Wednesday, December 31, 2008

He's LEGAL!


Watch out! He's LEGAL! Too many football team photos- he forgot how to smile for the camera... and he said he couldn't see his name while signing it on the screen... oh, well- he passed!
Here they give you this printed receipt that doesn't even look legal- then send your real permit in the mail.
Good thing we live on a dirt road and he can get lots of miles going back and forth to school. I think we're all EXCITED!

Happy NEW YEAR's Eve!

I can't believe that it's New Year's Eve already! I'm so excited to play games, eat snacks and hang out tonight! It's been a relaxing bit of down time this last week which has been WONDERFUL! Our Internet has been down as well- a nice break from being on the computer actually! We've had so much happen and I have so many photos... I'll work to catch up!
Justin turned 15 on December 14th and took his permit test and passed today- YEAH! We celebrated with food, of course. He was pretty excited for his birthday as well along with his new phone! His choice for his birthday dinner- steak, shrimp and fries- of course!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Snow Day



I pretty much feel like the Duncan Donuts guy... you know the one on the old commercials- "time to make the donuts..." ? Only for me for the last month + it's been, "time to make the plaques..." I'm finally at the end of orders (even after I stopped taking new orders on December 6th) and think it might take me until February to recover enough to open back up. I'm excited for our house to smell like Christmas cookies instead of clear coat! We're having a shop built as well (on our property), hopefully it will be up and ready to go after the first of the year- Yeah!!
We actually have a little snow this week! The little guys were happy to play in it. I told Caden he needed to get some mittens on. His reply, "What are mittens?" Oh baby! He didn't want to wear a snowsuit and I haven't bought snow boots for any of them. Why? It melts the next day! LOVE THAT!!
Now that I've shut my shop down, I'll be sure to post new, fun photos that I've taken... basketball is in full swing, too! It's just been a little too crazy around here!

Monday, December 8, 2008

The BOY's Car

Saturday, I made 4 trips driving Justin to and from Mulvane (20 min each way). Starting with practice at 7 (he let them sleep in since it was Saturday... nice, huh?) picking him up, then to the Winter dance and ending up back at the school at 11pm to pick him up. TOO much driving, which is why we went ahead and bought Justin a car. It's not really his, but we'll let him think it is for now. We might have to get personalized plates with Caden's name, because Caden really thinks it's his car. Might keep Justin humble.

Jim said it was $15 to fill up the tank- crazy to us! Now, he just needs to get his permit, then his license...

Our Tree

I thought the little guys were old enough to leave the tree alone this year- wrong. They've already re-arranged all of the decorations. Enough to make me crazy. Here's what our decorated tree looks like! Don't know why I spent the time decorating it evenly... it changes daily. Maybe next year- they're not small forever!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Christmas Tree Farm

I wanted the whole experience. This fall, I missed picking apples at the apple orchard, didn't make it to the pumpkin patch or even the corn maze. I didn't want to miss out on picking out a Christmas tree at a tree farm.

All of the above are experiences that Alaska doesn't offer. My mom says we had real trees when I was little, but I don't remember... this seemed like my first REAL Christmas tree and I LOVE it! There was a little resistance, but after our morning at the tree farm it's definitely a new tradition for us!


The farm we found is run by an older couple- the man drove us around to the field area on his old John Deere tractor, then let us off to look for "our perfect tree." Justin decided the first one he saw would work... but, we made him walk around until we found the right one. They came and cut it for us, then loaded it back on the trailer to clean it, shake it and load it!
SO MUCH FUN!!

Thanksgiving (last week!)

We decided to give a fried turkey a 2nd try and it was SO worth it! Jim and Jassen did a great job watching the temp and cooking our turkey. Actually, they cooked two so we had plenty of leftovers! Yummy stuff!

Monday, December 1, 2008

It's ALMOST December!!

Yikes! I can't believe tomorrow is December 1st! As much as I TRY each year to get my act together early, I just can't seem to get there! It was a busy weekend filled with lots of activity and fun with Jassen, Dawn and Kota. We had our Thanksgiving dinner, caught a movie or two, Justin took his first spin and decided he LOVES to drive (blog post in iteself), found a tree farm, experienced the tree farm (blog post with a zillion photos to come), decorated for Christmas, took the tractor out, played, and made a few new memories. It was fast and furious as our pace always is... I'm ready for another 4-day weekend already! Basketball games start this week in full swing. I'm trying to figure out how we're going to do it. Should be fun, I just want to enjoy the time more than being caught up in it feeling exhausted all the time. More photos to come- I took a bunch this weekend! (no surprise, I'm sure!)

