June's Family Celebration

I find myself especially thankful this month to have all the Gherkins nearby. This is almost unheard of for military families...to retire and have 10 kids living within easy driving distance? It's a miracle.  Once a month we pull away and celebrate. This month Bre and Krista have birthdays (I think a new year is to be celebrated but haven't asked them how they feel about me publishing their ages these days. I'll ask first. LOL) We also celebrated Father's Day - and we had no anniversaries this month.

Singing Happy Birthday to each other. 

A funny thing happened when it came time to blow out all the candles. Krista did it in one (possibly 2) shots. Bre got the giggles...and the candles burned...she finally got them all out. Seventy-four candles makes a lot of smoke. 

We have done different things for the meal portion of our celebrations. This month Allie suggested everyone bring their favorite casserole dish. I think this was the easiest yet...and there was plenty of food. We had Pigs in a Blanket Casserole, cinnamon roll casserole, pasta/ham/cheese casserole, chicken alfredo casserole, green bean casserole, tater-tot casserole, chips, potato salad, macaroni salad....dirt cake and ice cream cake.  I also had to face that fact that we need TWO ice cream cakes for these celebrations in the future. I even wrote in my hospitality journal so I remember. 

We weren't sure what the weather was going to do - it turned out great and we were able to play and eat outside. The ThermaCell's seem to have been working well today. 

Some of the tribe

Papa and Benny 

Bre, Trudy, Alex, Liv, Ava

I was happy Jamin could make it. He ran out and showed a home here in Palmer but was able to spend most the time with us. As a realtor this is his busiest time of the year.  We were also thrilled Krista, Luke and the kids were here. 

Carrie, "the boys", Krista and Jamin 

I am happy to report July's family gathering will be dip netting...and we won't have to be careful to catch rear shots of Little Buddy or blank out his face. We will be his. Yep...all official and legal. THAT is going to be an awesome celebration. 

Little Buddy

Liv brought her friend, Ava.

Danny is a meticulous driver

Noah - 5 months

Hello sunshine!

Larissa, Noah, Carrie, Cy, Bre & Trudy

Allie, Stacia, Alex, Nolan, Jared

A Very Good Friday

 It worked better the next couple of weeks for the girls and I meet together, rather than one on one on two separate days.  This week we had friends over Thursday morning and next Friday I will be flying - Lord willing. I love the insights these two share, the heart discussions we get involved with during our studies...good stuff. I'm savoring the minutes as I know it won't be too long and they'll both be out and about in the big world. 

We had plenty of time for discussion during ladies' study on Wed night and so I was relaxed with our time, and we barely made it home in time for Stacia's Japanese class. She was taking off her shoes as she logged on to her class. 

We ran out after her class. She is working on car training with Millie, so we took her with us. We headed for the river so Stacia could collect some props for Sunday's children's church. She'll be teaching the lesson this week. 

A pupacino gives Millie incentive to like the van. She used to not want to get in at all. 

Jenni dropped by to proctor Stacia's final exam in her Old Testament Prophets Global class. She made a 94%. She is figuring out the test taking schtick. She has decided not to enroll in further classes until Mid-August. She needs a bit of a break between high school and more college. She went through her Sunday lesson for Jenni and a congregation of stuffed animals.

I was glad we had an hour or so to sit and chat together before Jenni had to rush to the airport to pick up friends. 

Michael and I rounded out the day by meeting up with Ray and Donna in Anchorage. This was the perfect time to touch base with old ministry partners/friends. It was fun to catch up....they are now in Alabama...We met when Ray and Michael were chaplains at Elmendorf AFB. These visits are precious and rare. 

June Snippets

 Noah expresses the disdain for this rainy summer which we all feel! 

KrUke have strung 4 hammocks at their new site. 

Mid June and we are still waiting for warm weather...but these things have made a valiant comeback. I guess I missed some lettuce last fall. 

Asparagus

Thankful Thursday

I channeled my caterer friend and it WORKED. We had a jam-packed day. I didn't stress or snip at my family. I was able to relax and enjoy all the people. I envisioned a blog post that made perfect sense, but I forgot to take some of the key photos....I've decided instead this will be a day in the life....

I had done as much as I could early.  I finished things up in good time...for Lindsey and Shannon to arrive for brunch. Allie worked an 0600 - 1000 shift so she could be here for brunch and dinner tonight. 

