Our Night with Noah

Stacia and I drove into Eagle River and spent the evening with Master Noah. She was his first sitter. I played a bit, but she did most the work while I worked on other things....

Hello bright eyes!

He did so well. He loves tummy time. He's sitting. He likes mirrors...the only thing he didn't like is when we tried to feed him a bottle. 

He goes places in this thing! 

He even took a quick nap. 

We were honored to be able to stay with Noah. I know it was hard for Larissa to leave him.  He learned a big lesson, Mommy and Daddy may have to leave him, but they come back! 

Larissa, Jared, Noah, Stacia, Me

Tuesday?

I was up at 0500. I read a bit, journaled a bit and thought through the day. We are leaving on Thursday. I shopped yesterday. Tomorrow will be busy....we have a BIG family day and celebration happening.  Today I worked on taxes. We had an extension. I got everything I could ready. Michael spent some time trying to locate more info I couldn't access.  It turns out he couldn't either.  We've been waiting to do the FASA until we had our taxes done. We aren't expecting a grant but need to do it to get VA funding for Stacia. This is the tangled web up on the whiteboard. Pull on one string until it sticks and then pull on another string. ::snort::  Eventually, it will all pop free. 

Michael and I had a zoom visit with our church's new pastor and his wife. We'd visited before but never got around to talk about some specifics for our various ministries. 

Allie ran out for a haircut...she brought tea home and we had the last of the cookies - all of us sitting around the table - connecting. I think GG is wishing he could come fishing this year - but he hasn't said anything. He has refused to go the last two years. 

Stacia began working on her degree application, references, and four essays for Alaska Bible College. 

Allie got word her initial application was accepted and she began working on her degree application as well. She began knocking out the four required essays. Grandpa is pretty happy to have two girls going to Bible College. LOL 

I've done lots of laundry and we are putting it directly into the RV.  I began pulling some things from the cupboards to take with us. We've got meals here for Alex and GG. 

Michael ran to drop off taxes at our CPA's. 

He got home and Stacia and I ran to deliver 6 dz eggs...and then on to Eagle River to play with Noah for the evening. WELL - Stacia is playing with Noah, and I am playing with Noah a bit, but I'm working on the spreadsheet for fish camp, catching the blog up etc.  She wanted me to come along as there are a lot of hills in Eagle River and she wasn't 100% confident driving the manual up and down the hills...and I wasn't quite comfortable with her driving home after 9 p.m.  Don't know why - it won't be dark. It's just a mom thing, I guess. LOL 

I threw another two post it notes away today - such a satisfying feeling!  As I went to blog, I told Stacia this was a long week. She had a funny look on her face. I thought it was Friday; its only Tuesday. LOL 

Monday Adventures

 Michael, Allie and I left the house at 6:30 a.m. to drive to Anchorage. Our mission - be the first person in line at base where a couple of us needed new ID's for base access and be the first at the Social Security office where Michael needed to become Michael rather than the Mike, he's been all these years. LOL 

Pulling this off required Stacia to get up early and stay with GG. We discussed the best way to handle the morning routine, and, in the end, we simply skipped the shower, and she carried on from there. Nolan was on phone recall if there had been an emergency. 

On base we learned the office we were trying to get to at 7:30 didn't open until 8:00.  We arrived at 7:15 a.m. We WERE the first customers of the day... Allie and I decided to go find a coffee stand. Who knew?  We couldn't find a single drive through stand and the shoppette didn't have hot chocolate or chai. We headed back to the People Center and got our work done. 

We had plenty documentation to rush right through Social Security. Michael will not have a problem in a few years when he moves into receiving social security. We need to schedule an appointment with either some benefits officer or social security and figure out how everything changes when he turns 65. We know our insurance will and I think his disability or pension is reduced when he begins getting social security. Or something like that..... 

Krista and Luke had quite an adventure on Sunday, and we checked in to lay our own eyes on them. I've put it on a sticky note to blog their adventure, though Mike is lobbying for Krista to write the post. We met at Olive Garden where I discovered the endless soup. Good stuff. 

