Krista Update

Can't say much about Krista at this point - but she's begun Commissioned Officer's Training (COT) in Alabama.

Trying it on in Mexico

From talking with Michael and many, many airmen over the years, I know entering the military can be intimidating the first few days - it's a new culture, new language, new way of walking and talking, and for most, a new strident tone one is unused to. We appreciate your prayers on behalf of Krista....and for all our female military friends - you KNOW what she's experiencing - thanks for your prayers with wisdom and clarity on her behalf.

Michael has told her to think of it as a giant game of Quelf! I love that example. Just do the things you are instructed to do, don't let them get in your brain, play the game - you'll crush it.

Krista was sent to sick call this morning. We prayed last night if God wanted her to remain at COT He would heal her in the night. The Dr. cleared her for PT this morning and she will take her fitness test tomorrow.  We know she can exceed the standards - she's trained well. For most, being sent out due to illness would mean a few months delay of COT.  For Krista, it would mean a year's delay in her entering the program as it's combined with her schooling and the Chaplain Candidate program.

As you think of Krista in the next few weeks will you pray for her to quickly adapt to her new culture  and for physical strength as she follows God's leading into a new world?

Whew - Busy Days

School. 

Followed by a few hours with Bella. 

Michael and Nolan went to get new tires on Nimo (the Jeep). Alex strapped on the back pack and did some prep for the upcoming Epic Alaskan Hike.

BreZaak reported from the hospital that Gideon was getting an "anti-tan," trying to lose some of his jaundice color.  He is OFF the IV and doing well with his feeding tube.  He still needs to learn to eat. Thanks for your continued prayers. 

We walked over to CoRielle's for dinner. Cory makes a mean fajita. We celebrated Arielle and played Dixit - Stacia has been begging for this over Dominion. LOL 

Countdown to Baby S

183 days 

As we ate, Mark called to say our home inspection is set for Friday. Things are moving ahead. 

BIG DAY!

The kids jumped right into school this morning and Michael and I went to retrieve Yuuki from Lorri, Mom and Dad. Lorri was dog sitting for us while we were in AK.

Today is Mom's LAST RADIATION DAY!!!!!  What a great day to see! We are thankful to see the end and that Mom will be feeling better in a couple of weeks.

Michael and I spent a few hours at BreZaak's so they could go over and see Gideon. We always enjoy Bella time.

The countdown clock was a bit off.....we've reset it to await Baby S now.  

We accepted the seller's counter. Pending any unexpected finds on the home inspection we are buying a home.  We began pricing fridges, washer/dryers and such online.

Arielle turned 20 years old today!!!!! We are so thrilled to see the "lioness of God" this little gal has become.

And of course - Gideon made family news today too! 

Hello, Little Man. 

Gideon opened his eyes and smiled at BreZaak today. He is still breathing well on his own.  He is being weaned off of the IV of sugar water and such and is getting breast milk through a feeding tube. Thanks for your continued prayers on his behalf.

Josiah and Jamin completed their trip to Alaska! 

Cody is happy to see Josiah! 

Best Monday Ever

Jared dropped us off at the airport bright and early. Thanks, once again, for your gracious hospitality, JaRissa. They loaned us their car, fixed us meals, provided a nice room to land in, played games with us, showed us a bit of Alaska and helped us talk through options. We're excited to join you again shortly. 

Strange man spilling into my seat - SECURITY! 

Mark, our realtor, submitted our offer to the seller's realtor "in writing" this morning as we flew out of Anchorage. 

Our GPS flew with us. It seemed a bit confused when we plugged it in in Seattle. 

We still had a drive in front of us, then we'd meet BreZaak at the hospital and get a glimpse of Gideon, and pick up our three kids, finally settling back into Uchi (RV).

Washing up to see Gideon 

No breathing tubes today. He's down to an IV and a feeding tube.  

Gramps and Granna get to meet Gideon face to face 

On the drive from WA to OR, we received the seller's counter offer. If we are reading the "legalese" correctly, it is very close to our offer.

It's good to be back with Uchi (RV). We've become quite used to living in our tiny space and have mixed feelings about committing our budget and selves to one location.  This has to be one of the best Monday's ever. A safe trip back to our three youngest, meeting Gideon and seeing his improvement, and a counter-offer on a home that looks very good - exciting days.

Sunday in Alaska

We all stole away Sunday afternoon to look at one final home which had come available over the weekend. It's a beautiful home - it would be tight with 12 of us in it and it won't allow chickens - but it has possibilities if our current negotiations fall through.

We drove by and showed JaRissa the home we are in process of submitting an offer for....and then stopped and took advantage of our free burger at Red Robin. 😉

We picked up some goodies to bring back to family, played games and packed. We also heard updates on Gideon.

By the end of the day he was breathing on his own! This is GREAT progress. They are saying he will be in the NICU for 1 - 2 weeks.

Sightseeing with JaRissa

Saturday morning and we'd seen all the houses we planned to see. JaRissa was off work. We headed out for a drive along the Turnagain arm, up to Beluga Point and Bird's Creek.  We enjoyed the drive, the conversation and de-stressing after the busy week.

Beluga Point

Not sure of the  mountain names taken from Beluga Point

Love this girl! Larissa and me.

Complements of Larissa

Walking along Bird Creek

I'm sorta smitten with this man too! 

 

JaRissa - our ADVON (military term -  Advanced Liaison)

Lots of texts for a retiree! LOL  I think he was communicating with Mark, realtor

Gideon Arrives

About 0100 we received a phone call from Bre. From the sound of her voice and the symptoms she was describing I knew she was in labor and suspected she was in or nearing transition. This was five weeks early and there had been no warning signs or expectations that Gideon would arrive early.

Gideon had his own plans and joined us TODAY. Bre nearly had him in the car, but arrived at the hospital, one push, and here he is.

He's really quite big for his age - 5 lbs and 4 oz and 18 inches long. He's having a bit of trouble with breathing, but other than that is doing well.

We are praising God that Gideon arrived safely and that he is doing so well.