Alaskan Life

Life Happens

2011-04-06T11:19:00.002-08:00

Okay so I know it has been awhile but as the title says LIFE HAPPENS! What a time! We have welcomed number five (yes I said five) into the family on Christmas Eve of all days:) Been replacing the engine in the suburban for the last seven weeks. Yes for those of you wondering have not gone anywhere while Brent is at work. Ready to pull my hair out! There have been some huge changes at work along with some other decisions we have had to make. Computers dying (don't ask). Being sick for three weeks and then the kids getting it. Ugh! I would complain but there is a country song playing right now reminding me that it "sounds like life to me". I have to remember that. I also am trying to remember James in that to, "Count it all joy my brothers when you encounter trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

I have to look at the small victories. For instance, I got out of bed this morning, fed the kids, and got them dressed. Even small achievements need to be acknowledged some days. That is what makes the big achievements even greater!

I do have to say I thank God for Dave Ramsey and for our church for running that class. We were able to get our emergency fund fully funded and when the engine died on the burban, money at least was not one of the stressors. I thank God we did not have to go into debt to swap out the engine:) Looking at our stressors right now though I would have to say that when you get out of one stressor you sure add another. Like school, it is so easy to stress over am I doing it right. The Lord had to show me that as long as I am being the example and putting Him first while teaching what He has guided us to teach then the rest is up to Him. Thank God He covers the gaps as needed.

My poor Daniel has eczema pretty bad and is sleeping a lot on the Benadryl the Dr put him on. Hopefully it will clear up and I don't have to slather him up like a greased pig much longer! Bekah has discovered mommies hot chocolate! What an adorable child, she is quiet and learning how to exert herself. Ari has become a true princess, just waiting for that Prince Charming to come along. David is a soldier today that likes to build. What a creative black and white child:)
Ania is sure coming into her own and growing by leaps and bounds. The conversations and questions that we have been having sometimes blow my mind! I think wait a minute you are only ten years old, you aren't supposed to be asking this or have knowledge of these things yet. She truly is becoming a godly young woman quickly and I hope that time goes by a little slower....

Laughter and Heartache

2010-09-03T09:17:00.003-08:00

I watched a movie last night and while I enjoyed the movie it made me think. I know, I know TV is just supposed to be an outlet right? When the content makes me think if I would really want my daughters to live a life like this it gets kind of heavy on the heart. I have also just finished reading Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson (which I highly recommend both this one and Bringing Up Boys). We as women crave the desire to be loved for who we are and desire on such a deep level to connect in relationships that we will do almost anything for that feeling of fulfillment. In this movie (The Back-Up Plan) the lead got tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along and decided to be artificially inseminated. She even admits that this is not the way that she dreamed of the way she would have children. After being inseminated she meets Mr. Right that same day. While in the long run she gets her Prince Charming there is definite heartache along the way. What a huge thing to automatically throw on a guy and yet God does adopt us and welcomes us into His family. While I see that the blatant, I am going to live with you and commit but wait until after the babies are born to even propose marrying you idea is the way our culture and world looks at these types of situations. What a sad situation that there are women in this world that do take their future into their own hands and out of God's (yes, even Christian women). When we as women look to so many other ways and things to achieve that feeling of fulfillment it is not completely satisfying. Yes, even those who are married! Your husband or anything else cannot and will not satisfy that deepest longing. Only a true relationship with the Creator can completely fulfill those deepest cracks and crevices in the heart. I am not talking about the sure I know God, I am talking about the talking with Him and listening to Him and spending time with Him every day relationship. You see when we actually put into our relationship with Him what we put into everything else, everything else becomes secondary and we are fulfilled. Having lived life at break neck speed I can attest that the simple life is most assuredly the easier way to focus on Him and on other relationships. I have to admit it feels good to watch a movie or read a book that ends with the girl gets her Prince Charming and they live happily ever after and yes in the end that will happen, but when that becomes our primary focus as women we lose our focus on what is really important. An everyday real relationship with Him.

End of Summer

2010-08-14T18:57:00.002-08:00

Well I know for most of you that summer will last another month and if your lucky two! Here though summer is quickly coming to an end. The annual fair is the official end of summer in the Interior. It usually rains every day of the fair and you just get out and enjoy it or miss it! Luckily this year it wasn't bad. We went on a day where we were able to enjoy the day and it didn't start raining till it was almost time to go. The girls sure did good. Bekah did very well for being in the stroller all day (along with not having much of a nap). Ari obviously loved the animals and seeing all the displays. Ania and David both enjoyed food and displays which hopefully next year we will enter some things. I do miss the State Fair in WA, but there is something to be said for a smaller one. You get to see people you may not the rest of the year. Along with the homey feeling it just seems allot more family friendly. I love the Interior! We were all so exhausted that it has taken about two days to recover! LOL! Still when they all look at you and say thanks mom we had so much fun; it reminds you that it was all worth it!

Comments

2010-08-07T21:32:00.002-08:00

To all friends and family out there please feel free to comment. If I know you I will make sure it is posted. I have been having some serious problems with spam!

Silliness

2010-07-12T11:42:00.002-08:00

So we were having a silly day and Ari was enjoying the option of two binkies. These pictures are from January and I know it has been a while but it is so darned cute to watch her play with them. Unfortunately she doesn't do this anymore:( She has gotten much to big! Listening to her giggle with them in her mouth is hilarious.

Brent got on the floor one day with Bekah. At this point she loved daddy! Brent gave her his flashlight which she sure enjoyed playing with. Isn't he the handsomest looking man in the world?!? I mean what woman would not enjoy watching him enjoy his kids?

Then the playing got raised to another level. The light was turned on. I had so much fun trying to get a good picture of her with the light on in her mouth. All of us were rolling on the floor laughing. I have to admit Brent's work flashlights sure come in handy!

Heartaches and Joys

2010-06-24T10:58:00.002-08:00

Okay so everyone knows that I love being mom. What a privilege to raise precious gifts for His glory and in the way they should go. And sometimes it can be hard to do that and yet on the other side of the obstacle they are more confident and one more step towards what He has in store for them.

With all that said my son went to camp yesterday all by himself. I was so proud of him and yet my heart was breaking. I know that he will come home with wonderful stories and new friends. Yet he is one more step toward manhood. Whew! Big breath!

He was so excited cause he got to do something without his big sister. At this point there isn't much that he does do alone. What a big word, alone. I think that for a seven year old that takes on a whole new meaning.

David at some point you will read this and remember. I am so proud of you and the man you are becoming. Stay true to Him and become the man that He wants you to be. Don't let anything or anyone stand in your or His way. I love you son.

New Friends and Adventureres

2010-06-15T14:40:00.003-08:00

Brent met a couple of guys in Prudhoe the last time he was there. They landed with a lot of gear and bikes. Being from South Korea all the airport people and him were curious as to why they were there. They said that they were going to bike from Prudhoe Bay Alaska to the bottom of Argentina! Go figure! So Brent chatted with them and gave them directions to our house as they would be biking right on buy. He had expected them to show up last time he was home but last night was the night. Of course he wasn't here, but it was okay just the same. They camped in the yard last night and ate breakfast with us this morning. I asked them why they decided to do this and Winter said, "For the adventure!" They will be the first South Koreans to have done this. They are biking 50 miles a day and their only worry is where their next food and fresh water will come from. The kids enjoyed meeting some new friends and they seemed to enjoy just relaxing for awhile. I hope all goes well with them and blessings upon them. If you are interested in seeing pics they are blogging about their adventures; alas they are in Korean but there are still good pics. cyworld.com/bincard and blog.naver.com/chosun3

Courage, Valor, and Death

2009-12-10T23:41:00.002-09:00

I got off the phone tonight with a close friend who just found out that some very close friends of hers were in a bad accident. With that knowledge the husband and baby did not make it and the wife was in critical and hadn't been told yet that her family did not make it. Just a few minutes before I got off the phone with my brother who had just found out that a close pastor friend had just passed. Also this last week we were anxiously awaiting to find out if we had lost any friends in the officer shootings in Lakewood, WA this last week.

To tell you the truth all of this death has got me thinking. I grew up learning the words courage, valor, integrity, and the willingness to lay down your life for a friend. I never really fully understood those words until I started having to face it everyday. Talking with a friend the other day, she made the comment that it takes a whole new level of faith to live a life as a warrior or be a spouse of one. Especially when you don't know if you or your warrior will come home at the end of the day. But in thinking about that I am not so sure in some ways and most definitely in others. After all what are we as Christians called to believe and live? We are called to live everyday as if it were the last. We are called to believe in God's sovereignty even when we don't understand. We are called to be ready when our time here on earth is done.

Don't get me wrong, when I stop and think about my warrior and others, I still have "Oh *&%#!" moments. Today has been one of those days and yet as I was needing some comfort tonight He pointed me to Psalm 91 once again and the last two chapters of Revelation. What wonderful passages. The reminder that His sovereignty is it. The wonderful place that He has gone to prepare for me and those that believe in Him. I know that I will have these moments again and that one day I may actually have to live it (I pray not for many many years). But for now..........

I ask that you all pray and pray hard for the families of the fallen in Lakewood, they have a long road ahead of them. I also ask that you pray for my friend and her family, this is one situation in many that she has been dealing with these last few months. I also pray that if you do not know the Lord that you will right now get on your knees and ask Him into your heart as your Lord and Saviour. Change your life. Get your name written in the Lambs Book of Life. Then tell someone immediately. God says TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION! There is a reason for that. Life is to short and death is immediate. I hope and pray that I will see you walking those "streets of gold" with me one day!

Warriors at Home

2009-08-05T00:31:00.002-08:00

We went today to an open house for a police station. Amazingly, they were giving rides in a patrol vehicle. You don't see that very often, which I think is unfortunate to the children and adults that come to an open house. What an awesome tool to introduce the kids to the officers and find out how good it is to have an officer as a friend. Too many people today aren't willing to put officers in a good light due to a few bad apples.

I must say I was very impressed with the officer that was giving the rides. Even though it was 45 minutes after the advertised time he still gave David (who had been waiting for an hour) a ride with a big smile on his face. David got to ride up front and watch the video camera, which in David's words was "Awesome!"

What a great thing to encourage children that officers are the good guys. Just imagine the impression that that makes on a young child to be able look up to a strong figure in the community that catches the bad guys!

