Paint Night with Sara - Girls Night Out!

Everyone had the day off work. Stacia arranged a paint night for us. She invited all the girls...but Larissa and Krista are still traveling, and Carrie was unsure how Josi would do at such an event.  We attended a Paint Night with Sara and Co in Wasilla. It was FANTASTIC. Sara and Lorri are great. We were happy that Arielle and Jenni were able to join Stacia, Allie and myself. 

It is past time for a girl's night out. The room is spacious, and they had plenty of room for the 5 of us in their class...six counting Ellie Rae. 

#girlstribe

Because, obviously, I cannot take a photo with my mouth shut! 

📷by Arielle

I was off to a rough start - but it got better! 

They were great with Ellie Rae. They bought her a little easel and canvas. 

Painting is hard work for Ellie & Bachan. 
📷by Arielle

Bachan and Ellie's finished paintings. I love her little canvas. Priceless memory we have with HER even though she won't remember it with us. LOL Note my painting was pretty respectable until we added all the fireweed. I should have stopped...who has seen fireweed as tall as a mountain???? It makes me laugh. 

📷by Arielle

It was a fun evening....and hey I have a new white elephant gift for the next bunco party. 

Arielle & Ellie, Allie, Me, Jenni, Stacia

I saw a painting with a stack of books and a cuppa tea on top...I want it...but I can't buy it...I have to go paint it. Hmm...maybe a fun winter event.  We left the paint shop and headed to Blaze pizza for dinner. 

I think we need to plan more girls' nights out. I miss these types of nights out; we certainly need to get in a lot of time with Krista before she moves next summer. 

Sequential Vortex

 Are you familiar with the concept of a sequential vortex? One sets out to complete a simple task, which invariably leads to unplanned consequences. Stacia set out to frame and hang some photos. The problem is that she shares a room and Allie had things that may need to be hung on the same wall.  She'd need to wait until Allie got home from work. 

At this point she focused on the "clutter" stacked along the wall which would receive the photos. She needed to declutter...but the stuff was going to go on the top bunk of the loft/cave bed she'd created. She didn't want to do that until there was plywood on the board. She'd been waiting for months for the plywood to materialize.  At this point she and I headed to Michael's garage in search of plywood that would fit. She HAD measured.  We hauled it into the house, asked Michael if we could use this peace of coveted, squirrelled away plywood. He agreed. We hauled it down the stairs, into their room and lifted it into place. 

I'm not sure HOW Stacia measured but the plywood was about 2 - 3 inches too long. I asked Michael if I should use a handsaw or the sawsall...he brought in a circular saw and took care of it. He then lifted it into place for us. 

At this point Stacia began fussing about chips of wood falling into her face while she sleeps. Since the quake of Northern Japan, she seems to worry about things falling onto her face while she sleeps. She decided she would need to cover the wood in fabric. 

We headed to what was created to be my "PHOTO closet" which had quickly morphed into a family "CRAFT closet." As I slowly opened the door skeins of yard, bags of fabric, old college projects and even a Christmas Tree cascaded out into the house at large! Clearly this closet had become the girls' overflow storage as I haven't worked on photos since we moved into the house in ::cough::  ::gasp:: 2017. 

Obviously, this led to organizing the closet....2 garbage bags of trash and 3 garbage bags for the thrift store later and we felt good about the closet. Allie came home from work as we were putting things back into the closet and sweeping up the mess. Stacia clued her in on the happenings. 

In the midst of cleaning the closet we found a piece of fabric Stacia deemed perfect to cover the plywood. Stacia got Michael's staple gun, we lowered the wood to the floor and attached the fabric. We then put it back up again. Done. 

Stacia moved the storage tubs she was storing to the top of the loft/cave bed. 

We took a break to grab a bit of sustenance. 

Finally, it was time to hang photos, that which began this afternoon long activity.  Typically, Michael does not want us hanging photos. He likes things measured and leveled and its easier to do it himself than see it "off" for the duration. I asked where his picture hanging kit was. He wasn't sure. He usually takes the bait and hangs things when he sees us looking for the kit - but not tonight. I suspect he decided he doesn't spend a lot of time in the girls' room and he could live with chaos on their walls.  We eventually laid all to be hung on the floor in a pattern and set too. 

