Mercer Family Adventures

Spring/Summer catch up!

2011-07-22T19:07:00.003-08:00

Mom (aka Nana), Ed, Caden and I in Disneyland. The big boys were in LA this day with Uncle Ryan after watching an Usher concert.

Caden at the San Diego Zoo....funny.

Beach time with Uncle Jeff and cousin Dylan. Caden LOVED the beach!!

Aren't they handsome? So grown up. They loved volleyball, the girls, waves and sun.

At the end of May, Colton and his buddies went to the 8th grade dance. Colton (on the right end) was in a tux.

So much to report! We have had such a busy and fun summer!

Enjoy the pictures...there were sooo many to chose from but I can only post 5 at a time. Maybe another post on another day!

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T10:42:00.002-09:00

Caden (with Buck looking on) digs through his stocking!

Colton opening up his new ipod Touch...looks pretty happy huh?

Boys opening up their new laptops. It was a high tech kind of Christmas here.

What is it? What is it? Hip waders from Jerry for Caden!

Buck - please say it is over!!

I hope you all had a warm and wonderful Christmas. We sure did. The best gift of all? My Mom being here with us this year. THAT was the best. Love her.

September Birthdays!!

2010-10-22T18:05:00.004-08:00

Colton and I both celebrated our birthdays this month. Colton's was a low-key family only party (he is actually having the rest of it this weekend - a few good friends are spending the night. Junk food and Xbox...a teenager's dream.)

Mine, however, was a pretty large affair. A few good friends of mine organized a Fabulous 40th Fiesta. Complete with a margarita punch, sombreros and plenty of mexican food, family and friends crowded around to help me celebrate the big 4-0! Was so nice actually. I didn't feel any different waking up at 40 than I did waking up at 39. huh.

What we have been up to!

2010-09-13T09:27:00.004-08:00

We have had a very busy summer! Devin and I did the Alaska Zipline up at Eaglecrest this past weekend. What a blast! That first platform was truly a leap of faith! It was really fun.

Caden started Kindergarten last week. This is Mrs. Currier. She is an awesome teacher and so far (knock on wood!), Caden is doing great!

Before summer came to an end, we took our annual trip up to Whitehorse, B.C. This picture was taken at the Fish Ladder, one of the world's longest all-wooden fish ladders. We could see the fish through a window running upstream to spawn.

We picked lots and lots and lots of blueberries. 16 cups to be exact! I made tons of blueberry jam and if you are lucky enough...some might appear in your holiday gift boxes!

Finally, on July 4th, we had a lot more than just fireworks come to town....Nana flew in from Phoenix to spend a wonderful week with us. We relaxed, we made beer batter halibut, we went whale watching, and we just visited. Perfect!

Caden's 5th birthday!

2010-04-05T18:43:00.004-08:00

Today is Caden's golden birthday. He turned 5 on the 5th of April. I had never heard this expression before but it sure fits him to a "T". He is a joyous, bubble of engery. Always inquisitive, always helping, and always full of questions. He is very golden to us!

Opening his treasure box he got from Gramma. It was full of all kinds of treasures. Candy, squiggly creatures, wind up toys, and balls.

He got a huge monster truck too!

AND a movie!

Memories of my Grandmom

2010-03-21T11:45:00.005-08:00

An interesting thing happened to me last week. My Grandmom Gerle was heavy on my mind. She always is this time of year and I think it is for two reasons. She passed away a few spring season's ago after a battle with cancer. In addition, her birthday was in April. I still carry around the Easter card I was going to mail to her a few years ago. Her health declined so rapidly in the end, I didn't mail it. I am not sure why I still carry it. Maybe I just don't want to admit she is not here so that one day I will see it and think...geesh I need to pop that in the mail to her!

