears...and hugs....

The Shoe Tradition is carried on...

We took the Prueitt children for their shoe shopping...Papa Bill had talked to Lacey about going shopping during the spring vacation...he always looked forward to that trip and to spend time with the children.  He loved making more memories with the family.  Papa "Scott" will now carry on the tradition...

Addie picked out some "Van" shoes...sparkly pink!

Caleb selected a cool pair of Nike's

Tristan found some shoes that light up when he walks and looks like a race car!

After getting the shoes we all went to Chevy's for dinner and more conversation talking about Papa Bill and how generous he was with his time and his treasures.  We will surely miss him, and now it is up to Scott to carry on the tradition which he is really happy to do.

Memories of Grandma Elsa...not published at her death, but read at her gravesite

Grandma will be missed dearly.  She was such an amazing woman and grandma.  I loved all our camping trips on the McKenzie River where we would sleep under the stars or even get the luxury of an RV one year.  While we played on the sand or near the water, I always knew she was on the balcony watching over us.  This was a very good thing when one time I stayed on a rock too long and the tide came in.  She came running down to the beach to save me from having to swim back to shore.  i will never forget our shoe shopping trips and how neat it was that the tradition was able to be passe don to the great-grandchildren.  She made everlasting traditions beyond the Christmas' and other holidays.  She was a wise and generous woman who will remain in my heart forever.

Lacey

I always thought it was so special that at every greeting I would get a hug and kiss on the cheek.  She was a gentle and caring woman.

Aaron

Grandma Elsa was the best Grandma in the world.  One of the coolest things about her was that she always had a book in her hands, that's how the name "Book Mom" came.  I also loved how she would take me shoe shopping and buy me the coolest shoes ever.  I hope that she will have a great time with Jesus and God in Heaven.

Caleb

Addie says she is glad that Grandma Elsa is able to be out of her wheelchair now.  (We prayed for that a lot)  Addie will miss her at Christmas.

Addie

When I think of Grandma many memories flash through my mind.  I think of her reading a book, in the kitchen both at home and at Cannon Beach making wonderful homemade meals, sitting around a campfire at McKenzie River, drinking hot chocolate with us at Timberline Lodge, bird watching at the kitchen table in Arizona, sharing a meal at Jones Cabin at Gozzer, and the many holidays and birthdays we have spent together.  Along with those special moments I remember he kind and caring nature, her great sense of humor, and all the love she showed me and my kids.  Every time you would go to give her a hug, she would pucker up for a kiss as well.  although she looked fragile, she was such a strong woman...all the way to the end.  I will hold all these memories close to my heart and her spirit will stay alive in our family forever.

Dina

I love Grandma Elsa so much because of her kindness and positive thoughts.  I also loved seeing her smile, it brightened up my day.  Also on all vacations, she was so willing to let us give hr a brand new hairstyle.  She even cooperated in letting us comb her hair.  Shoe shopping was fun too...I don't know where to begin we'll start from her...2 1/2 size boots and all the way to size 4 in both tennis shoes plus the expensive real UGG Boots.  I love you and always will.  Thank you Grandma, you will be in my heart forever.

Love, Ellie

Grandma Elsa, the most important thing that I miss about you is that you would always take us shoe shopping.  I love you so much because you were caring, thoughtful, always having a smile and always having a  positive attitude.  I miss you sooo much.

Love, Lily

Jalen said, "I love how she came to Gozzer with us."  When Ellie said, "you weren't even alive" (which he was) he said, "Yes, I was, I saw in the picture (hanging on the fridge)!"  Then Jalen said, "I liked looking for birds and squirrels with her."

