tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44079033542927636302024-03-13T12:23:23.412-08:00Alaskan LifeLife and all that pertains at -70 to 80.God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-19165362482096179142011-04-06T11:19:00.002-08:002011-04-06T12:24:00.803-08:00Life HappensOkay so I know it has been awhile but as the title says LIFE HAPPENS! What a time! We have welcomed number five (yes I said five) into the family on Christmas Eve of all days:) Been replacing the engine in the suburban for the last seven weeks. Yes for those of you wondering have not gone anywhere while Brent is at work. Ready to pull my hair out! There have been some huge changes at work along with some other decisions we have had to make. Computers dying (don't ask). Being sick for three weeks and then the kids getting it. Ugh! I would complain but there is a country song playing right now reminding me that it "sounds like life to me". I have to remember that. I also am trying to remember James in that to, "Count it all joy my brothers when you encounter trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."<br /><br />I have to look at the small victories. For instance, I got out of bed this morning, fed the kids, and got them dressed. Even small achievements need to be acknowledged some days. That is what makes the big achievements even greater!<br /><br />I do have to say I thank God for Dave Ramsey and for our church for running that class. We were able to get our emergency fund fully funded and when the engine died on the burban, money at least was not one of the stressors. I thank God we did not have to go into debt to swap out the engine:) Looking at our stressors right now though I would have to say that when you get out of one stressor you sure add another. Like school, it is so easy to stress over am I doing it right. The Lord had to show me that as long as I am being the example and putting Him first while teaching what He has guided us to teach then the rest is up to Him. Thank God He covers the gaps as needed.<br /><br />My poor Daniel has eczema pretty bad and is sleeping a lot on the Benadryl the Dr put him on. Hopefully it will clear up and I don't have to slather him up like a greased pig much longer! Bekah has discovered mommies hot chocolate! What an adorable child, she is quiet and learning how to exert herself. Ari has become a true princess, just waiting for that Prince Charming to come along. David is a soldier today that likes to build. What a creative black and white child:)<br />Ania is sure coming into her own and growing by leaps and bounds. The conversations and questions that we have been having sometimes blow my mind! I think wait a minute you are only ten years old, you aren't supposed to be asking this or have knowledge of these things yet. She truly is becoming a godly young woman quickly and I hope that time goes by a little slower....God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-41175469894502168422010-09-03T09:17:00.003-08:002010-09-03T09:41:21.981-08:00Laughter and HeartacheI watched a movie last night and while I enjoyed the movie it made me think. I know, I know TV is just supposed to be an outlet right? When the content makes me think if I would really want my daughters to live a life like this it gets kind of heavy on the heart. I have also just finished reading Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson (which I highly recommend both this one and Bringing Up Boys). We as women crave the desire to be loved for who we are and desire on such a deep level to connect in relationships that we will do almost anything for that feeling of fulfillment. In this movie (The Back-Up Plan) the lead got tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along and decided to be artificially inseminated. She even admits that this is not the way that she dreamed of the way she would have children. After being inseminated she meets Mr. Right that same day. While in the long run she gets her Prince Charming there is definite heartache along the way. What a huge thing to automatically throw on a guy and yet God does adopt us and welcomes us into His family. While I see that the blatant, I am going to live with you and commit but wait until after the babies are born to even propose marrying you idea is the way our culture and world looks at these types of situations. What a sad situation that there are women in this world that do take their future into their own hands and out of God's (yes, even Christian women). When we as women look to so many other ways and things to achieve that feeling of fulfillment it is not completely satisfying. Yes, even those who are married! Your husband or anything else cannot and will not satisfy that deepest longing. Only a true relationship with the Creator can completely fulfill those deepest cracks and crevices in the heart. I am not talking about the sure I know God, I am talking about the talking with Him and listening to Him and spending time with Him every day relationship. You see when we actually put into our relationship with Him what we put into everything else, everything else becomes secondary and we are fulfilled. Having lived life at break neck speed I can attest that the simple life is most assuredly the easier way to focus on Him and on other relationships. I have to admit it feels good to watch a movie or read a book that ends with the girl gets her Prince Charming and they live happily ever after and yes in the end that will happen, but when that becomes our primary focus as women we lose our focus on what is really important. An everyday real relationship with Him.God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-74017652863816400172010-08-14T18:57:00.002-08:002010-08-14T19:04:31.688-08:00End of SummerWell I know for most of you that summer will last another month and if your lucky two! Here though summer is quickly coming to an end. The annual fair is the official end of summer in the Interior. It usually rains every day of the fair and you just get out and enjoy it or miss it! Luckily this year it wasn't bad. We went on a day where we were able to enjoy the day and it didn't start raining till it was almost time to go. The girls sure did good. Bekah did very well for being in the stroller all day (along with not having much of a nap). Ari obviously loved the animals and seeing all the displays. Ania and David both enjoyed food and displays which hopefully next year we will enter some things. I do miss the State Fair in WA, but there is something to be said for a smaller one. You get to see people you may not the rest of the year. Along with the homey feeling it just seems allot more family friendly. I love the Interior! We were all so exhausted that it has taken about two days to recover! LOL! Still when they all look at you and say thanks mom we had so much fun; it reminds you that it was all worth it!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-69978109301688811902010-08-07T21:32:00.002-08:002010-08-07T21:33:36.016-08:00CommentsTo all friends and family out there please feel free to comment. If I know you I will make sure it is posted. I have been having some serious problems with spam!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-85399214487958392812010-07-12T11:42:00.002-08:002010-07-12T11:57:37.353-08:00Silliness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/TDtxZFKO4vI/AAAAAAAAAT8/46IXgri1tsA/s1600/ari+binkies.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/TDtxZFKO4vI/AAAAAAAAAT8/46IXgri1tsA/s200/ari+binkies.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493108846204216050" border="0" /></a><br />So we were having a silly day and Ari was enjoying the option of two binkies. These pictures are from January and I know it has been a while but it is so darned cute to watch her play with them. Unfortunately she doesn't do this anymore:( She has gotten much to big! Listening to her giggle with them in her mouth is hilarious.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/TDtxZrCdYhI/AAAAAAAAAUE/7roUn2coEuA/s1600/brent+and+bekah.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/TDtxZrCdYhI/AAAAAAAAAUE/7roUn2coEuA/s200/brent+and+bekah.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493108856372158994" border="0" /></a> Brent got on the floor one day with Bekah. At this point she loved daddy! Brent gave her his flashlight which she sure enjoyed playing with. Isn't he the handsomest looking man in the world?!? I mean what woman would not enjoy watching him enjoy his kids?