When I arrived at my weekly ACTS team meeting this past Thursday, I was not sure what the spiritual topic would be. The Spiritual Leader had chose a topic about strong women in our lives as it is Women's History Month. She has us listen to a song and go around and talk about the women in our lives. Here is a few lines from the song:

They are faces in photographs

Heads all held high

Not afraid to look life in the eye

They were women with backbone

Keepers of the flame

with a spirit even hard times couldn't tame

And I know this same blood is in me

And I meet their gaze one by one

Eyes strong and clear

I still feel them near

These are the women I come from

the faith that sustained them is bred in my bones

I know what I'm made of and where I belong

'Cause these are the women I some from"

How interesting! I told them all that my Grandmom had been heavy on my mind for days. I would talk to her sometimes and ask...what would YOU tell me Grandmom? I miss her candor. Her words were sometimes NOT what you wanted to hear, but always right on the money! When I listed to the song's words, I could see the faces of all the women in my life (I am sooo blessed by them all) but when it came time to talk, I talked about my Grandmom. I spoke about how amazed I was that in the end she was not afraid. She was so strong and SURE that she would see my Grandpop and Jesus in heaven. She looked so peaceful and ready. I spoke about wanting that kind of faith someday.

I love you Grandmom and Happy Birthday!

Hawaii 2010

2010-01-29T05:58:00.004-09:00

Our cruise ship from the plane in Hilo. It was the Pride of America.

This is the Pu'uo'o Vent in Hilo.

We went to a Luau in Lahaina (Maui). It was incredible!

Ed and I at the Old Lahaina Luau. It was right on the beach.

Ed and I on the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri. You can see the Arizona Memorial in the background (long white floating building).

Ed and I had so much fun. It was hard to pick out pictures, it was so beautiful there! It was also hard to come home! We missed the kids but now I sure miss that warm sun!

Devin's 16th Birthday party!

2010-01-10T20:17:00.002-09:00

We celebrated Devin's 16th Birthday tonight. A little early but Devin didn't seem to mind!

Devin and his girlfriend Tia.

Devin NOT liking being the center of attention.

One handsome boy (ahem...young man!).

Embarassed by the singing.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T19:50:00.003-09:00

The Christmas tree before the kids attacked!

A full dinner table.

Devin got a DJ Hero Xbox game...that put a smile on his face!

Colton got a cool new hat...all the rage!

Caden is surrounded by toys and wrapping. He is holding a zhuzhu hamster.

We had a wonderful and low-key day! Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-08T16:34:00.003-09:00

Caden is not a very scary skeleton huh?

Dad and Caden!

Caden getting ready to go out trick or treating. Buck is hoping for some treats too!

Caden as a cute, cute lion!

Here are a few pictures from Halloween. Actually, Caden got to dress up in two different costumes. Since his preschool is a baptist academy, they had a Noah's Ark party instead. They each had to be an animal. Caden wanted to be a lion. Isn't he cute?

Colton through on a mask and ran and Devin was at his girlfriend's house...{sigh}

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-26T07:24:00.003-08:00

Saturday night we had our traditional pumpkin carving party...without Devin though. He was on a date with his girlfriend. Yes, girlfriend. Caden, Colton and I had a fun time though and even carved one for Devin. Colton's, Caden's, Mom's, and Devin's
Caden VERY excited the next morning. Flapping his little hands and everything. He can't wait for pumpkin day!

Two cute brothers with their pumpkins.

Caden showing off his handy work. He did most of it himself!

Saturday night we had our traditional pumpkin carving party....without Devin though. He was on a date with his girlfriend. Yes, you read that right....girlfriend.

September Birthdays!

2009-10-02T18:39:00.003-08:00

September is a month of lots of birthdays...2 in our house!

Colton wanted homemade chocolate cake with chocolate icing.

Colton had football practice until 8pm so we made his favorite dinner (beef stroganoff, corn and flaky biscuits)....yum!

Getting a birthday hug from Caden!

We love Colton so much! He is a very special "teenager"!

Next up was my birthday. Strawberry cheesecake, family and Caden said he would color me a picture of a heart because I was his best friend. Doesn't get much better than that!!

Trip to Whitehorse

2009-09-07T19:14:00.004-08:00

The weekend before school started we decided to take off for the Yukon Territory in Canada. It is a short ferry ride to Skagway and a short car ride to Whitehorse.

