Merry Belated Christmas!

Our past week has been filled to the max with many things to enjoy. And though I intended to be more consistent with blogging over the Christmas season, it just didn't happen. But now, things are a bit more quiet and my heart is processing and pondering all of the happenings of the past few weeks. I'll try to touch on them a bit.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with new friends who invited us to join them for a wonderful, traditional Thanksgiving feast. The food and fellowship was delicious and sweet and we came home that night with full tummies and hearts. Throughout the day I thought about loved ones 'back home' and tracked their happenings from afar. I loved imagining them all sitting around their tables together....what a blessing to be together. I prayed they were feeling blessed by their fellowship with one another on that special day when there was so much to be thankful for. I was giving thanks to God who brought us far from them...not because He took us so far away, but because He has a plan for us here....sometimes I don't know what that plan could be or if I'm capable of doing what He wants us to do. But, there isn't a day that goes by where I am not reminded of the love and support from loved ones across the many miles....so much to be thankful for. That love keeps us close at heart.
Happy Thanksgiving!


The following days found us scrambling to get gifts together to be packaged and sent off to those far away. We hoped for ways to be creative in sending our dearest wishes for each of them. It was more difficult than I thought it would be. I felt like what I wanted to express to each of them couldn't possibly be done through the mail. For years I've taken our 'proximity' to one another for granted. Oh, what I am learning these days. Well, as quickly as we got our packages sent, others started to arrive here. There were a few days when the postal workers would visit our home many times each day with arms full of boxes filled with beautiful packages for all of us here. Before long the ground beneath our tree was covered with gifts. Each glance was another reminder of how loved we were.

Each December day brought on new feelings as I prepared to celebrate this first holiday without extended family. One day I would be putting out Christmas decorations or helping the kids decorate the tree with all of our favorite ornaments. The memories flooded my mind and heart and brought sweet joy as I remembered the times spent with one another in the previous years. The laughter we shared here as we recalled those stories was a little added strength for my heart. God is so good to give us those memories. And even while we were laughing with our own kiddos right then and there, a new memory was being made:) On a different day, while baking traditional cookies or making favorite candies, more memories came flowing. We remembered who loved which kinds of cookies and candies best, and who couldn't eat certain things and we remembered when Torrey and I would make these same special treats with our own loved ones when we were kids. And after making them this year, we wondered.....what will we do with all of this food?????





And then the days came when I knew 'back home' people were doing the things we used to do every year - the parties, the concerts, the gatherings....the traditions. And on these days, my selfish heart longed to be there, longed to not be forgotten. And I found myself wondering if Christmas would ever be what I knew it to be for so long. And I thought I was done.
But, thankfully it doesn't end there. The grace of my God opened my eyes (again) to the blessed reminder that those things that I was was missing are NOT what Christmas was all about. I had made them just that it my weakness. Certainly, they were contributing to the celebration of the season, but HE is the reason for Christmas. And He is Emmanuel, God with us - wherever we are. I would have never had experienced any of my favorite people or treats or traditions in the ways that I had in the past if it were not for Him.

In the end, our family here had a wonderful season of celebration of our Savior's birthday. We spent much time with one another and with the new family and friends God has blessed us with here in Anchorage. We opened gifts, talked to family and friends who are far away as they were celebrating the same Savior in their own special ways. We ate and shared our special treats with neighbors. We had our birthday party for Jesus with celebratory 'Happy Birthday Jesus' pancakes - a new tradition! And our hearts are filled.

Certainly all that comes and goes with this season brings it's own thing - good and bad, it's different for each of us. But, I pray that each of you are feeling blessed simply because God loves you and is with you.

From our home, to yours....


Happy St. Lucia Day!


Christmas love from Aunt Katie et al


cars...just what he thought every gift he opened was going to be. I think he got 20 more cars this Christmas!


To: the 'bookworm', From: the 'Peach' - one she hasn't read yet...but did in just 2 days:)


Christmas Eve dinner


just a small part of the post-Christmas morning mess:)

A reason for joy.......

- a quaintly decorated log cabin, perfect for a Christmas in Alaska

- snuggling with my husband under our Christmas quilt, watching a Christmas classic while sipping something warm to drink in the glow of the lights from our Christmas tree

- decorating Christmas cookies with three cheerful 'elves'(well, 4 if you count Torrey:)

- hearing my baby boy say the words "Baby Jesus" while playing with his nativity set. (it actually sounds more like "beebee ZeeZus")

- Watching Gracie play dress up, wanting to be "just like Mary"

- Hearing Ana explain to her brother and sister that "Christmas is about GIVING, not GETTING".)

- listening to my Casting Crowns Christmas CD - LOVE IT!

- Christmas programs and parties

- reading Christmas books

- on-line Christmas shopping - (again, LOVE IT!)

- snow (it's all good until January 1!:) for a white Christmas

- Christmas cards with Christmas photos

- Christmas break - no school for 16 days!

...these are only a few of the many things for me to love about this time of year. But as much as I love them and as good as I think they are - I can allow them to become a distraction, a pacifier or an excuse to replace my Jesus - the real reason to celebrate, the real reason for my joy. I've been so quick to 'take in' the many things on my list above, believing they alone can provide great comfort and joy, only to realize that I've let them take the place of all that Jesus offers - not only at Christmas, but every day of the year.

Father, I thank you for all of my 'favorite things'. They are gifts from you. And though they bring great joy, the Son you sent for me on a Christmas long ago is the true meaning of joy in my heart. Help me not to cover that gift up with things of this world, with the 'feeling' of comfort that I get from something that is not YOU. May the joy that comes from the gift of your Son be the joy that flows from my heart into the lives of those around me...and may that somehow be a gift to You. Amen.

