June Snippets

 Noah expresses the disdain for this rainy summer which we all feel! 

KrUke have strung 4 hammocks at their new site. 

Mid June and we are still waiting for warm weather...but these things have made a valiant comeback. I guess I missed some lettuce last fall. 

Asparagus

Thankful Thursday

I channeled my caterer friend and it WORKED. We had a jam-packed day. I didn't stress or snip at my family. I was able to relax and enjoy all the people. I envisioned a blog post that made perfect sense, but I forgot to take some of the key photos....I've decided instead this will be a day in the life....

I had done as much as I could early.  I finished things up in good time...for Lindsey and Shannon to arrive for brunch. Allie worked an 0600 - 1000 shift so she could be here for brunch and dinner tonight. 

Young pastors and less young pastors. ::snort:: 

We waited for the goodbye as long as possible. We had a goodbye church service, and a goodbye lunch, but they left the valley this evening, so the reality is today's goodbye brunch is our "see you later."  We DID discuss the possibility of one of the girls going to Evangel. ::snort:: 

Yes, this one hurts. My people just won't stay put! I so imagined they stayed put in civilian life. Bre had sent me photos of her Mother's Day rose earlier in the week and told me the thoughts she was having that went along with it. I looked this a.m. during my quiet time and MY ROSE IS DOING THE SAME THING!  The rose was beautiful...new and fragrant. Eventually the bloom began to look a bit bedraggled. Bre's died. Mine is still hanging in....She said this reminded her of her friendship with Lindsey.  (Stay with me). It's beautiful in its season. 

But look! From the STEM of that flower is growing NEW SHOOTS. As this season comes to an end God is faithful to bring new life in the new season.  It's a cool visual and I put the bedraggled flower in the center of my table all day as I entertained...to remind me...seasons change, and it's sad and you DO lose something...but new shoots begin and new life is worth being protected, cultivated and celebrated too. 

Shannon, Lindsey, Me, Michael, Stacia, GG, Allie📷 by Shannon

📷 by Shannon

The girls and I had an appointment to get our eyebrows waxed. We ran out and did that and delivered some stuff to Bre from Lindsey. 

The girls both drifted off for naps. I started in on a ham for dinner. I have never bought a ham with the rind/skin still on it. HOWEVER, that is what came in my click list. I was following the internet directions on how to slit and slide the skin off...when I, once again, filleted my thumb. The ham did turn out good. I saved the recipe and will give this another try. 

Cory and Arielle showed up and DID OUR YARD AGAIN today. What a blessing. I was planning on doing it tomorrow (as much as I could). We have several more engagements before Sunday and Michael is preaching so I knew he didn't have time to do it...but I really love it when it IS done...and as always - there is still lots I can do if I get the time....but this is lovely. 

They bring snacks for the boys, and they jump on the trampoline while their Mom and Dad mow. We invited them to stay for dinner, but they were heading home for pizza and movies. 

Benny, Little Buddy & Danny in the back 

We had new friends over tonight...Verdie and Cathy and Daniel and Andrea and their two children. It was a wonderful night as we sat around the table and shared some of our stories. I look forward to being part of their stories going forward. 

And so, we celebrated both the bloom and the new shoot today. I am thankful for both seasons. I am thankful for the people God is faithful to bring into our lives. I am thankful for the season past and the season going forward. I am so very thankful our story intersected with Shannon and Lindsey's story. God has done and is doing a good thing.  

Imagine people sitting around the table sharing a meal, laughter and life....I forgot to take a picture until I was cleaning up. LOL 

This Girl is on FIRE!

 Well, then! 

The day began bright and early. I had a LONG list of things to get done today so I can enjoy the next 4 days of socializing and hospitality. While I worked my list Papa kept working on his project for the grands. I think he's trying to have it finished by Saturday.  The rain and wind have made it difficult - but it's shaping up. Their little house matches our house now. 

I picked up groceries - and had to run into the store for all the things they wouldn't let me put on the click it order and for a few items I wanted to buy for Women's Ministry. 

I came home and made two desserts - one for Thursday night and one for Saturday. I forgot the gummy worms for Thursday night. (Just made a note to pick some up while I'm out tomorrow). 

I am TERRIBLE about making calls to schedule appointments. I scheduled Stacia's wisdom teeth extraction, Millie's grooming, an appointment for Dad and a pedi for me. I had to call and reschedule the first three when I realized the girls and I are going to be off exploring Alaska with Krista during the time I scheduled the appointments...this wasn't the most efficient use of time. While I was on the phone with the oral surgeon my car went CRAZY. I could NOT get the alarm to turn off and it got louder and louder and louder! YIKES. Michael finally got the crazy thing turned off. 

Stacia came up and offered to help me do a general cleaning of the house. I was THANKFUL. 

