Friday, September 27, 2013
I Am Behind!
Surprise! We are still alive and well in Alaska. I cannot believe that next week is October. Let me see what I can do to catch this Blog up. Forgive me if I say things I have already said.
Summer came and went. Once we returned from Oklahoma the weather was BEAUTIFUL here in Alaska. Fairbanks broke a record for the number of days reaching 80 degrees - which were at least 30 and maybe more. I actually wore shorts and sandles this summer and got a tan. I spent many afternoons in the yard with Charlie. I could stay forever if we could have weather like we had in July and August. We really didn't venture too far this summer as I worked at Summer School and Richard was the only Optometrist on Post.
Speaking of Richard, he still loves his job. I'm not sure he is ever going to want to leave Alaska. YIKES...that thought kinda of scares me.
School started in August and I am back at the Star of the North as a Special Ed Aide. It is a new adventure everyday. They are still trying to get me to become Alaskan certified. I only have four students that I am responsible for this year and sometimes those four are more than enough. I still keep my eyes and ears open for other job possiblities. Honestly, I really miss being in the classroom as a teacher.
Two weeks ago we rode the train to Denali and spent the night there with another couple from church. The ride was amazing and the colors were beautiful. I will try to post some picture at a later date. If you are on Facebook, all the pictures are there. We only saw one moose on the way up and one moose on the way back. We see another train adventure in the future.
We have already had night temperatures in the 20's. The daytime temperatures seem to vary from 25-60. We have had snow twice. Thankfully it hasn't lasted long, but I know those days are not far away.
I did see my first bull moose on the way to work recently. Unfortunately for him he was dead. He was hit by a truck. He was HUGE and only one-half mile from our house.
Next week I will fly to Seattle for a few days. Eric will be meeting me there. It is Don's birthday, so I am excited to not only spend time with Eric, but to spend time with Don and see the sites of Seattle.
Plans are in the making for Christmas. We really haven't decide whether we will fly mom, Eric, and Myles (if he will fly) here or if we will fly home. It is actually cheaper to fly them here than for us to fly to Oklahoma. I know...that is CRAZY....
I guess you could say we are settled in Alaska and it is life as normal so there isn't always alot to write about. However, I will continue to keep this Blog updated, but probably not as often as I did the first year we were here.
Hope all of you are well. We still think of you often and miss you all.
Be Blessed....enjoy fall....
Sally
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Already July!
Wow am I ever behind. Let me try and fill in the missing adventures since Mother's Day!
Break-up finally happened on May 22. Break-up is when the ice finally breaks in the river and it is no longer winter! We were told that the snow and ice would be gone in about two weeks and it really was - that was so amazing. When I left to come to Oklahoma everything was still brown and when I returned 18 days later it was green and blooming!
I finished school on May 22 and flew to Oklahoma. Arrived on May 23 in time to attend Eighth Grade Promotion. So proud of Derrek and the young man he is becoming. He received the Masonic Award and he was so excited he said he almost cried. The next evening was High School graduation! So many kids are growning up and moving on - guess that means I'm getting old!
I spent from May 23-June 10 in Oklahoma. It was a storm filled, whirlwind, exciting trip. I visited my WTC family, visited our neighbors Ruby and Delmer Sawatsky (so glad we were able to visit, as Delmer went to be with Jesus this weekend), spent TONS of time with Eric, Derrek, Makayla and Lisa. However, it is never enough time. We had mani/peds, went swimming, ate alot, BUT I didn't even make it to the mall. Richard arrived on June 6 - a very important day - my birthday. It was so good to see him...this was the longest we have ever been apart. On June 8 we attended the wedding of Rachel and Trey. She was a beautiful bride and we wish them a world of happiness. On June 10 we headed back to Alaska with mom in tow. Richard was on a different flight, but we all arrived safely and on time.
Mom spent the next week with us. We visited the Farmer's Market, Botanical Garden, Riverboat Discovery, Morris Thompson Culture Center, and simply enjoyed spending time together. From Alaska she spent a week in Seattle with Don and then a week in Sacramento with Dan and his family. She arrived back in Oklahoma at 2 a.m. this morning. I haven't talked with her yet, but I know she had a good time and is probably tired.
This has been an unseasonably warm summer. We have actually seen temps in the 90's and I will say with no air conditioner it has been HOT. Along with the hot weather comes fires. We have many smoke filled days. Some people have asked how long before winter returns. The story is look to the fireweed. Fireweed is a flowering plant that grows everywhere. When it begins to bloom it blooms from the bottom up. You then count the blooms that have not opened up and that is approximately how long before winter returns. Is that full blown winter or simply the temperatures dropping - I have no idea. A friend showed me the fireweed and the plant we looked at showed that we have about 8 weeks before the return of winter. Guess we will find out.
I am teaching computer classes, three days per week to senior citizens in North Pole. I am also working in the Special Education department for summer school four days per week. My summer is going by fast. School starts back August 21 and as of now I plan to return to my position as SPED Aide at Star of the North.
Richard is coaching the church softball team. He is having a good time. He is also playing in a summer golf league, so he is a happy camper.
There you have a quick update on all that is happening in our life. I will try to post some summer pictures later.
Hope all of you are having a good summer. Be blessed!
Sally & Richard
Break-up finally happened on May 22. Break-up is when the ice finally breaks in the river and it is no longer winter! We were told that the snow and ice would be gone in about two weeks and it really was - that was so amazing. When I left to come to Oklahoma everything was still brown and when I returned 18 days later it was green and blooming!
I finished school on May 22 and flew to Oklahoma. Arrived on May 23 in time to attend Eighth Grade Promotion. So proud of Derrek and the young man he is becoming. He received the Masonic Award and he was so excited he said he almost cried. The next evening was High School graduation! So many kids are growning up and moving on - guess that means I'm getting old!