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/TDtxaB8IQcI/AAAAAAAAAUM/S8WTfglQaa8/s1600/bekah+lit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/TDtxaB8IQcI/AAAAAAAAAUM/S8WTfglQaa8/s200/bekah+lit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493108862519624130" border="0" /></a>Then the playing got raised to another level. The light was turned on. I had so much fun trying to get a good picture of her with the light on in her mouth. All of us were rolling on the floor laughing. I have to admit Brent's work flashlights sure come in handy!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-65289547145810565202010-06-24T10:58:00.002-08:002010-06-24T11:04:49.419-08:00Heartaches and JoysOkay so everyone knows that I love being mom. What a privilege to raise precious gifts for His glory and in the way they should go. And sometimes it can be hard to do that and yet on the other side of the obstacle they are more confident and one more step towards what He has in store for them.<br /><br />With all that said my son went to camp yesterday all by himself. I was so proud of him and yet my heart was breaking. I know that he will come home with wonderful stories and new friends. Yet he is one more step toward manhood. Whew! Big breath!<br /><br />He was so excited cause he got to do something without his big sister. At this point there isn't much that he does do alone. What a big word, alone. I think that for a seven year old that takes on a whole new meaning.<br /><br />David at some point you will read this and remember. I am so proud of you and the man you are becoming. Stay true to Him and become the man that He wants you to be. Don't let anything or anyone stand in your or His way. I love you son.God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-17774466879317015002010-06-15T14:40:00.003-08:002010-06-15T14:51:03.755-08:00New Friends and AdventureresBrent met a couple of guys in Prudhoe the last time he was there. They landed with a lot of gear and bikes. Being from South Korea all the airport people and him were curious as to why they were there. They said that they were going to bike from Prudhoe Bay Alaska to the bottom of Argentina! Go figure! So Brent chatted with them and gave them directions to our house as they would be biking right on buy. He had expected them to show up last time he was home but last night was the night. Of course he wasn't here, but it was okay just the same. They camped in the yard last night and ate breakfast with us this morning. I asked them why they decided to do this and Winter said, "For the adventure!" They will be the first South Koreans to have done this. They are biking 50 miles a day and their only worry is where their next food and fresh water will come from. The kids enjoyed meeting some new friends and they seemed to enjoy just relaxing for awhile. I hope all goes well with them and blessings upon them. If you are interested in seeing pics they are blogging about their adventures; alas they are in Korean but there are still good pics. cyworld.com/bincard and blog.naver.com/chosun3God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-86098597888416096952009-12-10T23:41:00.002-09:002009-12-11T00:07:42.193-09:00Courage, Valor, and DeathI got off the phone tonight with a close friend who just found out that some very close friends of hers were in a bad accident. With that knowledge the husband and baby did not make it and the wife was in critical and hadn't been told yet that her family did not make it. Just a few minutes before I got off the phone with my brother who had just found out that a close pastor friend had just passed. Also this last week we were anxiously <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">awaiting</span> to find out if we had lost any friends in the officer shootings in Lakewood, WA this last week.<br /><br />To tell you the truth all of this death has got me thinking. I grew up learning the words courage, valor, integrity, and the willingness to lay down your life for a friend. I never really fully understood those words until I started having to face it everyday. Talking with a friend the other day, she made the comment that it takes a whole new level of faith to live a life as a warrior or be a spouse of one. Especially when you don't know if you or your warrior will come home at the end of the day. But in thinking about that I am not so sure in some ways and most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definitely</span> in others. After all what are we as Christians called to believe and live? We are called to live everyday as if it were the last. We are called to believe in God's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sovereignty</span> even when we don't understand. We are called to be ready when our time here on earth is done.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, when I stop and think about my warrior and others, I still have "Oh *&%#!" moments. Today has been one of those days and yet as I was needing some comfort <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tonight</span> He pointed me to Psalm 91 once again and the last two chapters of Revelation. What wonderful passages. The reminder that His <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sovereignty</span> is it. The wonderful place that He has gone to prepare for me and those that believe in Him. I know that I will have these moments again and that one day I may actually have to live it (I pray not for many many years). But for now..........<br /><br />I ask that you all pray and pray hard for the families of the fallen in Lakewood, they have a long road ahead of them. I also ask that you pray for my friend and her family, this is one situation in many that she has been dealing with these last few months. I also pray that if you do not know the Lord that you will right now get on your knees and ask Him into your heart as your Lord and Saviour. Change your life. Get your name written in the Lambs Book of Life. Then tell someone immediately. God says TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION! There is a reason for that. Life is to short and death is immediate. I hope and pray that I will see you walking those "streets of gold" with me one day!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-251750183532812432009-08-05T00:31:00.002-08:002009-08-05T00:42:06.512-08:00Warriors at HomeWe went today to an open house for a police station. Amazingly, they were giving rides in a patrol vehicle. You don't see that very often, which I think is unfortunate to the children and adults that come to an open house. What an awesome tool to introduce the kids to the officers and find out how good it is to have an officer as a friend. Too many people today aren't willing to put officers in a good light due to a few bad apples.<br /><br /><br /><br />I must say I was very impressed with the officer that was giving the rides. Even though it was 45 minutes after the advertised time he still gave David (who had been waiting for an hour) a ride with a big smile on his face. David got to ride up front and watch the video camera, which in David's words was "Awesome!"<br /><br />What a great thing to encourage children that officers are the good guys. Just imagine the impression that that makes on a young child to be able look up to a strong figure in the community that catches the bad guys!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-6175734399525199792009-05-09T23:12:00.005-08:002009-05-10T00:13:42.346-08:00Multiple Activities<div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWG0H90I/AAAAAAAAAS8/hF1LAZZzZk0/s1600-h/grease+monkey.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334097423499786050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWG0H90I/AAAAAAAAAS8/hF1LAZZzZk0/s200/grease+monkey.JPG" border="0" /></a> Brent decided one day since the truck had been choking to change the spark plugs. Ania of course was more than willing to be outside at -20 with daddy so she could learn how to change the plugs as well. The pride in her face when she came in from completing the project with dad was amazing! Brent was very proud of his little Grease Monkey!