Multiple Activities

2009-05-09T23:12:00.005-08:00

Brent decided one day since the truck had been choking to change the spark plugs. Ania of course was more than willing to be outside at -20 with daddy so she could learn how to change the plugs as well. The pride in her face when she came in from completing the project with dad was amazing! Brent was very proud of his little Grease Monkey!

On one of the last cold days of winter we decided to build a fire. As this would be the first that Ari was participating in we thought it would be a great time! We weren't wrong! Ania taught Ari how to blow on the fire to keep it going. Ari learned how to roast marshmallows for the first time. We had to hide the package of marshmallows cause she got to the point where she wouldn't eat them she just wanted to roast them!

We drove to Tok one day for a day off. The contrast was perfect with the snow on the mountains and we saw many different kinds of wildlife that without that contrast we wouldn't have seen. On the way home we nearly ran into the heard of caribou that we had seen previously in the day. Brent pulled over into the turnout and we got quite a few pictures. Meanwhile, during the picture taking David was nearly in tears because he wanted to hit one so we could take it home since daddy didn't have his gutting gear. "Please daddy can we hit one with car so we can take it home?"

On another day we decided to try to go fishing. We had been told that it would be the perfect week as the ice should be out at the end of the dock on one of the area lakes. After getting everything ready and getting there we still found ice to thick to fish in, but we got to watch others ice fish and we played on the ice as well as walking around and seeing all kinds of nature. Yes the kids are on the ice that is the lake.

At the boat dock the ice had started to go out a little. It was just enough for the kids and Brent to have an ice crystal fight, and for Ari to take a dip and get her feet wet. Mommy's heart didn't take that to well and Ari was mad that mommy pulled her away from her fun in the ice.

We had a week of 70s in April that brought break up quickly and after winter it was a nice break. Ari and mom are out picking up sawdust to spread on the driveway to absorb the mud, as well as getting the ice under the sawdust to melt and dry out in preparation for our wood shed. Ari loved standing there and feeling important at the wheel barrow.

With breakup having come so quickly we ended up with huge ponds in our front yard for a few days. On one of the hot days the kids and Brent had a snow/water fight and got all soaked. Thank goodness for being pregnant cause mommy got out of it! After everyone was done and good and wet they needed showers. Since our bathroom was still out of commission mommy bathed Ari in the kitchen sink. Amazingly enough she seemed to enjoy it!

The kids had a taekwon do tournament recently where they both did extremely well. Here is a group photo of the school. They both had a blast and enjoyed earning medals in patterns and the high kick!

Spring has Sprung

2009-04-14T11:22:00.003-08:00

Spring is finally here! I can hear the water running from the roof and am starting to see the snow recede. I am hopeful that breakup will go smoothly this year and there will be no ice jamming on the Tanana. I am so excited on one hand and yet on the other this is the perfect time of year as the mosquitoes aren't able to survive yet. On the other hand I can't wait to start being able to go to the river and doing some fishing!

We are anxiously awaiting our fourth as June is fast approaching. I am so thankful that the school year is almost over. The kids and I both are so in need of a break. I am working at getting as many projects done before the baby as I can, as I know that the next year will be tough with school and two under 3yrs old. I am excited as Brent's dad will be here to help get the summer projects done with him as I am not able to help as much as I would like this summer. The wood shed, tree clearing, and log rot will be a welcome relief to have done. Neither of us liked digging through the snow to get wood out these last two winters.

For those of you who don't know we are remodeling our bathroom. This was not planned for another couple of years, but God has once again provided and made it possible. We started with a leaky toilet that we hoped we could fix by replacing the wax ring one more time. Well, it became a much more in depth project that we weren't quite ready for. One of the guys from church who does this work and is wonderful at using his God given talent came over to look at it for us. We discovered that the floor was rotted out under the toilet, tub, and 1/2 the rest of the floor. Since we were having to replace the sewer line and take out the tub to address the floor we decided to pull everything up and do it right this time. Which was good as there were three (yes I said three) layers of flooring that had been put over rot that the previous homeowner had layed to cover it up! Talk about mad! So instead of having to replace the floor yet again when we redid it the Lord provided a way for us to just redo the whole thing. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it is done, or to have a shower back!

The kids and Brent got to go the circus when they were in town. Ari and I napped in the car. The kids had a blast for which I was very thankful. I heard though from some other moms that the focus on selling things and the overt sexuality was more than they had wanted for their kids to experience. At least the kids were young enough that the sexuality did not become an issue for them and that we were able to reinforce the thankfulness of having the opportunity to even be able to go to the circus. We also got to do some sledding with the kids while he was home this last time. Ari was so adorable walking around in her little snow pants screaming at the kids. She wasn't quite ready for sledding this year, so maybe next year. It was sure fun to watch the kids and Brent try to slide down those hills. David loves to go fast and Ania wipes out very well!

Winter

2009-01-03T06:20:00.002-09:00

Oh how I pray that it warms up across the state to at least the normal temp. We are in day 8 of a cold weather inversion of -40. I would be so thankful if it would only warm up to -20. I have friends that have frozen pipes and the end is not in sight. They are talking for at least another week and I am in absolute despair! It is not a good idea to drive anywhere in these temps, besides who wants to freeze their butts off by going outside! The air is bad now for even healthy people due to the lack of air movement. Lord, relief soon please?

My poor children are bouncing off the walls! They have been asking to go places and go to their tae kwon do class and yet it is not smart to drive into town for that. After all if the car does break down who want s to sit and freeze in a matter of minutes? Thank God for a large enough space for them to run around and burn off some energy at least. I was going to take them for fireworks for the New Year and yet who wants to bundle up like the Michelin man? Lord we are praying for a miracle!

Pleasant Surprises

2008-11-30T15:35:00.004-09:00

Life happens! Brent and I were just talking that we had not had any huge surprises in the last few months and we were thrilled with the lack of drama. Well, we spoke too soon! We are expecting our fourth in June sometime of next year. So with that we are looking for a new car since ours right now only seats five. Come on mini-van!

We had an awesome non-Thanksgiving. Brent had to be at work on Thanksgiving so we celebrated the Monday before. What a pleasant day! No pressure and really good food! I hope you all had a wonderful day with friends and family!

Where O Where?

2008-10-15T11:58:00.002-08:00

Where on earth did fall go? It is now winter here in Alaska. I am mourning the fall colors and weather:( It has been snowing almost constantly and while I sure do enjoy the beauty of the snow I sure was not ready to give up on fall. Especially with the summer we had. I heard yesterday on the radio that Alaska's glaciers will actually show a gain this year, due to the cold summer. It has been the coldest year in 20 years, go figure!

I thank God for His provision. I have been hearing stories from believers about their oil in their tanks. With it having been such a cold summer many of us had to use our oil furnaces. There are many that have either had the same amount in their tank when it was last filled, or there are those that have a few gallons more then previously measured. Talk about miracles still happening! The story of Elijah and the woman with the oil filling her jars is no less true today!

Another Year

2008-10-10T15:23:00.002-08:00

We have started another school year. Thankfully I am much more excited about this year. We are starting on time and have a much better outlook and game plan this year. Whether we follow it or not is another story!

Ania's reading is improving even more. Her writing is wonderful. She loves science and is a wiz at math!
David is learning to read and is already reading some words. He also enjoys science and is a wiz at math!
They are both learning spanish and art together with Ari's help. What a different dynamic this year with a one year old running around! They are also both taking Tai Kwon Do and doing splendidly! Sometime in the near future they will both be sparring. I have noticed more confidence in both of them as well as bodily awareness. I am thankful we were able to find a Christian teacher that does not focus on meditation and some of the other things with martial arts. He has been very supportive of leaving your day at the door and parents in general. While he does like to chat the kids have been learning allot and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Hey anything that gets them right to sleep at night is awesome!

A Warriors Life

2008-10-10T14:49:00.006-08:00

There has sure been allot going on nationwide lately. I know that it is certainly an unsure world at this time and yet I am so thankful that there is hope! There has been allot going on in Alaska too. Like our governor was nominated for the Vice Presidency, Senator Stevens is on trial for corruption, and the Stryker brigade recently left. With all of these things taking such an in your face roll. I think that the last one has kind of gone from some peoples minds and yet there are those that live with it every day. I have been thinking about this topic quite a bit as we have many in our church family that deal with these types of situation daily.

This is an article that I ran across while doing some research and because I did not write it I want to give the author the credit for it. She has written it with the intent of only one kind of warrior but nailed so many things for any and all warriors. I also want to draw attention to those that people don't often think of as warriors. Those that put their life on the line day in and day out. Those that are ridiculed for maintaining their integrity. Those that are never paid enough. Those that miss out on holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. Those that are looked down on even by their fellow Christians. What would our country, cities, churches, and homes be like without those who are willing to run into the situation as others are running away?

At the end of this article she talks about those that have chosen to live their lives with a warrior and showing your pride in that person quietly, from the sidelines. I want to reiterate that. If your calling in life is to love a warrior remember that your support and love is what means the most. Those that choose and are called to be warriors do it because it is what God has called them to do. While your thanks to those is appreciated your respect is more desired. Again they don't do it for the glory they do it for YOU. So you can live your life with not having to deal with the ugly stuff, the things that most people would turn their backs on. They give up so much of their peace of mind to deal with the worst whether they are overseas or here at home. May any and all of you warriors out there know that your are in the right profession, that you are loved, that you are appreciated, and that you are remembered.

