UPDATE: Thanks to those of you who gave me the heads up on the videos not playing back in this post. I've changed the settings, and you should be able to watch them here now. As you probably can tell, I'm working through past photos to get caught up to current news! These were back from October (or maybe November) when Anna was just starting to walk!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Volcano News
In case you've been following the news and wondering how it affects us, here's a map showing the proximity of Mt. Redoubt to us! If it really blows, then we will be affected to some degree from ash fall, but how seriously (or not) will totally depend on the weather and wind. Basically, no news is good news.
And from the latest update posted on the Alaska Volcano Observatory website:
ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Friday, January 30,
2009 12:20 PM (Friday, January 30, 2009 21:20 UTC)REDOUBT VOLCANO (CAVW
#1103-03-)60°29'7" N 152°44'38" W, Summit Elevation 10197 ft (3108 m)Current
Aviation Color Code: ORANGECurrent Volcano Alert Level: WATCHUnrest at Redoubt
Volcano continues, though no eruption has yet occurred. Seismicity levels have
increased since yesterday evening and have also risen markedly over the last
hour. Pilot reports, clear AVO webcam views, and satellite and radar views
confirm that Redoubt Volcano has not yet erupted at the time of this report.
Redoubt remains at Aviation Color Code ORANGE and Volcano Alert Level
WATCH.AVO's website continues to be overwhelmed with traffic today likely due to
the extensive local and national news coverage of this activity. A backup,
low-bandwidth webserver is operating with limited information.Staff are
currently monitoring the volcano 24 hours a day. We will issue further
information as it becomes available.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fire Safety Story Hour
The local library has a themed story hour every Friday, and quite a while back it was for fire safety...complete with a visit from the fire fighters and a chance to tour a rescue truck!
The boys wore all their gear, and were quite the hit with everyone. Andrew was the only one who wanted to try on an actual helmet, and was amazed at how heavy it was. They had the kids crawl under a blanket that was simulating smoke, and they all got to "drive" the truck!
Honestly, Jacob was so overwhelmed by all of it, that he didn't say much and was clingy the whole time we were there (hence the lack of good pictures of him). But oh, how he talked about it for weeks afterwards!
We're up and running...
...or crawling, at least.
Wow, what a whirlwind of a month! Despite my urge to stay hermit-like till I feel like we're finally settled, I thought I'd post an update.
Home Stuff:
Yes, we're moved in, relatively uneventfully. It worked out most excellently (for us, anyway) to have the kiddos with my parents. We were actually pretty much ready for the delightful crew that showed up Saturday morning. Can I just say that God has blessed us immensely with some pretty amazing friends and family? Okay, good-I'll say it. God has blessed us immensely with some pretty amazing friends and family. The moving part went pretty smoothly, and here's a tip for you:
If you want your moving out and subsequent moving in to go really fast, then schedule your move for January when it's -20 degrees. Why? Those movers move pretty fast when it's that cold!
We're actually getting settled in rather quickly...I just have a few more wall hangings to place, and my desk/office is, well, still a disaster. But other than that, and sewing some curtains and such, and the major projects that need to happen later, we're in, and we're loving it. It cracks me up, though, having this much space...the kids and I spend our days trying to locate each other, hollering to get a general sense of direction before finding and conversing (this is a 2000 sf house w/ a full basement. Our previous house could fit in here almost 4 times). We had about 2 weeks of -20 weather, so the boys and I were especially thrilled with the basement, as they spent much of their days riding bikes and scooters down there since it was too cold to play outside!
The huge praise is that we closed on our house!!!! Done deal, finished, dotted lines signed, money exchanged, no loose ends. God is good! I was feeling a tad melancholy about the whole thing, until a few days after our move when I was back at the house to finish up cleaning. And that's when I saw the mold growing up the wall in the corner behind where our corner china hutch had been. And the mold growing in the corner behind where my bedside table had been, even though I had bleached it and sol-u-mel'd it before. I got over being melancholy about it all pretty quickly.
So all in all, life is good in the new place, and I'll post pics...eventually.