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWCaARTI/AAAAAAAAATE/gCoOUPz-DWI/s1600-h/puffed+cheeks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334097422316487986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWCaARTI/AAAAAAAAATE/gCoOUPz-DWI/s200/puffed+cheeks.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>On one of the last cold days of winter we decided to build a fire. As this would be the first that Ari was participating in we thought it would be a great time! We weren't wrong! Ania taught Ari how to blow on the fire to keep it going. Ari learned how to roast marshmallows for the first time. We had to hide the package of marshmallows cause she got to the point where she wouldn't eat them she just wanted to roast them!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWU0qzYI/AAAAAAAAATM/ezFTFShh-mA/s1600-h/caribou.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWU0qzYI/AAAAAAAAATM/ezFTFShh-mA/s1600-h/caribou.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334097427260165506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWU0qzYI/AAAAAAAAATM/ezFTFShh-mA/s200/caribou.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>We drove to Tok one day for a day off. The contrast was perfect with the snow on the mountains and we saw many different kinds of wildlife that without that contrast we wouldn't have seen. On the way home we nearly ran into the heard of caribou that we had seen previously in the day. Brent pulled over into the turnout and we got quite a few pictures. Meanwhile, during the picture taking David was nearly in tears because he wanted to hit one so we could take it home since daddy didn't have his gutting gear. "Please daddy can we hit one with car so we can take it home?"<br /><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWU0qzYI/AAAAAAAAATM/ezFTFShh-mA/s1600-h/caribou.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWU0qzYI/AAAAAAAAATM/ezFTFShh-mA/s1600-h/caribou.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWeaDccI/AAAAAAAAATU/bD7R7ybgwP4/s1600-h/quartz+lake.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334097429832888770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWeaDccI/AAAAAAAAATU/bD7R7ybgwP4/s200/quartz+lake.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>On another day we decided to try to go fishing. We had been told that it would be the perfect week as the ice should be out at the end of the dock on one of the area lakes. After getting everything ready and getting there we still found ice to thick to fish in, but we got to watch others ice fish and we played on the ice as well as walking around and seeing all kinds of nature. Yes the kids are on the ice that is the lake.<br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWeaDccI/AAAAAAAAATU/bD7R7ybgwP4/s1600-h/quartz+lake.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWvtDu9I/AAAAAAAAATc/onMuGvCxezc/s1600-h/ari+in+ice.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334097434476002258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaFWvtDu9I/AAAAAAAAATc/onMuGvCxezc/s200/ari+in+ice.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>At the boat dock the ice had started to go out a little. It was just enough for the kids and Brent to have an ice crystal fight, and for Ari to take a dip and get her feet wet. Mommy's heart didn't take that to well and Ari was mad that mommy pulled her away from her fun in the ice.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaGrsbMU4I/AAAAAAAAATk/xYgLy9vmUOE/s1600-h/ari+and+wheelbarrow.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334098893884642178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaGrsbMU4I/AAAAAAAAATk/xYgLy9vmUOE/s200/ari+and+wheelbarrow.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>We had a week of 70s in April that brought break up quickly and after winter it was a nice break. Ari and mom are out picking up sawdust to spread on the driveway to absorb the mud, as well as getting the ice under the sawdust to melt and dry out in preparation for our wood shed. Ari loved standing there and feeling important at the wheel barrow.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaGrt0m2rI/AAAAAAAAATs/bln8Nz1DRcU/s1600-h/ari+in+sink.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334098894259673778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaGrt0m2rI/AAAAAAAAATs/bln8Nz1DRcU/s200/ari+in+sink.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>With breakup having come so quickly we ended up with huge ponds in our front yard for a few days. On one of the hot days the kids and Brent had a snow/water fight and got all soaked. Thank goodness for being pregnant cause mommy got out of it! After everyone was done and good and wet they needed showers. Since our bathroom was still out of commission mommy bathed Ari in the kitchen sink. Amazingly enough she seemed to enjoy it! </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaGrt0m2rI/AAAAAAAAATs/bln8Nz1DRcU/s1600-h/ari+in+sink.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaGrxsqzDI/AAAAAAAAAT0/d7X6HCCgPYU/s1600-h/group+tae.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334098895300119602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 78px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SgaGrxsqzDI/AAAAAAAAAT0/d7X6HCCgPYU/s200/group+tae.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>The kids had a taekwon do tournament recently where they both did extremely well. Here is a group photo of the school. They both had a blast and enjoyed earning medals in patterns and the high kick! </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-47373468723335293162009-04-14T11:22:00.003-08:002009-04-14T11:48:16.511-08:00Spring has SprungSpring is finally here! I can hear the water running from the roof and am starting to see the snow recede. I am hopeful that breakup will go smoothly this year and there will be no ice jamming on the Tanana. I am so excited on one hand and yet on the other this is the perfect time of year as the mosquitoes aren't able to survive yet. On the other hand I can't wait to start being able to go to the river and doing some fishing!<br /><br />We are anxiously awaiting our fourth as June is fast approaching. I am so thankful that the school year is almost over. The kids and I both are so in need of a break. I am working at getting as many projects done before the baby as I can, as I know that the next year will be tough with school and two under 3yrs old. I am excited as Brent's dad will be here to help get the summer projects done with him as I am not able to help as much as I would like this summer. The wood shed, tree clearing, and log rot will be a welcome relief to have done. Neither of us liked digging through the snow to get wood out these last two winters.<br /><br />For those of you who don't know we are remodeling our bathroom. This was not planned for another couple of years, but God has once again provided and made it possible. We started with a leaky toilet that we hoped we could fix by replacing the wax ring one more time. Well, it became a much more in depth project that we weren't quite ready for. One of the guys from church who does this work and is wonderful at using his God given talent came over to look at it for us. We discovered that the floor was rotted out under the toilet, tub, and 1/2 the rest of the floor. Since we were having to replace the sewer line and take out the tub to address the floor we decided to pull everything up and do it right this time. Which was good as there were three (yes I said three) layers of flooring that had been put over rot that the previous homeowner had layed to cover it up! Talk about mad! So instead of having to replace the floor yet again when we redid it the Lord provided a way for us to just redo the whole thing. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it is done, or to have a shower back!<br /><br />The kids and Brent got to go the circus when they were in town. Ari and I napped in the car. The kids had a blast for which I was very thankful. I heard though from some other moms that the focus on selling things and the overt sexuality was more than they had wanted for their kids to experience. At least the kids were young enough that the sexuality did not become an issue for them and that we were able to reinforce the thankfulness of having the opportunity to even be able to go to the circus. We also got to do some sledding with the kids while he was home this last time. Ari was so adorable walking around in her little snow pants screaming at the kids. She wasn't quite ready for sledding this year, so maybe next year. It was sure fun to watch the kids and Brent try to slide down those hills. David loves to go fast and Ania wipes out very well!