Young pastors and less young pastors. ::snort:: 

We waited for the goodbye as long as possible. We had a goodbye church service, and a goodbye lunch, but they left the valley this evening, so the reality is today's goodbye brunch is our "see you later."  We DID discuss the possibility of one of the girls going to Evangel. ::snort:: 

Yes, this one hurts. My people just won't stay put! I so imagined they stayed put in civilian life. Bre had sent me photos of her Mother's Day rose earlier in the week and told me the thoughts she was having that went along with it. I looked this a.m. during my quiet time and MY ROSE IS DOING THE SAME THING!  The rose was beautiful...new and fragrant. Eventually the bloom began to look a bit bedraggled. Bre's died. Mine is still hanging in....She said this reminded her of her friendship with Lindsey.  (Stay with me). It's beautiful in its season. 

But look! From the STEM of that flower is growing NEW SHOOTS. As this season comes to an end God is faithful to bring new life in the new season.  It's a cool visual and I put the bedraggled flower in the center of my table all day as I entertained...to remind me...seasons change, and it's sad and you DO lose something...but new shoots begin and new life is worth being protected, cultivated and celebrated too. 

Shannon, Lindsey, Me, Michael, Stacia, GG, Allie📷 by Shannon

📷 by Shannon

The girls and I had an appointment to get our eyebrows waxed. We ran out and did that and delivered some stuff to Bre from Lindsey. 

The girls both drifted off for naps. I started in on a ham for dinner. I have never bought a ham with the rind/skin still on it. HOWEVER, that is what came in my click list. I was following the internet directions on how to slit and slide the skin off...when I, once again, filleted my thumb. The ham did turn out good. I saved the recipe and will give this another try. 

Cory and Arielle showed up and DID OUR YARD AGAIN today. What a blessing. I was planning on doing it tomorrow (as much as I could). We have several more engagements before Sunday and Michael is preaching so I knew he didn't have time to do it...but I really love it when it IS done...and as always - there is still lots I can do if I get the time....but this is lovely. 

They bring snacks for the boys, and they jump on the trampoline while their Mom and Dad mow. We invited them to stay for dinner, but they were heading home for pizza and movies. 

Benny, Little Buddy & Danny in the back 

We had new friends over tonight...Verdie and Cathy and Daniel and Andrea and their two children. It was a wonderful night as we sat around the table and shared some of our stories. I look forward to being part of their stories going forward. 

And so, we celebrated both the bloom and the new shoot today. I am thankful for both seasons. I am thankful for the people God is faithful to bring into our lives. I am thankful for the season past and the season going forward. I am so very thankful our story intersected with Shannon and Lindsey's story. God has done and is doing a good thing.  

Imagine people sitting around the table sharing a meal, laughter and life....I forgot to take a picture until I was cleaning up. LOL 

This Girl is on FIRE!

 Well, then! 

The day began bright and early. I had a LONG list of things to get done today so I can enjoy the next 4 days of socializing and hospitality. While I worked my list Papa kept working on his project for the grands. I think he's trying to have it finished by Saturday.  The rain and wind have made it difficult - but it's shaping up. Their little house matches our house now. 

I picked up groceries - and had to run into the store for all the things they wouldn't let me put on the click it order and for a few items I wanted to buy for Women's Ministry. 

I came home and made two desserts - one for Thursday night and one for Saturday. I forgot the gummy worms for Thursday night. (Just made a note to pick some up while I'm out tomorrow). 

I am TERRIBLE about making calls to schedule appointments. I scheduled Stacia's wisdom teeth extraction, Millie's grooming, an appointment for Dad and a pedi for me. I had to call and reschedule the first three when I realized the girls and I are going to be off exploring Alaska with Krista during the time I scheduled the appointments...this wasn't the most efficient use of time. While I was on the phone with the oral surgeon my car went CRAZY. I could NOT get the alarm to turn off and it got louder and louder and louder! YIKES. Michael finally got the crazy thing turned off. 

Stacia came up and offered to help me do a general cleaning of the house. I was THANKFUL. 

At about 2 p.m. I really needed some breakfast. ::snort::  I had resisted the urge to buy a chai from my favorite coffee shack when picking up groceries. I so wanted to take it to the river with a book...but I KNEW I could have chai at home....on my deck...with one of my blueberry scones...it seemed important to make sure I actually DID this or it will be harder resisting temptation NEXT time.  Stacia agreed and joined me for a tea break. 

The little break gave us a second wind. Stacia is working hard to have all her work done for her current Global class. She is scheduled to take the final exam on Friday and needs all the projects and work turned in first. She went off to work, play with Millie and who knows....