I spent from May 23-June 10 in Oklahoma. It was a storm filled, whirlwind, exciting trip. I visited my WTC family, visited our neighbors Ruby and Delmer Sawatsky (so glad we were able to visit, as Delmer went to be with Jesus this weekend), spent TONS of time with Eric, Derrek, Makayla and Lisa. However, it is never enough time. We had mani/peds, went swimming, ate alot, BUT I didn't even make it to the mall. Richard arrived on June 6 - a very important day - my birthday. It was so good to see him...this was the longest we have ever been apart. On June 8 we attended the wedding of Rachel and Trey. She was a beautiful bride and we wish them a world of happiness. On June 10 we headed back to Alaska with mom in tow. Richard was on a different flight, but we all arrived safely and on time.
Mom spent the next week with us. We visited the Farmer's Market, Botanical Garden, Riverboat Discovery, Morris Thompson Culture Center, and simply enjoyed spending time together. From Alaska she spent a week in Seattle with Don and then a week in Sacramento with Dan and his family. She arrived back in Oklahoma at 2 a.m. this morning. I haven't talked with her yet, but I know she had a good time and is probably tired.
This has been an unseasonably warm summer. We have actually seen temps in the 90's and I will say with no air conditioner it has been HOT. Along with the hot weather comes fires. We have many smoke filled days. Some people have asked how long before winter returns. The story is look to the fireweed. Fireweed is a flowering plant that grows everywhere. When it begins to bloom it blooms from the bottom up. You then count the blooms that have not opened up and that is approximately how long before winter returns. Is that full blown winter or simply the temperatures dropping - I have no idea. A friend showed me the fireweed and the plant we looked at showed that we have about 8 weeks before the return of winter. Guess we will find out.
I am teaching computer classes, three days per week to senior citizens in North Pole. I am also working in the Special Education department for summer school four days per week. My summer is going by fast. School starts back August 21 and as of now I plan to return to my position as SPED Aide at Star of the North.
Richard is coaching the church softball team. He is having a good time. He is also playing in a summer golf league, so he is a happy camper.
There you have a quick update on all that is happening in our life. I will try to post some summer pictures later.
Hope all of you are having a good summer. Be blessed!
Sally & Richard
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Mother's Day
Hope all of you are enjoying Mother's Day and treating your moms very special today. I believe this is possibly the first Mother's Day that I have spent away from my mom and Eric. They however are enjoying the day together.
Last Sunday at church we had a baby dedication. It was the neatest thing I have ever experienced. The family has been fostering and/or adopting children from the village for awhile now. If I counted correctly this makes 5 or 6 and they also have kids of their own. Anyway, they had a glass vase and many different colors of sand. White represented Christ the head of the house and that sand was placed in the vase first. Then each parent, sibling, grandparent and godparent placed a spoonful of different colors of sand in the vase representing the blending of family and the prayerful support for the child. After service anyone in the church who is praying for and supporting this family then put a spoonful of sand. Very moving celebration.
This past week was graduation at the school that I work. The day before graduation they have what is called Senior Passage. It is a time of congratulating and recognizing each senior individually. Scholarships are also awarded at this ceremony. But the most touching event happens when each senior is presented a handmade quilt. There is a small Baptist church that at the beginning of the year gets a list of the seniors and their favorite colors. The church prays for each senior throughout the year as the quilts are being made. Once the quilts are finished they are hung in the church sanctuary where the entire church prays for these seniors. We have 12 seniors and there were 12 different and unique quilts. The next evening was graduation and it is a combined graduation with the other Star of North campus. There were 60 graduates. It was so exciting to watch these students receive their High School Diploma. Many of these students were given very little hope of graduation and had no parental support.
I do believe spring has arrived and break up is happening. Actually, most of the snow is GONE. We now have about 18 hours of daylight each day. The cleanup has begun. The rocks are disappearing off the roads and Richard is so glad as he not only has a cracked windshield but about 5 different rock pings. Makes driving and seeing very interesting. One bank actually showed that is was 70 degrees yesterday.
Today we had a Mother's Day brunch as church. The sanctuary was filled with beautiful flowers and tables. Following the brunch, Pastor Aubrey brought the Mother's Day message.
Well, I believe that sums up this past week. Did I mention TEN MORE DAYS and I will be in Oklahoma. Looking forward to being with friends and family for about 2 1/2 weeks.
Hope you all have a blessed week.
Sally
Last Sunday at church we had a baby dedication. It was the neatest thing I have ever experienced. The family has been fostering and/or adopting children from the village for awhile now. If I counted correctly this makes 5 or 6 and they also have kids of their own. Anyway, they had a glass vase and many different colors of sand. White represented Christ the head of the house and that sand was placed in the vase first. Then each parent, sibling, grandparent and godparent placed a spoonful of different colors of sand in the vase representing the blending of family and the prayerful support for the child. After service anyone in the church who is praying for and supporting this family then put a spoonful of sand. Very moving celebration.
This past week was graduation at the school that I work. The day before graduation they have what is called Senior Passage. It is a time of congratulating and recognizing each senior individually. Scholarships are also awarded at this ceremony. But the most touching event happens when each senior is presented a handmade quilt. There is a small Baptist church that at the beginning of the year gets a list of the seniors and their favorite colors. The church prays for each senior throughout the year as the quilts are being made. Once the quilts are finished they are hung in the church sanctuary where the entire church prays for these seniors. We have 12 seniors and there were 12 different and unique quilts. The next evening was graduation and it is a combined graduation with the other Star of North campus. There were 60 graduates. It was so exciting to watch these students receive their High School Diploma. Many of these students were given very little hope of graduation and had no parental support.