Jalen

Remembering Grandma and Grandpa Foelker

Remembering Grandma

Life is so tender, wrapped in a kiss.
Affectionate whispers surround her bed.
Her hot air balloon has taken her up
to meet her Maker, Kingdom and His love.
Life has been better with knowing her love,
aspiring to be half what she was.
Traditions now gone and memories remain.
Gone from this world and on into the next
An angel on earth and now from above,
She will watch over all those she loved.

written by Lacey just moments after being
told that Grandma had passed away.
November 14, 2011


Remembering Grandpa

Soldier of honor.
Great Husband of love
Father of two
Devoted teacher and volunteer of so much
Grandpa of two
Great grandpa of six
Bravery, Courage, Selflessness and Strength
Always giving more than anyone could take
His legacy lives on in all he touched
Memories remain etched in our hearts
One of a kind
No one else can compare
You get what you give
Let it live on from here.

Lacey

Remembering Papa Bill from the Prueitt Family

Lacey is the second and last grandchild of Bill and Elsa's.  She married Aaron Prueitt almost 9 years ago.. They have three children:  Caleb (12), Addison (Addie 4 1/2) and Tristan (almost 3).   Granted the young ones don't have as many memories of Papa Bill as the older children do, but they do know and miss Papa Bill.  The day after surgery, Lacey brought all three children to the hospital along with a "Grande Coffee Mocha" for Papa Bill!

Here are their memory stories:

"My grandpa was one of the greatest men I have known.  He created so many memories that will remain in my heart forever.  His life was lived and centered around doing good for others.  We had so many traditions of family camping trips and beach trips.  Every time he would always do things to make those moments so special.  Every summer at Cannon Beach he would make sure we had camp fires to cook smores and if the wind was too strong he would put up a canvas tarp to block the wind from us.  He was always doing things for others.  He delighted in seeing joy in everyone he loved.  He built us a tree house, tire swing and the “Flying Foelker Rope” in his back yard.  We had so many gatherings back there.  Easter Egg Hunts where we even got to find the manikins dressed in camo military gear.  He was always asking “19 questions” but he was only so inquisitive because he wanted to be involved and learn as much as he could.  Any where he would go he was always getting to know people; he just had that kind of passion for life.  I will do my best to make sure that I live my life as he did in the motto of “You get what you give”."

Lacey




"The thing I loved about grandpa was that he was a true grit old school kind of man cut from the old cloth.  He was a marine through and through.  He had that kind of toughness you could just see and feel from the first time you met him and shook his hand.  He was as honest as they come and a straight shooter.  Those kind of men are a dying breed, I only hope I can instill in my children, his great grandchildren, the character and charisma he showed us all.  I will miss all the conversations and stories we shared."

Aaron

Halloween 2011 Papa Bill with all the greats!

"I remember Papa Bill as a kind, loving man. He used to love to play with me when I was using the hedgehog, and he used to always make me laugh. He used to push me on the tire swing and help me walk on the stilts that he made for my mom and aunt."

Caleb (12)



"I loved to go shoe shopping; I used to go with him.  It was so fun and I picked out pink shoes.  Then when I start getting ready to go I loved to look at squirrels"

Addie (4 1/2)

"I love Papa Bill super long time, he died."

Tristan (almost 3)

Remembering Papa Bill from the Snook Family

I have asked each of the kids, old and young to share stories about their memories of "Grandpa or Papa Bill" as he was later called by the great grandchildren.  They did the same for Elsa and we added those letters with her inside her space on the wall...I don't think I ever published those sentiments here, so that will be something I will add to this blog in a different post...those words and memories are certainly something that I want to keep alive and to have published here for future reading.

So first is Dina, the oldest and first grandchild of Bill and Elsa Foelker.  She married Jamie Snook almost 13 years ago.  They have three children;  Ellie is 10, Lily is 8 and Jalen is almost 5.