At about 2 p.m. I really needed some breakfast. ::snort::  I had resisted the urge to buy a chai from my favorite coffee shack when picking up groceries. I so wanted to take it to the river with a book...but I KNEW I could have chai at home....on my deck...with one of my blueberry scones...it seemed important to make sure I actually DID this or it will be harder resisting temptation NEXT time.  Stacia agreed and joined me for a tea break. 

The little break gave us a second wind. Stacia is working hard to have all her work done for her current Global class. She is scheduled to take the final exam on Friday and needs all the projects and work turned in first. She went off to work, play with Millie and who knows....

I entered receipts into our spreadsheet, cleaned bathrooms, did my hair...these chickens live a good life....chai tea...they were more interested in pecking my painted toenails. I'm trying to keep them happy as I need 2 doz eggs for dishes I'm making between now and Saturday. LOL 

Then JENNI walked in the door! I love pop ins.  We don't get a lot of surprise visitors out here. I guess it wasn't a pure pop in, but as I hadn't checked my texts - it counts as a surprise! 

Then ALLIE walked in! I thought she'd be busy until late tonight - it was fun to see her a bit earlier than expected. Stacia and Jenni headed out to talk all things children's church. I threw dinner at Michael and Dad. Allie and I raced to the church. Michael and Dad followed. 

We prayed, visited, had women's Bible study and youth. Michael edited last Sunday's service video and began the upload. I stuck around after study to publish it to YouTube....it's been a good day. 

Everything on the list other than "pay bills x2" is checked off. 

Tuesday Thoughts

 "You seemed a bit down last night and not yourself" a friend texted today. Wasn't it sweet of her to check in? She was right. I had dinner with delightful people, and I was aware I was quiet, and watchful, which is evidently not how I typically present in a group. ::wink:: I didn't sleep much last night, and I finally realize what is going on. As a missionary kid and in the Air Force I KNEW moves were coming. Nothing stayed the same. Transitions happened quite often in our congregations and among ministry staff.  When I give my heart away - it's given.  In my idealized life of "normal" people, civilian people - people stayed put for generations. I didn't realize how hard it would hit to have Shannon and Lindsey leave. Even if they moved on, I expected they'd still be in ALASKA.  This is SILLY. Many have known them twice as long (or longer) than I have. However, I am finding myself introspective and sad as the time approaches for them to not only leave the church, but the state. I'm excited for them. I'm also selfish and would like to have them close by. I am so proud of them, yet I am grieving. Many things can be true at the same time. I've been so busy the last couple of months I haven't had time to process - and the processing has begun. I've been in this space many times. 

I finally fell asleep at 4:45 a.m. and my phone rang at 0600...Yep...the web hosting company for the church calling me at the start of their business day. ::snort:: All the companies agree there is nothing more I can do but wait for the mainframe to transfer and so we wait....but I digress. 

I realized very early in the morning hours this would be a day for a BIG cup of caffeine.  I had the strongest tea I could get my hands on. LOL  I headed to CoRielle's to play with the boys. Today is TUESDAY. I do love our Tuesday morning workouts. We kicked mosquitoes, smashed cockroaches, did some odd "star thing" to chase aliens....and we ran, ran, ran, ran....kept our heart rate up. 

Arielle came home a bit early, so I ran to the library, turned in a couple of books and checked out a couple more. I so love having a library in town - even though its temporary. 

Next up was 4 hours of volunteer work at Wholesome food co-op.  I couldn't tell you exactly what happened - but it started with the first shift and continued into my shift - things were just a bit "off" and chaotic. We DID get the job done and in good time too. We even laughed and chatted while we worked.  Of course, the only photos I have are of spoiled produce - and that isn't worth sharing. LOL  Then again - into every life a bit of spoiled produce does come.  If it's organic, its susceptible to spoilage. Right? Maybe that'll preach. 

By way of a reminder - don't buy the cheap strawberries from OGC.

I struggled to keep my eyes open as I drove the 30 minutes home. 

Stacia made dinner and we ate after we got the produce stowed away. She has gone out to deliver eggs and such to her sisters and then to watch an episode of some series at Alex and Nolan's. I think it's Sci Fi. Michael is going out to loan his truck and to help move Shannon and Lindsey's table to Daniel and Joelle's...and he took Dad with him. 

I'm in my pjs and plan to sit with a book until I fall asleep.  I am the only one home. 

Krista's Medal Presentation

I woke Dad up at 0615 today. I needed to get his morning routine finished before Michael and I left the house. Stacia stayed home with him, and we went to JBER in Anchorage to see Krista receive her first Air Force Commendation medal (I think it's her first). 

We found out she'll be getting another one in the upcoming months, so we'll be able to do it again. It was sort of fun to be back in our familiar environment. We can't take Dad because the building is not ADA and there are three long flights of stairs to climb. 

After the presentation, Krista's commander told her to go spend time with her family. She accompanied us to the People Center where we took care of some ID and DEERS issues. 