Thursday, November 27, 2008

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

There's NOTHING like having family or friends come for a visit to get my house clean! That's what we've been doing today... cleaning up a bit since Jim's brother Jassen, his wife Dawn and little Dakota are coming for the weekend! We're so excited to have family we can't wait to see them! We begged last year for them to make the drive, but it just didn't happen. This year, Jassen was trying to sell his car. Jim told him a couple days ago- if he'd drive it here, he'd buy it from him- done deal! Now that there's a car on the way, Justin's finally excited to start driving... he better start studying up for his permit test!

We're going to make our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, since they're getting here later today. I know that makes it not feel like Thanksgiving, but also the weather and scenery are really confusing me. Even for our second year here in Kansas, it just feels strange not to be bundled up with at least some snow and ice on the ground. I don't miss it AT ALL... but, I didn't expect it to be built in to my mindset. I guess I just can't shake Alaska that quick... I can admit, I'll always be an Alaskan. My body just doesn't like the cold that comes with the territory.



Aside from no snow on the ground, here in Kansas they plant winter wheat. It really screws me up since they plant it in September or October sometime. So, all of the fields are bright green all winter, then they turn gold in the spring. That's a little backward to me, but I LOVE looking at it.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Mornings

As Justin's starting his 2nd week of basketball practices, I've been thinking a lot about mornings. I'm not a morning person- never have been. The question in my mind is... Is it possible to become a morning person, or am I just bound to be a night owl for the rest of my life? With Justin's practices starting at 6:00 am, we have to leave the house by 5:20. He has to have time to shoot around and warm up, right? I would probably be there with a minute to spare, but Justin's the responsible one here. His coach let it be known that he's up at 4 every morning, and sleeps in until 4:15 on Saturdays, then runs his 4 miles a day. I don't get it- and even think he's just a little crazy!!

Last week, I only drove two of the five days, six days if you count Saturday (they did get to sleep in and started at a very LATE 7:30). Jim did the bulk of the driving. Before the schedule started, I had big plans (all in my mind) to come home to a quiet house and either work out or get a couple hours of work in before the little guys were up and running. Didn't happen. I just can't seem to get going when I can lay down for just a few more minutes... I can't see it happening this week either... or next...

I just love photos of Caden sleeping. Guess it's because his naps are so rare!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Ty MADE the team- YEAH!!

We decided the other day that Justin IS going to get his permit... restricted license... or whatever he needs to start driving. He's the craziest kid who hasn't had ANY desire to drive. We don't understand, but haven't been too worried... until this week...

I've ALWAYS wanted my boys to play basketball. Last year, they both decided to try it out for the 1st time in their young lives... Justin made the team, Tyler didn't.

We're so proud that Tyler decided to try out again this year and found out yesterday that he MADE the team! He's pretty excited and worked so hard! Justin made the freshman team as well. I'm elated!! Then, reality kicked in as I sat in the parent's meeting and put the schedule together with both of them playing... Justin's practices are 6:00 am, Tyler's are after school until 6:00 pm with games twice a week for both of them. I haven't put it all on the calendar yet but have decided that Justin's days of being along for the ride are about to change! Jim's already mentioned that we HAVE to get him a car... any kid's dream... and he's not even the least bit excited. What's wrong with my kid!?

Friday, November 7, 2008

Horse Crazy

I LOVE horses. I have for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I was one of those who begged for a horse for Christmas every year. Of course back then, I thought our little corner lot with chain-link fencing was a big enough spot for a horse. I now understand! We had a neighbor with horses who let me take care of them while she was out of town- a dream for me! I would just pretend they were mine. I didn't even mind feeding and hauling water up the street to them at 6:00am in the dead of winter- usually with way below zero temperatures.