I do believe spring has arrived and break up is happening. Actually, most of the snow is GONE. We now have about 18 hours of daylight each day. The cleanup has begun. The rocks are disappearing off the roads and Richard is so glad as he not only has a cracked windshield but about 5 different rock pings. Makes driving and seeing very interesting. One bank actually showed that is was 70 degrees yesterday.
Today we had a Mother's Day brunch as church. The sanctuary was filled with beautiful flowers and tables. Following the brunch, Pastor Aubrey brought the Mother's Day message.
Well, I believe that sums up this past week. Did I mention TEN MORE DAYS and I will be in Oklahoma. Looking forward to being with friends and family for about 2 1/2 weeks.
Hope you all have a blessed week.
Sally
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Is it Really May?
It is a beautiful, sunshine day in Alaska. One catch...we STILL have snow and I personally am a little tired of the stuff. The people who have lived here a long time are even tired of the snow. We keep hearing that this is very unusual and that by this time the snow is usually all about gone. They have changed community clean up twice now because of the new snow. A good note, no snow is in this weeks forecast. We may even see the 50's by the end of this week. YIPEE!!!!
It is so hard to believe that we have been here going on 11 months. This year has gone by fast in some ways and slow in others. Richard continues to love his job. The Major will be leaving this month for Korea, one of the military techs is on maternity leave and the other still doesn't have security clearance so the civilians are running the clinic. Richard is going to help with the church softball team this summer - that could be interesting and he is also helping to teach Sunday School and continues to play drums at church and in the community Jazz Band.
Me...well I will be teaching computer classes this summer at the senior citizen's building beginning the middle of June and will attend church camp with the 7-9 year olds in July. We hope to be able to go to Valdez or Seward this summer and take in some more of the beautiful sites of Alaska. Next Wednesday is our last Wednesday night kids service until September. My job, well all I can say is it is a different challenge everyday. If this is where God wants me to stay I will, but if he chooses to move me, I won't argue. I'm still planning to get my Alaskan certification this summer.
In 17 more days I will be boarding a plane for OKLAHOMA. Hopefully there will be no delays and I will make it Clinton for 8th grade graduation, then the next day is high school graduation, the next day is class reunion. Then I will have about 2 weeks before Rachel's wedding. Not sure how Charlie and Richard will handle being in Alaska that long all alone. Well, Richard will be fine it is Charlie I worry about since he is a mama's boy. Richard will join me just in time for the wedding and then he and I along with mom will fly home on June 10. Mom will be here a week before going to Seattle for a week and on the Sacramento for a week. When she returns, Rachel will be married and out of the house. Not sure if she is going to want a new house guest or if she wants to try it on her own for awhile.
I walked (yes I am out of shape) in the Autism 5K last week. Very different from walking/running in Oklahoma. Coat, hat, gloves, etc...and no time piece on my shoe. It was cold but not too cold. I hope to eventually get back to running. Okay, stop laughing but at least it is a goal. LOL..
That about sums up our recent events/days in Alaska. Take care. Have a blessed week.
Love to all and for those in Oklahoma..SEE YOU SOON!
Sally
It is so hard to believe that we have been here going on 11 months. This year has gone by fast in some ways and slow in others. Richard continues to love his job. The Major will be leaving this month for Korea, one of the military techs is on maternity leave and the other still doesn't have security clearance so the civilians are running the clinic. Richard is going to help with the church softball team this summer - that could be interesting and he is also helping to teach Sunday School and continues to play drums at church and in the community Jazz Band.
Me...well I will be teaching computer classes this summer at the senior citizen's building beginning the middle of June and will attend church camp with the 7-9 year olds in July. We hope to be able to go to Valdez or Seward this summer and take in some more of the beautiful sites of Alaska. Next Wednesday is our last Wednesday night kids service until September. My job, well all I can say is it is a different challenge everyday. If this is where God wants me to stay I will, but if he chooses to move me, I won't argue. I'm still planning to get my Alaskan certification this summer.
In 17 more days I will be boarding a plane for OKLAHOMA. Hopefully there will be no delays and I will make it Clinton for 8th grade graduation, then the next day is high school graduation, the next day is class reunion. Then I will have about 2 weeks before Rachel's wedding. Not sure how Charlie and Richard will handle being in Alaska that long all alone. Well, Richard will be fine it is Charlie I worry about since he is a mama's boy. Richard will join me just in time for the wedding and then he and I along with mom will fly home on June 10. Mom will be here a week before going to Seattle for a week and on the Sacramento for a week. When she returns, Rachel will be married and out of the house. Not sure if she is going to want a new house guest or if she wants to try it on her own for awhile.
I walked (yes I am out of shape) in the Autism 5K last week. Very different from walking/running in Oklahoma. Coat, hat, gloves, etc...and no time piece on my shoe. It was cold but not too cold. I hope to eventually get back to running. Okay, stop laughing but at least it is a goal. LOL..
That about sums up our recent events/days in Alaska. Take care. Have a blessed week.
Love to all and for those in Oklahoma..SEE YOU SOON!
Sally
Sunday, April 14, 2013
More Than a Month Has Passed
Where has time gone? It is already half way through April and I haven't written since February? Let me see if I can catch this up.
March:
Snow, Cold, Snow, Cold...that pretty much sums it up.
In March we did celebrate our 13th year anniversary. We had a quite celebration for our actual anniversary. We went to eat and a movie. But the next weekend we went to Anchorage for our anniversary and Richard's birthday. Wow, what a difference 6 hours makes. Anchorage is what I thought we were moving to when Richard said we were moving to Alaska. Mountains and beautiful surroundings. Not only that there were malls and Olive Garden. I will try to post pictures. We toured downtown, shopped and ate. During the drive to and from Anchorage we saw Mt. McKinley and an Eagle. Sorry, I didn't get a picture of the eagle. We also saw the place (sorry Richard isn't home and I can't remember the name) where they put a tripod in the middle of the frozen river and it is attached to a log or something similar. You can by tickets guessing when break up will happen, based on when the log begins to float. (This may not be the accurate description but it is the best that I can come up with.) The jackpot is several thousands of dollars. Oh, break up is when everything begins to melt and turn green.
