Tea and Scones with Bre...

 Wait.a.minute! 

Bre's older three kids are at VBS this week. Bre is out and about enjoying the ease of moving around with a toddler and a baby in a car seat. She asked me if she and the kids could drop by while the older ones were at VBS. ALWAYS. 

Bre said she was stopping for coffee and asked if she could bring me something. Yep - always - a skinny, sugar free CHAI. Oh yeah. This made me think I needed to whip up some scones. I like to bake, wrap and freeze them. They are ready anytime a cuppa and a scone are called for. This time I made a dozen blueberry and a dozen chocolate chips. 

Jojo was happy to have a chocolate chip scone - as was his mommy. Bre and I enjoyed a nice talk as I continue to process and work through my Post Reunion blues. I didn't expect this. I still tear up as I share my revelations or talk about my peeps. I will blog the weekend - soon. But I may as well not get behind in the day-to-day stuff while I wait to find the words to share. 

OH! This afternoon Stacia was playing with Millie after VBS and heard from one of the favorite local cafes they would like her to start work - tomorrow. Further investigation showed it's not a good fit for her...but it is a huge confidence boost to be called back. 

This evening was youth and ladies Bible study. This is our last study until fall.  I asked the question "What are you seeking from Jesus?" and then promptly went on to overshare...about how I learned much about myself this weekend... like WHY I overshare. ::face plant::

We Got Er Done

 I needed to keep the car this morning and Stacia needed to be at Day 2 of VBS. It took some maneuvering, but we made it work.  I drove Stacia to Arielle's to catch a ride to VBS.  I came home and got to work on a few things that needed caught up after my weekend away.  

Michael stayed with GG when I needed to head to Wholesome Foods Co-op for my volunteer gig. Arielle brought Stacia home.  She changed clothes and Michael and GG drove her to UPS to print her resume and then around town to drop off one application she filled out and 5 resumes. In one spot she was given an on-the-spot interview and told her they would call her tomorrow. 

I got home from co-op and put things away. Stacia had made a wonderful dinner of Chicken Divan. We now have several bags of yumminess ripening on the hope chest. LOL 

Some days it takes a whole village just to check through the to do list. LOL  But, "We got er done!" 

The Hunt Begins

 *Editor's note: I made it home this morning at 0200 - 10 hours later than expected with a $1500 travel voucher in hand. I will blog about my weekend adventures after I collect all the photos I need. 

Stacia finished her last college class for the semester last week. This week she is assisting at a local VBS and starting the hunt for a job.  I LOVE that she sent photos as she went about her hunt, thanks sweetz. I began to see a theme. 

We love how Stacia's years in Japan have marked her. One would not simply barge into a workplace and demand an application. It would be rude to interupt and rude to ask without giving something in return....

And so everywhere Stacia went she would buy something, and then ask if they were accepting applications or resumes. She came home with one application, a request to come back tomorrow and fill out an application and 6 places to return with resumes. 

Her previous resume is inappropriate for this current search. We created a new one. I think it turned out great. Our printer is making an odd line through it. Tomorrow, she will take it to UPS and print out some nice, clean copies on 25 weight paper.  We were happy when Michael only found the need to make one change to her resume. 

She's hopoing to work 20 - 25 hours as she goes to college.  

Was THAT Our Summer of 2023?

Stacia has had a busy couple of days.  Monday, she met up with Arielle & the boys, and JaRissa and Noah.  It was our 2nd day of summer. Its pouring and overcast again today. It may have BEEN our Summer of 2023. LOL  Stacia finished the college class she was working on, and we suggested she take the rest of this month and July off. I'm glad she was able to go out and have some fun while it was sunny - rather than driving herself to stay inside working on a credit. 

Benny, Little Buddy, Arielle, Danny
Jared, Larissa and Noah 
📷by Stacia

This morning she took my Tuesday morning shift with the boys at CoRielle's. Michael and I have been fighting off colds. We are tired. We are resting as much as possible. I have a big weekend involving flight planned and I want to feel better before Friday. We have been taking it easy - doing the minimal. 

Michael evicted bees which chose to make little hives at all our entrances. 

This morning we met up for coffee with a new friend. We were THANKFUL for how the girls stepped in to make this work. Arielle was flexible with the care of the boys (Stacia is on the OCS approved sitter list for Little Buddy). I got Dad up an hour early - and got his breakfast and shower done, Stacia came up and stayed with him until it was time for her to go watch the boys, and then Allie got up (after working a closing shift) and stayed with GG when Stacia left. This allowed Michael and I to do something we've not done in 4 years - go out for coffee in the morning!  I dreamed of us doing this a log when he retired. LOL 

All that made everyone tired and the whole house took a nap this rainy afternoon.  It sounds like Allie may have caught my cold. I don't usually share so freely - but they're falling like Dominoes around here. 

Before my nap, I hopped into town for a bit of indulgence. I plan to travel to a place where I may need open-toed shoes. I was long overdue for a pedi....the sweet tech laughingly reminded me not to wait so long again.

If you've read this far you deserve a dose of cuteness! Here it is - today's cuteness overload. Bre's younger daughters - Annie and Trudy...wonder women indeed! 

📷by BreAnne

Update: When Michael takes it easy, he replaces the starter in Stacia's car. She is excited to renew her clutch/hill adventures. 

When I take it easy I play in the kitchen. Benny raved about a dinner Arielle had made a couple of weeks ago. I asked her what she'd made, and it was chicken, spinach and ranch in puff pastry. Hmm....to that I added onions, garlic, Italian herbs and mozzarella cheese. Next time - BACON. They were a hit too. Michael asked what they were called, and I said, "Benny's Favorite." 

Gorgeous Day for a Picnic

 Today is the day we always remember the passing of Dad G. It was early on Father's Day 11 years ago when we got the news Dad G had passed away. We were in Japan at the time. We always take a bit of time to reflect on his life and his legacy on Father's Day. Michael preached today. It was a good on one don't and three do-s based on Eph 6:4 (And Eph 5:21 before that). 

Stacia did her first week of teaching in children's church - and it went well. 

After service we headed over to a local park for a picnic. A huge shout and thank you to Daniel and Joelle who reserved the pavilion AND brought the grill. We all brought what we wanted to grill and a side of some sort to share.  

We could not have asked for better weather. It was gorgeous! It was the nicest day we've had all summer. In fact, I would say it's only the 2nd day of summer weather we've had. LOL  It was a great day out and about with some fantastic people. 

Joelle and Melany

Dad commented its the first church picnic he's gone to where he didn't have to cook! ::Snort:: He enjoyed himself - except for when he was ratted out sneaking cookies. LOL 

Checkers anyone? 

Lorelei and Stacia

Nora got a game going with the kids. 

Go, Hudson! 

Michael and Noah played Frisbee and then catch....Danny joined them a bit later, but I didn't get a photo. 

We were prepared for skeeters. Miachel has the table- top Thermacell. I have one I wear on my belt...even when I'm going out to sit on the deck or work in the garden. 

Kaleah brought these little coils which smoke. 

Swing Brigade

Daniel is a great grill-master! 

This was such a fun afternoon! We've been talking about taking a picnic lunch to church - like they used to in the Little House days.  There is a beautiful field to picnic in...and maybe others would join us...an impromptu gathering in the field. We haven't as it's been raining most Sundays.  I will be gone next week - but I think we are going to just start planning on picnicing in the field. There is something delightful about being outside together. 

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.