Embracing.......

a kinder, more gentle word for 'sucking it up'. No, I'm just kidding! But it is what we have been trying to do a bit more fervently lately. Especially, where snow is concerned. We have already got quite a lot. Sledding is one activity we agreed we could all sort of enjoy at this phase of life (considering ages and abilities of the kiddos). For the most part, we all have fun with this activity, except Eric. He cries each time we put him in a sled. Maybe if it had wheels, he would like it:)
Here are some pics....







Actually, we are liking the snow. For me, it brings back some sweet memories of when I was a little girl. Growing up in Michigan, it seemed it was snowing all of the time. And when Torrey and I were first married, I remember making a trip up to Michigan for my cousin's wedding. It was early December and it snowed almost the entire time we were there. It wasn't blizzard-y snow - just a gentle and peaceful snow that dogs love to play in. Snow that is perfect for mid-night walks as it's glow gives a little light in the darkness. Sweet. For Torrey - it gives him an extra hour or so each morning to himself while he snowblows our LONG driveway. Well, not sure if he's embracing that yet, but I know he's grateful for our snowblower:)
So, yes! The snow is a good thing right now. I continue to be thankful to God who gives us everything we need.

What's new?

What's new? I rarely know how to answer that question. Most of the time in our current circumstances and time of life, I would naturally think 'everything' is pretty new. And a lot of the other times, I feel like 'not a lot' is new at all. Isn't that just life, though? Each moment, thought and experience we encounter is new for some reason or another, though we (I) so often feel stuck in the monotony of the day to day....(you know the phrase, "same story, different day.") My often poor attitude causes that phrase to come to mind more than it should. While I should be embracing each day as a precious gift from our God, I'm occasionally selfish enough to look at a new day as a burden, a stress - another opportunity to let the frustration of life make me fall in failure. Wow!......pathetic! How did I get there? The past few weeks have challenged me in my outlook on day to day living.
Let me share a little about my last few weeks. I'll give you a bit of our family's journal of events....

Tuesday, October 28- Eric is awake much too soon from his nap. I let him cry for awhile, he'll fall back asleep. After awhile, he's still crying. I go to his room and see (and smell) that he has thrown up all over his crib.....gulp!GUILT!BAD MOMMY! So I get him and his bed all cleaned up and he's fine - running around in his crazy, little boy ways. He's not terribly interested in dinner, but is acting just fine.

Wednesday, October 29 - 1/2 day of school for Ana. She comes home from school, a little crabby - nothing completely abnormal these days. I arranged with my neighbor a kid swap so that we could both go to conferences without children. Yay! The kids are all playing over there until about 10 minutes before my conference. Gracie calls and tells me she has a tummy ache and wants to come home. sigh... this little girl has a tummy ache every day, I don't think much of her complaint. I decide to take her to the conference with me where she is kneeling on the floor at my knees, silent. I can tell by the green look on her face that this is not typical tummy trouble for her. I hurry through the conference. We finish and I insist that Gracie take a trip to the ladies' room, just in case. And no more than a second after walking through the door.....yeah, you guessed it. We rush home, praying that she can keep things 'in' until we get home. We get home and she is begging to go back to the neighbors' home to play. She's fine for the rest of the night. However,........ Ana is a bear. She doesn't want dinner but I'm making her favorite...stirfry. I encourage her to eat. She does. My mistake. Only this time, she is sitting on my lap and it comes on without warning. She sleeps through the night and feels fine the next day.
Thursday, October 30 - Happy Birthday, Little Buddy! I decide to keep Ana home from school, even though she feels better. She's missing 3 hours of school, 1 1/2 where they will be having a Fall (Halloween) party in her class. When I knew everyone was well, we went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate as planned. The kids are having a great time and I can't seem to figure out why I feel so 'blah'. It's my baby boy's birthday - a happy day. As I attempt to run after my very excited 2 year old, I feel the vaguely familiar ache I tend to get any time I have a fever......ugh.... I think I have the flu. Ibuprofen carries me through the day and a good night's sleep does me good.
Friday, October 31 - shortly after midnight...Torrey - in the bathroom, comes back to bed...."I don't feel very good" Of course, it couldn't end there - his lasted 3+ days. He spent nearly 2 days in bed, but managed to drag his feverish self to church to take care of his responsibilites in the Saturday night and Sunday morning services.
Tuesday, November 4 - Everyone is well, my house is clean and 'disinfected'. I voted, I'm praying. I'm feeling encouraged as I anticipate this new week. We go to Bible study and afterwards decide to meet Torrey in his office to take him to lunch. While he, Grace and I are zipping up coats and getting ready to leave, Eric 'satisfies' his curiosity about how Daddy's coffeemaker works and ends up with second degree burns on his left hand. We spend a part of our afternoon in the doctor's office where we get his oughie treated and become educated on how to care for a 2 year old's wound so it doesn't become infected. In the meantime, I notice his nose start to run and a little cough start to develop. By 11pm that night, I'm wondering whether his 103 degree fever is a part of this new and sudden upper respiratory infection or a result of his injured hand. I have no words to reflect on this day. It's a blessing to hide under the blankets in my bed at the end of the day and hope for some sort, any type, of imporvement in the day to come. Our 2 day follow up confirms there is no infection in the hand, but that he has a virus. It ends that day and his hand continues to heal beautifully.
Monday, November 10 - Gracie has another tummy ache and sleeps in the afternoon - which she would never do willingly. She wakes up...with a fever. Only this one last til Friday. Sigh.....
Friday, November 14 - we are all beat. It's been a week......
November 15, 16, 17 - we all wake up pain, injury and fever free. And I'm starting to wonder why these last 3 weeks have been so hard on all of us. Because even with the bit of misery we experienced with each 'event', God saw us through. He was there each step of the way, carrying us, protecting us, blessing us with protection from each of those things developing into something worse. But in my busy-ness and selfishness, I failed to see Him there. I failed to call on Him when I needed Him.. I failed to stop for even a moment to seek Him out. I have a terrible tendency to be too self reliant when things don't go as I hope they will. It affects every earthly relationship I have.....but most seriously, the relationship I have with my heavenly Father. And when I am not 'right' with Him, I'm rarely 'right' with anything.

