Family Work Day

It's been a great day. There was time to read, rest, spend time in the word, journal AND cross many things off the post it notes. In fact, one of the notes is nearly ready to be pulled off the board. LOL  It helps when we all see the same big picture. 

It's that time of year again - fish camp! We will leave on Thursday for Kenai. Jamin, CyRi and CoRielle came over today to move the freezer I cleared to the RV, help unload a couple of big pieces from the trailer, and work on nets....

Danny made beautiful artwork for our front walkway. 

A bit of rain didn't keep these guys from doing what needed to be done. They repaired nets, washed them down and spray painted various parts to color coordinate the nets. I haven't a clue. 

The boys lobbied for a tea party. It seemed like a good idea. Inside we went for tea and scones...and hot chocolate...a bit of fruit and zbars too. LOL 

Stacia got the new study PAINTED! We've been trying to get this done since May. Livie helped her when she got here. I don't think it will need another coat of paint but we're going to check it out when it's all dry tomorrow and make a final decision. 

Millie didn't like Stacia to be on the ladder

Painter's helper

After everything was repaired, moved and painted we sat and simply enjoyed catching up with each other around the table...

Danny, Arielle, Cy, Cory

Carrie, Stacia, Michael & Little Buddy, Jamin

Stacia and I ran to set up the coffee corner at church and got home about the time GG was heading to bed.  This was a fun sight to see....rain or shine we are going camping! 

At Least It's Friday

 It has been an exhausting day! In every way. 

In my fight against mental clutter, I decided it was time to get everything I'm trying to get done (or help others get done) out on paper.... EVERYONE can see where we need to be heading and why I'm just a tad bit distracted. 

I had tried a list in my journal but no one else saw what needed to be done and I was stressing that nothing was getting checked off the list. We need to cross things off the list, people!  This HELPED.  Unfortunately, every call added another list of things to do... but I'm hoping by Wednesday the picture will be looking much saner. 

The girls and I arrived at the DMV 15 minutes before they were scheduled to open. After Allie spent 2 1/2 hours there yesterday, we came prepared! Books, journals, phones.... Allie got right in....but we were missing a paper and I had to run home.  The gal who helped us was very nice, she allowed us to hop back up to her desk....we got the paperwork done that needed to be done in 1 1/2 hours... CHECK.  

Michael and I spent a couple of hours on the phone. I've often wondered why the government makes things SO complicated. I would think if one entered info in the DOD system it should automatically be shared with Tri-Care, FedVIP, VA...but it is not so.... in the midst of our calls, we discovered the paperwork we filled out on the base in June was filled out with the wrong date. The airmen typed in 2018 instead of 2023. We'll be going back to base Monday morning. LOL  I thought it was funny that Mike was on the phone with Tricare and I had FedVIP on the phone...they wanted him to authorize me to speak to them about our account.  He had two phones - two people from the government on the line and handled them both like a pro. 

While we worked the phone the girls were busy too. Stacia was checking to see what else she needs to pull together to complete her application to Alaska Bible College (ABC).  I have another post about what Allie was pulling together....gotta wait for her to approve the post before I publish it. 

Allie went to work. 

I emptied the freezer we take dip netting and started it defrosting. This took a solid 90 minutes. Things had to be thrown out, set aside for the chickens, shuffled around and then I cleaned out two freezers. One is ready to be moved into the RV for the trip to Kenai. 

While I worked on freezers Stacia "went to" her Japanese class.  Michael put a coat of primer on the wall in what will be our new study. 

Michael moved the trailer, and we began unloading it. It had more in it than he remembered. ::snort:: As a military family we had boxes we wanted to keep but didn't need to unpack. We had a line of unpacked boxes in the garage at all times. When we moved Dad up here, we brought stuff from him, Mom, and Michael's parents and Grandmother as well. We left it all in boxes in the trailer. ::snort::   At first the basement had CoRielle and the boys living in it...and the RV had BreZaak.  There wasn't anywhere to unload...and you know if we don't see it, I don't have to deal with it. New orders haven't materialized, we plan to stay here, we may as well think about unpacking.  We started by unloading the trailer. . . 