Any parents out there who let there children read this this is just a warning that it is PG-13!

by Sara Roberts

A dear friend of mine is getting married. He sent me this pic and wanted me to write something to share at his reception on Warrior Love. I have been in a position to watch many a warrior fall in love, commit and then the relationship shatters. The Warrior left saddened and the lover left angry and frustrated. I have also seen amazing, enduring, passionate marriages, and I asked those lovers, spouses, partners, what it was that separated their love from the ones that eroded. What they shared with me was profound, so at the request of my friend, I share it with you. Loving a Warrior - It's not just a job, it's an adventure. A Navy SEAL once described a mission to me as 5 minutes of bone chilling terror surrounded by five hours of endless boredom. An ESU friend said it is more like 15 minutes of YEEHAW! after untold hours of WTF. Either way, they are living in moments where they are juiced to the extreme borders of their body and mind with periods of brain numbing boredom. This can become problematic, particularly for younger warriors who have not yet made the connection between what is happening to them biochemically and mentally. For all warriors however, there are clear and visible physical responses to high levels of adrenaline and endorphins. Their pupils dilate, their heart rates increase, their blood pressure rises, hearing sharpens, skin becomes more sensitive, saliva flow decreases and they begin to experience piloerection and often genital erection. This response engages every system in the body. It also creates some interesting patterns in the brain. PET scan show that the lower areas of the brain, the medulla and the limbic system light up like Christmas trees, indicating rapid specific response. Following this response there is a stress let down. The body swings in the other direction to find it's way back to a normal or homeostatic state, so all body systems let down often creating heightened sexual desire, bowel and urinary response, intense sleepiness and irritability. Often in that order too.All of this is interesting but what does it have to do with loving a Warrior, you ask? It helps if you can understand that when your Warrior comes home it will not be unusual for them want a very quick sexual encounter, followed by 20 minutes in the bathroom and zombie sleep. Trust me when I tell you, that there is rarely anything romantic in this process. I always likened it to having a puppy. I'm leaving it at that. But do understand this, to a great extent, your Warrior can not alter that response pathway. It is innate and ungovernable. So if you are rejecting of your Warrior when in this state, don't be surprised if they start going to choir practice instead of coming home first. I can see some folks, mainly women, sputtering right now and saying bullshit. Hear me clearly. I am not saying that this time gives any Warrior the right to be abusive in anyway. That is always unacceptable and truthfully, that is not how a Warrior operates. But, if occasional half naked wall sex is on your yeah, I like it list, smile you will be experiencing it. Just understand that Warrior will be unconscious shortly thereafter, so make sure you have a stack of good books. A Warrior is only as strong as his weakest link. Every operator knows this. You are only as strong as the least proficient person in your unit. Long hours of intense training can improve proficiency but nothing can improve someone who doesn't think they need to improve. If you love a Warrior, you must know that there will be phone calls that come in the middle of the night, family functions that will be missed, unanswered questions, and long campaigns with little communication. This is out of the Warrior's control. The warrior isn't happy about it either. But it is the job. So all of your bitching and whining about being alone all the time are not going to improve the situation. If you are committing to a warrior, be prepared to spend many of the important times in your life alone. Learn how to handle that with grace and humor. Now, let me share with you two things. One, I'm a trust but verify girl. If my mate always seems to get calls and I'm not getting calls from any other partners, I investigate. And I mean to tell you, I will call bullshit and search like it's a crime scene. Two, proficiency happens on two levels, physical training and bonding. There are going to be a lot of training exercises, it comes with the turf, deal with it. Know that every BBQ, every gathering will in some way morph into a training session. Personally, I have had a lot of fun with this and it is a great tool when you want to converse with other people. The upshot here, is that you are a link in your Warrior's world, be a strong one. Send your Warrior out to do what has to be done without having to worry about what is going on at home. After the nap you can get them to get back into the home mindset. Understand that you are the chink in your Warrior's Armor. Every Warrior knows that when they make public that they have taken a mate, had a child or where their family is that they have opened up a potential high risk zone. Therefore, the fact that your Warrior has stepped forward and proclaimed love for you is a huge deal. Really think about that and all it implies. An enemy can cause great pain to a Warrior by attacking family and friends. In the past, this has been a highly effective psyops maneuver to break a Warrior's will. What does it really say about how your Warrior feels for you when they do they openly declare their relationship to you even knowing the risk? Honor that. Please understand that if they do not carry pictures of you, or talk about you outside of their peers, it is driven by a desire to protect you and themselves. Think carefully about who you share information with, even in seemingly innocuous situations. Always be diligent, always be aware. I know you are proud of your Warrior, but let it be a quiet pride and one shared with others in the same position. Learn how to field all inquiries politely but without giving information. This is not just protecting your family, it's protecting your warrior too. A Warrior has no respect for a marshmallow. Of the relationships that I have seen survive two factors in mates stood out more than any others. One of humor. All of the long term partners had deep running humor that was often gentle, raunchy, witty, cynical and twisted. The second thing they all had in common was that they were tough. Not necessarily physically, although some were, but emotionally and mentally tough. They all had clear well defined boundaries and they enforced them. As a psych person I will tell you that I truly believe that this provides Warriors with a sense of security and allows them to truly let down when they are at home. I also believe that it provides them with a sense of acceptance and responsibility. Your gentleness and acceptance are a necessary, sweet balm to a troubled soul and often needed. But, it does every one of them good to know that when you say, if you do this, Warrior or not, I am going to kick your ass, you mean it. It is at once comforting and reassuring that though they may battle outside of these walls, inside of them, they are part of another team. Know your ground and hold it. Your Warrior may grouse about it, but it does comfort them to be grounded emotionally. A Warrior often communicates more by what is not said than what is. There are often times when a warrior simply cannot divulge what is going on. If you are a smart person you can usually put it together by watching the news. Or honestly by doing the laundry, but that's another story. Do not ask for confirmation, the warrior can't give it. Don't ask for details, don't ask for locations. Learn to ask questions that will tell you what you really need to know. Do I need to worry? Is this a good time for me to visit family? Should the children and I take a holiday to Jamaica? Learn to use short hand. Write a diary for your Warrior, that they can read to catch up when they get home. A very good friend of mine writes a blog for his Warrior. When she is away she does have internet access and the blog is a private way for them to keep up on what is going on, or maybe just what they wish was going on, ahem. The point is that in the technological world there are often ways to communicate brief messages. SS ILY AOH H&K can bring your warrior tremendous peace of mind and help you feel connected. The above is shorthand that is commonly used in my circle. Stay safe. I love you. All okay here. Hugs and kisses. Learn also that sometimes the silence is telling because there are just no words to describe what was experienced. Often times you may find that you are sought out and your Warrior just wants to be held, to hear your heartbeat and be touched to regain their footing. Give them that. If they choose to talk, listen. Just listen. Remind them that they are loved, they are safe, and that you value their service. Loving a warrior is not an easy task. It takes talent, perseverance, humor, stubbornness, a very solid self esteem and a great ability to entertain yourself. There is unfortunately no boot camp for it. Few self help books. Damn few support resources. So find others who love a warrior. Become the team behind the team. Because when your warrior lays down sword and shield and loves you. Well, there is just no feeling on earth like it.

A Day in the Life

2008-09-09T17:00:00.005-08:00

I was baking cinnamon rolls awhile back and Ari decided to explore the flour bucket. One of the most enjoyable things of watching my kids grow is getting to experience the small everyday things. This was definitely one of them!

So Ari turned one at the end of July.
She got to enjoy a piece of cake with frosting. As I only had time for a quick cake she got a yellow cake for her first piece. She enjoyed crumbling it to pieces!

One of my least favorite chores growing up was crushing cans. It must be evil to enjoy passing that one on!

So one of our many projects to finish this summer was to permachink the house. Well I have it almost finished. Only a couple more seams and the outside is all done. Thank God it is only a one time application. My hands still hurt! I have noticed a big difference in the house though, which has been sure great.

Brent and the kids gave me one of the greatest birthday presents I have had in a very long time. We went to a Roadhouse down the road that I have been longing to get too. While there David decided to take a picture of Dad and Ania. Isn't he adorable? After we were done at the roadhouse we went for a nice long drive. I needed to get away from the house for awhile. I have been so busy and stressing over getting the house things done while Brent has been having to work extended time that he came home like a prince on a white charger and whisked me away. What a wonderful area that we got to see. I am truly amazed by God's work. Rainbow Ridge is amazing. We got to see a moose eating in a pond. Brent got some great pics of that. Too bad he didn't have a tag and rifle with us at that time.

The one thing I asked for was a t-bone dinner. As you can tell the kids truly enjoyed my birthday dinner!

David being a Starcommand soldier.

With all the flooding we had the mosquitoes have bred like rabbits and trying to sleep is awful. I finally bit the bullet and went out and bought mosquito nets to cover the beds. I sure hope guests don't mind the walls in the bathroom until I can get them cleaned, they are covered in blood spatter and look like a crime scene.

Energy Crisis

2008-08-06T11:36:00.004-08:00

Okay might as well get on the bandwagon along with everyone else. These energy prices are killing us. I am so frustrated with this. We make every effort to cut our energy usage and just keep getting hit like no tomorrow. We already pay almost $.20 a kilowatt and they want to raise it another 7%. That is not even touching what the villages are at. Having lived in Barrow I know. Plus we in the Interior also heat with oil which is at an all time ridiculous high. Why can't the government knock off the speculation that is driving the prices? And Anchorage, quit complaining about it you have know idea what it is like to choose between heating your home or buying groceries for your family! There are families here that are spending at the very least $5,000-$6,000 this summer to get (hopefully) through the winter. If they don't make it then their sol! Not even to mention that the energy bill is stuck in the House and Senate and already wanting to reduce the amount of money the Palin wants to put into the hands of all Alaskans. Get off your high horse and try to understand what the working families of Alaska need. What we need is help and NOW, not six months from now!

Alaska is unique in the fact that we don't have bus lines everywhere. And who is going to stand at a bus stop at -60? We have done everything we can to cut our gas usage and it can't get cut anymore! Those hybrid cars don't work at our extreme temps and why spend the money on it when it will only work for maybe 4-6 months out of the year? People get a clue!

Permachink

2008-08-06T11:25:00.004-08:00

Well I am currently getting the house ready to Permachink! Yeah, maybe the house will stay warmer at -60 this winter and the fans for the furnace won't have to run so long. Yeah I know wishful thinking. I just got off the phone with the company and they gave me some great news and reduced my workload by a little. I have also been treating log rot in various places. That is close to being done as I had started out doing it wrong, but I fixed that. We were able to dig out around the house this summer, which was good, but with that we found some more issues that are going to be costly. We have to replace up to three logs around the garage. What idiot would build a garage on a two sided cement footer and put the other two right in the dirt! We have talked about options like using railroad ties or cement blocks to raise the logs off the ground. I like the blocks better as it will look nicer but we will see what money brings.

Went out to start cutting some more wood today and almost got Brent's chainsaw started. Oh well, guess I will just have to get a new chain for mine. I cut so much that I wore it down. That's okay I didn't want to cut wood today anyway.