I've really rambled on about the frustration of our previous days. I'm not even really sure what I wanted to relay in this post - I might not even post it. Yes, that life has been hectic and even challenging, and that from those challenges came great lessons to be learned - but more than that, I want to testify of God's faithfulness and goodness to me (and our family) even when I was not always faithful and good. He is good all the time, it's not hard to see if you (I) choose to take the time to see it.
Here are a few photos of our past couple of weeks - birthdays, Halloween Festival at church, Eric's burned hand (it's not too gross to see it in the picture. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Gracie!


Happy Birthday brownies for THIS boy!


Dressin' up!


Oughie getting better:)


What a good sport!

Happy Birthday, Little Buddy!

2 years!! How can it be? It seems like only yesterday that I was wondering how I was going to tell your Daddy about your 'being'. I was a little shocked myself. It wasn't that I wasn't wanting you, sweet boy. I just didn't think I was ready for you quite yet. But as always, our God knew differently and He prepared and provided in great ways for your arrival.

Some day I will tell you more about your big sister's prayer for you...she seriously wanted a baby brother and asked and trusted that God would give her one. When we told her there would be a baby coming she KNEW you would be a boy - because that is what she asked for. Her great faith challenged us and we were thrilled when we learned you were, indeed, a boy!!

You are curious, charming, adventure loving, tender hearted toward your sisters when they are sad, you love to be cuddled (for a little while, anyway) and being reunited with someone after they have been gone (even for the time needed to take a shower) makes you really happy. During your more 'difficult times' you are impatient, terribly stubborn and very strong willed. You bring me to my knees in desperate prayer more than I should even tell you:) Forcing you to do anything is rarely easy or successful. Training you takes a bit more persistence and patience on our part. But as you grow older, I see that all of these 'qualities' are 'usable' in God's eyes....and I trust, as I did when I first learned you were growing inside of me, that God has a great plan for your life....I love you with an indescribable love, my sweet boy.
I remember holding you for the first time after you were born...my son. I'm still challenged in knowing how to raise a son as I desperately desire to raise a man with integrity and conviction..one who will lead when necessary all while knowing what it means to follow God each day of your life, one who will love tenderly and unconditionally, one who will be able to share his thoughts and ideas in ways that are wise, yet sensitive. I may be all wrong in wanting these things for you, because most of all, I want you to be who God wants you to be. I trust Him to equip us to train you in His ways.

Here are a few things I can tell you about how you are as a two year old..... you love trucks and cars. You've been known to carry at least 8 matchbox cars with you at one time. You also love airlplanes and trains. Every once in awhile we see you taking care of your sissies' dollies. We were concerned at first, but we know that you just love babies:) You love puppy dogs and we smiled when we saw a softer side of you while you held on to the puppy at the petstore a few weeks ago ...precious! You appreciate a good mud puddle and I can tell that it is just IN you - the need to step (or jump) in each and every one you see. You hate vegetables (and hate is an appropriate word for this, I promise), you don't like bread or cake. You love macaroni and cheese and spaghetti and ice cream. You love a good bubble bath. You LOVE your dad....your smile lights up a room when he enters your presence:) The two of you are good buds. You love your sisters too and when you are not ripping up their artwork or pulling their hair, or throwing your cars at them, you enjoy playing with them and loving them. You make their day when you go into their room to wake them up. They love having you crawl into bed with them. They are like 'little mommies' for you and you LOVE it! And I'm pretty sure you like me a little too - I can tell by the look in your BIG brown eyes each time we connect. You are precious, loving boy!

What a gift it is for us to watch you grow and to share life with you. You make us so happy and we treasure you. Happy Birthday, Eric Joseph. You are a gift from God!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

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Happy Birthday, Grace!

5 years old!! How can it be? My sweet Gracie is 5 years old. I can't help but reminisce about your life...starting from the moments I dreamt of it. I knew at just the right time it was time to start thinking of bringing you into this world. I had my own perfect plan of how I wanted it to go and God seemed to go right along with it. We learned we were pregnant with you on our 7th wedding anniversary - what a perfect gift:)

Besides having about 6 weeks of morning sickness, I felt better than ever with you living inside of me. I gained only 11 pounds during my pregnancy with you! Even the day before you were born I was RUNNING in the woods with your daddy and your big sister. You invigorated me:)
Your birth was easy (well, as easy as childbirth is) and when you were born you looked just like your big sister when she was born. I knew you would weigh 7 pounds and would be 20 inches long - just like your sister. (I was an ounce off.) You were perfect and wonderful and you fit your given name, Grace Elizabeth, just perfectly. Your name represents a gift from our God to your daddy and I - I can't wait to tell you more about it.

You were lovingly welcomed home by your adoring Daddy, your excited big sister, Ana, and your crazy dog, Jack. We were quickly surrounded by caring friends and family immediately after you arrived. They all said "she looks like a Grace".

