Allie is 19

Allie turned 19 on the 19th of April. She was met that morning with well-wishes and hints of things to come.  Birthdays are a bit of moving target around here. We celebrated with the family on the 15th. 

Allie chose to wait for a date when the boys could join us for lunch to do gifts etc.  The day arrived. We went out to a favorite Japanese restaurant, Stacia made Allie's favorite Toffee pudding, we visited, ate, gave her gifts and thanked God for another year well-lived. 

This was a great break in a busy weekend. Michael and I spent the evening and the next day speaking at a parenting workshop at Farm Loop Christian Center. 

Renewed Energy

I am finally feeling NORMAL.  My energy is back. I spent the morning with the boys.  As soon as Arielle left Danny turned to me and said, "Bachan, Hide - SEEK!" Little Buddy was quick to chime in, "Hide, hide, HIDE!" We played hide and seek, read books, talked about their upcoming move....

Little Buddy and Danny are both in training pants this week! They were pretty happy about the turn of events. We made a couple of trips to the bathroom. "Messy, messy." Yep. 

Arielle has packed closets, extra clothes and toys. This week she took the pictures off the walls. Benny's response was priceless, "Mom, don't you think you're being a bit aggressive?"

I had an hour and a half at home between playing with grands and haircuts for Stacia and I. I managed to get a bunch of "kitchen" projects done. I harvested and flavored a new batch of kombucha, brewed tea to get another batch fermenting, made banana/oat "cookies", made sugar free, decaf Hospitality Chai, and made a gallon of cauliflower soup for the week. 

Stacia and GG began working on a puzzle. Benny gave it Stacia for Christmas and she's ready to get it put together and hung on her bedroom wall. This proved to be a great distraction for GG and allowed Michael and I to disappear to work on the upcoming parenting workshop we are facilitating this weekend. 

It was just Stacia, GG, Michael and I for dinner. GG went to bed shortly after dinner. The rest of us settled in to read. 

Hey - look! Someone very loved turns 19 tomorrow!!!!

April's Family Celebration

April's family celebration featured Bella and Allie's birthdays! Bella is into Bunnies this year...and Stacia made a Bunny cake magically appear. Our celebrations officially begin after naps (about 3) and we aim to eat around 4. This allows for time to visit and STILL get home at a decent hour as Sundays are busy for all...Unofficially, Gherkins begin showing up around 11:00 a.m. 

We love the early visits...and quite often we have a job or two for early arrivers to pitch in and help with.  We've been working to find solutions for the racetrack which develops with 10 kids and a zillion adults trying to socialize in the "open concept" living, dining room.  We had hoped kids would be able to play outside this month...but...um...

April 15, 2023 Garden spot is still under snow

CyRi set about helping the girls and I turn the basement area into a play area. We moved furniture over to create a barrier to the freezer, kitchen stuff, laundry room and exercise equipment. Josiah assembled the playpen in the foreground. We thought it may work better as a fort. BTW, throughout the rest of the winter the S boys were happy to have this set up downstairs as a fort. 

As we continued working inside, we heard unexpected noises...Michael and Josiah were clearing paths in the snow. I don't think there could be a better Papa and Uncle than these two. By the time the kids arrived there were clear paths from our backdoor, to the play structure. 

Mike makes use of the snowblower...Cy shoveled behind him

CoRielle showed up early. Arielle brought snow clothes and they enjoyed some time outside. They are participating in a challenge to spend hours outside every day. I can't remember how many hours in a year, but I know it encourages daily time outside to reach the goal. I love the goal. 

The kids quickly realized if you went off the path, you sunk - deep and quickly. 

Uncle Cy came out and a snowball fight quickly ensued. 

Benny @ the bottom of the slide

Liv  - full of spunk and beauty, inside and out

It's cold! 

The boys were quick to help with clean up. 

We've watched a set of twins recently. They were in sync with one another, individuals and yet a team, heading in one direction.  I had a good discussion with their mom, a mom of twin 6 yo girls. She said she thinks twin girls would be easier than twin boys and agreed it gets a bit easier once the foundational years of 2 and 3 are in the bag.  I realize, these boys don't naturally have that "twin connection," though they are a month apart in age. Little Buddy was raised an only child until last July. Danny was raised the baby. They often are pulling in opposite directions... I am in awe of how Cory and Arielle work to meet the needs of all 3 boys. Moments like this show that while the twin connection isn't a natural for these two, they ARE developing the brother connection. They DO work together at times. While it is hard it is very good. CoRielle are building a future and a legacy....as are all our Gherkins with children.

BreZaak arrived. Izaak had a lull in his master's program and was able to join us. It was great to have him. Nolan and Allie have been asking for, and receiving the Saturday off...KrUke weren't able to join us due to travel, and JaRissa didn't make it as Jared was ill. Everyone else was here and it was good.

There is always a bit of hesitation when Papa pulls out the blow torch. 

Seven candles for Bella 

It's safe...and she's happy with her Bunny. 

Bella and Allies - 7 and 19. 

Gideon, Benny, Bella, Allie and Josiah (Jojo)

There were a few gifts! Cousins & sibs are always willing to help. 

