We Awoke to SNOW Today

Good Sunday to all of you!

This week has been a good week. I was in a different classroom everyday and enjoyed most of it.  Along the way this week I learned a few facts: Black bears must gain at least 4 inches of fat to survive in the winter, they give birth while in hibernation and never wake up, and they consume 20,000 calories a day. A super sized (which is no longer available) fry at McDonald's had 600 calories, a Super Sized drink has 45 tsp. (I think) of sugar and McDonald's spends 1.4 Billion Dollars on advertising. I DO NOT speak spanish, thank goodness the movie has subtitles.  I also got to watch part of Legends of Sleepy Hallow (never seen before - at least not that I can remember).  So at least I learned something. Oh, and I learned that high school students are VERY cleaver and sneaky with their cell phones.  Time for this sub to no longer be nice.

It is moose season here.   Did you know that a moose will feed a family of four for two-three years.  That's alot of moose.  Speaking moose, I cooked my first piece of moose meat.  It wasn't bad, not something we will eat often, but will eat again.  I cooked it in the crockpot much like cooking a brisket.  (I may have already posted that last week - oh well.)

Doc still hasn't received official approval to attend the conference in Tulsa in October, so we may not see Oklahoma until December.

We purchased our official winter extension cords yesterday - pretty blue not orange. These are used to reach the plug-ins we will need to plug-in our cars while at work once the temperatures reach 20 below.

Last night something was apparently outside our window.  About 10:15, Charlie went CRAZY.  I let him out and he ran the parameter of the fence and barked and barked.  No, I did not go out to investigate, but our guess is that perhaps in the trees there was a moose.  Still waiting to officially see a moose.

Friday night we went with the K-5 grade kids from church to play Laser Tag.  While we didn't play we did supervise.  There were about 17 of them.  Fun was had by all.

This morning we awoke to some snow - not much but it was snow.  When we got to church, it had not snowed in town.  By the time we left church it was all gone.  Then this afternoon it started again, big beautiful flakes, but again it didn't last long.  I know it is eventually going to happen.  Later on this afternoon we actually went walking.  The temperature was 35. While that may sound cold, it really wasn't.  We both wore our coats and ear coverings and I had on gloves and by the time we got in the house we were actually a little warm. 

I believe we are starting to adjust to Alaska.  We now have a regular routine and don't really do much sight seeing around here - mainly because we have already seen most of it.  Tonight is supposed to be a good night to see the Northern Lights.  If we do see them, I will post pictures later next week. 

I want to leave you with a verse from service this morning:

From the Message Bible:
Philippians 3:15-16
So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision - you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

Have blessed week.  Love and miss all of you.

Sally & Richard

The only red trees we have seen.

Snow this morning

September 22

This post will be short, but wanted to "check in" and let everyone know we are still alive and well in Alaska.

The weather continues to be beautiful.  One morning this week it was 31 but 62 in the evenings. On the morning that it was 31, I wore a sweater that day and was completely comfortable.  That seems to be the norm.  Last Sunday apparently there were strong winds in parts of North Pole that knocked out power and uprooted trees.  We were either oblivious to it or didn't realize it was windy - lol.  We didn't loose our power or any trees.  There has been flooding in other areas of Alaska, but not near North Pole.  We believe we are going to make it through September without seeing snow - which is a good thing because I haven't gotten tires for my car yet nor have we purchased winter coats.  Guess we better get on the ball. One thing we are noticing with all the falling leaves, there are houses behind many of those trees.  It's amazing what you don't see for all the trees.  Still no sighting of moose.

Several people have told us that Charlie will need boots.  Richard keeps saying no, but I think I have finally convienced him that yes my little dog needs boots.  The trick will be to get Charlie to keep them on.

Our neighbors moved out this week.  Hope we get some more good neighbors.

Doc had his first gig today with the Fairbanks Community Jazz Band.  It went well and he enjoyed playing with the band.

Not sure if we are going to be in Tulsa in a few weeks or not.  The Army still hasn't approved Richard's travel and he says he isn't going if they don't pay.  He will eventually have to go to continuing education in Oklahoma whether they Army pays or not.