I loved caring for you when you came home. I cherished the moments we shared in the middle of the night - rocking and nursing you in the dim light of your nursery. I would pray for you and our family during that time. It was then that I sensed that God was going to do something great through you and your life. Though, I didn't know what that meant ( and still don't), I trust Him. And I grew more in love with you, sweet girl! In 10 short weeks after you were born, we didn't have as many frequent mid-night encounters. But when I was (and am) awake in the middle of the nights, I pray the same prayers for you. I can't wait to tell you more about them.

Now here we are - almost 5 years later. You are wise, thoughtful, nurturing, creative and a 'realistic' dreamer (just like your mommy). You are also stubborn and cautious at first, slow to warm up to anything unfamiliar and sometimes...just a grump. I'm afraid we have nicknamed you "Grumpy Grace". We seem to use it less as you grow older. But, we know that God has created you in this perfect way and will use all of you for His perfect plan. I can't wait for you to share it with us.

I love your contagious laugh, your inquisitive questions, your voice and your speech, the words you make up (gracie-isms), the way you sing at the top of your lungs in the bath tub, the way you boss your big sister around (well I don't ALWAYS love it), the way you care for your baby brother, like a little mommy!, the way you NEED to be snuggled.......there is a list that goes on and on that would list all that I love about you. I'm so thankful for the the fact that just a few short months ago, you gave into the truth that you needed Jesus in your heart and that you let down your guard to ask Him in. You are precious and brave, sweet girl. I pray that you will let Him have His way with your life - that He would continue to capture your heart and give you the desire to live for Him alone.
Thank you for the love you give to our family, the joy you bring to our lives. You are a gift from God and we thank Him for YOU!

My favorite recent Gracie-ism:

Mom- "Gracie, you are being such a good girl today. I'm really proud of you!"

Grace- "That's good, Mommy - now you won't need to "en-trouble" (discipline) me."

Happy Birthday, my sweet Gracie! I think you are amazing!

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A few 'firsts'

I hoped to have this posted on the 1st of October - as this is the day I was refelcting on many of the 'firsts' we were experiencing this week. But, I'm a few days late - I"ll share anyway:)

Speaking of October 1st - this day is always really fresh in my mind. Whenever I hear the date mentioned I immediately go back several years to an 'October 1st' in 1989 - when I started 'dating' the man of my dreams:) (uuhhhhh, yeah - that IS Torrey - in case you are not 100% sure). This was the time when girls liked to have steady boyfriends - I was awed and amazed at the opportunity to 'go out' with such a great guy. That day started a whole new world of firsts for me. How grateful I am for the courtship we've shared for the last 19 years - wow! And though we have many more dates to remember now that we are married, I'll always remember fondly October 1st. I love you, honey, and cling to the memories we share and am thrilled with the thoughts of the sweet memories we'll make in the many many years to come. xoxoxoxo

I think this photo was taken when we were in college:)

It seems our lives have been filled with many firsts in the last couple of years - it's a given when you move 3500 miles away from everything you have ever known and land yourself into vocational changes and demographics you've never been a part of , etc, etc. But here are a few firsts that are sticking out in my mind right now.

I experienced my first women's retreat last weekend (not necessarily my 'thing', I thought). It was filled with many firsts - my first time to this part of Alaska, my first time letting fellow church go-ers see me without make-up :-0), my first time walking outdoors in the dark in Alaska (crazy, but it's true) and my first time ever kayaking on open water (sorry, no photo). I was intimidated at first, worrying I would fall in - but then I thought -that is only the worst thing that might happen and I knew I would survive even that. Fortunately, I stayed completely dry and had a great time talking with a new friend and soaking up the beauty of the place God had given me that weekend. The rest of the weekend was fabulously worshipful and challenged me in so many ways and as a result caused me to feel like I was leaving there changed - a better person than I was when I arrived.

On Friday, I said good bye to my sweet heart who is leaving the kids and I alone in this log cabin (still, with occasional shrews - they are still mice to me , I don't care how tiny they are- who are looking for a warm sticky trap to land on) to go to California for the first time to his first pastors' conference. I'm praying that God would work mightily in the days ahead to fill him with refreshment, perspective and encouragement he is needing while he is there and that he will return home feeling blessedly equipped to do all that God wants him to do in the weeks and months to come.

Gracie decided she wanted a haircut. I took her to a place at the mall thinking they could manage a shoulder-length bob. Apparently not - it was truly the first time any of my kids ever received a really BAD haircut. I couldn't take a picture (it was THAT bad), but two haircuts later (in attempt to 'fix' the first one) - this is what we have. She's so cute and especially spunky with her new 'do'.

Ana decided she wanted a haircut too - just in time for school pictures. We're getting alot of 'firsts' with her lately - mostly in the area of attitude. Ouch...please don't let this be a glimpse of the years to come.

This is her 'posed' growly "MOOOOMMMMMMMM!!" We're praying for wisdom here (though NOT for the first time) - it all seems a bit soon. And, thankfully, it doesn't usually take too long before the great amount of sweetness that is part of her very being comes shining through to remind us that it is all going to be okay:)

Eric is cracking us up with his new, first time interest in talking. Talking hasn't come especially easy for him, but lately, he will repeat just about anything we ask him to. I almost fell over earlier in the day when I asked him to come to me and he said loud and clear - " NO! " - okay, wasn't ready for that. But, the cutest this week is his first "hel-wo" (hello). He loves talking on the phone! Here he is talking to Daddy.

And now, here is the most outrageous first of my recent moments. It happened today, on October 5th.........

that's right...snow! - notice how lovely it lays, gently covering my unraked, fallen, golden leaves. I'm biting my tongue here....it's only October 5th! I know, I know it won't stay on the ground very long - but it's too early to shovel - and I had to shovel.....oooy!