Lucky for us, we have wonderful neighbors behind us (we share a property line) who just happen to have horses. I love looking out and just being able to watch them. They've been gracious enough to let everyone have a chance to ride them (Jim included). While he didn't get the thrill from the ride, the boys are just about hooked. Coleman's decided that he's changing careers when he grows up from the race car driver (that he's always wanted to be) to a "horse rider". When it's his turn to get off, he begs for more time.
I love riding as well, but have enjoyed watching the boys just as much- as their eyes light up each time they get in the saddle.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Happy Halloween

This is our second year living in Kansas, but I'm still in awe of the fall weather! I can't ever remember a Halloween that the boys weren't covered with their coats, snowpants, gloves, and hats with costumes underneath. What's the point? Maybe that's why I have NEVER enjoyed Halloween! The weather here has been just beautiful, and I'm starting to realize why so many, including Jim, consider Fall their favorite time of year. I've always dreaded fall because it's really just the start of winter in Alaska- chill in the air, snow usually on the ground, frost on the windshield. This week, we've enjoyed mid to upper 70's... and it's November! I can't believe it- feels like HEAVEN!

Coleman and Caden were little pirates, and had a wonderful time trick-or-treating with our sweet neighbors girls. We went to a nearby neighborhood- much easier to visit houses than on our dirt road! Dressed in t-shirts and sandals, it was a great evening for all of us!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Offense & Defense


There is nothing that makes my big boys more irritated than to come home and find their little brothers into their "stuff." They finally have doors and doorknobs that lock, but the little guys still seem to make their way inside. Today, Justin and Ty came home and for the first time- and smiled once they saw what Coleman and Caden were up to. Caden discovered Justin's football gear and they had a great time with it. With two uniforms, they each had a full set! They even found a pair of shoes for each of them to wear. Kept them busy for well over an hour. I don't know what I'm going to do once Coleman is in Kindergarten next year- they're such little creative playmates!


Coleman insisted he was the defense, until he decided he wanted to score a touchdown. Caden just pretends to tackle all day... pretty much sums up his personality!



I shouldn't have bought Halloween costumes for them!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Our Baby is 3!

We can't believe he's 3! Caden had a great birthday- celebrated a little early while Grandma was still here. For his birthday dinner, we had shish-kebobs and steamed rice- definitely his all-time favorite food.
He loves all things puppy... so we had a puppy cake and ice cream with friends The Kincaids after his dinner. While it's just about impossible to find anything with dalmations on it (101 Dalmations is his favorite movie) Grandma found a cute Pokey Little Puppy card, and our neighbors gave him a "Who let the dogs out?" music card- definitely a hit! Now that he's 3... the messes and getting in to EVERYTHING is about over, right? Oh.... I hope so! He is such a happy little guy- adds so much love to our home and family!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Goodbye Grandma!

Goodbyes are always so difficult! For the last couple of months, we've been spoiled to have Grandma visiting. She came down the end of August, and headed back North yesterday. With the exception of just over a week at my brother's house and just over a week at my sister's house, we had her for almost two months. For some, this might be a little long for a mother/mother-in-law visit, but we weren't ready for her to leave. We definitely worked too much while she was here, but enjoyed the visit.
The extra hands, best foot rubs in the world, laundry mysteriously washed, help with dishes, miles and miles and miles of driving to pick up and drop off the big boys, errands all over the place and all the other help was greatly appreciated! We miss you already... and your bed is already made with clean sheets for you to come back!
Thanks for everything, mom- we LOVE you!!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Record Weather

This summer was one of Anchorage's coolest on record. There were very few sunny days and lots of rain. Grandma came down in August, for some summer sunshine! Unfortunately, this week Wichita (or Kansas as a whole) broke a record set in the '50's for the most rainfall. This weekend is her last for this trip- luckily, it is supposed to be nice! It's in the 70's here which is better than the snow that has already fallen in Anchorage! Maybe, next summer will be a little hotter!

Of course, the swamp that we call our backyard is back and a magnet for two little guys who love their rainboots!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

I'm Recovering...

Yes, I'm still recovering the shock of the shopping spree... fun stuff- new tools. Of course, it was the "biggest promotional sale," and the coolest everything... I guess for them to come out with just a new saw and a couple of drills wasn't too much damage. It could have been worse for two guys who LOVE tools with a passion!

Time with my brother was wonderful. In addition to the screen door, I got a little more work out of him which is really what brothers are for, right? It was a somewhat full week including window new ledges put up, frames around two closets around downstairs, a plan for the baseboard trim, a Mexican lunch, lots of sanding since there's ALWAYS a pile of wood to sand, a few Lowe's trips (even with me), some painting, a football game, feeding my little guys (3# of cashews an hour before dinner), dinner conversation around our exciting table, an afternoon at the zoo, yeast popcorn, cards with Ty and even a little downtime. Steele- we miss you already. Thanks so much for coming! Love you!!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

What was I thinking?

