In Search of Margin

There's no doubt this has been a very busy season around our home. Dad has moved in with us,  which did bring a new list of responsibilities; Alex got a job - which adds a challenge to homeschooling;  WHO KNOWS WHY - but it's been a BUSIER fall than I expected, or scheduled for.  Contrary to Dad's oft repeated comment, I am NOT working 20 hours a day....but I HAVE been working hard to get life to cooperate in the search for more margin.

When things get chaotic - I organize! 

Don't judge me. Each camie brought me joy as I held it in my hands.  The ones that didn't spark joy were released to Bishop's Attic. It brought me joy to fold each one, and a sense of great satisfaction and order to color coordinate them in the drawer.... They've stayed that way. 

Michael laughed when he saw this on Nov 19th. It's a sure sign I was a bit overwhelmed.....but it also is a sure sign I was taking steps to alleviate the inner pressure. 

Women's ministry has been on a break since the week before Thanksgiving...just a few days after the great folding extravaganza. School has been on break. I have been on break...and during break....I've helped CoRielle move...and am planning for getting the basement usable for us....AND I'm convinced those organized t-shirts helped me find the time to break away and organize my thoughts for the upcoming PWOC retreat. I now have five sessions roughed out and feel like I may actually have something ORGANIZED to say by the end of January. 

I am feeling back in control enough to actually take the time to blog - rather than to sit in my chair and moan, "WHAT am I going to say to those poor women at the retreat???" 

It all began with organizing and color-coordinating the camies. Try it. 

Feeling overwhelmed.....just try it. You'll see. 

Ignore the playful ribbing from your family. 

More Winter Lessons From an Alaskan Transplant

Numbers 1 - 14 can be read here.

#15.....It takes a bit longer than 15 minutes with the autostart to dig out the car some mornings....

#16. Yikes. Watching out for other drivers is essential...even if YOU think the road is fine.

A Day in December

Our friendly dental hygienist told us the trick to short waits at the post office is to go before the main area opens....she assured us there may be 2 or 3 ahead of us.....

0700 and there was a LINE TO THE BACK WALL!  Stacia and I ran to get my fasting labs done and grab a hot beverage before joining the que.

 One and a half hours later we left with our package. Honestly, I MUST remember NOT to order during December. We do a lot of normal shopping on Amazon and Vitacost. It's not a big deal if it comes after Christmas - but if one doesn't pick up packages - they SEND THEM BACK. This happened to us while on vacation.  I knew we didn't need any gifts that happened to arrive and the food could wait...but I didn't want the hassle of it getting sent back....and so we waited...and had a great time talking with ourselves and others.

We headed for breakfast and our study together by 0915. Next we hit a couple of thrift stores and Fred Myers.

I had waited so long for a BIG 3 lb package of Lakanto Monk Fruit. It's much cheaper online - or cheaper than anywhere I've found it locally.

I promptly dumped it on the counter....and scooped it back into a gallon ziploc.....

It is just a normal day in December.

Benny Visits - G Dog's a Champ

Dad complained Friday of a broken tooth. I got him in to the dentist and we discovered he has THREE broken teeth and they've been broken for "quite some time." 

 I'm gobsmacked, in awe, amazed that Dad has this much pain and hasn't mentioned it.  Finding a dental plan just moved to the top of "the list." Medicare supplement plans do NOT carry dental up here. None of them. I've called. I have lists of companies I've checked. Many companies don't offer medical insurance up here at all.  So....we had been considering a self-paid dental plan, but maybe a full up, stand alone dental plan will be the most cost-effective way to deal with the extensive dental work in his future. He doesn't qualify for the state funded/supplemented options. 

We opted to have the tooth extracted which is causing pain. We'll go back in January with a plan in place so work will go towards a deductible...unfortunately, many of these plans won't cover "major" work for the first year....I am not 100% sure of the best way to proceed. 

Dad commented - and we all agreed - it was much quieter this morning without Benny's cheerful, morning greetings from the basement.  

Arielle and Benny came over to visit....it was the highlight of all of our days. 

Nothing helps with dental pain like a great grand does

Benny has played a game with me these months. He tells Stacia, Papa, GG  he loves them...but not me. Today, he ran for my knees, kissed them and said, "Baachan, my loves you."  He misses us too!

"Ello, Gov’na!!"

SHE didn't say it - so I will.  Fun photo of Jared and Larissa at the Governor's Christmas party.  We miss them - but they are doing well in Juneau.

Larissa, Governor Dunleavy, Jared
Photo from Larissa 

Jared flies in for a few days every so often for work. Unfortunately, Larissa can't make those trips with him.  We did enjoy a few days with Jared this month and continue to look for opportunities to see them both. Michael keeps dropping comments about a trip to Juneau.

CoRielle's Move - 3rd Anniversary

The craziness continues at our house! Today, is CoRielle's 3rd anniversary. A lot has happened in three years...they've finished college, had a baby, moved to Alaska, and NOW they are moving into their first purchased  home! 

Benny is not 100% sure about all the chaos...but he's game to play with Baachan and Stacia.....

Mattress surfing - hmm I don't get to do this often

 As the day progressed, more and more things moved out of the house and Benny became distressed. One thing I know is moving and children...we loved on him, got him involved, and knew things would be better "tomorrow."

Photo via Arielle 

Benny loved helping dismantle CoRielle's bed

 He helped me pack food....and mark the location of emergency chocolate for mama tomorrow.  

Photo via Arielle 

 Michael spent most the day at CoRielle's. Evening found Benny and I enjoying quiet moments while everyone else was scurrying around with the move.

The time came to say goodbye to the basement apartment....

My heart....

And then they were back because Benny needed a Baachan escort. I walked him out to the truck. He said, "Baachan come my new house with me."

I told him not tonight, but I'd be sure to visit....I think there's a Baachan door planned next to the doggy door.

I confess to a few tears on my part as well. We're excited and happy for them...and incredibly grateful for the season of the past two years.

Michael mostly felt tired. ::wink:: 

 You can tell Benny was playing with Papa as Papa is wearing the nativity. LOL

And now the unpacking and settling will begin on the other end of the move.

Photo via Arielle 

Big Things Afoot

There are big things afoot in the basement of  our house at Wibbly Wobbly Acres. Boxes EVERYWHERE!

CoRielle went out for lunch and came home to tell us they are moving out this week.  We all knew it was "close." Very close. In the end it comes down to deciding, "This is the week." 

Tomorrow is their anniversary. Tomorrow they will sleep in their new home!

Benny is a great packer! 

Baachan (that's me) spent the afternoon loving on Benny and packing a few boxes. Papa and Cory worked on trim and such at the new home. Nolan and Alex helped Arielle take loads over to the new home after work....we'll all sleep and repeat tomorrow.

Tonight - we savored a lazy evening with each other.  We will miss the energy Benny brings to our home...and his unique perspective on life.

 
The tie around the baby's waist has bothered him all month. Tonight he freed Baby Jesus Jamin.