A few hilarious shenanigans ensured at which point I activated my karate hands and settled things into a sane pattern of hanging. 

Not to fear the laughter and shenanigans continued. I love spending time with these girls. I am enjoying their summer "break." 

Not to worry, girls - I've got this! 

It works. Allie's artwork on the left and top. I believe it's her memorial hanging with Josiah and all our names at the bottom of the clock. Stacia's art and a Jane Eyre quote on the right. I would probably have spread them out to cover more of the wall - but it's THEIR room and they believe in a "box theory" of wall decorating. ::grin:: 

It's taken them awhile, but they are coming up with a room they both are happy with. I thought a carpet was in the works, but I believe they are having trouble finding one that will match the wall and their personal style. 

I was pretty sure having the closet organized would lead to better sleep - and possibly having this project done would help with that as well. 

Note: I have been doing far too much comfort eating the past months. I have extended grace to myself, but grace doesn't mean no boundaries. It's time to get the weight off. BUT I'm not going to hide from capturing fun family moments along the way. Fluffy people deserve fun and family members as well as teeny people. LOL 

Chugiak 4th of July Parade

 We were excited to participate in Chugiak's 4th of July parade. With it being a holiday weekend, and so many working (Carrie and Allie) or traveling (KrUke and Larissa and Noah) or ill (Nolan and Alex) we weren't sure how many would show up to walk in the parade. Quite a few...and we had a blast. 

All this excitement before the parade began! 

Stacia, Liv, Jamin, Jenni and Josi

Me, Jared and Michael 

Though I HAD brought the stroller and the car seat we found Josi was most content in Jenni's arms. Jenni carried her through the whole parade. I'd left the baby pack at home at Carrie's....oops.

Stacia and Liv 

Annie (BreZaak's daughter)

Gideon, Annie, Bella, Jojo  - Trudy rode in the stroller

Bre with four of her kids 

Suddenly, we were lining up and heading down the highway. It was fun to meet some who have been out knocking on doors with Jared since February. The pace was wild...everything from a slow walk to an all-out sprint. LOL 

Bella

Jared, Trudy and Jamin 

Liv enjoyed passing out candy 

Highlights of the parade for me was being out in Alaska, an online friend who called my name, gave me a hug and told me she's been praying for our family, hearing people cheer when they noted our truck and over and over hearing, "That's Jared" and "There's Jared." All that door knocking is paying off in face recognition. 

Running to catch up with the truck 

I was moved to tears at one point when someone yelled, "Go Goeckers," while others cheered. Honestly, walking through grief can feel very solitary and it was moving to remember we are part of a big community...even if you know...it's the political thing.LOL

Michael drove and was BUSY keeping an eye on our young runners.  I had a several ask for yard signs and a couple say theirs had been taken from their yard! WHAT? In idyllic Alaska? Some people asked if Jared was in the parade and wanted to talk to him.... 

It didn't take long until Jared was engaging with the PEOPLE and not simply walking in a parade....and it was great fun. 

Nick Begich (running for Congress) and Jared

Watching parades is fun, participating is even better.  I'm looking forward to the Bear Paw Parade on July 13th.  

A special thank you to Cory and Arielle. They stayed at our home and made the logistics much easier for Michael as I was already in Eagle River and unable to help get everyone out the door. The kids had a great day with GG, and Cory mowed our yard - took 5 hours. LOL 

Editors Note: Yes, I do usually keep our last name out of the blog, but it's becoming impossible to do so. I made an exception with this one.

Early on the 4th of July

Early on this holiday morning, Carrie left for work. Liv slept in, but this girl is a morning person! It's hard to believe Josi will be 5 months old on the 7th. 

Josi's smile is contagious! Josi ate, played a bit and then took a really long nap.  My favorite place for her to take a nap is in Bachan's arms. 

She woke up from her nap around the time Livie was ready to get the day going. Liv was excited to show me the popsicles she and Carrie had made from pineapple juice. 

Around noon Stacia and Nolan showed up. Unfortunately, Nolan wasn't feeling well and ended up staying at the house. Stacia helped the girls and I get everything together and get out the door. We had a parade to attend - truth be told we were participants on Team Jared's behalf. 