School for me is getting better. Either I am adjusting and getting "mean" or the kids are adjusting to me and not pushing their limits as much. I am going to test this summer for my Alaskan certification. Say a prayer - I panic when it comes time for taking a test.
We went to the World Ice Sculpturing park in Fairbanks. I will post a few of my favorite pictures. It is amazing what they can do with a block of ice.
We keep missing the Northern Lights. The best light show thus far was while we were in Anchorage. There was a fairly good showing last night, but I slept right through them. Something about getting up at 3 a.m. to look at the sky just doesn't excite me too much. I always regret it when I see the picutures. Time is running out for good Northern Lights, so we may have to wait till next year.
It is hard to believe that we have been in Alaska for 10 months. Time is flying in more ways than one. We do love it here but are ready to see the grass. And YES we miss everyone in Oklahoma.
Last weekend through Tuesday, we had an unusual snowstorm (at least that is what everyone tells us). Everything had begun to melt and then we received 8 inches of fresh snow. This is alarming for Alaska due to the fact that it will probably warm up way too fast and cause flooding. Guess we will find out. The sun has been shining since Wednesday and even though the temperature remains in the 20's, it is still pleasantly nice. I actually had the sun roof open yesterday.
I will be flying home on May 22 and stay until June 10. Richard will join me on June 6 or 7 for a wedding and then Mom will fly back with us on June 10. She is going to stay a week here, a week in Seattle with Don, and a week in Sacramento with Dan.
Our summer plans are to enjoy more of Alaska. We hope to be able to go to Valdez or Seward and take a day cruise to see the glaciers and hopefully some whale. I will be teaching computer classes 2 hours per day at the senior citizens center and attend church camp for a week with the younger kids at church. Before we turn around it will be August and back to school. There are some budget cuts in the school system, but so far my job is still secure. We also hope that both of the boys and any friends who want to will come visit us this summer.
Easter we had a community service. There were two services with about 900 people in attendance. The kid's service was at our church and there were about 150-200 kids in attendance there. It is so exciting to see a community that doesn't care what church you are from, they are willing to join together to worship and praise the Risen Savior.
Richard is currently in the air somewhere between Dallas and Seattle. He flew out Wednesday for a meeting in Norman. While his flight got messed up and he didn't get to see everyone he planned, I still think he enjoyed his short time in OK and the warmer temperatures. Believe it or not, I actually survived my first stay in Alaska all alone, but I'm ready for him to get home - which isn't until 1:45 in the morning or tonight however you want to look at it.
I guess you can say we have established a life here (for now) and things are beginning to be more and more routine, so there isn't always much to write about. However, I will try to keep this BLOG a little more uptodate.
Hope you all have a blessed week. See you all soon.
Sally
March:
Snow, Cold, Snow, Cold...that pretty much sums it up.
In March we did celebrate our 13th year anniversary. We had a quite celebration for our actual anniversary. We went to eat and a movie. But the next weekend we went to Anchorage for our anniversary and Richard's birthday. Wow, what a difference 6 hours makes. Anchorage is what I thought we were moving to when Richard said we were moving to Alaska. Mountains and beautiful surroundings. Not only that there were malls and Olive Garden. I will try to post pictures. We toured downtown, shopped and ate. During the drive to and from Anchorage we saw Mt. McKinley and an Eagle. Sorry, I didn't get a picture of the eagle. We also saw the place (sorry Richard isn't home and I can't remember the name) where they put a tripod in the middle of the frozen river and it is attached to a log or something similar. You can by tickets guessing when break up will happen, based on when the log begins to float. (This may not be the accurate description but it is the best that I can come up with.) The jackpot is several thousands of dollars. Oh, break up is when everything begins to melt and turn green.
School for me is getting better. Either I am adjusting and getting "mean" or the kids are adjusting to me and not pushing their limits as much. I am going to test this summer for my Alaskan certification. Say a prayer - I panic when it comes time for taking a test.
We went to the World Ice Sculpturing park in Fairbanks. I will post a few of my favorite pictures. It is amazing what they can do with a block of ice.
We keep missing the Northern Lights. The best light show thus far was while we were in Anchorage. There was a fairly good showing last night, but I slept right through them. Something about getting up at 3 a.m. to look at the sky just doesn't excite me too much. I always regret it when I see the picutures. Time is running out for good Northern Lights, so we may have to wait till next year.
It is hard to believe that we have been in Alaska for 10 months. Time is flying in more ways than one. We do love it here but are ready to see the grass. And YES we miss everyone in Oklahoma.
Last weekend through Tuesday, we had an unusual snowstorm (at least that is what everyone tells us). Everything had begun to melt and then we received 8 inches of fresh snow. This is alarming for Alaska due to the fact that it will probably warm up way too fast and cause flooding. Guess we will find out. The sun has been shining since Wednesday and even though the temperature remains in the 20's, it is still pleasantly nice. I actually had the sun roof open yesterday.
I will be flying home on May 22 and stay until June 10. Richard will join me on June 6 or 7 for a wedding and then Mom will fly back with us on June 10. She is going to stay a week here, a week in Seattle with Don, and a week in Sacramento with Dan.
Our summer plans are to enjoy more of Alaska. We hope to be able to go to Valdez or Seward and take a day cruise to see the glaciers and hopefully some whale. I will be teaching computer classes 2 hours per day at the senior citizens center and attend church camp for a week with the younger kids at church. Before we turn around it will be August and back to school. There are some budget cuts in the school system, but so far my job is still secure. We also hope that both of the boys and any friends who want to will come visit us this summer.
