Grands, Produce, Dinner and Games

It was a VERY busy day - but not much of it is blogworthy. Therefore, I will begin today's post with photos of all the grands sent by their Mamas. 

Little Miss Trudy is Bre and Izaak's youngest and she is finally letting us SEE her walk. We've all known she CAN walk, but she preferred to walk in private! LOL  And this little gal below? Josi Faith is CERTAINLY not in Alaska. I prefer to think her pouty face communicates, "Enough sun already! Get me back to the slush, mud and moose." 

Livie is sporting the ever-popular Chick Fil A Oreo shake! There is nothing better on that menu!  Sweet of her to take one for the team and eat at Chick Fil A in honor of her Daddy. LOL 

Check out the newest edition to the girl tribe. Ellie Rae is sporting the SAME bow as Josi Faith. 

Noah looks alarmed to be surrounded by all these girl cousins...but isn't his new haircut handsome? 

Ah, Josi...those dimples make me smile each time they surface. You got more than long limbs from Daddy. 

As sweet as babies are they can wear out Mommies and Daddies pretty quickly. 

The above photo tells the story. I was up early to bake bread and start dinner in the crock pot. I managed to get in Dad's routine and a workout before heading across town to spend the afternoon at the Food co-op with which I volunteer.  

I got home in time to put away produce and make the finishing touches for dinner. The chicken/sauce was nicely seasoned and done. I made a salad, air fryed some asparagus and boiled egg noodles. I had a few cookies left from the dinner we took CoRielle yesterday.  Krista called and was sick so wasn't going to drive out to the Valley. Nolan came over anyway for dinner and games.  

Playing games, talking, connecting was a good end to the busy day. I'll leave you with a couple of more photos of Ellie Rae. 

Hello Ellie! 

A Full Monday

Welp...22 weeks (and 2 days) since we last saw Josiah.  It's amazing how resilient humans can be. We can march on when we'd rather everything stopped. God is faithful to travel with us and we're sinking and stretching into new depths of intimacy with Him. I just wish...

Carrie shared this this morning...that boy loved fishing! He was so helpful for us newbies and so gracious while he helped....most often with that big smile on his face. My heart misses Josiah this Monday. 

I went through the morning routine...Bible, bread, Dad's breakfast and shower, 3.5 miles on the treadmill, shower...and then headed to the store to pick up a few ingredients for this evening. 

Stacia texted to ask for prayer on a rough day. We encouraged her to come home between classes. She has a 7-hour break between classes on Monday and usually studies, runs errands, skis... She was reluctant to come home - gas prices being what they are. We love that frugality but finally prevailed on her to come home. We were able to talk with her, encourage her...and I am thankful for the margin to spend an afternoon with a daughter who needs a bit of extra care.  

I baked cookies, made Alice Spring Chicken, mashed potatoes, grabbed a salad, dino nuggets and fries and prepared to take dinner to CoRielle and the boys - plus one! LOL The sibs aren't visiting until Wednesday, and we don't assume a visit when we deliver a meal, but Michael and I encouraged Stacia to come along to deliver the meal.  

The boys met us in the driveway chattering away about "their baby." Charles told me he'd "go get baby."  They were sweet. Stacia was invited in. The meal was delivered. We had a quick visit, Stacia played with the boys. This was surely the best part of her day! This little gal is simply perfect. We're falling in love. 

Stacia opted to attend her evening class via zoom...and was able to grab dinner in the 20 min break between hours. Three-hour evening classes can be quite long. LOL 

We had dinner as well -and cleaned up.  All is quiet on the home front. Stacia and Allie are occupied with their class. GG is reading a new magazine. Michael is reading...and I'm about to join him. 

I signed up to take another dinner to them on April's First - I'm open for fun surprises on April Fool's Day. 

GRACE NOTES:

1. Rejoicing today in two new little girls, destined to be the best of friends as they grow up as cousins. 

2. I am thankful for margin to make a dinner to welcome a new baby and to sit and encourage a hurting daughter. 

3. I'm thankful that it appears breakup may really be here. That's spring for the rest of the world. 

Ellie Rae is Here!