God, you give us these 'firsts' and You are with us when they come our way. So whether they are good or bad, expected or unexpected - I know You are here with me - You have orchestrated them perfectly to prepare me for greater things (big or small). Change me, Lord, help me to take these things as they come and to respond with grace and thanksgiving......may I never stop giving YOU the glory for all you send my way. Amen.

This and That....

I realize it has been THREE weeks since I last blogged. Why? I really have no good reason. Life has carried on with it's daily busy-ness, but there hasn't been anything too exciting to share. I'm okay with this as I learn to appreciate the gifts of simple day to day living. But, I will still fill you in on the happenings of the past few weeks....

Remember the rainy day I mentioned in my past entry? Well, it did stop raining once or twice since then (I'm totally serious). I'm amazed at how much rain we get here..and my fellow Alaskans assure me again, "this isn't normal". I don't know. I'm working through it, though. We joke at home when things are not going our way or we are discouraged about 'whatever' by saying "well at least it's still raining!". T's new motto is "don't change your plans, change your clothes". I know now that I need to outfit the kiddos for the rain a little better next Fall.

T injured his back earlier this week and that kept him down for a few days. Poor guy!! I know when he isn't even able to carry on a conversation because of his discomfort, that it's really bad! He's slowly on the mend, bless his heart. Many exciting things are starting up at church now that Fall is here - small groups, classes, retreats, prayer groups. We see God working so often and regularly within our church family and are praying for great things in the months to come. What a blessing. T has been busy trying to implement many of the new changes and has been...well, just really busy. I continue to pray that God will equip him perfectly to do what is needed. The task and need is great.

Our A was mildly traumatized last week when she brought a sealed envelope from school to us at home saying she was going to be one of 10 in her class who was going to be transferred to a different classroom. The 3rd grade class sizes were too large, so they needed to add a class. Apparently, she was settling in nicely to her original class and the thought of moving was devastating to her. Because she has adapted so well to ALL of the changes we've experienced in the last 4 years, I was kind of surprised that she was so upset. But, we prayed about it and tried to keep a positive attitude about the situation. Long story short - she came home from school on 'moving day' with a big smile on her face. She loves her new teacher and MANY of her friends moved with her. Thank you, Lord!
She ran a 1 mile cross country race today. She was pushed down in the first minute of her race with other 3rd and 4th graders of the Anchorage School District, but she managed to run her mile in about 11.5 minutes. She's very excited! And guess what? It wasn't raining!!


'Luky Mittel G' (as cousin Haley once referred to her in a drawing/letter) is excelling quickly in her ice skating lessons she and A now take each Saturday morning. She loves being in a class and gets LOTS of attention from her instructors as she is in a smaller group. Bliss! While at home during the week she is enjoying 'doing school' with mom. This week we made homemade apple pie - yummy!

Big E - He had a great time a couple of weeks ago when we went to the Alaska State Fair - tractors and machines with wheels EVERYWHERE! Here, it DID rain, but E LOVES the rain and I can never seem to find a dry pair of shoes for him to wear. He spots those puddles from a great distance and you can see the look in his eye as he prepares to jump in each and every one - there is NO holding him back. Okay, he's a boy - he needs to do this kind of stuff, right? Gotta love those wet feet!

I have been busy volunteering at A's school, helping in whatever way I can at church, working weekly, trying to prepare for the winter ( or at least thinking ALOT about how to survive it practically, physically, financially, mentally and emotionally:). I got T's blessing to get a gym membership. It was a BIG step for me to go for it, but I'm so glad I did. I realized how badly I have needed this kind of an outlet - the opportunity to just sweat...I waited too long, but much better late than never:). A few weeks ago I told you about the other BIG step I wanted to take in starting a prayer group for moms of kids in A's school. God orchestrated a way for me to have contact with two other moms about my desire to do this and they are joining me weekly to pray for our own kiddos, their teachers and other school staff members and their schoolmates. I'm thrilled.

We think it is pretty cool that Alaska has been getting so much attention lately with our new Republican VP candidate. Many have asked, "what do you think of Sarah Palin?" Though we haven't been here to see all of the great things she has done for this state, I liked her very much when I first learned about her in April when she had her baby. I appreciated her story of her sweet baby boy born with Downs Syndrome and her clearly evident faith and value of life. And after her nomination, I admit that I (along with many in America) have become a little 'star struck'. (I'll also bravely confess that when I got my haircut this week I asked my stylist if she could give me bangs like Sarah Palin...okay, I know I'm pathetic. But they look nothing hers, my stylisyt must be a Democrat!) Anyway, I'm a little more down to earth now that the hype has worn off. I know she is not perfect, she is fallen like the rest of us - but I am excited about what she could offer our country. 80% of Alaska LOVES her (that is her approval rating), but Alaskans are jealous people. They are very proud of their state and their representators. Most of them don't want to lose her to 'the lower 48', but overall, I do think she has a lot of support. We'll see. It is such a scary time for our country. I'm glad God already has it all worked out.

Autumn in Alaska has definitely arrived. Our temps are low, the leaves are golden and falling, the people at the library were digging up the beautiful, abudant flowers we enjoyed seeing outside their building this summer, the days are shorter (sun up at app. 7-7:15am, sun setting at app. 8:15pm- sigh...) and I have already felt the weather telling me to make my first stew and soup of the season. The briskness of the air we breathe in each time we are outside reminds us that change is (still) in our midst - change in the weather, the season, our schedules and routine and, like I think I have mentioned before, hopefully in our hearts, it's ongoing. Everyday, we want to be more like Jesus and that always requires change, doesn't it? But thankfully, (again like I think I have said before) our God STILL does not change. His love and mercy and grace are consistent and sufficient. Thank you, God, for making that truth so very clear and so very real in my life.
I'm praying that He is doing just that for you also!