Easter we had a community service. There were two services with about 900 people in attendance. The kid's service was at our church and there were about 150-200 kids in attendance there. It is so exciting to see a community that doesn't care what church you are from, they are willing to join together to worship and praise the Risen Savior.
Richard is currently in the air somewhere between Dallas and Seattle. He flew out Wednesday for a meeting in Norman. While his flight got messed up and he didn't get to see everyone he planned, I still think he enjoyed his short time in OK and the warmer temperatures. Believe it or not, I actually survived my first stay in Alaska all alone, but I'm ready for him to get home - which isn't until 1:45 in the morning or tonight however you want to look at it.
I guess you can say we have established a life here (for now) and things are beginning to be more and more routine, so there isn't always much to write about. However, I will try to keep this BLOG a little more uptodate.
Hope you all have a blessed week. See you all soon.
Sally
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Random Pictures
Doc stuck in the snow in our driveway
This is how Doc and Charlie play. 
The moose outside our bathroom window.
We celebrated our favorite team on Super Bowl Sunday. It was wear your favorite team clothing to church.
More of our Super Bowl Clothing
More of the stuck vehicle
More of the moose
More of our Super Bowl Sunday clothing.Moose, Snow and a Night Out
I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last wrote. I will try to catch you up on what is happening in Alaska.
SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW. We got about 6-8 inches of new snow this week. With snow comes warmer temperatures. Yesterday and today we actually saw in the 30's. I didn't even wear a coat yesterday or today. I know that sounds crazy, but considering two weeks ago it was -51, we thought it was summer - well not exactly. With the snow also came the first adventure of being stuck. Stuck in our own driveway and (I probably shouldn't write this, but) I was not the one to get stuck. Richard had come home from work and was going back and forth on the drive to pack down the snow and found the edge of the driveway. See pictures in my next post. Someone saw him and stop to help. He couldn't pull him out forward so he had to pull him out backwards. Thank God for friendly Alaskan people. Richard made the comment this week that he is tired of white. Sorry honey, I think it will be here a few months longer.
Two weeks ago today we finally saw a moose outside our house. There was a mama and her baby. It was pretty awesome to look out the window and see them both right outside the window. I got brave and went out in the backyard. That was amazing to stand there and see this huge moose only a few feet away simply staring at me. Charlie got way too excited. Pictures will follow.
We are now up to about 7 - 7.5 hours of sunlight. It is starting to seem more like normal daytime.
We spent the Super Bowl with our Pastor's. It was fun as always. Nathaniel (our Pastor's youngest) was so excited all week that Doc was coming over and they were going to get to wrestle.
My job continues to go well. Although it would never of been my first choice for a job, I count it a blessing and believe there is a purpose for my being there. I have a HUGE appreciation for all my special ed teacher friends. I'm learning so much about the SpED system and working with learning disabilities. I will say the highlight of my day is the last hour of school when I get to work with the high school kids. This week we took the seventh graders to McDonald's one day - did I mention we walked (1/4 of a mile) with snow falling and the temperature was 4. That was fun. Then another day we went on an HOUR long walk - I was totally unprepared. It was snowing heavily that day and the temperature was in the teens. We also attended the awards assembly for the History Day. We had three students place. I also got to see many of my friends from the high school. This week is testing and then we will go on Friday to the UAF Museum to see a presentation on hibernation. They try to take one field trip each week.
Last night we had our first couples night out. We went to dinner and a movie with two couples from Richard's work. It was so much fun to be with other people and get out of the house. I believe we may make it a monthly occasion.
We purchased Richard's ticket to come to the optometry meeting in April. I will be brave and stay home alone in Alaska for the first time. Be prepared - I may be calling people to keep me from thinking about the fact that he is in Oklahoma and I am in Alaska. I would say we have never been that far apart before, but I guess we were one other time - when Eric and I went to Hawaii.
Well, that about sums up the last two weeks. I can't believe we have been here over 7 months already. It is going fast. The Army has already renewed Richard's contract for another year, so we know we will at least be here another 18 months.
I hope all of you have a blessed week and a Happy Valentine's Day. Love and miss you all.
Sally
SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW. We got about 6-8 inches of new snow this week. With snow comes warmer temperatures. Yesterday and today we actually saw in the 30's. I didn't even wear a coat yesterday or today. I know that sounds crazy, but considering two weeks ago it was -51, we thought it was summer - well not exactly. With the snow also came the first adventure of being stuck. Stuck in our own driveway and (I probably shouldn't write this, but) I was not the one to get stuck. Richard had come home from work and was going back and forth on the drive to pack down the snow and found the edge of the driveway. See pictures in my next post. Someone saw him and stop to help. He couldn't pull him out forward so he had to pull him out backwards. Thank God for friendly Alaskan people. Richard made the comment this week that he is tired of white. Sorry honey, I think it will be here a few months longer.
Two weeks ago today we finally saw a moose outside our house. There was a mama and her baby. It was pretty awesome to look out the window and see them both right outside the window. I got brave and went out in the backyard. That was amazing to stand there and see this huge moose only a few feet away simply staring at me. Charlie got way too excited. Pictures will follow.
We are now up to about 7 - 7.5 hours of sunlight. It is starting to seem more like normal daytime.
We spent the Super Bowl with our Pastor's. It was fun as always. Nathaniel (our Pastor's youngest) was so excited all week that Doc was coming over and they were going to get to wrestle.
My job continues to go well. Although it would never of been my first choice for a job, I count it a blessing and believe there is a purpose for my being there. I have a HUGE appreciation for all my special ed teacher friends. I'm learning so much about the SpED system and working with learning disabilities. I will say the highlight of my day is the last hour of school when I get to work with the high school kids. This week we took the seventh graders to McDonald's one day - did I mention we walked (1/4 of a mile) with snow falling and the temperature was 4. That was fun. Then another day we went on an HOUR long walk - I was totally unprepared. It was snowing heavily that day and the temperature was in the teens. We also attended the awards assembly for the History Day. We had three students place. I also got to see many of my friends from the high school. This week is testing and then we will go on Friday to the UAF Museum to see a presentation on hibernation. They try to take one field trip each week.