Health:
We've made some headway with figuring out Jacob's allergy symptoms. Our chiropractor recently started using a highly sensitive blood sampling test that gets sent out to a lab. We tested Jacob on the panel of 96 foods and 16 environmental allergens. Interestingly enough, he is not allergic to mold, though we'll never know whether the presence of mold is what triggered his allergies (this link is one of them that explains the connection). Whatever the cause, this poor kid (and poor mother who has to cook for him) is allergic to wheat, dairy, eggs, tomatoes, citrus, and peanut butter. And while he is not highly allergic to them (as in, we don't need to carry an epipen around with us), his system is on overload, and we have to strictly adhere to eliminating these foods if his immune system is going to recover. Eventually he may be able to work them back in on a rotation diet, but in the meantime, potlucks are a cruel twist to life as he knows it.
Church:
Thanks for your prayers for our New Year's Eve movie event! We had about 30 adults and 15 kids show up, and the movie really hit home with a lot of people! If you haven't yet had a chance to see the movie Fireproof, we highly recommend it!
Our paperwork to constitute/incorporate has been turned in, and now we're just waiting for it all to be filed at the state level. Ha! As soon as that's done, we can close on this house/property for the church. We have some minor edits to make on our bylaws (it will be "take two" on making those edits. Another friendly tip from me to you: If you have a toddler, and your computer tower is at floor level, don't leave a zip drive plugged into the front of it, as said toddler will attempt to stand on it, snapping it off and rendering all information on said zip drive inaccessible). In general, moving right along.
Sorry to be so lengthy...at least I didn't go into details about installing and reinstalling a new dishwasher, building the goat/dog pens, car trouble for Mark, leading a special joint church service in Sol, or the almost-puking and runny noses going on here. Yeah.
If you still have our old phone # and address from before we bought our house last year, we're back to those. If you don't have them and need them, leave me a comment and I'll email you. And I promise we'll get back to pics soon....enough of this rambling with no pictures to make it worthwhile. Right?
Wow, what a whirlwind of a month! Despite my urge to stay hermit-like till I feel like we're finally settled, I thought I'd post an update.
Home Stuff:
Yes, we're moved in, relatively uneventfully. It worked out most excellently (for us, anyway) to have the kiddos with my parents. We were actually pretty much ready for the delightful crew that showed up Saturday morning. Can I just say that God has blessed us immensely with some pretty amazing friends and family? Okay, good-I'll say it. God has blessed us immensely with some pretty amazing friends and family. The moving part went pretty smoothly, and here's a tip for you:
If you want your moving out and subsequent moving in to go really fast, then schedule your move for January when it's -20 degrees. Why? Those movers move pretty fast when it's that cold!
We're actually getting settled in rather quickly...I just have a few more wall hangings to place, and my desk/office is, well, still a disaster. But other than that, and sewing some curtains and such, and the major projects that need to happen later, we're in, and we're loving it. It cracks me up, though, having this much space...the kids and I spend our days trying to locate each other, hollering to get a general sense of direction before finding and conversing (this is a 2000 sf house w/ a full basement. Our previous house could fit in here almost 4 times). We had about 2 weeks of -20 weather, so the boys and I were especially thrilled with the basement, as they spent much of their days riding bikes and scooters down there since it was too cold to play outside!
The huge praise is that we closed on our house!!!! Done deal, finished, dotted lines signed, money exchanged, no loose ends. God is good! I was feeling a tad melancholy about the whole thing, until a few days after our move when I was back at the house to finish up cleaning. And that's when I saw the mold growing up the wall in the corner behind where our corner china hutch had been. And the mold growing in the corner behind where my bedside table had been, even though I had bleached it and sol-u-mel'd it before. I got over being melancholy about it all pretty quickly.
So all in all, life is good in the new place, and I'll post pics...eventually.