North Pole High School football team won this week.  There is only one more game in the season and then the playoffs began. Speaking of NPHS.  Substituting continues.  All I can say is high school is SO different from the Technology Center. We had an "early out" on Friday and there is no school on Monday, so I have a day off - without pay I might add.  Now I know how it feels to expereince - no work, no pay.

Myles is doing well after his incident last week and Eric hopefully has enjoyed his cruise - guess we will find out tomorrow. 

Well that about sums up our week.  Have a great week next week.  We love and miss all of you.

Sally

Hello again!

I didn't realize how long it had been since I last posted.  Let me see if I can catch you up.

The weather is amazingly warm - 30 ish in the morning but anywhere in the 50-60's in the afternoon. Enjoying every moment of it.  The leaves continue to get more yellow and are beginning to fall off the trees.  Winter can't be far behind. Last week we did decide to turn on the heat to be sure it is going to work.  It worked fine and hasn't been on since.

We got both cars winterized.  I need to get winter tires and I really want an automatic start.  Richard is going to be "tuff" and not get the starter or tires.  We will see how long that lasts.  LOL

While walking up the road this week to the place we have to dump our trash, Richard was very quick to point out the moose tracks.  On several mornings and late evenings when we let Charlie out to do his business, he barks nonstop so we were fairly sure that there must be moose in the area.  Now if we could just catch a glimpse of one - from in the house of course.

Things are still going well here, but I  really miss many things about home.  This week I was reminded of a scripture - well actually it slapped me in the face as I was reading.  It was a scripture that I needed to remind me that we do have a purpose in Alaska.  From the Message Bible, Hebrews 10:35 - "So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion." I was having a "pity party" the evening before and this was part of my devotional reading the next morning. One of the hardest things about being here is hearing of friends hurting, friends sick, or people passing away back home and we aren't there.  But we just pray for all of you from here and leave the rest in God's hands.

At school....this past Monday they told me they were adding a period of Biology to my teaching.  I laughed and said okay.  It lasted one day - thank you Jesus.  They hired a teacher who not only will be teaching the Biology but also my Self Reliant Living Class beginning tomorrow (Sept 17.) Yes, I said my Self Reliant Class.  I have come to love those kids and the class.  One boy actually started crying when we introduced the new teacher.  These kid's don't handle change very well.  A caring aide/coach came to my rescue and after visiting he/we assured the student that I would still be seeing him at school. Not sure what this week will hold for me in the sub area, but I'm sure it will be an adventure.  Luckily, Friday is an early out and then there is no school the following Monday.

Richard continues to enjoy his job and meet many people from various parts of the world and background.

This past week was Homecoming.  Let me just say, Alaska doesn't know how to have Oklahoma Team Spirit.  Imagine my surprise when at the pep assembly I was the only one clapping to the fight song.  The teacher beside me said - oh yeah, you are from Oklahoma..LOL.. We attended the game on Friday evening.  While I had on my NPHS shirt, underneath was my Clinton Red Tornado shirt. It was the number one team against the number three team (us).  We were undefeated until this game.  We lost by one touchdown. It's not Oklahoma football, but it's still football and it's fun.

The kid's activities have begun at North Pole Assembly of God.  While I am enjoying it, it makes me miss my kids back home.  We feed the kids beginning at 6:15 on Wednesday evening and then they have the service.  We have been averaging about 30 kids. I have been put in charge of a group and they are mostly the younger kids - oh what a challenge.  I have also begun to help with the puppet ministry that some of the kids are involved with. 

This last week Richard got invited to rehearse with the Fairbanks Jazz Band.  He was very excited and enjoyed the evening of "drumming".  He will find out this week if the other guy is coming back or if he will be the new drummer.

Saturday we experienced our first - "it's times like these we wish we were in Oklahoma".  Myles had to go to the emergency room. After a 3.5 hour stay at the local ER and being told they couldn't help him that he needed to come back on Monday, a friend took him to the Yukon ER.   I will spare you all the details, but he had an Esophageal blockage that had to be removed with a scope.  The victim...a piece of chicken.  He is doing well, has a little soar throat but other than that, all is well.

Eric is on a cruise this week, so it will be a long week for mom - not getting to talk to him for an entire week.  Yes I will survive.