Last night we had our first couples night out. We went to dinner and a movie with two couples from Richard's work. It was so much fun to be with other people and get out of the house. I believe we may make it a monthly occasion.
We purchased Richard's ticket to come to the optometry meeting in April. I will be brave and stay home alone in Alaska for the first time. Be prepared - I may be calling people to keep me from thinking about the fact that he is in Oklahoma and I am in Alaska. I would say we have never been that far apart before, but I guess we were one other time - when Eric and I went to Hawaii.
Well, that about sums up the last two weeks. I can't believe we have been here over 7 months already. It is going fast. The Army has already renewed Richard's contract for another year, so we know we will at least be here another 18 months.
I hope all of you have a blessed week and a Happy Valentine's Day. Love and miss you all.
Sally
Saturday, January 26, 2013
New Job and COLD Weather
The saying in Oklahoma was always, if you don't like the weather stick around and it will change - or something like that...well, the same can be said for Alaska. We have gone from 30+ to a crisp -48 today. We had about 4 inches of snow last week. This weather is to say the least - CRAZY. Charlie wasn't a big fan of going out to potty today. He went out, did his business and just set down and would slowly pick up one foot and then the other. He hasn't been out since. lol....
I started a new job this week. The first day, I was exhausted. I am a Special Education Extended Resource Aide at Star of the North here in North Pole. This is a charter school for 7-12 grades and there are only 100 students and about 12 staff members. These are students who either coming from a small village school, needing a smaller learning atmosphere, have a small learning disability, or various other reasons for not attending the larger schools. I have eight seventh grade boys that I am an aide for - OH WHAT A CHALLENGE. I actually have one child who is autistic. I am with one teacher for English and Social Studies and then a different teacher - who is from Ireland - for Science and Math. After lunch I help 3 of the students with reading and last period of the day I go to the high school side and assist with study hall. Rumor is that they may have me teach Job Readiness or some other business elective to the high school students during the last hour of the day. After school for one hour I help with after school tutoring or homework. I have a lot to learn, but so far it is going well. This was a cut in pay but it does include all of the regular teacher benefits. Health, dental, vision, audiology, retirement....which is a very big help for us. Another benefit is that is only about 5 minutes from our house.
Things are still going well here, but as usual I miss being with friends and family - especially on the weekends. There isn't much to do with the weather this cold and that is hard on this NOT a stay at home person. People here aren't really "going" people and we only see friends at work or if there is an activity at church.
This week was Lane's birthday and we missed that, even though he sent me a sweet video thank you for his Dallas Cowboy gift, still wish we could have been there to help celebrate. He is having a Dallas Cowboy party tomorrow - wish we could be there. Not sure if he has always been a Cowboy fan, or if Eric has swayed him that direction.
I would tell you how Myles is doing - but we never hear from him. I guess no news is good news. HINT....hopefully if he ever reads this, he will at least call or answer our calls. LOL
Well I will not ramble for the sake of writing. We are good and the adventure continues.
Miss and love all of you..
Sally
I started a new job this week. The first day, I was exhausted. I am a Special Education Extended Resource Aide at Star of the North here in North Pole. This is a charter school for 7-12 grades and there are only 100 students and about 12 staff members. These are students who either coming from a small village school, needing a smaller learning atmosphere, have a small learning disability, or various other reasons for not attending the larger schools. I have eight seventh grade boys that I am an aide for - OH WHAT A CHALLENGE. I actually have one child who is autistic. I am with one teacher for English and Social Studies and then a different teacher - who is from Ireland - for Science and Math. After lunch I help 3 of the students with reading and last period of the day I go to the high school side and assist with study hall. Rumor is that they may have me teach Job Readiness or some other business elective to the high school students during the last hour of the day. After school for one hour I help with after school tutoring or homework. I have a lot to learn, but so far it is going well. This was a cut in pay but it does include all of the regular teacher benefits. Health, dental, vision, audiology, retirement....which is a very big help for us. Another benefit is that is only about 5 minutes from our house.
Things are still going well here, but as usual I miss being with friends and family - especially on the weekends. There isn't much to do with the weather this cold and that is hard on this NOT a stay at home person. People here aren't really "going" people and we only see friends at work or if there is an activity at church.
This week was Lane's birthday and we missed that, even though he sent me a sweet video thank you for his Dallas Cowboy gift, still wish we could have been there to help celebrate. He is having a Dallas Cowboy party tomorrow - wish we could be there. Not sure if he has always been a Cowboy fan, or if Eric has swayed him that direction.
I would tell you how Myles is doing - but we never hear from him. I guess no news is good news. HINT....hopefully if he ever reads this, he will at least call or answer our calls. LOL
Well I will not ramble for the sake of writing. We are good and the adventure continues.
Miss and love all of you..
Sally
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Another Day Out Of School
Good Afternoon from balmy Alaska - well today it is 12 but yesterday it was 35 and by Friday it is supposed to be a low of -35. I think Alaska weather changes as much as Oklahoma.
We are out of school today due to ICE. I understand it took buses over 2 hours yesterday to get kids home from school and so school was canceled today. I think it is a little funny because when I started work they informed me that they never cancel school and this is the second time this school year that school has been canceled.