Woot! 

I told Michael I was going to get a bit of sleep as I was sure Ellie would be born either Saturday night or on Sunday. I even texted JaRissa and Jamin so they wouldn't wait for us at church this morning. We decided we did not want to be out of town. Sure enough...30 minutes after I laid down, Cory called. 

"Can you come over?" 

"On my way!" 

Arielle has had long and complicated labors in the past. I sped over to their house...and settled in for an 8 - 12 hour wait. I knew the plan was to come home 4 hours after birth, but I expected birth would take a substantial amount of time. 

The boys were in bed and didn't know Cory and Arielle were gone.  They arrived at the birthing center at 12:30 a.m. I'm going to quote Arielle's Facebook, "Ellie Rae came screaming into the world at 2:15 a.m. 3/24/24 in a whirlwind of 6 lb fury on the birth center bathroom floor. She's beautiful and strong and wonderful and we're all so in love. Danny has declared her his but is willing to share, Benny thinks it's the best day ever, and Charles is suitably impressed. Daddy may already be wrapped around her tiny finger. (As is fitting, Bachan says). "

Elleira Raelynn...Arielle spelled backwards, and Rae is my middle name. Lynn is Cory's mom's middle name.  Cory created the name years ago, when he and Arielle were dating, and they finally have a little girl to wear it. It is pronounced Ell Eye Ruh...or it seems sanctioned we can call her Ellie Rae. 💖

Danny has been praying for the baby to have hair like his. The midwife confirmed - she does. Don't you love that? 

It was SURREAL when Cory opened the door and then went out to help Arielle and Ellie into the house at 5:30 a.m. WOW...that's quick... 5 hours and back home with daughter in arms! I got to hug and hold her...

Cory went in and brought Benny out. I'm not sure if he was stirring or if Cory prodded him. Imagine - they didn't even KNOW mom and dad had left and here was Bachan with a baby. They'd been waiting for me to come and knew when I came Cory and Arielle would be going to the hospital...but I was sitting on the couch with a BABY. 

Benny got settled on the couch and while he snuggled with Ellie, I went to see if Danny was waking up. 

I said, "Bachan is here!" and he POPPED up. He took my hand and we walked into the living room. Danny was so stinking cute! He noted her hair, her "little ear," and her "little fingers." Ah - love at first sight. 

At this point my car was warmed up and I had no reason to stay. They said Charles was suitably impressed when he woke up as well. 

I came home and began baking....I baked the bread, but also banana muffins, almond poppy seed muffins and baked omelets...ready for the freezer and quick breakfasts or nursing snacks. 

For the first time in a LONG time, I was able to move the grandparent's countdown from "number of weeks" to...

CoRielle aren't accepting visitors just yet...shoot Ellie isn't even 24 hours old yet...but they said Michael and I could visit. Michael went back with the food and such while I stayed with GG. 

Becoming a grandparent never gets old. Elleira is our 14th grand! What a blessing they are - each and every one! They truly are the focus of our "ministry" these days. 

Grace Notes: 

1. Ellie Rae's safe arrival! 

2. Being IN TOWN when these babies are born! What an unexpected blessing we are living. 

3. Allie and Stacia are safely home too. 

Girls Road Trip

 Allie and Stacia left us all alone from Friday - this evening.😏 KrUke had a snow machine trip planned in the Seward area.  One of Luke's friends went with them. Krista had homework to do and wanted to explore Seward. She invited the girls and I to go with her. I opted to stay home as I am on baby watch.  I wasn't taking any chance of being in Eagle River or Seward when I may be needed here. 

This means STACIA drove the girls to base - Anchorage. As she said it's an adulting milestone - driving outside of the Valley.  Here's a photo from their drive BACK tonight - a Be Real...