A Rainy Day

We have had a really wet August. Today we woke up to more rain and temps in the low 50s. When A woke up, the first thing she said was "ugh!...more rain." Normally, this would have contributed to a low spirit to start my day (especially because it would mean me being cooped up with this new rodent friend (or friends?) we have in our house - actually one was captured and destroyed last night, but we never know if there are more:() Anyway, I was feeling upbeat and perky and decided we would find some good way to spend our day even if it WAS raining.
But,G had her own ideas.

She decided it was the perfect day to stay in her jammies until at least noon and make chocolate chip cookies ( her favorite)!


Of course. E wanted to participate somehow...and he was perfectly happy using his healthy imagination to make believe he was drinking coffee out of Dad's carafe and thought, for sure, that a mixing bowl sized cup of joe would do the trick for his non-coffee loving mommy.

Now, before anyone panics at the thought of him working in the kitchen with cooking/baking tools - be sure to notice in the photo that the matchbox cars are not too far away from his hands - hands which usually MUST contain at least 2 cars or trucks at any given time:)

Well, while the cookies were baking they had a great time pulling "real" food and tools from the pantry and cabinets, along with water, of course. They were making 'stew' - E being the taste tester! It was very cute until he poured oatmeal all over the kitchen floor. But what fun they had!


I still struggle some with adjusting to the cloudiness we seem to have so much of here in Alaska. After a few days of it, I start to feel grumpy and irritable. But these little sweeties know how to make a cloudy and rainy day bright and warm. SO thankful for them:)
Blessings to you for a warm and bright day as well!

School Days!

It's that time of the year...
We start now, so we can end sooner - the 2nd week of May can't come soon enough!


My sweet, biggest girl is starting the 3rd grade! I would love to say that by now, I am like many parents who 'can't wait' for their kids to go back to school, but I'm truly not that way. I never have been. From day #1, I have struggled with the idea of sending my little one to school, out into the BIG world....and every year as Fall approaches, I still dread it. We've prayed every year since our children were born that God would make it very clear to us how we should provide education for them. Sometimes it has been made vividly clear and other years it hasn't been as clear at all... and we walked into that new grade praying that we were doing the right thing. We are blessed that all of the experiences our daughter has had so far have been good for her and for us. I'm amazed as I remember that she has attended a different school setting for every grade so far. (This makes me sad. I grew up going to the same grade school, middle school and for the most part, high school. I was grateful for those roots and all the memories created and remembered today.. I wished the same for my kids (but this is an entirely different post for another time! ) Anyway, I get over my sadness quickly when I consider the way God created her to be a fun, adventure loving, friendly, outgoing, happy and well adjusted child. He made her to enjoy experiences like moving to a new state, a new church...a new school. And she shines in the midst of her adjustments. What a trooper! (There aren't many days that go by when I don't wish I was more like her.)


Still, this doesn't make it easy for me to say good bye to her each morning - not knowing the specifics of what she will be exposed to that day, not knowing if some 'outside' influence is going to steal her heart, not knowing if I've done all that I could do to prepare her for what she might see or hear, not knowing if we've given her the ability to find the confidence she will desperately need at some point to stand up for what is right, for what she believes and for who she is....and lastly, not knowing if I clearly understood if God was really asking me to send her to school instead of teaching her at home. My heart aches as I consider the cruelty of this world and that she'll come into contact with it all too soon. I realize I probably sound a bit over- dramatic right now, but I tend to get that way when my protective "Mama" instincts set in. I know this is life, I know we have all been there, seen it, survived it and in some way have been shaped by it. But we want only the best part of those things for our kids, don't we?
I find myself praying often for the ability to let go just enough, trusting and remembering that our God, who created her and gave her to us, loves her more than we ever could. He knows all those things that I do not know and all of the things she will need to make it through her days so that she can become just who He wants her to be.

I've been encouraged by the memories I have of meeting with a group of moms from her last school. We met weekly to pray for our kids, the kids in their classes, their teachers and administrators and all the happenings and needs that existed at this school on a day to day basis. It was just 'something' we could do when we felt there was no other tangible way to protect and provide for them during their school day. (Does that make sense?) Great things happened in this school, I believe God heard and answered our prayers. I feel led to do this again for her and her school this year. I'm not aware of an exisiting group, so I'm going out on a major limb and will try to start one myself ( as a part of Moms In Touch - see momsintouch.org). This leads me WAAAAAAYYYYYY out of my comfort zone, butI believe it is something I need to pursue right now, so I'm trusting God will provide all that is needed! And I KNOW that He hears our prayers and WILL answer them.

"Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children..." Lamentations 2:19


Lord, you know my heart and how it beats for the protection and the moments of nurturing the children you have blessed me with. Help me to make the moments I have with each of them right now really count. These are the moments you are providing and I don't want to waste them with foolish, unnecessary business. I get too caught up in things that don't matter and I don't want to waste this sweet, irreplacable time. Let me be wise in taking this time that goes by so quickly to contribute to the shaping of their precious lives. They are Yours. I am amazed that you have entrusted them to me - please help me to make them clear, willing, able and eager vessels of Your love. Bless them with the ability to be a good friend to those who need You, may our family be a light for You in this dark place....and may we make a great difference, because of Your grace, wherever You lead us. Amen.

As promised...Our Summer 2008

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All good things must come to an end.......