Time..............................

2008-07-21T20:45:00.003-08:00

You know it is funny. I look at pictures of friends that I have known for awhile and wonder what they are doing at that moment. How our lives change and life does go on even in those places that you think that life will stand still. I see changes in most but not in all and wonder........

There are points in time when I wish time would just stand still, especially those poignant moments with my kids. And yet I am thankful that I get to be a part of the next stage. We have so many babies in church right now and I look at Ari and how much she has changed in just a year. She is almost walking and this time last year I was sitting at Dawn's just praying she would come and planning how to move. Ania has crossed over into starting camp experiences. David isn't mommas little bud so much anymore. Funny isn't it?

The Quiet Life

2008-07-16T10:06:00.003-08:00

The world we live in today is constant go go go. Always have some sort of entertainment on including but not limited too tv, music, ipod, phone, internet......I could go on and on. Until we got here I never realized how nice and calming it can be to learn to listen to the quiet, to not have music on, to shut the tv off and just enjoy each other. I have learned so much more about my children and their likes and dislikes. Thank God for the gift of peace and quiet.

Progressions

2008-07-15T23:29:00.003-08:00

Ari has been making the adjustment to solid foods so well. I don't know why we spent so much money on jarred baby food the first couple times! She just eats from our plates and has some definite likes. Isn't this the cutest? We were having cantaloupe one night for dinner and she loved it. Her little lips would just stick out like a cartoons! The sounds she would make were so adorable.

Ania got to go to church camp this year. What an adjustment for
mommy as dad was still at work while she was gone. Ari decided
to help her pack! She got so into it that all Ania's clothes were on the floor and picked through.

This is Ania after camp! The greatest thing was a big hug and an I missed you mommy, but I had such a great time!

Air Show 2008

2008-06-24T18:06:00.005-08:00

David in the co pilots seat of a C130.

Ania in the co pilots seat of a C130.

The sight of freedom!

2008 Air Force Thunderbirds

Truly a sight to see! I have to say it was way better than the Blue Angels! You were right there.

My next truck! I am in love!

The kids were playing peekaboo around the corner of the hallway.
Ania loves reading to Ari. Sometimes she even gets to the end of the book before Ari gets bored.
I finally got Ari to keep this headband on for more than a few seconds!
Ania in a blackhawk helicopter!
David in a blackhawk!

Thanks Alot Cheryl;)

2008-06-16T12:13:00.002-08:00

I have been tagged! Never thought that would happen:)
So here goes:

Five Things to do on my List today

Clean the bathroom
Pick up garbage that Kiska got into
Go through Value Village stuff
Do a load of laundry
Bake some kind of desert

Snacks I Enjoy

Cinnamon rolls
Peanut M&Ms
Watermelon
Blueberry cobbler
Raspberry rhubarb pie
Seattle's Best Coffee Naughty Toddy

Things I would do if I were a Millionaire

Pay off the house
Start a non profit mission to bring long term missionaries to bush Alaska
Buy a diesel F250 quad cab
Buy a ski boat so I could ski and fish
Travel the world especially Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Scotland

Places I have lived

Southern California
Edgewood, Milton, North Bend, Washington
Barrow and Interior Alaska

Bad habits I have

Starting a craft project and letting it sit for years
Going to the craft store and buying more even when I have a gazillion projects already to finish
Not sticking to a schedule
Pushing myself so hard that I don't stop until I collapse
Not asking for help

Jobs I have held

Fast food service
Lifeguard/Swim Instructor
UPS Supervisor
Newspaper delivery
Head Lifeguard
Daycare provider

I now tag; Sierra, Sara, and April

Summer Life

2008-06-16T10:20:00.009-08:00

While Brent was available I said that I have to get this done. Of course it took me longer than I thought it would as I lost a safety pin inside somewheres. Ari loves it! It is taking me some getting used to and I wish I would have done it sooner. I can carry her on my front or back and she is close and happy. Best yet it only cost me a couple of bucks instead of the $45 that I have seen them for!

Brent and I decided that it was time for Ania to

start helping even more with food prep. She did great with

this chef's knife!

David loves playing with Kiska. Poor dog! She has been doing great with all three of the kids. She just kind of ignores baby still, but she is getting better!

Ania loves to scratch Kiska's tummy! The feeling is mutual. I thought this was great. She enjoyed it so much that she completely relaxed.

Brent thought this was the cutest thing! She crawled around the house with this in her mouth and a big smile around it!

Ari is still enjoying the feel and texture of whatever she puts in her mouth!

Daddy is trying to teach her how to walk?!? Go figure! After he complains about her being able to get up and move.

She sure loves her daddy!

We went to another open house for the fire department. This time the kids were able to go for a fire engine ride around the block, which was even better than the last time!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T15:12:00.002-08:00

To all the dads out there have a great Father's Day! Thank you for all that you do and give up to provide for your families.

Thankful for so Many Blessings

2008-06-15T09:23:00.005-08:00

Aren't these great pictures? Ania is a natural and David just likes seeing his face on the camera. What a great way to see their love.

We have been out of Barrow for almost a year now. I keep thinking of the things I miss from up there, and then I start thinking of the things I really missed from the real world when we lived in the bush. Things like fresh vegetables, crawling in grass, the rain on the roof, and the wind in the leaves. Brent and I were talking the other day about cooking of all things. He always says how spoiled he is that I love to take the time and cook. I have been thinking about that allot lately. I love to try new recipes and taste new things all the time (you should see my recipe collection now and what it was before we left Barrow). We ate allot of pasta and spaghetti in Barrow not that we don't eat it here but we have fresher things to try and enjoy. He laughed cause I won't even bat an eye at spending two hours in the kitchen to make lunch if that is what it takes. I just enjoy the challenge and enjoyment of making people truly experience the food they eat.

So here is a list of things that I am thankful for not only because we are out of the bush but also because the Lord has provided so much.

Fresh vegetables

Green grass

Wind in the leaves

Rain on the roof

Birds and the lovely sounds they make all night long

Mosquitoes

Raspberries

Wild roses

Rivers that are not covered in ice all year

A place for the kids to ride their bikes

Garage sales with good stuff

A house to put it in and be able to decorate the way I want to decorate

Screen doors and windows

Mountains

Kiska

My wheelbarrow

The chainsaw
Really good coffee

Wow! I could go on and on...........
I am so thankful for the little blessings and sure hope that I don't take them for granted again.

The kids and I have been out working in the yard getting quite a few things accomplished. I got the garden planted and most of the front of the house dug out for us to treat the wood. Thankfully we will be able to get most of this done this summer. There isn't much left of it and I want to enjoy it while we can.

Ari learning to stand on her own.

These are some great pics of the kiddos in the yard.

I love these cute little faces she makes.

Ari is experiencing grass for the first time in these.

Spring and Time

2008-05-22T20:19:00.002-08:00

Well, it is almost the end of May already. Where does time go? Ari is crawling now and has decided to start trying to pull herself up! We have recently got quite a few things done inside the house. We found a new chandelier for the dining room that was a third of the price it had originally been marked at. Replaced the dishwasher with a newer model that we got for free! Brent replaced some of the old fluorescent lights inside the house with newer updated fixtures that use less electric and look nicer. Got a lot cleaned out of the yard.

Wow! Was it a pigsty when we moved in. We found things and are still finding things hidden in weeds and dirt. We are putting in a fire pit, which I am really looking forward too. I want to do some hot dog roasts and marshmallows. I have been busy getting the garden ready to plant and am going to rearrange raspberries. Next year I want to put in a raised garden bed which will help with soil temperature up here. I am hoping that the greenhouse will help this year and next year the garden will be bigger and yield more.

Gas prices have gone above $4 a gallon as of the middle of this month. Since our gas budget is not that big it means we will not be going places very much this summer. That's okay, who says I wanted to drive anywhere anyway!?!&#@*

Brent's parents came up and left a week ago this last Tuesday. We had a great time. I really enjoyed having someone to play cards with. With Brent's rotation and still networking friends haven't had much opportunity. I sure hope they come back, even though when they left the mosquitoes had a powwow and planned for next time!;0

I am really glad that they got to see some of what we do. Although I slept for two days after they left!

Spring Fever

2008-04-26T21:24:00.003-08:00

So I couldn't take not doing something the other day. I got to cleaning as family is coming in a couple of weeks and I needed something to do....not that I don't already but I needed a distraction. I rearranged the loft. I like it better and will hopefully be able to get through some projects that are just sitting there waiting. I am going to do some garage sailing this summer and hopefully find some organizational things instead of just the totes that we have.

The kids have been suffering too. They have been riding their bikes on the snow and slush as well as through lovely mud puddles and coming in crying because they are stuck. It has been great though to see them running around.

The curriculum fair is this next week and I cannot believe I get to go this year. I didn't think I would be able to for awhile. The great thing is I can get everything ordered early and not have to worry about it......big relief! I have stressed over this the last couple of years and will not have to this year. Although I have been changing my mind a few times about what I really want to do with the kids this yeat. Ahhh, the fickle mind!

Smell of Spring

2008-04-22T11:52:00.004-08:00

I walked out my front door yesterday morning and breathed deep! What a wonderful scent. The smell of spring is finally here. You know the one I am talking about, the smell of rain, the trees, etc. Also the sounds of spring are here as well. Water dripping, birds chirping, wondering if that sound in the trees is a moose or bear.

We have a huge puddle in our yard now that breakup is here. We have been seeing some moose and plenty of birds. It is so nice to walk out into 40 degrees in the morning and not having to wear a jacket. Although, I am slipping on the ice that is quickly melting up the driveway to get the paper every morning.

I am quickly starting to get anxious about getting our summer projects getting done. Spring and summer is so fleeting here in Alaska. We have a long list since this is our first summer in our house and we have added one more with our wood boiler by having to cut wood for the coming winter. I did get some done before breakup hit. I went and bought myself a chainsaw and yes it is purple and I can start it. I have been teasing Brent that his wife doesn't go by jewelry or something else that is feminine, I by a chainsaw so I can hear it roar! I have to have it for when he is gone as I cannot start the other one. I moved a cord of wood on Thursday of last week. I had fun cutting! I am still regretting it though as my back is still giving me problems with the size of the logs that I put in the back of the truck. I do so enjoy the work though and getting out in the woods. Splashing through the puddles was the height of enjoyment for the kids.

