Slow Paced Week

 WHY am I SO tired????

It's been a fairly slow-paced week. I spent Monday and Tuesday focused on some paperwork issues. I completed and scanned Dad's application to the appropriate office. I also made "new patient" appointments and settled our transition from one local medical practice to another local medical practice. 

I felt really sick after dinner on Tuesday night and missed lifegroup. 

My Wednesday tea got cancelled because my friend is sick. 

We have been looking ahead to hosting Thanksgiving and realized a mid-week trip to Costco may be nicer than a Sunday afternoon trip. Mike, Dad and I headed into Anchorage. Mike set dad up with a $1.50 lunch, Krista met us, and we enjoyed a quick visit as we raced through Costco. It reminded me of the "power play dates" we used to have with the Armstrong family in San Angelo, TX.  The main thing we wanted were CHAIRS. We watched as someone purchased the whole supply at the Debarr Costco. We headed to the Costco business center and picked up 10 chairs....I suspect they had more but 10 will work. We will most likely buy another 10 as we routinely have 30 people at family gatherings.  

We have been having Nolan over on Wednesday nights. This week both girls had plans and we were glad he came over anyway. I'd made a salad earlier and threw ribs in the oven when we got home. A few roasted veggies and we were good to go. Nolan has been put on a gluten free diet so we're all learning new tricks. He began teaching me cribbage and we watched an episode of Lost in Space. 

Allie is completing this year of her college coursework online and working as well. She's got dreams and goals and is diligently working towards reaching those goals as soon as possible. What we are able to offer covers her tuition, but she will NEED to be able to take a year or two off from working to focus solely on finishing her course and so she's working hard and saving much now. This is a common sight. 

Stacia is continuing her college coursework in residence at Alaska Bible College. She's keeping busy with school and student government.  What we are able to offer covers her tuition and after starting the year working full time she's enjoying not working at this point. She's more traditional in her choice of study space...table in the basement study/library. 

Taco Thursday found us at Nolan and Alex's for dinner. In addition to the other items, I experimented with gluten free cookies... Krista and Nolan have been meeting weekly for dinner for over year. About 6 - 9 months ago they began inviting us all and we try to make most weeks. Since all the dietary issues we are eating more at home where it's easier to watch out for dairy and gluten. Krista and Nolan settled on a walk at 5 and dinner at 6 for any who wanted to attend. We opted to skip the walk in single digit temps. Arielle and kids joined for the walk and skipped dinner. Bre and kids skipped the walk and joined for dinner. 

Izaak was on call but was able to stop by for dinner. It was good to catch up with him. The girls went to a movie, Dad, Mike and I joined the family.

GG and 4 of BreZaak's kids 

We are spending as much time as we possibly can with KrUke and the kids. Luke and Krista will be moving this summer. Krista is due for a pcs, we've been lucky to have Krista at JBER for 4 years. The assignment process has changed a bit, and supervising chaplains now bid for chaplains they'd like to fill their open billets. Krista has received 8 bids.  Now, we wait to see if assignments give her any one of these - all of which she'd love - or if they have a new adventure in mind for her. LOL 

Krista, Nuska and Nolan (Alex in the background)

Millie came back from the groomer with 3 bows AND a scarf. She's stylin. 

And here we are on Friday evening. Dad woke up feeling under the weather. Allie headed to work early. She is spending the evening with some friends in Anchorage. Stacia has been busy with homework all day, has a zoom meeting with missionaries in Japan and is heading over to the college for a student government sponsored event in a bit. 

I played with four of Bre's children while she and the other went to the dentist. It was great fun. 

We got word that the trial for Josiah's alleged murderer will not begin next week and probably not in December. We are looking more towards February. While planning is a bit of a pain, we are at peace. God knows the jury, the judge, and the timing...

I plan to settle down with some warm soup, a cuppa tea and cozy book to read. 

GRACE NOTES:

1. Family. 

2. Books

3. A warm house. 

Another Flannel Monday

They just keep coming...and I am learning whilst I try to face emotions head on there was a significant amount of denial in this past year.  Our new reality is counting the days of missing Josiah in years instead of days, weeks and months.  This goes on and on...an eternity.  I do suspect I will still count in months for some time...and flannel Monday...my soul seems to know even if my brain forgets for a day or so....

This "garden" is so peaceful. I made it out and discovered it's time to switch out my picnic blanket for a camping chair or bench.  When we selected the spot, they'd said we could snow blow a path to Josiah's grave. It's a fairly steep climb and I wanted to get rid of the snow so others could simply visit...and so I went out with a shovel and big thermos of tea.  I'm not sure HOW one would push a snow blower up this hill...I finally settled on simply packing down the snow and making a path. 

I also cleared his marker...of course it dumped another 10 - 12 inches in the past 2 days...so well...it makes for a winter work out. I nearly got myself stuck. It's time to put some gravel in the back of the van...or talk Michael into going with me in the truck.  