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-19529245533678895792009-01-03T06:20:00.002-09:002009-01-03T06:28:49.054-09:00WinterOh how I pray that it warms up across the state to at least the normal temp. We are in day 8 of a cold weather inversion of -40. I would be so thankful if it would only warm up to -20. I have friends that have frozen pipes and the end is not in sight. They are talking for at least another week and I am in absolute despair! It is not a good idea to drive anywhere in these temps, besides who wants to freeze their butts off by going outside! The air is bad now for even healthy people due to the lack of air movement. Lord, relief soon please?<br /><br />My poor children are bouncing off the walls! They have been asking to go places and go to their tae kwon do class and yet it is not smart to drive into town for that. After all if the car does break down who want s to sit and freeze in a matter of minutes? Thank God for a large enough space for them to run around and burn off some energy at least. I was going to take them for fireworks for the New Year and yet who wants to bundle up like the Michelin man? Lord we are praying for a miracle!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-80296598350257802422008-11-30T15:35:00.004-09:002008-11-30T16:09:19.648-09:00Pleasant Surprises<div align="center">Life happens! Brent and I were just talking that we had not had any huge surprises in the last few months and we were thrilled with the lack of drama. Well, we spoke too soon! We are expecting our fourth in June sometime of next year. So with that we are looking for a new car since ours right now only seats five. Come on mini-van! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We had an awesome non-Thanksgiving. Brent had to be at work on Thanksgiving so we celebrated the Monday before. What a pleasant day! No pressure and really good food! I hope you all had a wonderful day with friends and family!</div>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-29145393608195338722008-10-15T11:58:00.002-08:002008-10-15T12:07:34.384-08:00Where O Where?<div align="center">Where on earth did fall go? It is now winter here in Alaska. I am mourning the fall colors and weather:( It has been snowing almost constantly and while I sure do enjoy the beauty of the snow I sure was not ready to give up on fall. Especially with the summer we had. I heard yesterday on the radio that Alaska's glaciers will actually show a gain this year, due to the cold summer. It has been the coldest year in 20 years, go figure! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I thank God for His provision. I have been hearing stories from believers about their oil in their tanks. With it having been such a cold summer many of us had to use our oil furnaces. There are many that have either had the same amount in their tank when it was last filled, or there are those that have a few gallons more then previously measured. Talk about miracles still happening! The story of Elijah and the woman with the oil filling her jars is no less true today! </div>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-89563217687776857462008-10-10T15:23:00.002-08:002008-10-10T15:31:16.725-08:00Another YearWe have started another school year. Thankfully I am much more excited about this year. We are starting on time and have a much better outlook and game plan this year. Whether we follow it or not is another story!<br /><br />Ania's reading is improving even more. Her writing is wonderful. She loves science and is a wiz at math!<br />David is learning to read and is already reading some words. He also enjoys science and is a wiz at math!<br />They are both learning spanish and art together with Ari's help. What a different dynamic this year with a one year old running around! They are also both taking Tai Kwon Do and doing splendidly! Sometime in the near future they will both be sparring. I have noticed more confidence in both of them as well as bodily awareness. I am thankful we were able to find a Christian teacher that does not focus on meditation and some of the other things with martial arts. He has been very supportive of leaving your day at the door and parents in general. While he does like to chat the kids have been learning allot and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Hey anything that gets them right to sleep at night is awesome!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-59220572367275775692008-10-10T14:49:00.006-08:002008-10-11T16:41:19.813-08:00A Warriors LifeThere has sure been allot going on nationwide lately. I know that it is certainly an unsure world at this time and yet I am so thankful that there is hope! There has been allot going on in Alaska too. Like our governor was nominated for the Vice Presidency, Senator Stevens is on trial for corruption, and the Stryker brigade recently left. With all of these things taking such an in your face roll. I think that the last one has kind of gone from some peoples minds and yet there are those that live with it every day. I have been thinking about this topic quite a bit as we have many in our church family that deal with these types of situation daily.<br /><div></div><br /><div>This is an article that I ran across while doing some research and because I did not write it I want to give the author the credit for it. She has written it with the intent of only one kind of warrior but nailed so many things for any and all warriors. I also want to draw attention to those that people don't often think of as warriors. Those that put their life on the line day in and day out. Those that are ridiculed for maintaining their integrity. Those that are never paid enough. Those that miss out on holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. Those that are looked down on even by their fellow Christians. What would our country, cities, churches, and homes be like without those who are willing to run into the situation as others are running away?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>At the end of this article she talks about those that have chosen to live their lives with a warrior and showing your pride in that person quietly, from the sidelines. I want to reiterate that. If your calling in life is to love a warrior remember that your support and love is what means the most. Those that choose and are called to be warriors do it because it is what God has called them to do. While your thanks to those is appreciated your respect is more desired. Again they don't do it for the glory they do it for YOU. So you can live your life with not having to deal with the ugly stuff, the things that most people would turn their backs on. They give up so much of their peace of mind to deal with the worst whether they are overseas or here at home. May any and all of you warriors out there know that your are in the right profession, that you are loved, that you are appreciated, and that you are remembered.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Any parents out there who let there children read this this is just a warning that it is PG-13!