Summer! I know it officially started in the middle of June. There were a few days that led me to believe that yes! it was summer...but they were few and far between. My fellow Alaskans tell me that "this truly has been an 'unusual' summer", that "it is never this cold in the summer", and that "it will be better next year!" The weather or temps really didn't bother me too much until I flipped the calendar over to July and realized I was wearing the same clothes I had on when I stepped off the plane in March to this new 'homeland'. But, we got over it, made the best of it and learned that you can still wear shorts when it's 50 degrees (you just won't get a tan), you don't need sunscreen when you are outside, the sun really will stay out until midnight, and the mosquito has honestly earned the honorary nickname of "State Bird" for good reason (these BIG buggers are plentiful and persistent and bite often.)!
There are many highlights of our first summer here.
We went to Seward for a scenic drive and picnic (it was very cold and rainy, but we picnic'd and played anyway), we went to Hope, in acceptance of an invitation we received from friends within our new church family and enjoyed greatly the time we spent with them at their cabin (thank you to the R's:), we went to Whittier (see 4th of July posting), we went on vacation (hooray for WI and MI!!) where we enjoyed our dear dear loved ones for a few days that went by way too fast, (A and G) participated in and we attended the wedding of dear friends, we made new friends, visited new parks, completed the library's Summer Reading Program, slept in the tent in the back yard (actually on the back deck:), took many walks, discovered new walking/climbing trails, played baseball in the yard, learned a lot about our local bear population (very local! :-), finished the summer with fun shopping and related preparations for school and purchased a second vehicle. Certainly, I didn't hit on all of our fun, but these were just a few memories that come to mind. There was a lot that we couldn't do this summer because of a lack of time and resources (mostly,me starting and orienting full time to a new job for several weeks, going on vacation and saving up for that 2nd car!)...but next summer we know that we need to fish and camp (2 of the many Alaskan MUSTS!). We missed those things, but look forward to enjoying them next year.
The days are getting shorter ( I know I shouldn't be sad that it is getting dark at 10:30 pm and stays that way until 6am!, but I've grown accustomed to it staying light for most of the 24 hour period..and I have really enjoyed it.) There is a touch of 'nip' in the air that you will feel if you are out early or late in the day - you know the nip of Fall I'm talking about, right? My flowers are slowly losing life and my sweet girl starts school TOMORROW! Autumn is right around the corner!
I am slowly learning the need to really make the most of our moments while they are here...time goes by so quickly. The seasons pass by before I've fully taken all I felt I needed from them. But as these great times and moments come to an end I know a new season is upon us. It will be a season where the weather will change and so will our schedules and routine, and hopefully our hearts will change a little as well (you know, those areas of heart that deperately need it). In the midst of all of this, I'm grateful to my God who does not change, Whose goodness NEVER ends.

Thanks God for all the growth and goodness we experienced this summer - it is ALL from you. And thank you for the changes that will come our way as we approach this new school year this Autumn. We trust You as You go before us. We seek Your grace in the midst of the work that we know You will do. I'm oh so grateful for Your unchanging love and presence in my life. Amen

I know I have been really bad about blogging, especially when I promised in my last two posts that I would share more about our vacation. Things have been crazy. And though our vacation and all the fun we had are still fresh in my mind, they are still being 'grounded' into my heart. I'm processing all the good that we got out of going away for awhile....and so much has been happening here since we have been back - it's been a little distracting. But, I'll enjoy looking through more pictures from our trip in the weeks (maybe months) to come and will blog as I find fitting...it will be fun to re-live those moments! Thanks for reading!

Vacation!!

Just a few pics from our vacation. There just are not enough photos to express each captured moment. I'll post more details about our trip in the days to come. Happy Summer...there are only a few weeks left!!!

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Home Sweet Home

home:
n.
1. A place where one lives; a residence.
2. The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.
3. A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a household.
4.
a. An environment offering security and happiness.
b. A valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin.
5. The place, such as a country or town, where one was born or has lived for a long period.
6. The native habitat, as of a plant or animal.
7. The place where something is discovered, founded, developed, or promoted; a source.
8. A headquarters; a home base.

These are just a few definitions I found for the word 'home'. I've been exploring my own definition of 'home' for the past couple of weeks while we were on vacation.

I often refer to my birthplace as 'home'. It is, after all, where the majority of my extended family, including my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins reside. There are a ton of childhood memories. It's natural to think of that place as 'home'.

Then I think of the place where I have spent most of my life. Where so many formative things took place...where I met, dated and married my husband, where I found and embraced the love of Jesus, where I found and grew in deep, long-lasting friendships, where I had my babies, where my sister lives with her sweet family, where my husband's dear family lives, the list goes on and on.

Now, I think of the physical structure that houses my most prized treasures at this time (my family)....the place that holds our earthly belongings.....this place...the one we are familiar with...the one we refer to as 'home' on a daily basis ("let's bring our groceries home", "after we get home, you're going to bed!", " I can't wait until you come home from work" - you know what I mean)
It's been confusing. I don't think I've made a final determination of 'where' home is. I think I have discovered that home isn't necessarily any ONE of those places. It's a little bit of all of them. We were glad to get back 'home' for our vacation - to take in the familiarity of the places and people God used to make us who we are right now....and to make new memories that are forming us still. And it was a blessing to get back to this 'home' - a new place that has given us comfort in it's own special way.

Thank you, God, that you are wherever 'home' is. You are constant and unchanging, even when life is not. I'm so grateful that you take us to the places that make us what YOU want us to be. Help us not to 'dig on our heels' when it is time for change. Your goodness is so much better than what we can dream of on our own. Thank you for a wonderful time of vacation. Though so busy much of the time, You provided the refreshment to renew us for the work you need us to do....Amen..