The most priceless thing I've discovered this year is those comfortable with simply being with me.  Tears remain my superpower - certainly not as frequent or predictable. I am thankful to those who have become comfortable with tears. 

The trial? We won't be in court Thanksgiving week watching jury selection. There is talk the three-week trial may begin Dec 9th.  Nothing is set - I check Alaska Court View daily to catch a date. It makes it hard to plan or feel very festive with a trial looming over the month of December. 

Just some Monday thoughts.  

In other news, I finished the 27-page application packet for Dad for the third time. We are trying to get some help...it feels like I can focus on the blog again now that we've got another trust set, and the application ready to go again! 

Michael and GG enjoyed an hour and a half playing with BreZaak's kids...I enjoyed sitting in the driveway chatting with Bre. ::snort:: OK - honestly, she and I drove her van over to Midas - the heater went out...and when we got home we did sit out in the driveway for a good 30 minutes. It's a thing. 

It's taken a turn for the COLD...like negative 6 this morning...and it got up to 6 degrees today.  Winter is here. I cannot continue to insist on fall. 

GRACE NOTES:

1. Driveway discussions and grand time with kids. 

2. Projects finished. 

3. Memories which accompany tears, which are healing I'm told. 

Surprise from Stanley

 We first met Stanley when Jared was managing his campaign for the Alaska State House of Representatives. He won.  We fell in love with Stanley. Stanley asked if he could come to this month's family gathering. Sure thing. As the day went on it was apparent Stanley would be late, the roads were getting worse, he still wanted to come. We were a bit perplexed. I asked Jared if he was going to sell us a time share. ::snort:: 

No, he wanted to present us with a citation from the 33rd State Legislature in honor and memory of Josiah saving a life!

Jamin, Stanley, Jared

Livie, Stanley, Josi & Carrie

Stanley made sure we had lots of extra copies. I'm on a search for frames! We'll give the framed copy to Carrie and the girls.  This was a moving ending to a heart full day. 

I'm still in awe of the way Josiah's life impacted others; in life and death. 

November Family Gathering

November is a big month in our family. Michael used to be the only birthday but in a few short years he now shares the birthday month with four kids, with Jojo and Trudy sharing his birthday on the 17th. We gathered this month to celebrate Michael (64), Benny (7), Danny (4), Jojo (4) and Trudy (2). 

Ah - but before the cake there was OUTSIDE play. I try to maintain fall until Thanksgiving, but Alaska makes it difficult. Oh - my heart! Four of the seven members of our boy gang! Gideon and Jojo came later. Rylin wasn't able to join us this month. 

Charles, Danny, Noah, Benny  📷by JaRissa

It began snowing...magical fall weather! 

Jared and Noah

First snowfight of the year...Jamin and Jared are Funcles.

Jamin, Liv, Charles, Danny, Noah, Jared, Benny

It has been so fun to watch Danny enjoy the cooler weather this year. In year's past he wanted NOTHING to do with outside. I think the extra layers he has been putting on is increasing his love of the outdoors. It may be difficult to move - but he's outside! LOL 

Danny

Jamin and Livie

Benny and Danny had asked Stacia for a Mario cake. She told them it wasn't going to happen this year. She woke up with a couple of extra hours in the morning and decided she could finish homework on Sunday and make a small cake for them after all.  This Mario cake joined the two ice cream cakes Michael made for the event. I often wonder what it would have been like to be raised near so many cousins and aunts and uncles around me. These kids are blessed. 

There was plenty of inside activity for those who would rather skip the arctic outside. Nolan and Stacia played cribbage. 

Papa simply sat in his chair and played with various grands. 

Papa Mike and Ellie (CoRielle's youngest)

Larissa, Allie, Noah and Livie

There is ALWAYS a moment when Charles visits when it's time to clean Bachan's. He tried to enlist Noah's aid this month. 

Papa Mike and Danny

Buying this Play and Pack was a great investment. I'm on the lookout for a highchair or two as well. Josi and Ellie nap in it and Ellie loves to be inside the play and pack - safe from boy chaos. She adds quite a bit happy vocal chaos from the safety of our "cage." 

Ellie entertains Trudy and Danny

Arielle and Ellie 📷by Larissa

Jared, Ellie and Bachan (me)📷by Larissa

Funcle Jamin as a jungle gym! 

Jamin with Josi and Noah📷by Larissa

Noah is happy to help Daddy with his cake 📷by Larissa

Nuska (KrUke's dog) and Carrie📷by Larissa

Papa and Danny📷by Larissa

GG and Noah📷by Larissa

Carrie & Josi📷by Larissa

Noah and GG with the National Geographic📷by Larissa

It's always a blessing and a privilege to be together. "Winter" gatherings present challenges in dealing with 12 - 14 kids in a small area....but are making new plans this year. Soon - we will have everyone bring snow shovels and help to make a sledding run in the back yard. Nolan, Alex and Jamin are planning to bring a Nintendo in the winter months...we'll figure it out.  It's almost overwhelmingly loud and chaotic - but its sacred and blessed...and my soul is always refreshed after spending time with these people! This month we missed Izaak, Alex, Kaelyn and Rylan. 