We got home with an hour to spare. I spent the time working on the church's website issue...Allie went to work; Stacia and I went to the dentist and Michael stayed with GG. 

This evening Michael and I had a dinner with the church board and minister team leaders.

Stacia and GG stayed home and watched Ratoullie. 

It was a full day - and tomorrow will be busier. 

Red Door Coffee and Trudy

 The girls first began talking about coffee and church a year ago. Stacia was taking a class for college and was tasked with coming up with a way to integrate ministry and technology. She had a whole plan revolving around the coffee corner.  I had an epiphany when I realized the simple cup would give us a point of contact with church members. By serving, rather than providing a self-serve coffee bar - we could make sure everyone got a friendly greeting. We wrote up a proposal, but our pastor resigned the week we planned to give it to him.  He suggested we start with serving coffee. We had brainstormed all the equipment we wanted to buy....but in the end we simply began with what we had. 

We DID keep the name we brainstormed - which we hope in time we will develop. 

Red Door Traditionally a red door symbolizes safety and welcome. A red door signifies the owner wants to be a part of the community and will provide a safe welcome to guests.

1308 The 1308 on our red door comes from Romans 13:8 which says, “Owe no one anything except to love one another; for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” NKJV

Our goal @ Red Door Coffee is to foster an atmosphere of safe welcome and love through providing drinks and a smile.

This is our little corner. We started with a single cup Keurig. The church has since bought a bigger Keurig and a steamer for milk. We are off and running. Our goal is to greet and serve... We love getting to know each person who walks by or stops -  one smile and cup at a time. 

The first week we had several volunteers to be greeters!  Women have been great about volunteering to bring baked good for after service.  We are working out the kinks and then we can enlist volunteers to serve the drinks...and the three of us can rotate weeks. 

Bre sent this cute photo of Trudy. She fell asleep like this on the changing table. Church is tiring - even for little baby girls. 

Sixth Colony Days Parade

We converged at BreZaak's. Izaak had homework...but Bre and the kids were ready for the Colony Days Parade. CoRielle and their three boys, Bre and her five children, Jamin, Allie, Stacia and I walked on down to the parade. It felt fantastic to be out and about in our lovely town. How fun to see people we know in the parade and along the route. Facebook tells me it's been 6 years since we entered Alaska today. This is the longest I've EVER lived one place in my entire life. It is also the longest we've lived in one place in our married life.  I spent a bit of time reflecting on our first parade and who was and wasn't  born at that time. Our family has sure grown in these 6 years. I can't wait to see what the next six years bring. 

Jamin, Allie, Arielle, Cory, Little Buddy*, Jojo, Stacia

Arielle holding Danny, Benny (in panther outfit), Bella, Gideon
Annie and Trudy in the first twin stroller

The Berenise Mountain Dogs were one of our favorites! 

The candy is also a favorite. Tip to parade goers - don't sit right over the manhole. I didn't hear Stacia offer her umbrella to cover it. That was a great idea. 

A photo of Allie because we were happy Allie was off work and college and able to join us!!! 

The tractors - especially the GREEN TRACTOR - was a favorite with this Bachan and Danny and Little Buddy. They LOVE that book. Here is a long line of tractors...

Jojo would be happy to take some candy. 

📷by Bre

📷by Bre

Sweet Trudy. 

📷by Bre

Annie was contained. She would have loved to be chasing candy down the street...but she did GREAT staying in the stroller without complaining. 

📷by Bre

The kids were TERRIBLY excited to see the fire trucks and the fire dog at the top of the truck. 

📷by Bre

📷by Bre

After the parade the rest went to explore the food trucks and bouncy houses. Since we'd done that yesterday, and Allie had to work this evening...we opted to run by Freddies for some milk and head home to RELAX....VIBE....

I threw some steaks in the oven...and cooked them slow...YUMM.  We had a salad, beans and a bit of dirt cake left...easy dinner. Michael took care of clean up so Stacia and I could run to the church to set up the Red Door coffee corner. 

Michael, Stacia and I took all the inputs we have and got all the dates on the calendar for next week. It's going to be busy. I think we can. I even think we should. 

Everyone is having a bit of down time and I did a bit of ministry paperwork and decided to blog. Now I will rest....but the sun won't go down until 11:30 p.m. and I'm sure to pop awake before 3 a.m. when it starts lightening. I AM starting to appreciate parts of our winters. 

*RE Little Buddy and the heart stickers. I know if you are new to the blog, it may seem odd. Why do you reveal names and faces of all but one? Is one of your children nervous about posting their child on the blog?  Why are you posting this child if his parents are nervous? I do get questions. All the kids you see are grandchildren...or children of Mike and I. Little Buddy is Cory and Arielle's foster son. We won't reveal his name or face as long as he is a foster child. He is one month older than Danny and has lived with them since July 2022. He's precious to us.