Benny, Annie, Bella, Gideon and Danny - Little Buddy to left

Annie's expressions are priceless

Benny, Allie, Carrie, Liv and Gideon in front

Uncle Alex with Trudy - 5 months

📷by Carrie

Uncle Nolan with Trudy - 5 months

📷by Carrie

The playroom downstairs worked well. We had playdough, the toys, the playpen, puzzles and games. Adults took 20 min turns two at a time downstairs. This allowed for more conversations both downstairs and upstairs. It also allowed adults to play games. The kids have to be happier with a bit more direction. Maybe next month we can move outside - which we all love. 

📷by Carrie

📷by Carrie

📷by Carrie

📷by Carrie

Annie

Bre found old pictures which the kids were fascinated to view. I need to work on getting the photo albums organized. I texted some of Jared to Jared and Larissa. 

Bre - Gideon, Bella and Livie

"The Fort" is a big hit. The vision is it providing a safe space outside for Trudy and Noah in a couple of months. 

Our 3 two year old boys - precious cargo! 

Nolan, Stacia, Allie, Liv, Jamin, Carrie

I am happy to post these memories, BEFORE May's celebration. 

Hygge

The snow continues to fall. The winter seems not to want to give up....that's o.k.  I've snuggled in for a bit more winter. I've discovered Hygge since moving to Alaska. I began to hear the word a couple of winters ago.   It was defined as "embrace the winter" and it has made all the difference. Health articles share how other cultures press into winter and therefore don't struggle with as much seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as Alaskans. 

Such a charming idea. 

Hygge a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture):

First Spring Walk

We have had a bug in our home the past couple of weeks. It hit me hard last week...and I only went out when essential - and spent the rest of the time sleeping and reading...but TODAY I woke up without a sore throat, with manageable sniffles AND with energy. I jumped right into a few daily intentions I had not been able to do in the last week...a few simple arm weights, a couple of miles on the treadmill and tonight I'm blogging!  I had worked out and had Dad up, showered and ready for breakfast by 0830.  

I had plans for lunch with Lindsey, but the bug has hit their home and changed our plans.  With a couple of extra hours in the schedule, I decided to prep what I could for dinner early, as I've noted my energy often disappears by evening. I made a giant pot of cauliflower/broccoli soup. I cooked chicken and steamed more broccoli for dinner. I steamed rice. 

I hadn't seen Stacia all day. I called her. I asked if she and Millie would like to accompany me for a quick trip around Reflection Lake. I know it's been snowing...but we have been cooped up for so many days. LOL We headed out. Our first spring walk...and um...we need to remember a warm hat, gloves and probably some sort of animal spray on the next walk. 

It felt WONDERFUL to be outside! Spring really IS coming! The sun is rising at 6:50 a.m. and setting after 9 p.m. Winter doesn't seem to want to give up - but MAYBE the last two days of snow will be the last of winter? 

It felt GREAT to get another mile in this afternoon. That took today's total to 3.75 miles. I didn't get any miles in last week. I have a goal to walk at least 7 miles a week - 300 miles by the end of the year (set the goal in March). 

When we got home there was a truck in our driveway that wasn't one of ours! Krista had been out in the valley visiting. We were happy to see her. She travels an incredible amount. She was home last week and will be leaving again on Sunday.  I was SO glad I'd prepped dinner. We were able to throw together a chicken divan and have it in the oven in no time. We visited while it baked and then she and Alex both joined us for dinner. I was able to send her home with some soup to enjoy this week. 

And now, everyone is settling in for the evening. Nolan and Allie are working. Alex is fighting off earth's invasion. Michael and Stacia are reading. I'll join them when I'm done here. 

Chickens & Snow

I can usually open the side door and the girls RUSH outside. Today, I opened the side door, and when they didn't push their way out I opened the main door of the coop.  OK - they're all fine - they just are DONE with the snow. I understand. 

A few brave gals ventured out and quickly pushed their way back up the ramp. 

 I understand. I am done with the snow as well. The spring will eventually come, there will be green in our lives again. 

Easter 2023

 Our Easter was odd. We did not have a big family dinner. In fact, Michael, Dad and Stacia were the only ones who made it to church.  Allie and I had coughs and sore throats and we each used a box and a half of kleenex...When I opened the door to help Dad out, I was happy to be staying warm and snug inside. Four more inches of snow overnight. 

Michael brought home food from the local deli. It didn't take long before the adult Gherkins began to send photos.  

BreZaak and crew enjoyed resurrection rolls. I have found memories of making these with our kids when they were young. They also were home with illness in the family. As the rolls were baking one of the kids said, "I bet marshmallow Jesus is going to just pop out!" LOL 

📷byBreAnne

Couch - Bella, Trudy, Gideon, Annie, Jojo
📷byBreAnne

I don't have any photos of Krista, Luke and kids, and that's o.k. They attended the liturgical service on base. 

Josiah, Carrie and Livie - note the snow! 

📷from Carrie

Jared has been fighting Scarlet Fever. They did not make it out today either. Look at Mr. Noah!!!

📷byLarissa

📷byLarissa

CoRielle were busy at church. Easter is a HUGE day in the children's department. They had enjoyed another of our old family traditions, Resurrection Eggs this year. Check out those boys' styles. It was snowing today so Benny opted for his Christmas PJ's so he'd look "really good." 

📷byArielle 

Looking Really Good
📷byArielle 

📷byArielle 

📷byArielle