GRACE NOTES: Family! 

Josiah's Celebration of Life - a Year Later

 This is another hard day....Carrie says it so well and is allowing me to share her words today. 

Liv and Carrie at Josiah's celebration of life

Last year on this day was Josiah’s celebration of life. It may sound odd, but that was one of my favorite days ever. While it was incredibly hard and there were many tears, his life was truly celebrated!

That day embodied who Josiah was and the incredible faith he had. We witnessed his parents unwavering faith and strength as they told me they would continue to honor his vows to me and told the woman he saved that she was worth losing him over. I got to hug that woman and tell her we love her.

Hundreds of people came from all over the country, and I’ve never seen so much flannel.

I experienced a love from my church I didn’t know existed. The amount of money, time, and effort ACF spent to make that day perfect while asking absolutely nothing of me still amazes me.

I still get told nearly every week about how Josiah’s celebration of life brought people to church and is continuing to bring people to Jesus.

I look back on Josiah’s celebration of life with so much gratitude and beautiful memories of all his favorite people celebrating the incredible life and legacy he lived!

This Week

Remnants of one of our hoop houses. 

Cory came over and helped Michael for a few hours today.  Their main jobs were to load all the stuff for a end of summer dump run and to move things around so that our plow man can plow snow as far back as possible at the start of this season.  We felt good at the end of the day. We didn't get ALL our projects done this year - but we are ready for the winter...and we have been told snow is coming this week. 

It DID snow a bit at our place on Monday - we got about 1/2 an inch. Other places all around us got 6 - 8 inches. ::snort:: 

This first snow is supposed to melt away - there are predictions of 40* later in the week. BUT it has reminded us the deck project needs finished! Our part is done, the hot tub is functional, however, as the ice and snow arrive it's apparent we NEED Aaron to finish the steps and the railings. It's a bit precarious going up and down these when they're icy - and the hot tub is at the bottom of the stairs. 

This side of the deck is finished - needs a railing in the back, stairs, and handrails. 

We laid boards across the forms...so close to being done. 

 Tuesday Michael delivered some goodies to church staff. 

I WAS SICK....the first cold of the year. It's time to start taking all the vitamins and immune boosters again. Michael went to lifegroup without me. I slept a lot. 

Wednesday, Michael woke up feeling the beginnings of a cold. I felt some better, so I went to Fred's and replenished our fresh produce, ORANGES, and ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup. Also - since Wednesdays are our Nolan Night I picked up stuff to make a dairy free/gluten free dinner. The highlight of the trip was running into Debbie, she and her husband are our lifegroup leaders. I was behind a woman in line and began to think, "That looks like Debbie." But you know - I was behind her. I inched up beside her and said, "Hi Debbie" and then realized if it WASN'T Debbie I was going to have some "splaining to do!"  I was relieved. 

Today I took Allie and Stacia out for Voting Breakfast. WELL....it was voting breakfast for Stacia and me. Allie had therapy and work....but we dragged her out with us for breakfast. We used to go to this cafe twice a week for Bible studies...we haven't this year. It was sweet how happy they were to see us back. 

Stacia and I headed to vote. I can understand why voting this year seems awful to Gen Z...I'm not incredibly thrilled myself...but I've told the girls how Grams wasn't allowed to vote for the first decades of her life...and how she worked for women to get the vote....and we should vote. And so....we voted. 

Our Borough has the best voting stickers! It would have only taken 18 minutes if I was alone...took us 25 minutes from the time we got in line as Stacia reads things very thoroughly. ::wink:: I read the election booklet thoroughly and knew the names and numbers I was looking for ahead of time. LOL  This is not the girls' first time to vote, it is their first time to vote in a presidential election.  

I won't allow complaining for the next four years if they don't vote...ad there about 16 choices on the Alaska ballot. 

Millie didn't vote - but she had opinions

We had heard stories of 2 and 3 hour waits...so Stacia had extra time. It was snowing. We baked cinnamon rolls, while the Christmas music played, grabbed hot drinks and watched a cozy episode of When Calls the Heart.  We don't usually do Christmas music this early. Stacia pointed out we probably wouldn't feel like celebrating Christmas in December so we should do it when we felt it. She's not wrong. 

Michael has taken Stacia in to Eagle River. Allie is bringing a friend from work home for dinner and visiting.  I had to lock Millie in the room as she does not appreciate trick or treaters as much as I do. Of course, we've only recived a group of teen boys at this point. 

It's snowed all afternoon - so peaceful and pretty. I thought it was supposed to all melt today. 

GRACE NOTES:

1. Feeling Better.

2. Snow. 

3. Winter time with Stacia.