Health:
We've made some headway with figuring out Jacob's allergy symptoms. Our chiropractor recently started using a highly sensitive blood sampling test that gets sent out to a lab. We tested Jacob on the panel of 96 foods and 16 environmental allergens. Interestingly enough, he is not allergic to mold, though we'll never know whether the presence of mold is what triggered his allergies (this link is one of them that explains the connection). Whatever the cause, this poor kid (and poor mother who has to cook for him) is allergic to wheat, dairy, eggs, tomatoes, citrus, and peanut butter. And while he is not highly allergic to them (as in, we don't need to carry an epipen around with us), his system is on overload, and we have to strictly adhere to eliminating these foods if his immune system is going to recover. Eventually he may be able to work them back in on a rotation diet, but in the meantime, potlucks are a cruel twist to life as he knows it.
Church:
Thanks for your prayers for our New Year's Eve movie event! We had about 30 adults and 15 kids show up, and the movie really hit home with a lot of people! If you haven't yet had a chance to see the movie Fireproof, we highly recommend it!
Our paperwork to constitute/incorporate has been turned in, and now we're just waiting for it all to be filed at the state level. Ha! As soon as that's done, we can close on this house/property for the church. We have some minor edits to make on our bylaws (it will be "take two" on making those edits. Another friendly tip from me to you: If you have a toddler, and your computer tower is at floor level, don't leave a zip drive plugged into the front of it, as said toddler will attempt to stand on it, snapping it off and rendering all information on said zip drive inaccessible). In general, moving right along.
Sorry to be so lengthy...at least I didn't go into details about installing and reinstalling a new dishwasher, building the goat/dog pens, car trouble for Mark, leading a special joint church service in Sol, or the almost-puking and runny noses going on here. Yeah.
If you still have our old phone # and address from before we bought our house last year, we're back to those. If you don't have them and need them, leave me a comment and I'll email you. And I promise we'll get back to pics soon....enough of this rambling with no pictures to make it worthwhile. Right?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Moving Day!
We moved into the parsonage on Jan. 5th...it was clear, sunny, and -20 at our old house and -30 at the new! One doesn't stand around to take many pictures at those temps! We had a TON of help from my family and our church family. My mom kept the kids all weekend, Dad came with Andrew to help on Saturday, and we had plenty of trucks and strong backs for the furniture and boxes! Ladies from church helped clean at both houses, and we got done in record time!
Moving in leaves lots of space for new hidey holes and mischief!
Moving in leaves lots of space for new hidey holes and mischief!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Eve
The outreach event we did for New Year's Eve went really well! We showed the movie Fireproof, which if you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it! We had about 35 folks come, and about 15 kids came to see the VeggieTales "Pirates" movie. We served a hot dog dinner, and a shop in town donated the popcorn for us! It was exciting to see our church family come together to pull this off, and it was a great evening with a great message in the movie!
Is this kid for real?
Okay, one more, because in packing I'll lose the scrap paper I wrote this on...
First, some background-but not much, I promise:
We rarely drink soda around here (I know...I'm from "pop" country, but after 8 years here I give up the battle). Mark drinks it less rarely than the rest of us, and the boys always beg for their own if Mark is having some. This request is, of course, met by me with a resounding "No-it's not healthy." Or "No...you'll have water-it's better for you." Mark gives a less resounding "No" because it's accompanied by "just a sip."
Well, we were setting the table for dinner tonight. There is no soda in sight. Jacob climbs up on his chair and asks in the sweetest of voices
"Can I have some healthy water for my drink, please?"
LOL!!!
First, some background-but not much, I promise:
We rarely drink soda around here (I know...I'm from "pop" country, but after 8 years here I give up the battle). Mark drinks it less rarely than the rest of us, and the boys always beg for their own if Mark is having some. This request is, of course, met by me with a resounding "No-it's not healthy." Or "No...you'll have water-it's better for you." Mark gives a less resounding "No" because it's accompanied by "just a sip."
Well, we were setting the table for dinner tonight. There is no soda in sight. Jacob climbs up on his chair and asks in the sweetest of voices
"Can I have some healthy water for my drink, please?"
LOL!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A-Packing we will go
Okay, I realize I should not be blogging right now. I should be packing. We are, after all, loading all of our earthly belongings into the Uhaul in a matter of days.