Carrie got home early and was home when I got the girls back home. We dropped them off and headed back to the valley. 

We had a family meeting to discuss some upcoming opportunities.   

It was a fun day for all of us. 

Grief in the Garden and More

 If you follow me on Facebook you know the last couple of days have been emotional. I no longer apologize if my grief or emotions make people uncomfortable. I also don't apologize if my honest questions make people uncomfortable. I've come to believe it's good to be uncomfortable from time to time. AND for me it's essential to make space for grief however it manifests - be that a memory which brings joyful laughter, or an incredible longing which brings sobbing. Joyful praise or surrendered lament - it's all worship. 

We are planning our annual dip netting trip.  Josiah should be totally enmeshed in the planning, repairing of nets, and making the trip to Kenai. There are so many things this summer that are great, but they bring sharp memories... His presence is greatly missed. We push on...making space for all the feels. I posted a photo of Josiah as a baby last night. I was missing him. Michael was missing him. Carrie put together this side-by-side composite of Josiah and Josi. She is daddy's girl. Look at those smiles! I'm a blessed woman to have raised Josiah and to get to love on Josi and Livie too! 

Josiah and Josi - those smiles!

I am learning it's good for me to go to the garden when life feels like a lot.  I can be alone and think and cry and laugh. I had just sat my stuff down to unplug the fence when Dad was up and moving. Back inside I went to help him shower and make his breakfast.  When he settled in with his paper, I thought I could run out for 30 minutes. I planned to journal but got busy weeding the rows of potatoes...they were a mess because I'm new to gardening and wasn't sure which green were weeds and which may be potatoes. Eventually the potatoes formed a row and grew big enough to clearly tell.  I weeded and planted new potatoes in this row. See the one to the left? I looked carefully - not one potato. 

 I decided to go ahead and get the pumpkin starts into the ground after weeding the row to the left. I was waiting to get dirt for the new bed...but we've been too busy to get to Lowes for dirt. I've decided I can plant potatoes in the new bed if I get it filled shortly. The 1st and 4th row were planted with organic potatoes from co-op. The 2nd and 3rd row with russet from Freddies. Not ONE plant. Lesson learned. I re-planted the 3rd row with new potatoes. Maybe they'll have time to make some tiny, baby red potatoes.

In the midst of weeding, I prayed through some thoughts from James and Peter. I also spoke quite honestly to Jesus about how my soul is doing just now...and I cried. There have been a few times I've thought it would be so nice to be in heaven...and not that hard to arrange.  I would be able to check on Josiah. And I can hear him saying, "Mom, what are you doing here? You KNOW I'm o.k.  You aren't supposed to be here."  I was talking through that feeling...the feeling of just wanting so badly to be able to tell him how much I wish I could have protected him on Oct 23rd and asking God for assurance that Josiah is o.k. I remembered and prayed through a comment Pastor Brian made in a sermon months ago. It was something along the lines of, "The best day in this life won't compare to the worst day in heaven." I'm pretty sure there won't be a worst day in heaven and I butchered the quote - but that's the thought.  Yes, I talk to Josiah from time to time - probably not much different than talking to myself and I've done THAT for years. I was telling him I was remembering the best day in his life and how much better he must be now.... and I looked up and saw this heart shaped rock. I could almost hear his voice saying, "Absolutely, mom!"  

THIS is why I garden.  I headed back to the house. The MINUTE I opened the door I smelled SALMON! I had put salmon in the oven and lost track of time.  I had stayed out 70 minutes instead of 20 minutes.   There was smoke coming out of the oven when I got upstairs. I asked if someone didn't smell it...or wonder about the smoke. Evidently, not! This is my first garden catastrophe of the year. 

Allie has been working all day. Nolan came over and played a game with Stacia. Michael, GG and I visited with Matt and Michelle. They are friends of Nate (my brother) and Heather's from Turkmenistan. It was fun to meet them and to share stories. Michael had to run to an appointment. Stacia had counseling. Nolan went to run errands.  When Stacia got home, we grabbed some dinner. 

I met Michael in the driveway for a hug and then I drove in to spend the night with Carrie and the girls. These nights are mini-retreats for me. The girls (all 3) go to bed early. I'm used to staying up until midnight - sort of. I usually get a cat nap if we watch an episode of something around 8. ::snort::  I will blog and then settle in for some quiet...I brought my journal, Bible, a couple of books, an ipad... this extrovert is learning the value of solitude!

