In A Moment Everything Changes

Stacia is absolutely "knocking her senior year outta the park!" She's "killing it."  This morning a note from our mayor arrived. She's finally realized they are NOT joking when they send these letters. It congratulates her for being in the top 10% of Alaska's graduates and for earning a scholarship at any university in the state system.  Her heart is set on being a missionary and she is plotting a direct course through Bible school to Japan. It is highly unlikely she will detour for a stint at one of our universities...but who knows? God always funds his plans. 

She isn't coasting, her coursework is so interesting to her that she is up early and working hard. She has a plan to finish her high school curriculum by the end of the 3rd quarter - and she's taking a FULL load. She will then have the 4th quarter of her senior year to work solely on college credits.  This has been her plan. She applied to a program with Global University (an Assembly of God University) to begin taking courses as a high school student. Then, she waited. 

At dinner tonight she mentioned she'd not heard from Global yet about her application. She was wanting to start the first class in January. I checked my phone and saw an email from the university. I handed my phone to her to read. 

She's accepted and can begin immediately. She'll have to take the first 3 courses one at a time, maintain a certain GPA and if she does - she'll be free to switch over and go full bore. She has six months to finish each course, but we suspect she'll have the first one done by the end of the 3rd quarter...and finish the next two her 4th quarter. We'll see. She's highly motivated to "get it done."

Stacia said it well. "In a moment, everything changes and yet nothing changes."

Doesn't that sum up so much of a senior year? She is still in high school. She'll still be at home. BUT she's been accepted into the University she thinks she will want to attend for her Bachelor's in Intercultural Studies. She believes she'll eventually be able to do a semester abroad and stay with some missionaries in Japan. She'll begin college courses in January. 

We are proud of Stacia! We knew when she figured out what she wanted to do she would chase it down wholeheartedly. Y'all she's suffered since the earthquake, but she's ready to go back.  It's fun to watch. 

Winter Solstice

GG/Dad had a doctor appointment today. CoRielle had shoveled out a spot for us...but with the girls' snowbound cars so close in it meant the driver had to wade in drifts to get in....Stacia and I went out to shovel out Allie's spot, so she could move over to her spot. We also needed to widen the cleared area between my spot and their spots so we could all get into the car without wading in drifts. Millie is happy to help. 

We're making progress - slow and steady. 

The thing is we didn't want to just "throw it out of the way." We needed to MOVE it clear out of the parking area.  Allie had an appointment she needed to get to the first day and much of the snow came off her car into the space between cars. As we considered how we wanted to tackle the project we saw Michael had a plan. He had packed down several paths. We loaded up our shovels and dragged them along the paths. It would be SO much easier if we had utility sled. 

Our property has a drop off at the end of the trail....well it used to be quite a drop off. It's full of snow now....but anyway that's where we dragged a lot of snow.  The moose have obviously found the trails and appreciate Micahel's hard work. 

We worked as long as we could and still get inside and get ready for GG's doctor's appointment. 

Years ago, I learned to snatch one on one time with the kids while out running errands.  I asked if anyone wanted to come along. Allie opted to come with me and GG. Stacia stayed home and had the house alone. She used the time to make Christmas Crack and some chocolate/kiss cookies for an upcoming tea.

Allie and I were able to talk on the ride over, and she enjoyed time reading in the waiting room. Michael had an appointment and met up with us at the doctors. We discussed new complaints Dad has and how to juggle quality vs. quantity of life issues. 

Michael took Dad out for lunch, a haircut and a quick shopping errand. 

Allie and I were able to snatch more time to talk, headed to Freddies to pick up a few groceries, as well as Dad's meds. 

We got home in time for Allie and Stacia to head to the youth Christmas Party. I met with four other youth moms at a local cafe for drinks, eats and talk. It was wonderful. 

It was a full day.  Today is winter solstice. Yes, it's dark...but we should be gaining a bit of light every day now...

Bachan Needs to Bring Her A Game

 Oy vey! Bachan needs to bring her A game when she comes to play at CoRielle's. ::snort:: I love that we ALWAYS begins with drinks and then our exercise - which is really "chase games" on YouTube. 

Little Buddy, Danny & Benny

It's darling that they haven't figured out you ALWAYS win these races...tricky videos, coach! I love Tuesday's workout. 

Today was a bit of a challenge as both Danny and Little Buddy were checking out all the boundaries. 

"Walk away Danny." 

"Walk away Little Buddy." 

"Make a better choice Little Buddy." 

In the end I pulled out all my Mommy tricks to ensure we could continue to have fun, but I could keep the 2 2 year Olds in check.... I collected a variety stuff and moved it all to the top of the fridge. Bowl of remotes anyone? 