</strong></div><br /><div>by Sara Roberts</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A dear friend of mine is getting married. He sent me this pic and wanted me to write something to share at his reception on Warrior Love. I have been in a position to watch many a warrior fall in love, commit and then the relationship shatters. The Warrior left saddened and the lover left angry and frustrated. I have also seen amazing, enduring, passionate marriages, and I asked those lovers, spouses, partners, what it was that separated their love from the ones that eroded. What they shared with me was profound, so at the request of my friend, I share it with you. Loving a Warrior - It's not just a job, it's an adventure. A Navy SEAL once described a mission to me as 5 minutes of bone chilling terror surrounded by five hours of endless boredom. An ESU friend said it is more like 15 minutes of YEEHAW! after untold hours of WTF. Either way, they are living in moments where they are juiced to the extreme borders of their body and mind with periods of brain numbing boredom. This can become problematic, particularly for younger warriors who have not yet made the connection between what is happening to them biochemically and mentally. For all warriors however, there are clear and visible physical responses to high levels of adrenaline and endorphins. Their pupils dilate, their heart rates increase, their blood pressure rises, hearing sharpens, skin becomes more sensitive, saliva flow decreases and they begin to experience piloerection and often genital erection. This response engages every system in the body. It also creates some interesting patterns in the brain. PET scan show that the lower areas of the brain, the medulla and the limbic system light up like Christmas trees, indicating rapid specific response. Following this response there is a stress let down. The body swings in the other direction to find it's way back to a normal or homeostatic state, so all body systems let down often creating heightened sexual desire, bowel and urinary response, intense sleepiness and irritability. Often in that order too.All of this is interesting but what does it have to do with loving a Warrior, you ask? It helps if you can understand that when your Warrior comes home it will not be unusual for them want a very quick sexual encounter, followed by 20 minutes in the bathroom and zombie sleep. Trust me when I tell you, that there is rarely anything romantic in this process. I always likened it to having a puppy. I'm leaving it at that. But do understand this, to a great extent, your Warrior can not alter that response pathway. It is innate and ungovernable. So if you are rejecting of your Warrior when in this state, don't be surprised if they start going to choir practice instead of coming home first. I can see some folks, mainly women, sputtering right now and saying bullshit. Hear me clearly. I am not saying that this time gives any Warrior the right to be abusive in anyway. That is always unacceptable and truthfully, that is not how a Warrior operates. But, if occasional half naked wall sex is on your yeah, I like it list, smile you will be experiencing it. Just understand that Warrior will be unconscious shortly thereafter, so make sure you have a stack of good books. A Warrior is only as strong as his weakest link. Every operator knows this. You are only as strong as the least proficient person in your unit. Long hours of intense training can improve proficiency but nothing can improve someone who doesn't think they need to improve. If you love a Warrior, you must know that there will be phone calls that come in the middle of the night, family functions that will be missed, unanswered questions, and long campaigns with little communication. This is out of the Warrior's control. The warrior isn't happy about it either. But it is the job. So all of your bitching and whining about being alone all the time are not going to improve the situation. If you are committing to a warrior, be prepared to spend many of the important times in your life alone. Learn how to handle that with grace and humor. Now, let me share with you two things. One, I'm a trust but verify girl. If my mate always seems to get calls and I'm not getting calls from any other partners, I investigate. And I mean to tell you, I will call bullshit and search like it's a crime scene. Two, proficiency happens on two levels, physical training and bonding. There are going to be a lot of training exercises, it comes with the turf, deal with it. Know that every BBQ, every gathering will in some way morph into a training session. Personally, I have had a lot of fun with this and it is a great tool when you want to converse with other people. The upshot here, is that you are a link in your Warrior's world, be a strong one. Send your Warrior out to do what has to be done without having to worry about what is going on at home. After the nap you can get them to get back into the home mindset. Understand that you are the chink in your Warrior's Armor. Every Warrior knows that when they make public that they have taken a mate, had a child or where their family is that they have opened up a potential high risk zone. Therefore, the fact that your Warrior has stepped forward and proclaimed love for you is a huge deal. Really think about that and all it implies. An enemy can cause great pain to a Warrior by attacking family and friends. In the past, this has been a highly effective psyops maneuver to break a Warrior's will. What does it really say about how your Warrior feels for you when they do they openly declare their relationship to you even knowing the risk? Honor that. Please understand that if they do not carry pictures of you, or talk about you outside of their peers, it is driven by a desire to protect you and themselves. Think carefully about who you share information with, even in seemingly innocuous situations. Always be diligent, always be aware. I know you are proud of your Warrior, but let it be a quiet pride and one shared with others in the same position. Learn how to field all inquiries politely but without giving information. This is not just protecting your family, it's protecting your warrior too. A Warrior has no respect for a marshmallow. Of the relationships that I have seen survive two factors in mates stood out more than any others. One of humor. All of the long term partners had deep running humor that was often gentle, raunchy, witty, cynical and twisted. The second thing they all had in common was that they were tough. Not necessarily physically, although some were, but emotionally and mentally tough. They all had clear well defined boundaries and they enforced them. As a psych person I will tell you that I truly believe that this provides Warriors with a sense of security and allows them to truly let down when they are at home. I also believe that it provides them with a sense of acceptance and responsibility. Your gentleness and acceptance are a necessary, sweet balm to a troubled soul and often needed. But, it does every one of them good to know that when you say, if you do this, Warrior or not, I am going to kick your ass, you mean it. It is at once comforting and reassuring that though they may battle outside of these walls, inside of them, they are part of another team. Know your ground and hold it. Your Warrior may grouse about it, but it does comfort them to be grounded emotionally. A Warrior often communicates more by what is not said than what is. There are often times when a warrior simply cannot divulge what is going on. If you are a smart person you can usually put it together by watching the news. Or honestly by doing the laundry, but that's another story. Do not ask for confirmation, the warrior can't give it. Don't ask for details, don't ask for locations. Learn to ask questions that will tell you what you really need to know. Do I need to worry? Is this a good time for me to visit family? Should the children and I take a holiday to Jamaica? Learn to use short hand. Write a diary for your Warrior, that they can read to catch up when they get home. A very good friend of mine writes a blog for his Warrior. When she is away she does have internet access and the blog is a private way for them to keep up on what is going on, or maybe just what they wish was going on, ahem. The point is that in the technological world there are often ways to communicate brief messages. SS ILY AOH H&K can bring your warrior tremendous peace of mind and help you feel connected. The above is shorthand that is commonly used in my circle. Stay safe. I love you. All okay here. Hugs and kisses. Learn also that sometimes the silence is telling because there are just no words to describe what was experienced. Often times you may find that you are sought out and your Warrior just wants to be held, to hear your heartbeat and be touched to regain <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SO_hrxUvqUI/AAAAAAAAAQs/Q1KHQpDlpl0/s1600-h/thank+you.