At this point it is in the basement...and it's not pretty! I don't like it ONE BIT. We've been working to make the basement warm and inviting and it is not currently that. I do think having this pile here where we have to see it will motivate us to get moving quicker on the rest of the projects. 

Michael and the girls have painted coat upon coat of primer over the boys' old walls. Michael finally told Stacia tonight he thinks it is ready for paint. The plan is to paint this big room (formerly Nolan and Alex's room) and then make it the study. We have NEVER been able to fit all our books, Mike's former office stuff, my office and ministry stuff etc into the room that is now the study.  This room is big enough we may be able to move the office stuff from the nook down too....we shall see. I miss Michael having a big office out of the house. LOL 

Yay, Stacia.

The current study will become a guest room....and we hope the treadmill will fit in there too. We shall see (that's my new favorite phrase). We aren't sure where all these boxes of letters and photos will go....there are two closets in the new study. 

We have a boatload of furniture to refinish. Feel free to share tips. 

I left unloading the trailer to cook dinner (Benny's Favorite) and Michael and Stacia continued working on the trailer. 

Dad decided he was going to bed a bit early. Watching all the activity tired him out. ::snort:: Michael settled in to watch his YouTube channels, Stacia has been reading and I have been working on a couple of blog posts. (Editor's note - we watched 2 episodes of Family Affair - I slept through 1). 

Will the treadmill fit in the nook? We shall see. 

As I said, it's been an exhausting day. I'm ready to go relax. And I feel bad for Allie who has hours of work left. 

Ever Get a Song Stuck in Your Head? A.B.C.

 ...Easy as 1.2.3. 

I was sitting at the counter working on my laptop to get details of what things ABC (Alaska Bible College) will be requiring of Stacia as she completes the application process.  Allie was next to me typing away. One comment led to another. I asked what she was doing, and she told me she was cancelling classes at Liberty. 

Oh, oh, thinks me. 

"What's up?"

I do believe she enjoyed surprising us. 

Allie has decided to enroll in Alaska Bible College. This is a great plan for her. We are excited to see the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together. 

Many of you remember Allie originally planned a career as an ASL Interpreter. Rather early in the year her plans changed. She began an AA degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Liberty Online while she continued to pray, research and wrestle her way through to a new course of action.  We encouraged her to take a variety of classes and explore what may interest her and "spark joy".  Besides her Gen Ed classes she had classes in film writing, apologetics, counseling and theology. Allie loved her classes and thrived in the online setting.  She wanted to FINISH the AA degree. However, transferring into a Bachelor of Arts degree is not in any way quitting and will make sure she gets the course of study that will get her where she wants to be. This is a great step towards her future. Transferring to a Bachelor of Arts program is her way of saying, "Yeah, I am going to go for it. I could do a Masters."  She could have done it all online - but is aware of the benefits of a brick-and-mortar experience as well. I think the aspect of being mentored by professors who know and invest in you, tipped the scale for both the girls. 

Allie doesn't make sudden decisions. She was a bit surprised to have made this decision over night.  I reminded her she's been attending chapels at ABC for four months and wrestling with the AA/Bachelor thing for longer than that. She's certainly not "rushing" into anything. She has filled out the initial application to Alaska Bible College. 

A.B.C. Easy as 1. 2. 3. ....

1.2.3.....Stacia asks,  "Who's next?"

Well, there IS that spouse's VA benefit...but ABC doesn't have what I really want...and I don't want to take a Masters. LOL 

1.2.3. it won't be ME. 

8th Day of Summer

Our plan has been to combine brekky studies through most of the summer...it will make one less morning to be up and out of the house early...so we began the day with Brekky and Study.  I sure love spending time with these two. 