Speaking of school, I interviewed yesterday at a small school for an aide position. The school is called Star of the North Academy (like a Charter School). There are only 100 students of which 31 are on IEP in grades 7-12. The students are there by choice. They are students who need a smaller class environment, have recently come out of special education, don't fit in the the larger schools, recently moved from the native schools (not correct terminology), and there are various other reasons. The students in the high school side work independently. The school has two sides - one for middle school and one for high school. It is a little closer to home and has BENEFITS. Of course I heard - you do know you are way over qualified - don't you. DUH...I want to say then get the school district to hire me for a position I do qualify for. LOL. They are to make a decision by Friday. Again, if it is to be it will happen, if not, back to the high school everyday.
We FINALLY saw a moose. There were actually two of them in the church parking lot 2 weeks ago. It was pretty amazing. Pictures will follow.
Charlie has - I think- finally adjusted to being back at home. I did here Richard talking to him the other day and telling him (you would think he was a kid) that maybe he could have a play day at Holy Dog sometime. LOL - you think he understood?
This past Sunday we had a guest speaker at church - someone else that I went to Evangel University with - Dr. Joe Castleberry - it is really a small world.
We got to SKYPE last night with Eric and Brandie - just wish the boys hadn't already been in bed. Lane scored four goals at his soccer game last night - WOO HOO - wish I could have been there to see that.
There really isnt' much to write about here....it is rather slow this time of the year with all the snow and cold weather. As I say that I think, Wednesday is kid's church and Doc has jazz rehearsal, Thursday is men's game night, Saturday I'm having breakfast with my Black Friday Shopping friend while our husbands are at men's Bible study and then Doc has music practice, Sunday is church and then the week starts all over again.
Well our prayer is that each of you are doing well and being blessed already in 2013. Miss you all. See you in about 4 months.
Love ya...
Sally
PS having trouble posting the Moose pictures. I will try in a seperate posting.
We are out of school today due to ICE. I understand it took buses over 2 hours yesterday to get kids home from school and so school was canceled today. I think it is a little funny because when I started work they informed me that they never cancel school and this is the second time this school year that school has been canceled.
Speaking of school, I interviewed yesterday at a small school for an aide position. The school is called Star of the North Academy (like a Charter School). There are only 100 students of which 31 are on IEP in grades 7-12. The students are there by choice. They are students who need a smaller class environment, have recently come out of special education, don't fit in the the larger schools, recently moved from the native schools (not correct terminology), and there are various other reasons. The students in the high school side work independently. The school has two sides - one for middle school and one for high school. It is a little closer to home and has BENEFITS. Of course I heard - you do know you are way over qualified - don't you. DUH...I want to say then get the school district to hire me for a position I do qualify for. LOL. They are to make a decision by Friday. Again, if it is to be it will happen, if not, back to the high school everyday.
We FINALLY saw a moose. There were actually two of them in the church parking lot 2 weeks ago. It was pretty amazing. Pictures will follow.
Charlie has - I think- finally adjusted to being back at home. I did here Richard talking to him the other day and telling him (you would think he was a kid) that maybe he could have a play day at Holy Dog sometime. LOL - you think he understood?
This past Sunday we had a guest speaker at church - someone else that I went to Evangel University with - Dr. Joe Castleberry - it is really a small world.
We got to SKYPE last night with Eric and Brandie - just wish the boys hadn't already been in bed. Lane scored four goals at his soccer game last night - WOO HOO - wish I could have been there to see that.
There really isnt' much to write about here....it is rather slow this time of the year with all the snow and cold weather. As I say that I think, Wednesday is kid's church and Doc has jazz rehearsal, Thursday is men's game night, Saturday I'm having breakfast with my Black Friday Shopping friend while our husbands are at men's Bible study and then Doc has music practice, Sunday is church and then the week starts all over again.
Well our prayer is that each of you are doing well and being blessed already in 2013. Miss you all. See you in about 4 months.
Love ya...
Sally
PS having trouble posting the Moose pictures. I will try in a seperate posting.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Happy New Year
Christmas is over, the tree and lights are down, we have been to Oklahoma and back and now I'm just waiting for January 8 so school and a routine can resume.
We had an eventful time getting to Oklahoma and enjoyed our stay - which was not long enough- and then had a smaller eventful time getting back to Alaska.
We left Fairbanks on Wednesday, December 19 at 9 p.m. Arrived in Anchorage at 10:00. We were 45 minutes minutes late leaving Anchorage because of a potty problem with the plane. We were told that if we had a tight connection (which we did) that they were already in the process of rebooking. We landed in Chicago at 8:45 a.m. and our connection was to leave at 9:05. The plane didn't get lined up correctly so they had to close the door - another delay. We got off the plane with 10 minutes to connect and were told we had not been rebooked that the connection was still on the ground and running about 20 minutes behind. We ran across the airport to only arrive at 9:05 at the gate as they were closing the door - this flight was not late but right on time. We were put on standby for the 11 a.m. flight and guaranteed on the 2:10 flight. We didn't get on the 11 a.m. flight. The 2:10 flight ended up leaving at 3:30 and we arrived in OKC around 5:30. We were welcomed by mom, Rachel and Makayla. I missed Eric's grandpa's funeral because we missed our connection. Our luggage was waiting on us - in the middle of the floor. Glad we didn't have Charlie with us, who knows where he would of been. Eric was on his way home from Altus, so we made a stop for a Christmas gift at Dick's Sporting Goods and met Eric in Yukon for dinner.
Everyday was packed with something to do.
Friday - Dr. for some blood work and allergy medicine. When I was finished, I was off to OKC with Lisa, Makayla and Derrek. Derrek is such a good sport - as we girls spent 2 hours getting mani/peds. Lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then a little shopping, followed by a Passion Tea on the way home from Starbucks. While I was in OKC, Richard visited friends at the Indian Hospital and others around town and had lunch at Dairy Best ( a place I didn't get to go) with Pastor Mike.
Saturday - Visited Sharon and others before attending the funeral for Richard's cousin. Later that day it was off to OKC for dinner with Eric and to meet Brandie, Lane and Kale. We automatically fell in love. It is so good to see our kid's happy. Oh, we picked up Myles along the way.