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255667432255629634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SO_hrxUvqUI/AAAAAAAAAQs/Q1KHQpDlpl0/s200/thank+you.jpg" border="0" /></a>their footing. Give them that. If they choose to talk, listen. Just listen. Remind them that they are loved, they are safe, and that you value their service. Loving a warrior is not an easy task. It takes talent, perseverance, humor, stubbornness, a very solid self esteem and a great ability to entertain yourself. There is unfortunately no boot camp for it. Few self help books. Damn few support resources. So find others who love a warrior. Become the team behind the team. Because when your warrior lays down sword and shield and loves you. Well, there is just no feeling on earth like it.</div>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-16112162949375122672008-09-09T17:00:00.005-08:002008-10-10T15:20:30.073-08:00A Day in the LifeI was baking cinnamon rolls awhile back and Ari decided to explore the flour bucket. One of the most enjoyable things of watching my kids grow is getting to experience the small everyday things. This was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> one of them!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkY8MfDI/AAAAAAAAAP0/t_vCjx-KRBc/s1600-h/ari+flourface.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244192802103655474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkY8MfDI/AAAAAAAAAP0/t_vCjx-KRBc/s200/ari+flourface.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>So Ari turned one at the end of July.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkKDx_QI/AAAAAAAAAPs/KRmrOXYmGqM/s1600-h/ari+cake.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244192798108941570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkKDx_QI/AAAAAAAAAPs/KRmrOXYmGqM/s200/ari+cake.JPG" border="0" /></a>She got to enjoy a piece of cake with frosting. As I only had time for a quick cake she got a yellow cake for her first piece. She enjoyed crumbling it to pieces!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkXho94I/AAAAAAAAAP8/HLjW9kY4Kd8/s1600-h/cans.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244192801723840386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkXho94I/AAAAAAAAAP8/HLjW9kY4Kd8/s200/cans.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>One of my least favorite chores growing up was crushing cans. It must be evil to enjoy passing that one on!</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkv8KXBI/AAAAAAAAAQE/ds2atVQZwf8/s1600-h/chink.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244192808277531666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkv8KXBI/AAAAAAAAAQE/ds2atVQZwf8/s200/chink.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>So one of our many projects to finish this summer was to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">permachink</span> the house. Well I have it almost <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">finished</span>. Only a couple more seams and the outside is all done. Thank God it is only a one time application. My hands still hurt! I have noticed a big difference in the house though, which has been sure great.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMceuNTfdnI/AAAAAAAAAQk/fSia81V2v0g/s1600-h/s+borthday.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244194070290462322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMceuNTfdnI/AAAAAAAAAQk/fSia81V2v0g/s200/s+borthday.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkXho94I/AAAAAAAAAP8/HLjW9kY4Kd8/s1600-h/cans.JPG"></a></div><div>Brent and the kids gave me one of the greatest birthday presents I have had in a very long time. We went to a Roadhouse down the road that I have been longing to get too. While <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">there</span> David decided to take a picture of Dad and Ania. Isn't he adorable? After we were done at the roadhouse we went for a nice long drive. I needed to get away from the house for awhile. I have been so busy and stressing over getting the house things done while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Brent</span> has been having to work extended time that he came home like a prince on a white charger and whisked me away. What a wonderful area that we got to see. I am truly amazed by God's work. Rainbow Ridge is amazing. We got to see a moose eating in a pond. Brent got some great pics of that. Too bad he didn't have a tag and rifle with us at that time. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkEKOhvI/AAAAAAAAAPk/aVSGMN6lFFA/s1600-h/a+tbone.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244192796525364978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkEKOhvI/AAAAAAAAAPk/aVSGMN6lFFA/s200/a+tbone.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>The one thing I asked for was a t-bone dinner. As you can tell the kids truly enjoyed my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">birthday</span> dinner!</div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcet-Pxq3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/KLWwEF7RJEA/s1600-h/d+tbone.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244194066248346482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcet-Pxq3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/KLWwEF7RJEA/s200/d+tbone.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkv8KXBI/AAAAAAAAAQE/ds2atVQZwf8/s1600-h/chink.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcetxeKTiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/kjQOXvb64HY/s1600-h/david+as+starcommand.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244194062819020322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcetxeKTiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/kjQOXvb64HY/s200/david+as+starcommand.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><div>David being a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Starcommand</span> soldier.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMceuNTfdnI/AAAAAAAAAQk/fSia81V2v0g/s1600-h/s+borthday.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcetxeKTiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/kjQOXvb64HY/s1600-h/david+as+starcommand.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMceuKgGsRI/AAAAAAAAAQc/SWoiQtQfSWU/s1600-h/mosquito+splatter.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244194069538058514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMceuKgGsRI/AAAAAAAAAQc/SWoiQtQfSWU/s200/mosquito+splatter.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>With all the flooding we had the mosquitoes have bred like rabbits and trying to sleep is awful. I finally bit the bullet and went out and bought mosquito nets to cover the beds. I sure hope guests don't mind the walls in the bathroom until I can get them cleaned, they are covered in blood spatter and look like a crime scene. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcdkEKOhvI/AAAAAAAAAPk/aVSGMN6lFFA/s1600-h/a+tbone.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcet-Pxq3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/KLWwEF7RJEA/s1600-h/d+tbone.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SMcetxeKTiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/kjQOXvb64HY/s1600-h/david+as+starcommand.JPG"></a></div>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-65586554948592252172008-08-06T11:36:00.004-08:002008-10-10T15:21:13.774-08:00Energy CrisisOkay might as well get on the bandwagon along with everyone else. These energy prices are killing us. I am so frustrated with this. We make every effort to cut our energy usage and just keep getting hit like no tomorrow. We already pay almost $.20 a kilowatt and they want to raise it another 7%. That is not even touching what the villages are at. Having lived in Barrow I know. Plus we in the Interior also heat with oil which is at an all time ridiculous high. Why can't the government knock off the speculation that is driving the prices? And Anchorage, quit complaining about it you have know idea what it is like to choose between heating your home or buying groceries for your family! There are families here that are spending at the very least $5,000-$6,000 this summer to get (hopefully) through the winter. If they don't make it then their sol! Not even to mention that the energy bill is stuck in the House and Senate and already wanting to reduce the amount of money the Palin wants to put into the hands of all Alaskans. Get off your high horse and try to understand what the working families of Alaska need. What we need is help and NOW, not six months from now!