And then there was the discussion with Benny. "Bachan - what does your schedule look like?" 

Oh, oh. I knew I was falling down on the job. I always take the grands out for a date...we eat, we shop, we wrap gifts and I take them back home. I even bought crafts to do at our house this after shopping.  I knew BreZaak's kids wouldn't be able to this year...and then we lost the three weeks in December....so I plan to take Liv and Benny and the boys out in January. Benny is politely honest. 

"Why, Benny?" 

"Do you have time for a shopping date with me?" 

"Can we do it after Christmas?" 

"I think before Christmas." 

Bachan needs to bring her A game. LOL We have a plan. The girls are going out with Arielle on Friday morning, Cory will be home with the twos, and I am going to take Benny out - before Christmas. 

This afternoon was co-op. I picked up two new things to try from the extra table.... limequats and rambutan. Limequats taste like little lemons. Good stuff.  Rambutans? 

These are interesting little fruit.  First discovery - one does NOT eat the skin. Second discovery - it takes like a big, peeled grape. 

My final discovery of the day? I need to be more mindful when buying bulk herbs.  A pound of bay leaves is a lot of bay leaves! And I think my vacuum sealer will crush them. 

Bay leaves anyone? 

First, Dig out the Car...

 A day of calm before the crazy pace takes over. I had hoped to get a couple of things done today, but in the end, Stacia left with Michael and Allie and by the time they returned the day was gone and it was dinner time. Ah well. 

Michael and Allie had an appointment this morning at DMV. Since everyone was sick immediately after buying Allie's new car, the title hadn't been changed over. And would you believe you cannot get a vanity license plate in Alaska anymore? They discontinued it during COVID.  ANYWAY - before the DMV Allie had a task...dig the car out and start it up to make sure the battery etc was fine. 

She got it dug out. It started right up. It was stuck and Stacia and Alex helped push it out of the deep snow. Stacia went along to get more winter driving practice. Allie picked up a co-worker and headed to work. Stacia drove Michael to Wasilla, and all around our town. He said she did great with both the highway driving and the winter driving. She's got a driving test coming up and we were sorry all this snow got dumped right before her big day. LOL  She's asked us if we think she should wait for spring to learn to drive her manual car...not sure. 

They were gone ALL afternoon.  I could have done the projects alone, but I wanted to do them with the girls...or at least one of the girls.  There are still days left....right? I finished a book I need to return to the library tomorrow. LOL 

We had a lazy night here at home. There were only 5 of us for dinner.  GG went to bed fairly early. We sat in a quiet living room where Michael and I read beside the light of the Christmas tree and Stacia worked on a gift for the upcoming youth Christmas party. 

Stacia has hatched a plan to double up school after her Christmas break and finish her senior year a few months early. I think she's ready to really hit the college classes. LOL 

Christmas Sunday

 For the first time in several weeks, I was able to go to church.  It seems I was home because GG was sick. Then the girls were sick. Maybe it's only been 2 weeks - feels like longer. LOL Christmas Sunday is a great Sunday to show up at church. We came home laden with wonderful tokens of friendship and community...cards, photos, soup cozies (not sure what they're called), candy, fuzzy socks, sourdough bread...AND it was good to worship in community again. 

Michael LOVES a specific restaurant in our town. They have recently been closed on Sundays and Mondays due to manning. They were open this week and so there was no discussion needed about Sunday lunch options. We headed over for calzones. It was just the 5 of us today. Stacia ended up sitting with the sun in her face. She amused us by discovering all the floaties in the air around us. She was truly disgusted to think that it's always there, but unseen.  That'll preach. 

We had timed things to be able to pick up a grocery order for BreZaak and drop it off before drove back out to our place. Unfortunately, Freddies was running way behind. Everyone went home. I decided I'd take the hour to do some Christmas stocking shopping for the girls.  The order was delayed another hour. I ended up not getting home until after 4:30 p.m. I did get most everything I wanted for the girl's Christmas Stockings. We don't do our household exchange until January 6th, and our family gift exchange is on NYE...so the focus is simply on filling those stockings, prepping for our Christmas Adam Tea, and a rousing Jesus Birthday Party. 

Please do pray for BreZaak's family. As of yesterday, Bre is the only one left standing. Even little Trudy has the flu. Izaak is on the mend so the upward journey to health has begun. Little Trudy is a month old, there is nothing sadder than a sick baby. 