We are still hoping to be in Tulsa the second weekend in October.  It will be a fast trip. 

That sums up the life of the Madden's in Alaska for now.  Keep us in your prayers.  We really need to sell our building back home.  God has a buyer and that buyer needs to come and make the purchase.

We love and miss all of you.  See you soon..

Sally

PS sorry there aren't any pictures.  I forgot my camera the last time we were out and about.  Maybe next time.

Fall Leaves Pictures

Happy Labor Day

I hope today finds you resting and enjoying this holiday (for most of us).  Today I am reminded of two scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the lord is not in vain.

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

This last week I was informed, asked, whatever you want to say - that I would be teaching 2 hours of Self Reliant Living until a licensed special education teacher can be hired.  ME - a business teacher.  I will say, so far so good.  The first class is all girls, about 4 -5, depending on who comes to school that day.  The second class is 3-4 boys.  It has been an eye opener and a challenge.  These kids are so polite and pay attention to every word you say.  I have some excellent aids in the classroom and that helps a lot.  The only problem, no lesson plans or textbooks.  I'm learning to wing it and research.  We have been talking about baking chocolate chip cookies.  The plan this week is to demonstrate, make a grocery list, take them to the grocery store, and on Friday bake cookies.  Then next week the plan is to talk about table manners and table setting.  All my teacher friends out there, if you have any other ideas, let me know.  What time I'm not in the classroom, I have been helping the administrative assistant who is in charge of MONEY. (I have a new respect for you Eugenia - hope you are reading this.) Who knew there were so many accounts and sub accounts in a school.  I have also been doing some filing in the counselors offices - there are about 6 of them in the one office. So far all is well and I remind myself everyday how blessed I am to be at NPHS.  Oh, some other things I did this week.  I assisted in the band and orchestra class - well let's just say I set there and listened while they played.  I spent one hour in computer programming.  I also conducted the advisory class two days this week.  I have a group of Sophomores in this class.  In advisory the first day we went over the handbook and the second day was study hall.  I also had a section of PLC - (sorry I can't remember what it stands for).  Basically during this time students are assigned to a room or the library where they are to sit quietly and study, listen to music or visit quitely.  It is a time when teachers are preparing for class or in a teacher's meeting. It isn't always easy, but there is a reason and purpose for my being there.

This week will begin our children's program on Wednesday evening at church.  We will feed kids beginning 6:15 with the activities running from 7-8.  I will be having a small group discussion group that happens at the end of the night and Richard is actually going to be helping with set and clean up.  I will give details in my next post, as I'm really not sure what we will be doing.

This week on one of our evening walks, we ran into a gentlemen who was walking his dog.  We stopped to chat and discovered he and his wife have been in Alaska since the 70's.  Another example of people who come and stay.  (Yikes, hope I don't say that someday, lol..) Anyway, he asked where we were from, we said Oklahoma.  He said my wife was born in Oklahoma - a small town called Clinton.  How small the world really is.

Fall is in the air.  I posted pictures of leaves on Facebook and Shutterfly, but will post some here also.  I was reading this morning that September will start out with a high of around 62 and end with a low of about 46.  Some have said there will be snow in September while others say no to snow in September.  Guess we are about to find out.  They tell us fall will last only about 2 - 3 weeks.  I plan to take advantage of every minute of the beautiful fall weather. 

We will get our cars winterized this week.  That consists of a heater on the oil pan, motor, and something either a blanket or trickle charger on the battery.  We will also be getting auto start for my vehicle and possibly Richard's.  I will get new tires - either studs or blusac.  Richard hasn't decided about tires for the FJ.  Law says we can't put tires on until Sept. 15.

Richard is officially an Alaskan driver.  He got his licenses on Friday.

We listened to all our Oklahoma teams this weekend, Clinton and OSU and watched OU.  We also attended the NPHS football game.  We left at fourth quarter and they were winning 34-7.  The other team had traveled over 500 miles to get here.  NP is a very good team this year and are undefeated.  They begin playing in early August and will finish by the end of this month with playoffs in October.

We are losing our neighbors.  Praying we get more good ones.

Well I think that about sums up our last week.  Have blessed week. 

Love and miss all of you.

Sally