<br /><br />Alaska is unique in the fact that we don't have bus lines everywhere. And who is going to stand at a bus stop at -60? We have done everything we can to cut our gas usage and it can't get cut anymore! Those hybrid cars don't work at our extreme temps and why spend the money on it when it will only work for maybe 4-6 months out of the year? People get a clue!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-67405273338971508922008-08-06T11:25:00.004-08:002008-08-06T11:36:41.861-08:00PermachinkWell I am currently getting the house ready to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Permachink</span>! Yeah, maybe the house will stay warmer at -60 this winter and the fans for the furnace won't have to run so long. Yeah I know wishful thinking. I just got off the phone with the company and they gave me some great news and reduced my workload by a little. I have also been treating log rot in various places. That is close to being done as I had started out doing it wrong, but I fixed that. We were able to dig out around the house this summer, which was good, but with that we found some more issues that are going to be costly. We have to replace up to three logs around the garage. What idiot would build a garage on a two sided cement footer and put the other two right in the dirt! We have talked about options like using railroad ties or cement blocks to raise the logs off the ground. I like the blocks better as it will look nicer but we will see what money brings. <br /><br />Went out to start cutting some more wood today and almost got Brent's chainsaw started. Oh well, guess I will just have to get a new chain for mine. I cut so much that I wore it down. That's okay I didn't want to cut wood today anyway.God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-76389106791018772782008-07-21T20:45:00.003-08:002008-07-21T20:52:49.244-08:00Time..............................You know it is funny. I look at pictures of friends that I have known for awhile and wonder what they are doing at that moment. How our lives change and life does go on even in those places that you think that life will stand still. I see changes in most but not in all and wonder........<br /><br />There are points in time when I wish time would just stand still, especially those poignant moments with my kids. And yet I am thankful that I get to be a part of the next stage. We have so many babies in church right now and I look at Ari and how much she has changed in just a year. She is almost walking and this time last year I was sitting at Dawn's just praying she would come and planning how to move. Ania has crossed over into starting camp experiences. David isn't mommas little bud so much anymore. Funny isn't it?God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-69877957847865258822008-07-16T10:06:00.003-08:002008-07-16T10:09:49.863-08:00The Quiet LifeThe world we live in today is constant go go go. Always have some sort of entertainment on including but not limited too tv, music, ipod, phone, internet......I could go on and on. Until we got here I never realized how nice and calming it can be to learn to listen to the quiet, to not have music on, to shut the tv off and just enjoy each other. I have learned so much more about my children and their likes and dislikes. Thank God for the gift of peace and quiet.God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-76102706253870814562008-07-15T23:29:00.003-08:002008-07-16T10:10:34.299-08:00Progressions<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SH2lIuKQD8I/AAAAAAAAALw/CtE6oArI9rk/s1600-h/ari+lips.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223512712068206530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SH2lIuKQD8I/AAAAAAAAALw/CtE6oArI9rk/s200/ari+lips.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ari has been making the adjustment to solid foods so well. I don't know why we spent so much money on jarred baby food the first couple times! She just eats from our plates and has some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definite</span> likes. Isn't this the cutest? We were having cantaloupe one night for dinner and she loved it. Her little lips would just stick out like a cartoons! The sounds she would make were so adorable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SH2lIzDMQMI/AAAAAAAAAL4/0PpsUw6B2yc/s1600-h/ari+underwear.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223512713380774082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SH2lIzDMQMI/AAAAAAAAAL4/0PpsUw6B2yc/s200/ari+underwear.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ania got to go to church camp this year. What an adjustment for<br />mommy as dad was still at work while she was gone. Ari decided<br />to help her pack! She got so into it that all Ania's clothes were on the floor and picked through.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SH2lIwwFXsI/AAAAAAAAAMA/6BC68tv1hpg/s1600-h/ania+afre+camp.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223512712763760322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SH2lIwwFXsI/AAAAAAAAAMA/6BC68tv1hpg/s200/ania+afre+camp.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is Ania after camp! The greatest thing was a big hug and an I missed you mommy, but I had such a great time!God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-32715410536577365142008-06-24T18:06:00.005-08:002008-06-24T18:26:58.022-08:00Air Show 2008<div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcH4D0xI/AAAAAAAAALM/g57VQtxHR_U/s1600-h/david+c130.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215638343110611730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcH4D0xI/AAAAAAAAALM/g57VQtxHR_U/s200/david+c130.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>David in the co pilots seat of a C130.<br /></p><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcUE6aSI/AAAAAAAAALU/1nKAnd2uv7U/s1600-h/ania+c130.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215638346385746210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcUE6aSI/AAAAAAAAALU/1nKAnd2uv7U/s200/ania+c130.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Ania in the co pilots seat of a C130.<br /></p><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcZFmdzI/AAAAAAAAALc/Tb08pZeO6_w/s1600-h/sight+of+freedom.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215638347730810674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcZFmdzI/AAAAAAAAALc/Tb08pZeO6_w/s200/sight+of+freedom.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>The sight of freedom!</p><p align="center">2008 Air Force Thunderbirds</p><p align="center">Truly a sight to see! I have to say it was way better than the Blue Angels! You were right there.<br /></p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcX37VfI/AAAAAAAAALk/ZExrdho2_aU/s1600-h/im+in+love.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215638347405022706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGrcX37VfI/AAAAAAAAALk/ZExrdho2_aU/s200/im+in+love.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>My next truck! I am in love!<br /></p><div align="center"> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpWdFVvlI/AAAAAAAAAKc/4icmjooYoM4/s1600-h/peekaboo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215636046700985938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpWdFVvlI/AAAAAAAAAKc/4icmjooYoM4/s200/peekaboo.JPG" border="0" /></a> The kids were playing peekaboo around the corner of the hallway.<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpW7thoRI/AAAAAAAAAKk/Eicel9s4WIw/s1600-h/girls+and+stories.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215636054922600722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpW7thoRI/AAAAAAAAAKk/Eicel9s4WIw/s200/girls+and+stories.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ania loves reading to Ari. Sometimes she even gets to the end of the book before Ari gets bored.<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpXOYuk5I/AAAAAAAAAKs/vt8qF5E48Qw/s1600-h/headband+finally.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215636059935642514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpXOYuk5I/AAAAAAAAAKs/vt8qF5E48Qw/s200/headband+finally.JPG" border="0" /></a> I finally got Ari to keep this headband on for more than a few seconds!<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpXRNMqfI/AAAAAAAAAK0/YFKE1buJ_68/s1600-h/ania+blackhawk.