Tax Day

2008-04-15T20:57:00.002-08:00

Whoever thought that it would be a great idea to label one day with the ultimate dread?!? Hope you all had an easier time than I did. Hoping that next year I will be able to do it over DSL.

Chores and Fun

2008-03-27T11:03:00.003-08:00

While we were out being responsible, as Brent likes to call it. Working hard is more like it! We got a few good pictures of being and working together as a family. The kids are getting to the point where they now want to help get wood. It has started to warm up so they are more apt to get out of the car and help.

Ari loved riding in the truck and helping me pull out logs from the piles. Talk about a fun time. There is nothing like pulling out trees with a 4 wheel drive truck that is older than your husband! Although I have to admit I would take the truck over him any day!:) Even though it has a hole in the floor, doesn't have a working radio, and goes through gas like no tomorrow! It sure didn't look like much when we got it, but I am so glad the Lord was in control on this one. I wouldn't touch the thing when we first got it because of all the buttons, but life and circumstances have caused me to change my mind. We have tried and tried to get it stuck, that thing even pulls Todd's grain truck out when it is stuck with a full load of wood in the back. Good 'ol American made!

This is our beautiful Keeska. She enjoyed the farm so much. I think she enjoyed the truck so much more. There is nothing like driving down the open road with your truck and your dog. She has truly become a part of the family.

Baby Goats

2008-03-27T10:53:00.004-08:00

The new friends and farm that we visited was an experience. We got to see newborn baby goats. The kids got to touch and feed them. What an adventure! Every time we now drive by they ask if we can stop.

Ari just kind of looked at it and reached out. The goat then started nibbling on her fingers!

Ice Park 2008

2008-03-27T10:28:00.007-08:00

So we went to the Ice Park while our guests were here. As you walk into the park there is a enter at your own risk sign which I find ironic. It says you are entering an Ice Park and that it is slippery and you need to be careful. Go figure! I am truly glad that we went early this year even though we didn't get to see the multi block sculptures. The weather warmed up so significantly (40s) that they were having to extend the contest and go to ultimate measures to save the sculptures from thawing.

This walrus greeted us as we walked into the park. He had already lost one of his tusks, but he was still beautiful!

We had to stop at the hardware store and get sleds for the slides before we went into the park. While the kids were in the octopus tunnel we put Ari in the sled and dragged her around. She loved it for awhile, then she started to realize that she wasn't being held. I am so proud of my little Alaskan, she didn't complain about being in the cold and handled it very well.

This was the biggest slide that was sculpted. You are sure taking your life in your hands as you climb these ice covered stairs! We had a blast going down it. The slide end is pretty long compared to the others so it feels like you go on forever.

Brent got such a kick out of this phone booth!

Ari and I watched and played as the kids (Ben and Brent too) went down the slides in the kids park.

On the drive home Ben spotted a fox on the Tanana River. At first we thought it was a wolf, but upon closer inspection and seeing him catch a mouse we came to the conclusion that it was a fox. Good eyes Ben!

Vacation

2008-03-09T19:48:00.003-08:00

So we have been busy. We had some friends from Barrow (who have since moved elsewhere)come stay for a few days. We had a blast and some very memorable moments. We got to go to the ice park, tried LARS (they were closed), enjoyed coffee, Alaska Bowl Co (which I want a huge Caesar salad bowl someday), North Pole, good laughs, and great times. I have been trying to post pictures but the server is not wanting to let me so they will have to wait.

We got a dog while they were here who is beautiful. Her name is Keeska and she is German short hair/pointer mix. She got out two days after we got her and then surprise two days later she showed up on our doorstep. She is doing very well as she is a sled dog rescue (she didn't run fast enough for the musher at 18mph). We took her with us to get wood this last week. She loved the truck.

Ari has her first tooth! Thank God! Brent found it while she was chewing on him.

We went to dinner at a friend of a friends house last week and the kids got to feed two baby goats. We are seriously talking about buying a milking goat, some laying hens, a cow, and rabbits for meat (since they taste like chicken), and having a big garden (which will happen anyway). With the cost of groceries going up drastically we are both feeling like living off the land as they say is going to be the best way to go for us. Along with all the meat recalls and other things that have been going on with our food supply. So for those of you who want to visit or will be visiting just a warning that you will never know what will be around when you are here...............

Life Happens

2008-03-09T19:24:00.002-08:00

Ya know, I know that life happens and all but come on! We went out for a drive today and the car broke down about 10 miles from home. ERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!! After about an hour friends showed up to help because the wreckers don't tow or won't answer the phone on Sunday.

We did get to see some really pretty things though. We went to Delta Junction and got some really cool pics. Which I will post later after they have been downloaded.

Almost Crawling

2008-02-26T10:36:00.002-09:00

Ari is almost crawling! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

We are trying to figure out a way for her diaper to be pinned to the floor. We are open to suggestions. She doesn't get as frustrated on her tummy as the older two did. I sure wish those first teeth would come in. It has been a long and painful process.

Ugh!

2008-02-26T10:16:00.002-09:00

Have I mentioned before that I absolutely hate being sick! The flu is in full force nationwide and since we don't ever really go anywhere, where on earth could I have got it? At least it was only a 24 hr bug. Thank God for Brent as he handled everything while I moaned in bed.

We have had at least two inches of snow in the last couple of days. It is so beautiful seeing it fall. We sat on the couch the other night after the sun went down and just watched it fall. It was neat listening to the kids talk about it.

We went sledding with friends from church on Saturday. We went on base to the ski lodge they have and enjoyed watching both the kids fly down the hill. The first time David went down we couldn't tell if he was laughing or crying. Ania kept going and tried going off the jump that had just been made. David convinced daddy to go down a couple of times to which Brent replied that his butt is too big for the sled. I went down with Ari one time in the inner tube and not only gave myself a heart attack but Brent too. Ari was quiet the whole way down. Never again! We almost went over the hill at the bottom that is there to stop you.

Mayhem and McDd's

2008-02-21T22:28:00.003-09:00

We went into town today and spent the whole time in town. Ugh! Neither one of us likes going to town much at all so when it is grocery shopping time it is fun. I do enjoy the task of working in a budget and creating fun and healthy meals for us, but I sure don't enjoy the drunks hanging out in front of the store or having to fight your way through the aisles.

So we got that done and because it was so late and the kids hadn't been able to play all day we went to McD's. The dreaded place that is so loud and out of control. Won't be doing that again for a while. The kids are just crabby when we leave and so am I from having to listen to the screaming and banging around. They just put in games on computer type screens for the kids which I am not fond of at all. When I do take the kids there I want them to run around and play on the structures. Because it is so cold during the winter there isn't any way for them to do that outside. I will most likely take them to a different one when we go from now on. Besides I don't like eating out anyway..........

Mom Time

2008-02-21T00:00:00.002-09:00

You know there is a time when you just need to have adult time. Tonight was that night. I have craft night at my house right now available to the ladies at church to have a place to work on a project and chat together while the guys are at prayer meeting. Brent stayed home tonight and watched the kids while one of the ladies and I enjoyed hanging out. Didn't realize that I needed that so much. Thank goodness for an understanding husband and a blessing of a big house.

Thrilled Beyond Belief

2008-02-20T23:48:00.002-09:00

MY DISHWASHER IS WORKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to Brent and Todd it got into the repair shop and they called a couple of hours later letting us know it was done. The great thing is even though it is ancient they are still being made and we will be able to get replacement parts for it for a long time. After living in the Arctic with no dishwasher and no room to wash dishes I was so thrilled that we had a dishwasher in our new home. When it died I cried. The freedom of not having to stand at the sink and do dishes. What a blessing and it was a relatively cheap fix, thank God!

New Musical Talent

2008-02-18T22:39:00.003-09:00

Ania started violin today. You can hear my screams of pain from here I hope. Actually, she did really well today. Better than I could have ever hoped. She is excited and thrilled with the sounds she was making. She found the strings, each one individually and made it sound good. Mark is helping and we are hoping that she will stick with it. So when you think of her please pray for that. She hadn't been to thrilled with the piano and has been bugging me about it for the longest time. Thank goodness that Idea pays for it and we didn't have to. Although the Lord worked it out that we are able to borrow one from a friend at church until we are sure it is something that she will stay with. Mark is helping with body position and enjoying a good chuckle for us and our ears. I think I am going to buy a pair of good ear plugs tomorrow!

Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig

2008-02-18T22:14:00.004-09:00

We have been working on many things on the house these last few days. Today was the basement and getting the new queen size bed ready for guests. I had an extra nightstand and new lamp that I could put downstairs in the guest room. Yes I said guest room! Wow! Never thought that I would say that in my own home. A dream come true. We are having guests in a few days. I am so excited! Haven't seen them in a few months and it will be great to get together and play Settlers and do many other fun things.

We also fixed the toilet downstairs and cleaned the basement from the many projects that have consumed us these last few months. We have still been working on putting things away where they belong and finding places for them without any kind of organizational items. We still have the ceiling fan (thank you mom and dad for the housewarming gift) to put in. Currently trying to figure that one out!@%">!@%*#?! The peak is a pain for a ladder and we are working on borrowing one that is tall enough. And since Brent is afraid of heights (go figure) one that I won't fall off of;)

We got the kids beds in their room and they are currently enjoying their bunkbeds. Yeah! David curled up in his the first night and was so cute. Ania is enjoying her space. I am hoping to decorate their rooms soon. I think Cars or camoflauge for David and Tinkerbell or fairies for Ania. Still thinking on Ari! Lol!

Still ahead of us is the main floor toilet which I don't want to get into but it needs fixing again. Live and learn I guess. I am also trying to be patient as we get the dishwasher taken care of. We got the one back downstairs so I now have room again in the kitchen and am not stubbing my toes on it. The other one is waiting to be taken to the repair shop. We'll see, I had know idea that once I got out of Barrow I would still be washing dishes. Never say never I guess.

I am so not looking forward to summer. So many projects and so little time. Between digging out around the house, permachink, garden, wood, etc. Need I go on?

Happy~Grouch

2008-02-12T10:19:00.000-09:00

So Brent shaved his beard for vacation. What a surprise! Doesn't he look good? Ari has been loving it. This is her happy with daddy.
This is one grumpy baby! Wow!