Sunday - Church. It was good to see all of our friends that we miss very much. That evening was the kid's Christmas program - it was Amazing. We went to dinner with Debbie, Alan and all of the Fine kid's and grandkids - accept Ashlyn who was with her dad for Christmas.
Monday - Christmas Eve. Had Christmas with Myles so that he could get to his mom's in Arkansas. Attended the Christmas program at Bessie - good job Derrek and Makayla. That evening we attended the Christmas Eve service at the Christian Church. This is a family tradition that we started many years ago.
Tuesday - Christmas - a WHITE CHRISTMAS in Oklahoma. It was a family day.
Wednesday - OKC - again. Met all the Jenkins - it was a great day. That evening we met Eric and Brandie and the boys for dinner and our goodbyes.
Thursday - Met the WTC girls for lunch at Wongs.
Friday - Mom and I went to Altus to see Ann. Richard went to the DR.
Saturday - CAME WAY TO FAST. Myles and Rachel took all of us to the airport. Mom was first to leave. We were to leave at 5 p.m. Delayed.....Made our connection in Denver only to be delayed in Seattle. We finally arrived in Fairbanks at 3 a.m. - but not our luggage. It arrived about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Again - so glad we didn't take Charlie
Speaking of Charlie - he wasn't the least little bit excited to see us. He is missing his buddies and it makes me sad. He had a good time and was well taken care of.
New Years Eve we went to the University of Alaska Museum and fireworks. Ate at Subway and we were home and in bed by 11 p.m. Guess I'm getting old.
We did come home to warmer temperatures. We actually saw 32 this week. No more snow - yet.
As I am writing this, it is 19 outside. We are seeing more sunlight. We had 4 hours and 7 minutes yesterday.
Well, I believe that sums up our past few weeks. Hope all of you have Blessed 2013.
Love you all.
Sally
We had an eventful time getting to Oklahoma and enjoyed our stay - which was not long enough- and then had a smaller eventful time getting back to Alaska.
We left Fairbanks on Wednesday, December 19 at 9 p.m. Arrived in Anchorage at 10:00. We were 45 minutes minutes late leaving Anchorage because of a potty problem with the plane. We were told that if we had a tight connection (which we did) that they were already in the process of rebooking. We landed in Chicago at 8:45 a.m. and our connection was to leave at 9:05. The plane didn't get lined up correctly so they had to close the door - another delay. We got off the plane with 10 minutes to connect and were told we had not been rebooked that the connection was still on the ground and running about 20 minutes behind. We ran across the airport to only arrive at 9:05 at the gate as they were closing the door - this flight was not late but right on time. We were put on standby for the 11 a.m. flight and guaranteed on the 2:10 flight. We didn't get on the 11 a.m. flight. The 2:10 flight ended up leaving at 3:30 and we arrived in OKC around 5:30. We were welcomed by mom, Rachel and Makayla. I missed Eric's grandpa's funeral because we missed our connection. Our luggage was waiting on us - in the middle of the floor. Glad we didn't have Charlie with us, who knows where he would of been. Eric was on his way home from Altus, so we made a stop for a Christmas gift at Dick's Sporting Goods and met Eric in Yukon for dinner.
Everyday was packed with something to do.
Friday - Dr. for some blood work and allergy medicine. When I was finished, I was off to OKC with Lisa, Makayla and Derrek. Derrek is such a good sport - as we girls spent 2 hours getting mani/peds. Lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then a little shopping, followed by a Passion Tea on the way home from Starbucks. While I was in OKC, Richard visited friends at the Indian Hospital and others around town and had lunch at Dairy Best ( a place I didn't get to go) with Pastor Mike.
Saturday - Visited Sharon and others before attending the funeral for Richard's cousin. Later that day it was off to OKC for dinner with Eric and to meet Brandie, Lane and Kale. We automatically fell in love. It is so good to see our kid's happy. Oh, we picked up Myles along the way.
Sunday - Church. It was good to see all of our friends that we miss very much. That evening was the kid's Christmas program - it was Amazing. We went to dinner with Debbie, Alan and all of the Fine kid's and grandkids - accept Ashlyn who was with her dad for Christmas.
Monday - Christmas Eve. Had Christmas with Myles so that he could get to his mom's in Arkansas. Attended the Christmas program at Bessie - good job Derrek and Makayla. That evening we attended the Christmas Eve service at the Christian Church. This is a family tradition that we started many years ago.
Tuesday - Christmas - a WHITE CHRISTMAS in Oklahoma. It was a family day.
Wednesday - OKC - again. Met all the Jenkins - it was a great day. That evening we met Eric and Brandie and the boys for dinner and our goodbyes.
Thursday - Met the WTC girls for lunch at Wongs.
Friday - Mom and I went to Altus to see Ann. Richard went to the DR.
Saturday - CAME WAY TO FAST. Myles and Rachel took all of us to the airport. Mom was first to leave. We were to leave at 5 p.m. Delayed.....Made our connection in Denver only to be delayed in Seattle. We finally arrived in Fairbanks at 3 a.m. - but not our luggage. It arrived about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Again - so glad we didn't take Charlie
Speaking of Charlie - he wasn't the least little bit excited to see us. He is missing his buddies and it makes me sad. He had a good time and was well taken care of.
New Years Eve we went to the University of Alaska Museum and fireworks. Ate at Subway and we were home and in bed by 11 p.m. Guess I'm getting old.
We did come home to warmer temperatures. We actually saw 32 this week. No more snow - yet.
As I am writing this, it is 19 outside. We are seeing more sunlight. We had 4 hours and 7 minutes yesterday.
Well, I believe that sums up our past few weeks. Hope all of you have Blessed 2013.
Love you all.
Sally
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