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215636060692589042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="135" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpXRNMqfI/AAAAAAAAAK0/YFKE1buJ_68/s200/ania+blackhawk.JPG" width="201" border="0" /></a> Ania in a blackhawk helicopter!<br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpXqDYBPI/AAAAAAAAAK8/torkRRQ2PC8/s1600-h/david+blackhawl.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215636067362276594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SGGpXqDYBPI/AAAAAAAAAK8/torkRRQ2PC8/s200/david+blackhawl.JPG" border="0" /></a> David in a blackhawk!<br /><br /><br /></div>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-70670118795573060802008-06-16T12:13:00.002-08:002008-06-16T12:26:25.369-08:00Thanks Alot Cheryl;)I have been tagged! Never thought that would happen:)<br />So here goes:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Five</span> Things to do on my List today<br /><ol><li>Clean the bathroom</li><li>Pick up garbage that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kiska</span> got into </li><li>Go through Value Village stuff</li><li>Do a load of laundry</li><li>Bake some kind of desert</li></ol><p> </p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Snacks</span> I Enjoy</p><ol><li>Cinnamon rolls</li><li>Peanut M&Ms</li><li>Watermelon</li><li>Blueberry cobbler</li><li>Raspberry rhubarb pie</li><li>Seattle's Best Coffee Naughty Toddy</li></ol><p>Things I would do if I were a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Millionaire</span></p><ol><li>Pay off the house</li><li>Start a non profit mission to bring long term missionaries to bush Alaska</li><li>Buy a diesel F250 quad cab</li><li>Buy a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ski boat</span> so I could ski and fish</li><li>Travel the world especially Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Scotland</li></ol><p>Places I have lived</p><ol><li>Southern California</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Edgewood</span>, Milton, North Bend, Washington</li><li>Barrow and Interior Alaska</li></ol><p>Bad habits I have</p><ol><li>Starting a craft project and letting it sit for years</li><li>Going to the craft store and buying more even when I have a gazillion projects already to finish</li><li>Not sticking to a schedule</li><li>Pushing myself so hard that I don't stop until I collapse</li><li>Not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">asking</span> for help</li></ol><p>Jobs I have held</p><ol><li>Fast food service</li><li>Lifeguard/Swim Instructor</li><li>UPS Supervisor</li><li>Newspaper delivery</li><li>Head Lifeguard</li><li>Daycare provider</li></ol><p>I now tag; Sierra, Sara, and April</p><p> </p>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407903354292763630.post-46180655086987504432008-06-16T10:20:00.009-08:002008-06-16T11:49:48.273-08:00Summer Life<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3HbbrzNI/AAAAAAAAAIs/5IpzkDZFpiU/s1600-h/ari+and+mommy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212554956978769106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3HbbrzNI/AAAAAAAAAIs/5IpzkDZFpiU/s200/ari+and+mommy.JPG" border="0" /></a> While Brent was available I said that I have to get this done. Of course it took me longer than I thought it would as I lost a safety pin inside somewheres. Ari loves it! It is taking me some getting used to and I wish I would have done it sooner. I can carry her on my front or back and she is close and happy. Best yet it only cost me a couple of bucks instead of the $45 that I have seen them for!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFbAAYESF9I/AAAAAAAAAKU/k5Al73xuCls/s1600-h/ani+chopping.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212564731420874706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFbAAYESF9I/AAAAAAAAAKU/k5Al73xuCls/s200/ani+chopping.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3IOrkNKI/AAAAAAAAAI0/X9sOSqSTOug/s1600-h/ani+chopping.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3JKqiu1I/AAAAAAAAAJE/5q2qkabzgGQ/s1600-h/david+and+kiska.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Brent and I decided that it was time for Ania to </div><div>start helping even more with food prep. She did great with </div><div>this chef's knife!</div><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3JKqiu1I/AAAAAAAAAJE/5q2qkabzgGQ/s1600-h/david+and+kiska.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212554986837424978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3JKqiu1I/AAAAAAAAAJE/5q2qkabzgGQ/s200/david+and+kiska.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>David loves playing with Kiska. Poor dog! She has been doing great with all three of the kids. She just kind of ignores baby still, but she is getting better!</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3If3FWyI/AAAAAAAAAI8/SbQEYULllHg/s1600-h/ania+tickling+kis.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212554975347301154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3If3FWyI/AAAAAAAAAI8/SbQEYULllHg/s200/ania+tickling+kis.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Ania loves to scratch Kiska's tummy! The feeling is mutual. I thought this was great. She enjoyed it so much that she completely relaxed.</div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa960gmsPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gyrH7pnhpt8/s1600-h/ari+hammer+mouth.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212562436953387250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa960gmsPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gyrH7pnhpt8/s200/ari+hammer+mouth.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3JdlrC6I/AAAAAAAAAJM/PF2q3hVJDkc/s1600-h/ari+hammer+mouth.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3JdlrC6I/AAAAAAAAAJM/PF2q3hVJDkc/s1600-h/ari+hammer+mouth.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3JdlrC6I/AAAAAAAAAJM/PF2q3hVJDkc/s1600-h/ari+hammer+mouth.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa3JdlrC6I/AAAAAAAAAJM/PF2q3hVJDkc/s1600-h/ari+hammer+mouth.JPG"></a></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Brent thought this was the cutest thing! She crawled around the house with this in her mouth and a big smile around it!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa7RbnJkqI/AAAAAAAAAJU/MqbYtylXdkY/s1600-h/ari+mouth.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212559526872060578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa7RbnJkqI/AAAAAAAAAJU/MqbYtylXdkY/s200/ari+mouth.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br />Ari is still enjoying the feel and texture of whatever she puts in her mouth!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa7SEbXwEI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Ty2ZJELjT38/s1600-h/ari+walking+w+daddy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212559537828511810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa7SEbXwEI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Ty2ZJELjT38/s200/ari+walking+w+daddy.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br />Daddy is trying to teach her how to walk?!? Go figure! After he complains about her being able to get up and move.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa7SUcN5bI/AAAAAAAAAJs/0WA-hTQKuVo/s1600-h/daddy+and+ari+smiling.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212559542127027634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa7SUcN5bI/AAAAAAAAAJs/0WA-hTQKuVo/s200/daddy+and+ari+smiling.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>She sure loves her daddy!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa8-B9Gu9I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/pya6VdhNpWY/s1600-h/np+fire+engine.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212561392590568402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_C46TN4taN6I/SFa8-B9Gu9I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/pya6VdhNpWY/s200/np+fire+engine.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>We went to another open house for the fire department. This time the kids were able to go for a fire engine ride around the block, which was even better than the last time!<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div>God's Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12076099637726497992noreply@blogger.com2