This is her not happy with daddy.

Fun and Cookies

2008-02-12T10:04:00.000-09:00

So I made some German Chocolate Cookies the other day...........

Ari sure enjoyed them!
After she was done with the cookie she took one look at daddy and started crying. She looked so darned adorable sitting on the table in her diaper with daddy holding her.

Quilt-Fall Leaves 2

2008-02-12T09:19:00.000-09:00

After much ado and long waiting here is the quilt! Brent and I got it hung last night. We are using it to cover the insulating foam over a single pane window in our peak. Granted it is not perfect, in fact I tried getting him to take it back to work with him just because it was such a learning quilt that it pains me to look at it sometimes. While we were hanging it I told him this is so not the way to hang a quilt! It will do for now though. I figure next time I can do it properly. If (or when) it comes down he can take it to work! I must say though that if you don't look to closely it looks good up there.

Night Sky

2008-02-11T10:31:00.000-09:00

Was out again last night filling the boiler before bed and looked up. I am so thankful we do not live in town. The stars were so clear and there was just a touch of the Northern Lights on the horizon. It just takes my breath away the way things are laid out and the Lord put thought into. Getting up this morning the sun was shining! It sure is brighter on the snow.

HUH

2008-02-11T10:21:00.000-09:00

Got up this morning to -10. Literally jumping for joy while feeding the boiler. It is supposed to be above zero by Wednesday. So here is a picture to warm everyone else up.

Temps

2008-02-06T11:14:00.000-09:00

So I am getting ready for spring. I am tired of the cold now but I know that it is coming. I can't wait for guests to start coming in this spring and summer. It will be fun to show them our piece of Alaska. I am hoping that maybe we can do some canoeing on the river and some fishing. I want to have enough salmon to last for awhile.

New Car Info

2008-02-06T10:54:00.000-09:00

Are you in the market for a new car? I know when I start looking for a new car that price is always one of the big sellers. Well, don't ever pay full price again. Let the dealers in your area compete against each other by checking out Car Prices Be prepared when you go to purchase that vehicle by knowing what you want in the vehicle and how much it is going to cost. Including any and all kinds of options. I was able to get two free rate quotes for the vehicle I was looking for at the dealers in my area. There is also information on car loans, car loan refinancing, car insurance, and auto warranties. All it takes is a minute to find out what you qualify for and how much it is going to cost.

Quilt-Fall Leaves

2008-02-06T10:26:00.000-09:00

Just an update on the quilt. I am finally putting the binding on and then it will be done. When I have finished it I will post a picture of it. It is not one that I want to look closely at, but it will serve a purpose. With the cold weather we have been having I have been working like a banshee to get it done. David keeps asking if it is another one for him or if it is mine. Cause you see everyone else has a quilt now except Ari (who won't need one for another year) and me.

Pride and Predjudice

2008-02-06T10:12:00.000-09:00

Okay so I have been on a Jane Austen kick lately. I can't get enough of her books or the movies that have been made from them. A friend from church lent me her copies on DVD of the BBC versions of her books and I must say that while the English people in them are not the most attractive I certainly enjoy their ability to act. I love Pride and Predjudice with Kiera Knightly and have watched it at least 50 times since we left Barrow. Now that doesn't include the times in Barrow:) I am currently awaiting the movie Becoming Jane, which stars Anne Hathaway, who is one of my favorite actresses. The author Debra White Smith has rewritten her books with a Christian theme in them and set in modern times. The english is a little easier to follow but it is still just as exciting. I love to sit in bed at night when Ari won't sleep and watch them while either wearing her out or working on one of my numerous projects. Wintertime is one of the perfect times to finish those projects that just never seem to get done.

Night Sky

2008-02-04T10:00:00.000-09:00

I was out getting the boiler fed for the night at about 10:30pm on Saturday night, when I looked up. Granted there weren't all of the fancy colors that will appear as the night and winter go on, but I so enjoyed seeing the Northern Lights. What an amazing thing to see. It looked like a big green road that went from one end of the sky to the next. Just being able to imagine where it ended and I couldn't help thinking what a great thing it would be to just hop in the car and follow it to the end of the earth. I didn't get to see them much in Barrow so I am loving the fact that I can just walk right out my front door to see them.

I was thinking of all those that have come before me to live in this vast wilderness and the faith and determination they had to have had to continue living here. And yet I know, just like those who came before, that there is no greater place to be. Especially when you are in God's hand!

Eternal Value

2008-02-03T17:41:00.000-09:00

The sermon this morning was very good. But let me start at the beginning. We have a Bible study before service that we have been going through 1 Thessalonians chapter by chapter as a group. We talked on chapter 4 and a little of 5 today and were discussing rapture, the Day of the Lord, and praying constantly. It is funny how we can get off on different tangents just fro one little topic. Then Mark preached and he was discussing that if we had an eternal outlook we would live life here on earth so much more differently. So the quote I got out of it today was, "If you looked at things with eternal value you would live each day differently." Something like that that really hit me. I will update it when I get my Bible out of the car. Not only that but my Bible study has been on that same topic. Keeping focused on Him and on eternal results rather than on what people think.

Quilt-Fall Leaves

2008-02-02T11:56:00.001-09:00

So I have been working on this one quilt for two and half years now. I am finally in the finishing stages, which I know my husband is jumping for joy for. I have been procrastinating for awhile on it, but it is going to cover the peak window in our house for now for a cheap and quick solution to one pane glass.

I have been trying to figure out how to do free motion quilting on my Viking #1+ without having to order the free motion foot. Well, I took the darning foot from my 64-40 and tried that. Miracle of miracles it worked. Granted it is solid so I can't see through it but that is alright for now still trying to master the free motion thing. My thread kept breaking and even though it was machine quilting thread I went back to my multi purpose sewing thread. Then I kept turning the quilt and then after about a day a some frustration it dawned on me. I don't have to turn the quilt, I just move the fabric the way I want! Wow! Was that easier when I tried that. I felt like those cartoons with the light bulb above the head.

So now I am finishing the quilting, and have to add the binding. Then I can hang it up and look at it all day!

Motivation

2008-02-02T11:42:00.000-09:00

So I woke up this morning late. Couldn't believe what time it was and that Ari had slept through the night. She has done this quite a bit, but the last few nights she has been teething. So I haven't been sleeping much. Plus I stayed up late watching a movie cause she went down late. Still kind of groggy!

Went to kids club last night and got to learn a new card game. Was it fun! I am so looking forward to the cribbage tournament on Valentine's. David squashed his finger in the door and cried about that for awhile last night. Poor little guy he was tired. I am so thankful for Mark, Sandy, and Janine.

I need to get some cleaning and straightening up done, but I just don't have the motivation right now. I am looking forward to the next few weeks cause hopefully I will be able to take time to get things put in their proper place and only have to do a little here and there after that. We have been moving some things around and putting them on new pieces of furniture as they arrive so things are still kind of chaotic. Although I have been looking at the garage and have some ideas of how I want it organized, but this does depend on what Brent says(after all it is his garage;)

So I think I am going to just enjoy my mocha and quilt that quilt!

Birthday Wishes

2008-02-01T10:39:00.000-09:00

Happy birthday my dear husband! I can't wait for the next 50 or so.

Moose

2008-01-31T19:22:00.000-09:00

So I was minding my own buisness quilting my newly pinned quilt upstairs and I look out the window and right in front of me is this guy. Between the time I got the kids to come look and grabbed the camera he had layed down in the snow. We sure have been seeing alot of these guys in our yard. I am hoping that Brent won't have to go out hunting, he can just sit in our yard and shoot them.

Cookie Face

2008-01-31T19:13:00.000-09:00

The other day Ari got a treat from one of the ladies at church who
will never live the cookie thing down. She gave her a cream filled
cookie that she could gum to death. So today I gave her
something else that she could gum. She sure enjoyed it!
I think she already has the "Oh, you caught me look!"

This is her poor me little baby face when she is sooooooo
tired. Isn't it the cutest little thing? She has drool over her chin and some rice kernels that were left in her walker from the other night.

Artsy Fartsy

2008-01-31T19:02:00.000-09:00

My eldest little girl loves to do anything artsy. This is her latest with

watercolors. She has been constantly drawing, painting, or creating

something since Christmas. She recieved a number of artsy things and has made good use of them since.

Doing Something Right

2008-01-29T15:09:00.000-09:00

The last couple of days I feel so good about school. I have changed some things we are doing and the order in which we do them. Trying to get David through before he gets to antsy. We are doing Bible together instead of separately which is much easier.

I find that when I am antsy and in a hurry it wears on the kids. So my goal lately is to not rush and just enjoy the time with them. We are doing magnetism in Science and Ania is loving it. David isn't required to do it but he loves doing the experiments with her.

Another Nasty Moment

2008-01-29T14:45:00.000-09:00

Yet another nasty moment in the life as a mother! I am sitting at the computer holding Ari. She is now happy and smiling because she had pooed in her diaper moments before. Well, I went to get up and low and behold the computer chair has now been christened along with the carpet in the room. I thought the yellow on green was a bad contrast; well, it can't beat the yellow on mauve!

Six Months Already

2008-01-28T17:42:00.000-09:00

My precious girl! What an adventurous six months already. You are so loved and such a joy. From such a small bundle to a bright eyed gift from God.
Thank you for the joy and smiles you have given all of us. Always remember that you are loved by all!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

2008-01-27T17:05:00.000-09:00

So while I was pinning my quilt for our peak window today, my two older children decided to find something destructive(I meant constructive) to do. Somewhere along the line one of them decided to make a pizza for baby with rice........
I know that it is great for tactile learning and things but we had a huge mess! I leave a pie plate of it out for David to play in and it has slowly dwindled. Ari sure enjoyed it by the size of this smile!
TROUBLE! I am in so much! Put the three of them together and I can sure wait until she is walking cause I have a feeling that there is going to be many more of these fun times;)

Newspaper Topics

2008-01-26T10:06:00.000-09:00

I have been following in the newspaper several topics related to Alaska. The AGIA(natural gas pipeline), parital-birth abortion becoming a felony in this state, the caucuses, and it wouldn't be Alaska if we didn't include gold panning.