Look at the fun going on in Eagle River today. I LOVE that Noah is expected in January - just what one needs to break up winter blahs around here. It's getting REAL when the furniture gets set up. It's a darling room - I love the comforter.  Thanks to Larissa for sending the photos. 

📷by Larissa

📷by Larissa

See the glider? I was moved to tears when I considered all the hours of cuddling and bonding which will happen in that sweet spot.  The baby years are HARD, but those years are amazing as well. We're all excited for our little miracle, Noah's, arrival. 

📷by Larissa

You know...the fact that Christmas is a week away has jumped out at me. I spent a week with BreZaak's family after Trudy arrived, everyone was sick for a week, and I lost another week and a half due to the snowstorm. This IS one way to make winter go by fast! 

A Great Saturday

📷by Larissa 

The most exciting event today may well be Larissa and Jared attending childbirth classes. January is so near! I am still bummed we had to postpone the family shower we had planned for JaRissa and Noah due to illness. Larissa is so near giving birth we will do all we can to keep germs far from her....maybe we'll have to give them the gifts before the shower. LOL 

All those younger siblings paid off for Jared today as his mad child-tending skills came back. LOL 

📷by Larissa 

📷by Larissa 

The girls and I went thrifting today. It was a very profitable day. Stacia found a great coat for me. Mine was a thrift store find 5 years ago and the zipper broke. I have been looking at retail stores but refuse to pay the exorbitant price for a coat. I've also been checking thrift stores and haven't found anything. She found one that is warm, zips AND snaps (a backup plan for future use), has big pockets and I like it - $15.  Every year I have a little gift I give the girls at our Christmas Adam Tea.  This year I'm trying very hard to stay in a budget and pare back spending....and so I did not want to spend the $350 I spent last year on the gifts....I found all I needed at thrift stores. I found the same thing in two DIFFERENT thrift stores. LOL I spent $15. I also bought a verity of containers I need for another gift I plan to work on.... Allie found a sweater, jeans and a jacket. Stacia found a jacket she's been looking for for months. 

Look at all the snow in town. If WE have a hard time figuring out where to put it all - the task is nearly impossible in a city neighborhood.  You can see the girl's (and their families) homes are about snowed under. LOL 

Happy Anniversary to CoRielle

This is a SPLIT level house and look how far up the steps and door frame the snow has gotten. 

Michael took Stacia out for some winter driving education. They brought pizza home for dinner. I harvested a batch of kombucha and started the next batch fermenting. The last batch I made was simply the starter tea, peach syrup and home canned apple juice. Everyone liked it, Michael mentioned missing the red juices. The rest of us really liked this...so I made another batch and added pomegranate juice to the mix this time. We are making a gallon at a time rather than 2 gal at a time and that is working well. 

We settled in to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas and DryBar comedy skits. 

Yes, I KNOW she's on the wrong side - I 
wanted it for the photo. 

Friday!

I played around with a recipe and created these. They are a hit. They are NOT sugar free.  They are going to our Bahai neighbor who acts more Christ-like than many Christians. Oops - did I say THAT???? I need to get them delivered BEFORE many more are eaten.  I need to buy more candy and make some variations for our Christmas Adam Tea and our Christmas Day Jesus party.  I think I could use Snickers or Thin Mints as well as Reeses.... 

Six Sisters No Bake Reese Fudge Bar - sorta 

Since some will wonder if I only deliver to those who are friendly. NO. BUT...we've taken things around since we moved here to our neighbors (we don't live on a typical city block). I had noted some oddities in response. Michael mentioned last time he thought there was a bit of hostility...so we will not take goodies around to neighbors who seem to read it as a hostile takeover attempt. We will deliver to those two or three who seem comfortable with the idea of neighbors being neighborly... We'll think of new ways to be friendly to those who seem not to want one on their property. LOL In what I think may be a GOD THING...the one hostile got a new dog and their dog loves to run away to our yard...so we get to smile, retrieve the dog and exchange a bit of good cheer when the dog breaks away. Who knows? 

Michael and I, the girls, Alex and GG all went to Anchorage to watch the new Avatar movie. It was an end of the year appreciation Jamin hosted for all his realty clients. Our thought was a free movie, dinner and drive through lights at ACF in Eagle River.  It was fun to see Jamin and CoRielle and boys at the movie. That is a LONG movie. We were getting out at 7:40 p.m. and since Alex had to be up at 0400....we opted to skip dinner and lights. We came home and Alex went downstairs. GG had some dinner. The girls and I had hot drinks and visited a bit, and we called it a night. 

The drive was beautiful. We only saw on wreck. Maybe folks are getting their winter driving skills honed. 

Thanks, again Jamin, for the night at the movies. We loved it.