I entered receipts into our spreadsheet, cleaned bathrooms, did my hair...these chickens live a good life....chai tea...they were more interested in pecking my painted toenails. I'm trying to keep them happy as I need 2 doz eggs for dishes I'm making between now and Saturday. LOL 

Then JENNI walked in the door! I love pop ins.  We don't get a lot of surprise visitors out here. I guess it wasn't a pure pop in, but as I hadn't checked my texts - it counts as a surprise! 

Then ALLIE walked in! I thought she'd be busy until late tonight - it was fun to see her a bit earlier than expected. Stacia and Jenni headed out to talk all things children's church. I threw dinner at Michael and Dad. Allie and I raced to the church. Michael and Dad followed. 

We prayed, visited, had women's Bible study and youth. Michael edited last Sunday's service video and began the upload. I stuck around after study to publish it to YouTube....it's been a good day. 

Everything on the list other than "pay bills x2" is checked off. 

Tuesday Thoughts

 "You seemed a bit down last night and not yourself" a friend texted today. Wasn't it sweet of her to check in? She was right. I had dinner with delightful people, and I was aware I was quiet, and watchful, which is evidently not how I typically present in a group. ::wink:: I didn't sleep much last night, and I finally realize what is going on. As a missionary kid and in the Air Force I KNEW moves were coming. Nothing stayed the same. Transitions happened quite often in our congregations and among ministry staff.  When I give my heart away - it's given.  In my idealized life of "normal" people, civilian people - people stayed put for generations. I didn't realize how hard it would hit to have Shannon and Lindsey leave. Even if they moved on, I expected they'd still be in ALASKA.  This is SILLY. Many have known them twice as long (or longer) than I have. However, I am finding myself introspective and sad as the time approaches for them to not only leave the church, but the state. I'm excited for them. I'm also selfish and would like to have them close by. I am so proud of them, yet I am grieving. Many things can be true at the same time. I've been so busy the last couple of months I haven't had time to process - and the processing has begun. I've been in this space many times. 

I finally fell asleep at 4:45 a.m. and my phone rang at 0600...Yep...the web hosting company for the church calling me at the start of their business day. ::snort:: All the companies agree there is nothing more I can do but wait for the mainframe to transfer and so we wait....but I digress. 

I realized very early in the morning hours this would be a day for a BIG cup of caffeine.  I had the strongest tea I could get my hands on. LOL  I headed to CoRielle's to play with the boys. Today is TUESDAY. I do love our Tuesday morning workouts. We kicked mosquitoes, smashed cockroaches, did some odd "star thing" to chase aliens....and we ran, ran, ran, ran....kept our heart rate up. 

Arielle came home a bit early, so I ran to the library, turned in a couple of books and checked out a couple more. I so love having a library in town - even though its temporary. 

Next up was 4 hours of volunteer work at Wholesome food co-op.  I couldn't tell you exactly what happened - but it started with the first shift and continued into my shift - things were just a bit "off" and chaotic. We DID get the job done and in good time too. We even laughed and chatted while we worked.  Of course, the only photos I have are of spoiled produce - and that isn't worth sharing. LOL  Then again - into every life a bit of spoiled produce does come.  If it's organic, its susceptible to spoilage. Right? Maybe that'll preach. 

By way of a reminder - don't buy the cheap strawberries from OGC.

I struggled to keep my eyes open as I drove the 30 minutes home. 

Stacia made dinner and we ate after we got the produce stowed away. She has gone out to deliver eggs and such to her sisters and then to watch an episode of some series at Alex and Nolan's. I think it's Sci Fi. Michael is going out to loan his truck and to help move Shannon and Lindsey's table to Daniel and Joelle's...and he took Dad with him. 

I'm in my pjs and plan to sit with a book until I fall asleep.  I am the only one home. 

Krista's Medal Presentation

I woke Dad up at 0615 today. I needed to get his morning routine finished before Michael and I left the house. Stacia stayed home with him, and we went to JBER in Anchorage to see Krista receive her first Air Force Commendation medal (I think it's her first). 

We found out she'll be getting another one in the upcoming months, so we'll be able to do it again. It was sort of fun to be back in our familiar environment. We can't take Dad because the building is not ADA and there are three long flights of stairs to climb. 

After the presentation, Krista's commander told her to go spend time with her family. She accompanied us to the People Center where we took care of some ID and DEERS issues. 

We got home with an hour to spare. I spent the time working on the church's website issue...Allie went to work; Stacia and I went to the dentist and Michael stayed with GG. 

This evening Michael and I had a dinner with the church board and minister team leaders.

Stacia and GG stayed home and watched Ratoullie. 

It was a full day - and tomorrow will be busier.