Right now, as I sit at home... my hubby and brother are out shopping. Sounds crazy, I know. What's even more crazy is that I didn't even blink when they took off. They went once, came home and I told them to go out for more. What was I thinking?
They both love tools, are great at spending money and have a taste for the finer things in life. With a destination such as Home Depot, they're like two little boys in a candy store- no joke! On one hand, I'm a little nervous but on the other- excited to see the projects that they're going to finish up even if they end up having to buy yet another tool!

On another note, they put up our new screen door and I'm so happy with it! It adds a little color to our front... and the screen rolls up in to the door so it really doesn't even look like a screen door. We had to special order this one since the first one had brass fixtures... I just love brushed nickle... had to have it!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Uncle Steele's Here

I'm so excited my brother Steele is here visiting this week from the Portland area! We hit the zoo on Wednesday and I'm about to crack open some projects and see if I can put him to work! LOVE having him here! Now, I have to convince my other brother that Kansas isn't too bad to visit... even for a weekend... please Seth...

Our Trim

Before and After
This is how it was when we bought the house. Now, these two doors lead to Justin and Tyler's rooms. A lot of sweat equity!
We've been in our house just over a year now, and finally have the trim up around the doors in the basement. What a difference it makes- looks finished. We're pretty happy with it! I'm happy the sanding is over- hate that stage!! The sun hit the door on the left at a strange angle- the paint is even!
The Toy Closet

The Downstairs Bathroom

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Remodeling?

A couple weeks ago, our neighbors stopped in at our house. As I opened the door she kindly asked, "Are you remodeling?" It took me a minute to figure out what she was saying, then I took a look at myself. She's very kind, but yes- new to the neighborhood. Since we've now lived here for more than a year, any other neighbor wouldn't even have blinked an eye to see me covered in paint, sawdust and anything else I picked up while working in the garage- I'm a mess! Oh how, I'd love to be the put- together wife and mom with my make up just right, cute clothes and hair done everyday to meet and greet my family and anyone else who would happen to stop by! Fact of the matter is- 99% of the time I probably look like I am remodeling.

Our latest project, along with our business, little guys, football and 12-hour work days for Jim just about every day- we started on our basement trim work. First, I owe my brother-in-law a huge apology. I need to build up the courage to call him before they come for another visit and he sees what we've done. We bought oak trim and doors for our basement last year. I assumed we would stain them, and on a visit in January Mac spent HOURS getting us started. I was so excited to see the work in progress. He really did a great job- and got the first coat on ALL of it- so much work!
As soon as they left, my mother-in-law came for a visit and immediately said we needed to do light trim to brighten the basement. You know- dark stain is so "out." This put the thought in to my head and until this last week- we didn't know what to do. In the end, stuck with this expensive (and now stained) trim, we sanded it all down, primed it and painted it. Mac, I'm so sorry! Of course, Jim had to go Amish on me and insisted that we had to hand sand it ALL... the palm sander would have blasted through the grooves. I was willing to take the chance, but opted to work together on the whole thing. I'll post soon on what we've been working on!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

What a Soccer Clinic

In our house, it's tough being one of the little guys. With ten years between the big boys and little boys. Coleman and Caden are constantly trying to be just like their older brothers. They have practice, and play coach. They catch the bus and go to school as well- all in their creative minds and daily imaginary play. Seeing a soccer clinic for ages 3-6 I was able to sign the up for their own "practice." Of course, they each had to have their own Gatorade- just like the big boys. Yesterday was the first of four Saturday mornings and while it was mostly chasing a ball around, they had fun!
We're working with Caden that you can't touch it with your hands... only kick it!
Maybe, he'll be a goalie.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Chimps and Penguins

With clear skies and 80 degree temperatures, it was the perfect combination for a September afternoon at the zoo. The little guys and I couldn't resist! It was just beautiful. After a quick tram ride around the whole zoo, we spent most of our time watching the chimps then on to the penguin cove.

The best part of having a membership is not having that urgency to hurry through to see every single animal. It was a nice, relaxed afternoon. This zoo is organized by continents. As we strolled past Australia we thought of our family down there!
We miss you guys!!!