But, I got A LOT done today, and yesterday, too (truth be told it was Kindra who got a lot done around here yesterday, getting our laundry room/pantry all boxed up). And it does me good to get caught up a bit.
And it's cold. We've been hovering around 2 degrees for the past several days...which is unusual for around here, being by the bay and all. For us to be that cold means everywhere else it's really cold...MP was at -18, Sol. at -25. Being in and out with the puppy and the goats in this kind of weather makes one want to either curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace (if one has a fireplace, which I don't, or a good book-mine are all packed), or sit around and blog. So, here I am.
But, this will end the streak this evening. I just wanted to give you a heads up with where we're at...
Wednesday morning will consist of packing. Afternoon will be at church for music practice, and then taking the kids over to the new house so that they have an inkling of what it looks like. Not that they're acting stressed, but it sure can't hurt to have some idea of your next stop.
Then tomorrow night, New Year's Eve, I have a prayer request! The church is hosting a movie night...we actually got a license to show the new movie Fireproof (from the creators of Facing the Giants). Great message both about turning your life over to God and also about saving or even just improving marriages...which a lot of people could use right now. We're offering free popcorn and hot dog dinners, and even babysitting...all the kids will be watching the new VeggieTales movie The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. Please pray for a great turn out, and for hearts and lives to be open to the working of the Holy Spirit!
Then on Thursday, my parents-bless them!-offered to take all the kids until Saturday. So Mark will run them over Thursday morning, which will enable him to get the necessary fencing from HD to get the new goat pen rigged! So I have all day/all night on Thursday and Friday to pack!
Saturday morning, the Uhaul will arrive, and-hopefully, prayerfully, beggingly-also will lots of helpers! For any of you who "forgot" to put our moving day on your new calendars, here's a friendly reminder and a huge hope that you can come join the fun! :)
At any rate, I'll be offline sooner than later here. I'll keep the computer up till Friday, but shouldn't be doing any blogging, which is a bummer, because I've got some really great Sophie pics-and man, is that girl growing fast! We'll see how I'm doing packing. And then we'll be busy settling in the parsonage! So, if I don't post anything tmo, we'll see you in the new place!
But, I got A LOT done today, and yesterday, too (truth be told it was Kindra who got a lot done around here yesterday, getting our laundry room/pantry all boxed up). And it does me good to get caught up a bit.
And it's cold. We've been hovering around 2 degrees for the past several days...which is unusual for around here, being by the bay and all. For us to be that cold means everywhere else it's really cold...MP was at -18, Sol. at -25. Being in and out with the puppy and the goats in this kind of weather makes one want to either curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace (if one has a fireplace, which I don't, or a good book-mine are all packed), or sit around and blog. So, here I am.
But, this will end the streak this evening. I just wanted to give you a heads up with where we're at...
Wednesday morning will consist of packing. Afternoon will be at church for music practice, and then taking the kids over to the new house so that they have an inkling of what it looks like. Not that they're acting stressed, but it sure can't hurt to have some idea of your next stop.
Then tomorrow night, New Year's Eve, I have a prayer request! The church is hosting a movie night...we actually got a license to show the new movie Fireproof (from the creators of Facing the Giants). Great message both about turning your life over to God and also about saving or even just improving marriages...which a lot of people could use right now. We're offering free popcorn and hot dog dinners, and even babysitting...all the kids will be watching the new VeggieTales movie The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. Please pray for a great turn out, and for hearts and lives to be open to the working of the Holy Spirit!
Then on Thursday, my parents-bless them!-offered to take all the kids until Saturday. So Mark will run them over Thursday morning, which will enable him to get the necessary fencing from HD to get the new goat pen rigged! So I have all day/all night on Thursday and Friday to pack!