AGIA has been huge right now because there were 7 proposals sent to the state from different companies and only one met the requirements set out by the state. It has been kind of comical to watch ConocoPhilips pout about their proposal being shot down. The key to theirs is that it does not guarantee a pipeline being built. While I am not so sure about awarding it to a Canadian company, at least theirs guarantees a pipeline being built. I do want to see the pipeline benefit Alaskans. After all my children will most likely end up working on it in their lifetime. But I also don't want to see the state getting pushed around by the big oil companies.

Partial-birth abortion has been proposed to the legislature as a felony in Alaska, which I am all for. Those of you who know me know that I would prefer it be banned all together but we can take it one step at a time. With the pregnancy rates here and the ages that young girls are getting pregnant it will be tough.

Uggh! Is it another election year already? Just watching the mud slinging has been enough to turn my stomach. There is a movement here that is calling for the backing of Ron Paul, which I am not backing at this point. I get so frustrated with the fact that the only ones that matter in the presidential election anymore are the ones labeled Republican or Democrat. I have to say it sure depends on the candidate.

With gold prices at an all time high gold panning has once again become more than just a hobby. There are more than a few amateurs that are purchasing sluice boxes, gold pans, etc. I for one am not one that is willing to stand in a stream in freezing water like the guy that I saw in the paper this morning. Like he said you end up spending just as much as you make. For any of you who might have suddenly got gold fever remember that!

Adult Conversation

2008-01-26T09:42:00.001-09:00

So we went to church last night for Kids Club. I have finally come to the conclusion that it is not for the kids that I go it is for me! I enjoy the adult interaction so much. I have truly enjoyed our church here more because Brent's job is not at the forefront of everyone's mind. It's tough when that is how most people see you. Thankfully with this rotational position I don't have to think about it. What a relief!

Janine looked at Ari's ear last night and said it is a little pink. She gave me some suggestions and am trying them now. I am hoping that it will drain quickly and not become a full blown ear infection. She seems happier this morning. She hasn't been waking up the cheerful little baby that I know and love since her cold. She is all talk and bright eyes this morning though.

Woke up in the middle of the night to my two older children in my bed! Talk about a surprise! Ania has been very good about getting up on her own and going to bed, but I had to carry David. Thank goodness he is still small enough for me to carry short distances. I love to cuddle with them but my bed is my bed. I like having room to move and stretch. Sure wish we had gone with the king size bed, but that is okay I like cuddling with Brent too.

I did my grocery shopping on Thursday and found the most darling little pink coat with a hood for Ari next winter. This is one of the biggest things that I missed about living in Barrow. There are no outlet stores or huge clearance sales, except for what AC is trying to clear out. Thank God for Fred Meyer and their 50%off already clearance priced items. Granted I can't do much of that right now but when an opportunity presents itself and I have the money and can work it into the grocery budget.........

Brent and I were talking and it is weird how God intertwines when people come in and out of our lives. We heard from a old friend from high school the other day. Haven't talked to her in years. It is interesting to see how their lives have changed and how God has been working in them. To see and compare the things we have all gone through and glean from each others experiences. What a treasure!

Snowing

2008-01-25T14:59:00.000-09:00

It is snowing here! YEAH! We have had temperature swings like no tomorrow lately. From -40 to 40. Although the above 0 has been perfect timing for us. We ran out of wood and had to get some while the temps were good. I am thankful for the snow right now though. The insulation is great before it gets colder again tomorrow. God's timing is impeccable!

My Youngins

2008-01-25T14:34:00.000-09:00

I love being mom so much! When I think back to how hard of a shift it was for me to go from full time college/working student to full time worker/mom to full time mom I cringe. I did not make life easy for my wonderful husband and my children. I didn't know what to do with myself and all this time. Now as a mom I don't have extra time for all the things that I thought moms had time for. What a lifestyle change! Not even touching the mind change. My kids constantly amaze me. With all the changes we have had in the last year they are still my good kids. Thank you Lord for such wonderful blessings. It is true that as the Bible says children are a blessing from the Lord. It is really to bad that in today's society they are considered an inconvenience. Where would we be without kids?

Anyway, these are some pics of my blessings.

Size Comparison

2008-01-25T14:14:00.000-09:00

So Brent was entertaining Ari the other day and used his foot for the fun.

She would open her mouth, grab for the slipper, then attempt to eat it.

She finally got it off his foot and it sat next to her while he took these pics.

She is reaching for things all the time now and has just started reaching

for me when someone else is holding her. She still isn't to sure about that

fuzzy faced man that sometimes lives her yet!

Look at the size comparison of Brent's slipper to her! Has she gotten big or what!

Frozen Faces

2008-01-15T10:56:00.000-09:00

So yesterday Brent and I had to get wood to get through the night. Thankfully he was feeling okay and I put a face mask on. This is what happened after only 20 minutes in -30. Give Brent a few more minutes and he could look like Santa Clause.

Whew

2008-01-15T10:32:00.000-09:00

We made it through the last cold spell. Thank God! We have been dealing with sub zero temps for the last four days which may not seem like that much to some but when you have to get out in it to get wood it sucks! Although, when it is that cold we are able to find and fix more air leaks in the house.

Brent has officially gotten sick! I now get to put up with a grumpy man and three sick children for who knows how long. We have to all be careful or we will catch something allot worse.

Sicko

2008-01-13T18:27:00.000-09:00

Winter is so not fun when you are sick! David brought home some bad cold, passed it to Ania, gave it to me, moved to Ari, and we are waiting for Brent to come down with it. Uck! I haven't been sick like this in awhile, thank goodness. My husband actually put me to bed:) He takes such good care of me.

We have been busy getting wood, again! Also been fixing holes and making the house warmer. It has been -40 below or close to for most of this week. It is much different than Barrow in the fact that there is no wind. Thank goodness! I actually drove the car today with square tires. You have to just deal with it till the rubber warms up. Talk about a heart attack in the making, I thought I blew a tire! It is supposed to get to 0 or above in the next couple of days. Yeah! An Alaska warming trend. I do miss the sound of the snow blowing on the ground from Barrow but right now that is all I miss.

We had a visitor this week. Pastor Jamie came to see us. What an answer to prayer. Brent had a rough rotation and it was a great thing for him to see him and be able to chat. I hope they come to visit in the summer. Brent and Jamie share the same sense of humor and just feed off each other. It is a riot and truly enjoyable to watch them together.

School, Patience, and Perseverance

2008-01-08T10:10:00.000-09:00

What a day yesterday. We had a difficult school day, but the best part is we worked through it. Thank God for His grace and the wisdom of mom! Going through that just puts me in my place. I remember putting mom through so much of that and it is not fun to be on the other side of it. So mom (and dad) here is a huge I am sorry and apology for the years and years of what I put you through. Thank you for the wisdom and love of so many years of going through the same thing.

It's funny, Ania has been listening to Odyssey. She got a new one from Grandma for Christmas and the one she has been listening to constantly is about patience and perseverance. Hmmm, do ya think the Lord is trying to tell me something? I get it, I get it! Even my Bible study has been about patience and making every thought captive to Christ. What a huge thing to work on! But I am loving the results of the lesson. Life is so much sweeter when I make every effort to ask (and I know this is a cliche but) what would Jesus do?

Growing fast

2008-01-07T10:34:00.000-09:00

Ari is rolling OVER!!!!!!!

Just thought I would let you know. I had to call Brent and tell him too. I am not talking about just once but many times. If I lay her on her back she rolls to her stomach and then proceeds to cry because she is not on her back anymore.

She is also putting her cute little tosies in the air and playing with them. I put a wrist rattle on her this morning and she couldn't take her eyes off it. She is also talking again after having been a little quiet for a couple of weeks.

LapBand by JourneyLite

2008-01-05T12:27:00.000-09:00

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Just Have to Show You

2008-01-05T11:48:00.000-09:00

This picture is from Christmas but I love it so much I just have to show you! Ania and David both carried it by themsleves from our back woods to the front door, which is quite a ways. I am so proud of them. We figure that Ari will be helping them carry it next year!

Busy.......

2008-01-05T11:32:00.000-09:00

Okay....I am soooooo tired. I still haven't caught up on my sleep from when Brent was home last. I have also been busy with cleaning, the kids, moving wood, laundry, the kids(yes I know I said this one already but you know how it is), the dishes(still don't have a working dishwasher), and many other things I can't remember doing but I know they got done. My arm hurts like the dickens(from minor surgery). Remind me to never do something like that again while Brent is gone!

Ari is teething so I am not sleeping much. Hmmmm! Although I have been enjoying movies while she is up and have gotten a lot of projects done.

Was reading in the paper this morning about a home that was 180feet outside of the fire service area in town. Unfortunately this is a reality for many in Alaska. The department got the call but they determined once they got there that the home was outside the service area. On one hand I can understand the thought process and yet on the other side it was someones home that was destroyed. It is unfortunate that politics and taxes affect whether we keep our homes in an emergency or not. I can't even begin to understand how those firefighters feel. I mean they signed up to do a job and they are told no even though they could have saved the home. How awful to live with that realization. Since we live in an area with no fire service this is a reality for many. It is not unheard of to hear of someones house burning and losing everything.

I have a huge chore list today so I have to get started. Maybe I can bribe the kids to do some of it by making cookies:)

I Signed Up for PPP!

2008-01-04T12:46:00.001-09:00

Hello all, I have recently signed up with payperpost.com Click here to go to their website
drive traffic

I am excited to see how this works. For those of you who know me I love writing about various things and once in awhile getting on a soap box and being able to express my opinions and open discussions about various topics. I am so excited to get this started because not only do I get to speak to a captive audience, but I also get paid for it! How great is that? And if I don't want to write about a subject I don't have too. It is all based on how much you put into it and what you want to write about.

I am hoping to pay off some debt, be able to pay for a vacation, furnish the house, take some classes, and start an Alpaca farm with the money that I earn from this. Yes, bold I know, but who says you can't dream a little. Living where we do this is the perfect way to supplement some income and be able to work it around my schedule, which as a homeschooling housewife of three is perfect. I can do this when the kids are sleeping and while Brent is at work.

Surprise!

2008-01-01T13:34:00.000-09:00

So I got up this morning, late I might add! I went to add wood to our boiler outside and low and behold there was a gigantic moose eating on our side of the fence. She was HUGE! Scared the living daylights out of me. Ran into the house to get the kids and the camera. How cool is that? I love living in Alaska. Yes these animals are destructive and can total a car but it is so amazing to see one in its own environment. We do live in the wild after all!