We did have tons of fun on vacation...I'll blog more about it in the days to come and will share some photos of our new memories. I'll also tell you more about our homecoming. For now, I'll just tell you that it included a briefly delayed departure from Chicago that almost made us miss our connecting flight (the last connecting flight of the day to our final destination) despite our fervent attempt to RUN all the way across the airport at tops speeds (imagine 2 adults, 1 active 8 year old and two tag along toddlers with a stroller and 5 overstuffed carry-on bags - yeah, it was not pretty), a bumpy 7+ hour flight with a baby (yes, unfortunately ours) who honestly screamed for 80% of the trip, and a homecoming to a black bear and a mouse (or mice). sigh...... and I sit here now, blogging, pretending like there are no suitcases to unpack or laundry to do or meals to prepare.....okay, I'm going now, I'm really not in denial...more soon (after the chores are done:)

The Tour.......

I'm making this a 'home-ee' place to be today. Since we have moved, a few have asked for details about our home (the lay-out, decor, etc). I can understand that... I really like to be able to envision people in their 'place' as well. It makes it easier when they are so far away....easier to guess how or what they are doing, what they look like while they are doing it, etc. So, I took some pics after straightening up my house (a little). Then I saw these pics and saw all the things that are 'hiding' under furniture, on chairs, etc. But, I'm willing to share it with you anyway....cuz this is just how it is:) I'll do my best to give you a feel for how things are at our home right now

This is the outside of our home (photo taken in March of this year). Did you know my husband is fascinated by log homes and has always and still wants to live in one? This is just one of the blessings we have recieved in coming here. Sort of...God's "icing" on the cake of His provision.

Now, walk up those 8 steps to the porch and open the front door and you will see........

Our living room. The fact that the walls are all logs has been difficult to get used to. I'm still not sure of how to decorate. It's a work in progress. it's not what I want it to be yet, but it's good. I like this room. We spend much time reading, visiting, spending time with friends and we usually have our at home, weekly 'Family Night' in this room, along with a pizza and a movie (everyone's favorite indoor activity, especially in the winter).

If you are looking for details, behind T's favorite chair, you will see a "box"...it's the one thing that I haven't found the right place for since we moved. Who knows how long I'll keep that there?

Okay, walk through the living room into the.......

Dining Room.....one of my favorite rooms. I love to share meals with my family. ...To be able to create an atmosphere where we can begin, meet in the middle of or end each day. The girls and E LOVE to talk, so we have many fun and interesting conversations around this table. I pray that they won't stop 'talking' to us. We gain so much out of our fellowship with them.

We also have had a few tea parties around this table, which is always memorable.

I want to use this table more for sharing meals with other people. We love to 'entertain' guests, but don't do it nearly as much as we should or want.

The pink tulips on the table are from T and the kiddos - waiting for me when I came home from work on Saturday. I LoooooooVE fresh flowers!

Once you are in the dining room, turn right...............

here is the kitchen, my other favorite room. I am fulfilled when I can provide good things for my family. And if I get lucky and can accomplish that through a good meal, I'm thankful. The girls have been more eager to learn how to cook and bake, so my heart is filled when I get to spend time with them here. You'll see the door on the back wall with the logs - that leads to the back deck and back yard. You'll see out the window of the dining room photo that our tent is set up on the deck right now. We had a camping night on Saturday....the girls had a blast! They and T slept out there. I, of course, had to sleep indoors so that someone could be with little E. (hee hee - it HAD to be me:)

Now, turn around and head toward the living room and take a quick left and you will walk down this little hallway.... it's a short one but it leads you to....

the bathroom. Little and easy to clean...that's what I like. There is only one of them in the house, and T would like to have just one more,.......sooner than later. Our A loves baths and showers, as does E. G will wait until it is absolutley necessary...not sure what that is all about.

Anyway, leave the bathroom, take a right and you will end up in........

Our bedroom. This is a LONG room, the depth of the house. And as crazy as I am about the person I share this room with, it's not my favorite room. I appreciate the time I have in there...but it's not what I want it to look like. For as long as I have been married, our bedroom has always been the last room on the list to do something nice with. I want to change that. I want this room, especially, to be a 'haven' for my husband. I don't think he cares about it as much as I do, but... I do. So, someday.......

Now, we'll leave this room (thank you) and head down the hall, turn into the living room toward the front door. To the left of the front door is a stairway that leads downstairs where you will first walk into....... the family room. Toys, computer, shelves with books are what you will find in this area. Off of this area are three doors - one that leads to the laundry room, 2 that lead to storage rooms.

At the end of this room (to your left) are the kids' bedrooms:

A and G share a room. This is usually a good thing. Occasionally, A will complain about it. But, she is a great big sister and is gracious to G and her lack of tidiness. They spend many minutes after bedtime talking, singing and doing a whole lot of laughing. Occasionally, we have to go and break up the excitement. But, most of the time, if they're not too loud, I let it go. I know these are times they will both look back on and treasure someday.

Right across the way from their room is Little E's room:
He is a good little sleeper. We rarely have problems with him going to sleep and staying asleep. He is especially happy if he has his 'binky' (pacifier) and 'silky B' (blue silk blanket from Auntie Laura). The bunk beds are in his room for when we have guests. We'll assign sleeping places for everyone according to need:) Come visit soon!!

I can really get caught up in wanting to have nicer furniture and other things to make my house look better. But as I grow older, I'm so much more concerned about the people in my home than I am the things. I pray daily that God would give me all that I need from Him to meet the needs of my husband and my children. And that as those needs are met, we are strengthened and equipped to go OUT of our home to share His love with others.

Thank you, again, God for providing this special home, our haven, where we can grow each day. May it be a place that brings you honor and glory at all times. May those who dwell here feel welcomed, loved and encouraged and built up because of the fact that You are the foundation of this place....... Amen.