Saturday morning, the Uhaul will arrive, and-hopefully, prayerfully, beggingly-also will lots of helpers! For any of you who "forgot" to put our moving day on your new calendars, here's a friendly reminder and a huge hope that you can come join the fun! :)
At any rate, I'll be offline sooner than later here. I'll keep the computer up till Friday, but shouldn't be doing any blogging, which is a bummer, because I've got some really great Sophie pics-and man, is that girl growing fast! We'll see how I'm doing packing. And then we'll be busy settling in the parsonage! So, if I don't post anything tmo, we'll see you in the new place!
Jacob's 4th Birthday!
We had such a fun time celebrating Jacob's birthday! I actually enjoyed building the fire truck cake...though I will warn you of this: dairy-free frosting is heavy and unwieldy, is not keen on being spread scantly, and as such will look like it's melting within a matter of hours. I know I could have made my own frosting that would have been easier to deal with, but I was also gone to a worship conference in Anch. up till the night before his birthday. So, I paid for cutting corners in the interest of time. Does it look like it mattered to him that the windshield looked like it was melting in a fire of its own? No. Okay, good.
He had originally said that he wanted to go bowling for his party (following Andrew's footsteps), until we found out that the annual hay maze hosted by a local Bible camp was open. So, he chose the hay maze...which comes complete with a bonfire. I know, it sounds like a terrible match (no pun intended)...and perfect for the theme of the party. Ha!
Chad, Kindra, Tommy, and the kids joined us at the maze, and we all enjoyed hanging out around the bonfire. I can't count how many times Jacob went through the maze! You literally are tunneling through a barn full of hay, and it's not for you if you're prone to claustrophobia. I can make it through it once, but have absolutely no need or interest in it beyond that. Besides, it's hard on your knees. I'd best stop now...I'm starting to sound old. Thankfully he had either Jordan or Aunt Becca or Tommy to go through with time and time again!
After a picnic lunch to go with roasting hot dogs, we headed back to my parents' house for cake and presents.
Thanks to everyone who helped Jacob celebrate! (And there's more pics here if you like)!
He had originally said that he wanted to go bowling for his party (following Andrew's footsteps), until we found out that the annual hay maze hosted by a local Bible camp was open. So, he chose the hay maze...which comes complete with a bonfire. I know, it sounds like a terrible match (no pun intended)...and perfect for the theme of the party. Ha!
Chad, Kindra, Tommy, and the kids joined us at the maze, and we all enjoyed hanging out around the bonfire. I can't count how many times Jacob went through the maze! You literally are tunneling through a barn full of hay, and it's not for you if you're prone to claustrophobia. I can make it through it once, but have absolutely no need or interest in it beyond that. Besides, it's hard on your knees. I'd best stop now...I'm starting to sound old. Thankfully he had either Jordan or Aunt Becca or Tommy to go through with time and time again!
After a picnic lunch to go with roasting hot dogs, we headed back to my parents' house for cake and presents.
Thanks to everyone who helped Jacob celebrate! (And there's more pics here if you like)!
Firefighter Debut
These pics are from the beginning of October, when Nana and Papa brought the boys their firefighter outfits! They're the real deal...red suspenders, reflective tape, thmb holes in the cuffs-the boys LOVE them! The timing in getting them was perfect, as I think we were home from church b/c Jacob was sick, so it was a great distraction for him. And, he had already planned on a fire truck cake for his birthday coming up, so this just confirmed that decision for him!
There are days when Jacob literally wears his outfit all day. He asks if he can wear it to school (yes, except not the helmet, which gets in the way), and if he can eat lunch in it (no...for obvious reasons).
Thank you, Nana and Papa, for such a wonderful gift!
There are days when Jacob literally wears his outfit all day. He asks if he can wear it to school (yes, except not the helmet, which gets in the way), and if he can eat lunch in it (no...for obvious reasons).
Thank you, Nana and Papa, for such a wonderful gift!
Another sea life day!
We thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Alaskans had free admission to the center on the 10th of every month this year (the center is celebrating it's 10th anniversary). These pics are from November...we worked Andrew's writing lesson into it. He had his journal with him, and we were working on a word cluster of adjectives about Woody the sea lion. He did well, and they all had a blast!
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