While Michael ran into Lowes, Allie and I ran into Crumbl Cookies. Livie, our granddaughter has told us how wonderful these cookies are. This was a good time to try them out. We picked up six cookies to take home as a yummy thank you to Stacia...and yeah, a treat for all of us. We stretched them for two tea times and a family table session. LOL 

Stacia received word her initial application to ABC has been accepted. She got a new list of things to get together to apply to her degree program. We had all those things on our board already as we knew it would be coming at some point. We got IDEA transcripts sent for both her and Allie to ABC. She also got her transcript from Global University sent to them. Allie should hear about her application tomorrow if they stay to schedule. LOL 

Shortly after we got back to our town, Allie went in to work. Stacia and I headed over to Bre's to help her take her van to the repair shop and then on to Three Bears to stock up on snacks and such for our upcoming fish camp. You know it's time for dipnetting when you buy a cartful of stuff you would never buy at any other time of the year. 

Isn't that view wonderful? 

Some may remember I was unable to attend camp last year.  The girls all decided to each take one of the communal dinners as I wasn't attending and couldn't do it. They decided they were each taking a meal again this year, so I only had to shop for ONE big meal rather than FIVE BIG meals. It is much simpler. I don't have to figure out meal costs, shop or collect money. If you cook a communal meal, you can eat all your other communal meals for free.  We are paying Alex to take a week off work and stay with GG. We are NOT attempting to get our limit this year...but we ARE going to enjoy our five nights away...together. 

Michael was at home doing a couple of repairs/upgrades on the trailer. He ended up needing to make another run to Lowes. We loaded groceries into the RV. 

I pulled 5 or 6 post it notes off the whiteboard today! 

Postal Adventures

We had heard of this wonder but had never experienced it ourselves. In fact, when we receive a package, we have had to go brave the ridiculously long lines at the post office to pick it up. We'd seen wonderful boxes being put in outside of the post office...and yet, still, we found ourselves in the long lines.  To be fair, our postal deliverer does put smallish packages in the bins at the corner.  We hit the jackpot this morning.  We had several papers and magazines  for GG, a key for packages at our bin, and as we sorted through the stack to throw out the junk mail, we found THIS....

Wind, rain, bed hair, pj's nothing would stop us from checking this out. We drove to town, zipped up to the boxes and almost without a hitch got our package. No lines to wait in...of course that means there were no fellow-patrons to visit with...but it was o.k. 

The hitch? One does need to put the key in the right lock - it was good I brought Stacia along. She's smart that way.  ::snort:: 

Sunday Morning Moose Musings

The moose have been back this spring and summer. I like them in the yard a lot more when I don't have a garden planted. LOL  They began showing up frequently again in February. I think they come to play. I have been told on good authority we have a pretty fun yard. 

 

First, they came to find any twigs that may be uncovered and turning green.  They came alone, in groups of two, Mama's with one or two calves and most recently two bulls and a cow. 

View from my kitchen window in February.

We had seen evidence they were on the property but now we saw them. They love to bed down by the woodshed. This can be adrenaline producing and we have learned to look around when we park before hopping out of our cars to see if anyone is coming to greet us or lurking in the driveway. 

February 

 

In May they started showing up with babies in tow and we became hyper vigilant.

June Moose we caught in our viewfinder.

Twins!

Cute little one. 

Another set in June...

Early on July 9th we had just a mama and baby in the yard. 

Later that Sunday evening someone noted this one coming out of our woods. 

It didn't take long before there was a group of three in the yard. It was unusual in that they were not a mama with calves but two bulls and a cow. 

The older one kept putting his head on the butt of the younger one. 

I found the whole butt thing rather odd. Finally - making friends...

They weren't making friends.

It is amusing to watch the contortions they go to reach an itch, young or old the technique is rather amusing. 

I do love living in Alaska. A drive to town refreshes the soul as we are surrounded by the beauty and splendor of the mountains. We've lived in places that were soul-sucking ugly. We can see this nature without leaving the house. All these photos were taken from the deck, GG's ramp, the back door and one or two from the driveway. 

Editor's Note: A side note this Sunday morning. I've been trying to write about moose since February. These ideas take up space in my mind. When my mind gets too full I feel overwhelmed. Writing everything on the whiteboard has, in some magical way, freed up the space in my brain so I can be productive rather than feeling overwhelmed. We are making progress on the things that must be done by Thursday, the things that need to be done federally AND the things like this that don't have to be done but bring peace to get done.  I can look at the board and pull something small to work on when I have a few minutes rather than simply feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It's been working wonders for me. I'm glad I moved the list from the journal to the whiteboard. It may be tamed enough to move back to a journal page soon. 

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.