Oh, one more garden project. Melany shared this idea with me to save my strawberries. I painted some rocks red, added black dots and a clear finish. I placed them in with my strawberries. The idea is that the birds will peck the red rocks and learn they don't like them and leave my berries alone. Michael is skeptical but, then again, we've not made it to Lowes for the garden netting or dirt. LOL I did see a Robin pecking at them. I haven't gone out to see if she also pecked at the berries. 

Have a wonderful holiday tomorrow. I plan to do the same. 

Whew! What a Day!

 Whew! What a day! Michael hoped to leave the house about 9:30 and left at 1:30. He headed to Anchorage with his truck. A couple of weeks ago he took his truck in to have the auto start fixed. When he got it home the cruise control wouldn't work, and neither would the auto start. They said they had nothing to do with the cruise control but agreed to take a look at it.  He headed to Anchorage. They discovered they clipped a wire to the brake lights which IS tied to both the auto start and the cruise control in some way. They apologized, fixed the wire and all is working again. He also made a quick run into Costco. 

I value my alone time in the morning, and I had lots of it this morning. I spent some time in a book I'm reading, read the epistle of James and 1 Peter, and journaled a bit.  

Last night I left 4 loaves of bread to ferment. I had read the recipe and realized I was using more flour than the recipe called for and they said it should be sticky. I used the flour called for and it was VERY sticky, and the bread looks really odd this morning...it tastes good...but is flat and wrinkly. I do believe I'll go back to my previous way of determining how much flour to use - when it feels right. 

Only right to show the flops as well as the success

Allie got up about this time and left for work. Her boss wants her to work all shifts...so there you go.  I picked the house up a bit - it gets messier in the summer as I spend as much time as possible outside. 

I drove into town for a haircut. 

Though I DID go outside, greet the mama and her baby, let the chickens out, and water the garden, I didn't make it into the garden until Michael got out of here. I discovered I really NEED time in the garden. It lifted my spirits immensely.  Note by "greet mama and baby" I mean make enough noise to get Mama and Baby moving through the yard and back into the woods. 

Note - this is mama and baby back in the evening

I grabbed 30 minutes in the garden after Michael left. I discovered the first sugar peas. In keeping with my new determination to harvest rather than let things grow until they are giant and woody....I picked and ate. It was surprisingly yummy. 

I was happy to find new blossoms on several plants. I was starting to think only the toxic plants would flower. 

I discovered PURPLE asparagus coming up. WHAT? 

I watered the radish seeds I'd started, and the pumpkin starts waiting for more dirt so I can plant them. I dug around where there SHOULD be potato plants and found mushy potatoes. I pulled them out, sifted through dirt and planted a couple of sunflowers. I do like planting, watering and nurturing best. 😏I found one more teeny tiny potato plant poking through the dirt. All that weeding to find ONE teeny tiny plant. I think that'll preach! 

See it at the bottom of the photo?

 As I took the time to weed a row of potatoes, I was surprised to see one plant which had jumped right out of line with the others. I reached to pull the green "weed" from the wood chips and discovered a potato...how it moved over there I don't know...and it somehow ended up under the cardboard and woodchips....which were put in before I planted the potatoes. I delight in quirky and spontaneous and so I left it right there to grow. It's my garden - I can do what I want in it. 

Stacia studied Japanese and prepared for a fun day with a friend, Lorelei. It was a double bonus as I got to spend a couple of hours catching up with her mom, Melanie. I didn't take one photo. It did my heart good to spend time with a friend today. What a sweet surprise blessing. It threw off her whole afternoon. I appreciate her willingness to sit with me. 

Stacia left to take Lor home. Allie got off work. She, GG and I headed to the Delphi for dinner with Nolan. Stacia was there when we arrived. Michael came in as we ate. It was nice to end the day around the table with Nolan. His hand looks so much better than it did this time last week. It is no longer swollen. He's got more movement. It's still stiff and he says it feels like he is wearing a neoprene glove when he touches anything. He still has some dark spots on his hand. I think it's just a waiting game.