Allie had a few items to take care of at the DMV so she headed over there and we headed to get our hair cut. She waited 2 1/2 hours and accomplished 2 of the 3 things on her list. LOL She wanted to join us at our ABC tour so we decided we'll go back for the last item. 

Meanwhile - WHY? ::snort:: Actually, I love Courtney's hair cuts but she always pulls it all straight and flat against my face. We were sad to hear Courtney is moving....and so our search for a new salon or stylist begins. 

I insisted we go home so I could fluff the hair a bit before we went out in public. It's still not "right" but it will be after I wash it...and wait about a week. LOL 

We are dealing with lists and lists of things we've needed to get done but everything seems to have to wait for another piece of paper...and so we are unraveling it all one piece at a time. We spent the bulk of the afternoon helping the girls adult.  Much of this amounted to laying on the couch with my book and offering helpful comments. ::snort:: 

I grabbed this from Arielle's instagram. If yesterday made 7 days of summer, then I guess today was our 8th day of summer. We actually got up to 75* here on our deck.  I thought we were on the 6th day of summer so I must have missed a couple of days while I was in OR - where it was REALLY summer. 

I kept dreaming of all the things we could be doing outside - but we needed to get other things done today. It was a good day. 

Nah, this doesn't look less posed. LOL 

A.B.C. Easy as 1.2.3 - Campus Tour

 As previously mentioned, Stacia has been debating a college change. We have continued trying to gather info from Global University and Liberty Online, but it became apparent the personnel at Alaska Bible College are quick and responsive to questions, the others not so much.  I still have several emails and phone messages out to both online colleges. 

While Stacia is most comfortable in her isolated educational style...she began to wonder if the next step in dealing with her personal trauma from the big quake/tsunami might be to stretch herself outside of her safe bubble and attend classes with other students and real teachers. She arranged for the family to tour Alaska Bible College today. 

Stacia & Allie 

Did I say family? The girls, Michael, GG and I all went on the tour. I thought of calling the siblings but figured if we showed up en masse it would feel like an invasion...maybe a friendly invasion, but an invasion, nonetheless. Although she IS our baby - so you know....what's a little invasion?

Michael, Allie, Stacia 

We enjoyed each staff member who gave their time to answer our questions and share about the college. We asked all our questions, enjoyed the tour and were WOWED by the Christian library. Y'all its the biggest in Alaska. I'd forgotten such places exist. I made up my mind right then SOMEONE was enrolling so I could have access to the library. Just KIDDIN! Or am I?

Stacia may be a tad bit overwhelmed by how fast things are moving since her calls on Monday.  

📷by Allie 

No, she is really o.k. 

📷by Allie 

Michael had an appointment and jetted off. We decided to head over to DQ for a late lunch/early dinner...a college campus tour celebration. 

Back at home the girls and I continued to discuss options. I asked Stacia what she was thinking...and just like that...as Easy as 123...She sent in the initial application to ABC. It seems appropriate for her to send in her college application from this position as she and Allie spent much of their Junior/Senior years like this. LOL 

We are waiting for the Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. She will qualify for Dependents Educational Assistance - Chapter 35 due to Michael's VA Disability rating of 100%. It would have covered everything with a nice lump left over at Global. ABC is over twice the cost of Global - but we think it is going to be money well invested... We're all singing this tonight....

Bikes, Potty Training and More

We spent much time on Monday gathering information for Stacia so she can make some decisions about college. She is thriving at Global University...but we are not sure they accept Chapter 35 VA funds.  We've been paying her classes out of pocket. There are many things she LOVES at Global. She can see a social benefit to moving school to an in-residence location, especially as our church only has 3 or 4 college age adults.  She is used to a rather isolated life, but youth group has provided social interaction. She will be leaving youth group on her 18th birthday. While we wait to have the VA issue cleared up (and there have been numerous calls and emails) we began to explore other options. We've looked at Liberty Online and Alaska Bible College...both confirmed they accept Chapter 35 benefits. 