"My grandpa played such a huge role in my life...there aren't many girls as lucky as my sister and I were to have someone as special as him in our lives.  I could go on and on about all the memories I have with him, big events like camping, our summer visits to Cannon Beach, and skiing at Timberline.  But there were also the small everyday activities that made us close...like riding in his car and singing the Marine Core Hymn, or spending time in his backyard with the tree fort and tire swing, or making the deal that I would stop biting my nails if he stopped spitting.  While we were so fortunate to get so much time with my grandpa, it was the way he talked to us, the words that were said, the 21 questions that were asked and the lessons learned that really made an impact on my life.  I remember having to write an essay for a college application on who I admired most and the answer was easy...Grandpa.  He was such a kind, giving, generous, moral man that instilled self confidence in me...not only by exposing me to so many different activities but by always telling me how he thought I was great.  He would tell us to turn around in a model kind of way and then tell us we were beautiful.  He believed in me and supported me no matter what.  There aren't enough words to explain how much I will miss him and the huge hole that will be left in my heart.  One of his favorite lines was "count your blessings", and having him as my grandpa was one of the greatest blessings in my life."
Love,
Dina

 "One word comes to mind when Bill Foelker's name is mentioned, and that is "Championship"! He is without question, one of the most unselfish, upbeat, positive and authentic man I have been around. A true example of a hero in every aspect of the word. Beyond his service to his country as a marine, he was a role model as a man. He was a role model in all aspects of life. The example he provided as a husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend was nothing short of pure class.

Three of my favorite saying's he used only further demonstrated what a total gentleman Bill was. "Holy Rackerfracks", his way of letting you and everyone around know that he was genuinely interested in the experience or story you were about to share. "Everyday is Saturday", Bill's unique way of telling you that "life was great".  This was Bill's standard response when you asked him how he was and to me, was his special way of expressing the gratitude and perspective he had towards the wonderful life and family we all have. And of course what I believed to be his favorite and signature line of "you get what you give".  When Bill said this it was a sign of his sincere commitment and determination to always be unselfish.  He was all about helping others get what they wanted.  Bill and Elsa were givers, the most generous couple I have ever known. Everyone Bill and Elsa were around were welcome and wanted, and anything anyone needed was always available through this amazing couple.

I feel lucky to have had the time I did with Bill and Elsa Foelker. The more time you spent with them the luckier you are. I will always be inspired to be the best person I can as a result of the legacy they leave behind.

Love,

Jamie

Ellie and Lily comforting Papa Bill at the cemetery for Grandma Elsa's funeral

"My Grandpa was truly amazing.  I love him so much and he will be in my heart forever.  It is very hard because it's sad for us, but he would've done anything to be with my grandma.   I know they are happy together again.  There are four lines that are very important sayings that my Grandpa liked to use, the first one is "You Get What YOU Give".  The second one is, "Everyday is Saturday", the third one is "Count Your Blessings" and the last but not least important is "Holy Rackerfracks".  These phrases that he used mean a lot to me because it describes everything about him.  He always had a good spirit and was very funny.  He taught me a song we are going to sing today, we as in my mom, my aunt Lacey, my sister and I.  I'm sure many of you are familiar with it.  That song is the Marine Core Hymn.  We are singing this because he was a Marine and he was proud to be one."

Ellie (10)

Lily sitting with Papa Bill and next to Papa Ben at a volleyball game for Ellie

"My great grandpa was the best great grandpa ever.  He would always have a smile on his face.  The thing that I remember forever is that he would always take us shoe shopping and would buy us anything that we wanted.  He wouldn't ask any questions about the shoe...not how much it cost.  Whatever shoe we'd like he'd like it too.  He was a very joyful, colorful, bright and passionate grandpa.  He will be in my heart forever, I will miss him so much.  But I know he wanted to be with my grandma and he is happy up there."
Love,
Lily (8)

Jalen is sitting on Papa Ben's lap...Lily is on Papa Bill's lap

"I love him and I know he wants to be with grandma up with God.  I remember all the hats he wore.  I liked giving him hugs. I like that rope in the backyard where he let us swing.  I love him forever."
Love,
Jalen (nearly 5)