 

I am thankful all three sent photos back throughout the weekend. I am not sure who sent what. They had a plan to spend time getting all their homework done, AND explore Seward and enjoy each other's company.  The first batch of photos showed them painting. 

Stacia's hand

Allie

Krista

Yes, they DID get their homework done as well. Krista sent a paper for Michael to edit while they were still down there so we knew they were working the plan. Krista is working on her Dmin in Pastoral Counseling, the girls are working on their Bachelor's. 

Stacia, Allie & Krista 

Most of the shops were open this time. These girls liked the trip to the Fabric store. 

I spotted this old church converted to a coffee shop/ art gallery in January but it wasn't open. The girls were able to get inside it and it was as great as I imagined. I am going back to Seward when all the stores and restaurants are open.😁

Before they could blink, they were on their way home...refreshed, I hope. Homework is done, memories were made...sounds like a great plan to me. 

Krista, Stacia (back) and Allie

I'm pretty sure Kyle and Luke had fun machinging as well. 

Lazy Saturday - Five Months

Thursday and Friday were emotional days for both Michael and me. Wonderful memories kept surfacing which are totally welcome and yet often bring tears as well as smiles. We are getting used to this.  Today marks five months since Josiah's death. This song has been playing in my head the past couple of days...I Miss Everything About You... Yep...the feels must be that another anniversary was upon us and our souls KNOW even when we don't consciously plan to remember. 

The girls are off on an adventure which I will blog about when they get back. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ellie...and so I chose to wave goodbye, rather than join them on the adventure. 

GG went to bed at his normal time. Michael and I had hours of quiet to talk - which is good as we were both dealing with all the feels at the same time. The Northern Lights were out last night...and I had a "moment" when I remembered how often Josiah would text or call and say, "Y'all may want to watch for lights they are out in Eagle River."  I saw an eagle and it reminded me of how excited young Josiah was to see his first eagle. Josiah loved Alaska. 

This morning, I punched down dough which had been rising overnight and formed a pan of rolls. I fed the starter and started the process to have a round of bread to bake tomorrow morning.  This all takes about 15 min tops - 5 min on a day without rolls - and I get to start the day feeling like I accomplished at least one thing in the day! LOL 

GG rang the bell, and we went through the morning routine...and then I told Michael I was heading out. This photo tells the story. I needed to mail a package to Michael's sister, return a library book and deliver eggs to a friend/customer at Three Bears. AND I made a protein shake to take on the road as I hadn't had time for breakfast and knew I'd be hungry before I got home. 

I left the library with a full basket and a full heart. Jennifer, my favorite librarian, was working.  She gave me a hug and shared some kind words about losing Josiah. She didn't know how lonely I felt today, how much I was missing Josiah visiting on a Saturday with Liv, her hug was perfectly timed.  I continue to explore new genres of reading. 

Yes - I DO need notes. I've had this package in my van all week! LOL 

Back at home I baked rolls and stretched sourdough...sent Michael to take a nap...and began reading a book. I double (triple) wrapped these, dated them and threw them in the freezer for a night when I may need rolls and don't have time to make them. Planning ahead for sourdough can be a challenge for me. LOL 

So...other than that...we had dinner. Michael is editing a paper for Krista. GG is working on a puzzle and I'm about to go READ. 

Carrie sent a couple of photos of the girls from the land of SUN....I mean we are getting lots of bright sun this week but it's still a bit chilly to be outside in summer clothes. 

These girls love the sun! 

Look at that smile! 

OH - and THIS - the little slip mat under the Bosch works "fairly well." It does great on the first speed and works on the second. It began moving all over on the third speed...but it was much better. I'll keep looking for a better mat. 

GRACE NOTES: 
1. Late night conversations with Michael...someone to travel this journey with who feels the same joys and pains. 

2. So thankful for a loving God who journeys with us and gives the gracious gift of lament for times like these. 

3. It has been nice to have a quiet day. 

4. That hug at the library was perfect! And ministered greatly. The ministry of presence. 

Note: The photos of the girls are from Carrie!