After an early a.m. call to Global (back East), I left home for CoRielle's. 

It became apparent rather quickly the boys need to be outside running off some energy.  Someone gave them a second balance bike; Arielle said bike rides are now fast and fun for all. I tested the theory - she's 100% correct. 

Danny, Little Buddy, Benny 

Their new neighborhood has LOTS of little dead ends where eventually there will be homes...but for now there are paved roads with no traffic. It's a young bike riders dream. 

Very fast with the balance bike

Little Buddy did great

The fields around the street were covered in wildflowers. 

The other new obsession at their home is POTTY TRAINING. I tried to explain to the boys this is NOT the way things are supposed to go. They were very interested in watching spit be flushed away.... eventually they both had a bit of "success." 

Benny patiently explained but they had their OWN plan

Michael remembers crawling through the bottom portion of this table when he was 2. Arielle is refinishing it for their continued use. I'm watching as we have the rest of the set here and I may attempt refinishing...but we have a table, hutch, end tables, dressers...that's a lot of redoing. 

We read books, played with trains and discussed how fun adoption month is. I tried to convince Benny I should call Little Buddy a name that ends in "e" after he is adopted. We had fun coming up with silly nicknames.  He thinks Little Buddy's dignified name is the best choice. 

I went from playing with the boys to the Wholesome Food Co-op. Below is a photo of my take for the day. Really yummy produce. 

Stacia had salmon pot pies in the oven when I got home. We sorted and put produce away and wala...dinner was on the table. After clean-up she and I went to surprise Allie at work. We didn't realize the lobby would be closing at 8 and we ended up in the drivethru. This gave Stacia lots of practice stopping and starting with the manual transmission in the Vibe. She is doing great with the car. 

It was a LONG day....every other Tuesday is simply LONG. 

A Very Full Sunday

We had a very full Sunday. 

Stacia worked with children. 

Allie and I prepared/served drinks and greeted people before and after service.

Michael did things. ::snort:: 

After church we had a member's business meeting. Some of our favorite people. 

#girltribe

We had just enough time for lunch at a local diner before we needed to be in the next town to watch Sound of Freedom.  We had made arrangements to watch the movie with friends. We added more friends for lunch. 

Front table: GG, Mike, Krista, Danny, Scottlyn, Rachel, Jennifer, Ed

Back Table: Korbyn, me, Jenni, Stacia, Noah, Allie, Jess, Scott

Man! This gal loves her popcorn. ::wink:: 

It's hard to SEE who is here...but envision 10 faces in the dark. LOL   This is nearly the same group as our Chosen outing. We thought the theme of the movie would be a bit much for a couple of folks who went with us last time as they have younger children. 

Sound of Freedom. WOW. This is NOT a feel-good movie. It was well done, moving and is an important story to tell. The move centers on Tim Ballard, a federal agent who resigned to rescue children from sex trafficking. It packs a punch.  It is really good. I was prepared for the theme...I was surprised at how much the little children and jungles were personally triggering. I thought I was prepared, but I wasn't. I actually felt nauseous through much of the movie and was wondering WHY I didn't think of how this would impact me.  Stacia said she heard my breathing shift and wondered if I was going to make it. I did. 

Two lines from the movie that stayed with me: 

"God's children are not for sale."  

"When God tells you do something; don't hesitate." 

I AM glad I saw this movie. It is an inspiring story, and it is an IMPORTANT story for us to be aware of as society works towards solutions. One of our former assignments is known to be in one of the heaviest trafficking areas in the United States.  There were many local newspaper articles and such telling young kids what to be aware of and instructing adults how to protect children. There was a wonderful home for girls rescued from trafficking and our women's group got involved in meeting some of their needs. It's a topic we are aware of - and one I continue to try to find ways to be a part of solving. 

However, if you are planning on going to the movie consider the ages of the folks attending with you, and if you've got abuse in your past - prepare for the impact.