Party!

2008-01-01T13:19:00.000-09:00

We went to church last night for a new year's eve party. So much fun! The kids played like crazy till 1:30 in the morning at church then we got home and they played till 2:30am and then promptly passed out. Got to play cribbage, which I haven't done in years and eat lots of good food. The kids played with sparklers and got to see fireworks. They had fun. Living in Alaska there is no fireworks display on the Fourth, what is the point? So New Year's is the big day. We haven't been in a place the last couple of years for us to see any so the kids sure enjoyed, while I sat with the women and watched Anne of Green Gables!

A New Year

2007-12-31T10:35:00.000-09:00

At church yesterday Pastor Mark preached on the year that we have just been through and while he is not an advocate for new year's resolutions only once a year he posed a question to us that has made me think. "How do you want to grow spiritually in the next year?" He brought up some valid points and hit the mark many times. I look back on this year and am so thankful for the mountain that we started on cause this valley feels like it is going on forever. I am looking forward to growing and learning more this next year. Ya know it is funny. Brent and I have talked about the different ways that we drive now compared to when we were in WA and in our teens. It is not so important to be first or in our own minds beat the other person. I am thankful that we have both learned this and yet there are times when I mourn the loss of the carefree I am going to show them days. But with age comes wisdom and the life to live for another day! Thank the Lord that he has been my co-pilot on every trip. I can sure remember many times when I wouldn't have made it if it weren't for Him. What will you do this next year?

Another question I am asking myself is how can I help my children grow in the Lord and in a way that will please Him? I pray that my children will grow to know Him more and more every day and that I can be the best example I can be.

Hair Loss

2007-12-31T10:31:00.000-09:00

Okay I am so thankful for heat right now, but I never want to smell the scent of burning hair ever again! Being so short is sure not an advantage with the boiler. Sparks fly and I lose hair! I have since corrected the problem by wearing something on my head every time I check on it.

Time

2007-12-29T12:23:00.000-09:00

I just realized that yesterday was December 28th. Can you believe it Brent and I have been together for eleven years. Yes I said 11! Time sure flies. The places and things we have gone through have only made us more thankful and stronger as a couple. From newly married in a quiet little town in Washington to the wilds of the Arctic, where there is nothing, to a small town in Alaska. Thankfully we have fallen in love with every place the Lord has taken us. I am so blessed with the man that God has put in my life. He is a wonderful father, an amazing husband, and a strong leader. The fact that he is willing to be in a village for two weeks a month just so we are in a safer place speaks so much to his character. Thank you Lord for this man!

Kids

2007-12-29T12:02:00.000-09:00

My kids are amazing! I was worried about having a third so far apart from the other two but they have all made the adjustment amazingly well. David is currently showing Ari his truck that uncle Derek sent for Christmas. She has such a worried look and yet she is paying very close attention. Ari received a little bear blanket for Christmas that she absolutely loves. The different textures and something to chew on. She is getting her first two bottom teeth. Oh Joy! I forgot what it is like to look into a smiling baby's face when they think that you are the most important person in their world and receive a toothless smile, which won't be for much longer. She gets my worried look, which Dawn says we have to get rid of. Poor thing she is going to have a wrinkle there by the time she is 2! She is now to the point where I can't have her in my lap if I am writing or doing something else that requires no touching. David has now put the truck down and is entertaining her with pictures of superheroes. His favorite thing in the world! I thank God every day for the unconditional love and company of my children. Ania has been working on tons of crafts since Christmas. She is my little artist and loves creating. I am so thankful for her imagination!

Ice Park

2007-12-28T17:57:00.000-09:00

This is a pic of the kids standing next to an ice sculpture of Santa's rear coming out the chimney. Brent said that David smacked Santa's rear as he walked by.

Ice Park & LARS

2007-12-28T17:17:00.001-09:00

The day before Brent went back to work we went to the Large Animal Research Station (LARS). They were having an open house and we got to walk into the barns and walk up to the muskox and reindeer really close. The kids even got to touch a live muskox. WOW! Their fur is really thick. The poor guy, he was not doing well with having everyone so near his head. The kids learned that you don't look them in the eye because it is considered a threat. They do not like children because they are the same size as their predators, but they do really well with adults. They even had babies that had been born this year. Ari was a trooper. She did so well in the cold. She is our cold weather baby.

After that we went to the Ice Park in North Pole. The city decided to start a Christmas tradition this year. They had people even come from China to compete in the event. It was awesome! The kids had a blast. They got to go down ice slides and crawl through ice tubes. David did not want to leave. Brent actually had fun because the kids did. I am hoping to post some of the pictures.

Appliances and Toilets

2007-12-27T20:07:00.000-09:00

Well my dishwasher died and we tried bringing up the one from downstairs to no avail. I am stuck washing dishes for a little while. At least it isn't as bad as it was in Barrow. I have more room to spread them out now.

We found the toilet leaking in our main bath and that was a fun project to fix. We had to take it off and found the floor rotting underneath. A couple of days later we thought we had fixed it but we now have to put shims in to even out the flange. Let me tell you I am going to plumbing and electrical school when the kids grow up! I hate not being able to fix it ourselves and with all the issues it would just be nice to have my own business!

Christmas

2007-12-27T20:03:00.000-09:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas day! We had to get another tree on Christmas Eve as the first one had died. The kids carried it home and loved decorating it. That night we went to the Christmas Eve service at church and Ania got to be in the nativity scene as Mary. David got to be a wise man that was adorable.

Ania got us up in the morning about 10:45am. Yes I know it is late but the kids stayed up late watching movies. Ha! Ha! We had such a relaxing day. It was nice after all the bustle of the last couple of weeks.

Finally!

2007-12-27T19:54:00.000-09:00

We have finally gotten the boiler in. It has been running for about 2 weeks now. I love it! It is so much warmer in the house. We were able to set it at 68 the other day without any problem. We also stayed above 62 at -40 the first week it was put in. Thank God! The vents are now pushing out warm heat and we sealed a bunch of cracks in the house. I am praying that we have enough wood to get us through till Brent gets home this next time. At least the loft is warmer where we have school and I can sew without freezing my fingers off!

Technical Difficulties

2007-12-09T15:25:00.000-09:00

Our computer had crashed when we left to have the baby so we have been stuck with a slow one for the kids for school for awhile. Even though we are still on dial up it is nice to be back on our computer. My keyboard, my programs, my games, etc. I am so proud of myself too. With only a little help I replaced the hard drive and installed the OS system. Our screen is bigger and better and I am hoping that I can now play my Star Wars game!

Squeaker

2007-12-09T00:02:00.000-09:00

Well, my newborn has found her wonderful and joyous sounding voice. She has kept me up the last couple of nights talking to me. I am so thankful that I don't have to work the following morning but school can be just as much of a challenge with no sleep! I don't take a nap when she does due to the older two. Just can't work it in. They have both gotten so they don't sit still for much anymore with so much room to run and play.

Museum Trip

2007-12-07T14:58:00.000-09:00

The kids and I went to the museum open house this last weekend. It was neat. Ania could have stayed forever. They had the labs open for the public. They were skinning a seal in one and they warned us but I said no problem we are from Barrow.

Furnace

2007-12-07T14:53:00.000-09:00

The furnace is finally going to be installed this next week. I can't wait. I have been driving back and forth to town just so I didn't have to order 100 gallons of oil. The Lord is sure watching out for us. I am so hoping that the wood we have will get us through the winter. I can't wait until the house is above 60 degrees. My fingers hurt to type!

Scheduling

2007-12-07T14:48:00.000-09:00

Well I finally got the schedule written out for school. Now that it is December! We had such a good week. We didn't follow it completely but at least most of it and I finally feel like I accomplished something. It feels good to look back on the week and be able to say Yes I did something!

November

2007-11-26T19:35:00.001-09:00

We have gotten so much done this rotation. We got the fountain out, cleaned the bath, gotten wood, cleaned the garage, etc. Found rot under the fountain, I have used a chainsaw and skid steer for the first time. Have to admit the they were both fun to use, but man am I sore. We had to buy oil again. I am so glad that he delivered in the morning cause by afternoon it had gone up four more cents per gallon.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T19:35:00.000-09:00

Well another Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had fun and the room to have friends over and not worry about where everything was. We have been having unusually warm weather for this year. It was nice to have a warmer day for the holiday. We will have to enjoy it cause next year we will have to figure out how we will celebrate with Brent gone. I love having friends over and learning new recipes.

Relax

2007-11-15T09:11:00.000-09:00

Well the furnace is not in yet, but Mark told me to not worry anymore about it. Brent's job when he comes home is to take care of us and get wood. I am so thankful he is coming home today. He has had a rough rotation this time and I am hoping that he can just relax. We are going to do some fun things like ice skating and exploring the woods. Still can't wait for Thanksgiving. I think after listening to the ladies talk last night at craft night that I want to decorate the house in fall colors. They are my favorites and at least that way Brent won't have to worry about a purple bathroom!

Craft Show

2007-11-10T20:52:00.000-09:00

I took the kids to a holiday craft show last night in town. It was nice. It was not crowded like they usually are in the lower 48. I was able to browse and keep the kids in sight, as well as talk with people and not feel rushed. I was amazed at the just Alaska themes I kept seeing. Not that this is unusual in the village but I would have thought that in a bigger area that it would have been a broader range.

Waiting

2007-11-09T13:39:00.000-09:00

I can't wait for Thanksgiving! My favorite holiday of the year. So many memories of such wonderful food and so many times to be thankful for everything we have. My mom has always made the greatest meal. Thank goodness my husband is such a help in the kitchen and loves to learn. We are having guests for dinner this year. We finally have the room to invite as many people as we want. I can't wait! I love to cook and try new things constantly. Thankfully my family does too. As long as I don't cook cabbage and kielbasa!

Sunrise

2007-11-09T13:17:00.000-09:00

I woke up this morning to a beautiful redish orange glow coming through my window. At first I thought there was a fire next door. Then I got up and looked and it was the most beautiful sunrise. It has been awhile since I have had the time to just look at one and enjoy. I also couldn't figure out why I didn't wake up to a cold house. I looked at the thermometer and it was almost 40. What a nice walk to get the paper and take the dog for a walk.