We always stay in a cute and cozy little cabin about 20 miles outside Whitehorse.

Outside we made a fire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. You can see the view (it is so quiet and beautiful up there).

Devin and I made the PERFECT s'more. Perfectly roasted marshmallows.

Finally, a foggy hello to Alaska as we passed back through the border. It was a fast and fun weekend. Full of swimming, laughter and family.

Lots of family and fun

2009-08-27T20:19:00.002-08:00

Neighbors took some photos of our boat from a distance. You can see how close those whales were! Just awesome.

Humpback putting on a show!

Uncle Sandy, Aunt Cheryl, Ed and I. They visited Juneau on a cruise ship and spent a few hours with us. It is a real treat to have family come see us!

Ed's sisters (Jennifer, Caryn, Stephanie (having a little girl this fall), and Kathy).

Ed's family

Bruce (Kathy's husband), Jewel, Ed, Ed, Sr., Stephanie

Barbara, Jennifer, Caryn w/Caden & Kathy

Summer fun

2009-07-17T06:56:00.003-08:00

With the big boys gone, the house has been very quiet. We took Caden casting at Twin Lakes. It was very windy but he did pretty good.

He loves fishing...hmmm, wonder where he gets that from?

I am obsessed with my flowers in my front yard. FINALLY the delphinium bloomed. It is a psychadelic blue/purple color. I love it.

As you can see, it is taller than me (5'4") but there are not many things that can get smaller.

This one is just a silly shot in the yard with the dog. We miss those big boys but know they are having so much fun.

Busy and fun summer so far!

2009-07-07T19:45:00.004-08:00

Caden helps Ed blow out the candle on the Father's Day cake!

We celebrated Father's Day pretty low key. Just cake!

The only picture from the camping trip to St. James Bay cabin. Caden and Colton went swimming in the ocean. brrrrr. They did not last long! It was an awesome weekend.

Cute Caden

Fun in the tub!

I have not updated my blog in awhile. Mostly because I have been a slacker with the camera! I promise to be better this month! Stay tuned for the post on the Declaration of Indepence document we saw!

Simple Sunday

2009-06-02T05:58:00.004-08:00

Boating this past Sunday. Caden at the wheel!

Ed & Caden sharing the wheel? Maybe someday!

A rare moment of cooperation between brothers. No, Devin is really sweet with Caden. He is helping him color!

Colton "camping" with the boys next door. Yeah...that IS a poker table. What you don't see is the TV and radio off to the side. They were really roughing it in Alaska.

This a view of the Mendenhall Glacier from the boat this past Sunday. Gorgeous day but NO fish yet!

Sun, sun, & more sun!

2009-05-22T20:09:00.003-08:00

We have been thoroughly enjoying all of this non-stop sunshine! We actually have to water our lawn this weekend if you can believe that!

Ed and his Dad have been working on both boats because things did not start up as planned! What else is new? haha.

Caden has been eating LOTS of popcicles. His favorite thing to do!

I really love coming home and seeing all my flowers in the front yard!!

They boys have been playing TONS of basketball. Prepping for the Phoenix Suns camp in July!!

I have planted TONS of flowers.

I sure hope this spring is indicative of the summer we are going to have. SUNSHINE!!

Busy weekend

2009-04-28T06:00:00.003-08:00

Caden was finding all the sticks for the fire!

Gorgeous view. Everyone playing catch on the beach.

Caden hung by the fire...didn't like cold tootsies!

This past weekend was busy but rewarding! Ed left Thursday night on the ACTS retreat and those of you that know me well know that I always take advantage of him being away! I always have a project of some kind up my sleeve. The bus full of men was not even out of the church parking lot and I was at Home Depot buying paint for the master bedroom! I found a nice light blue to match my dark brown, cocoa and blue bedspread. My neighbor and work out partner Tammy came over to help. We had the room back together by 2:00 Saturday. It turned out awesome. Felt good to de-clutter too. Hmmmm....what shall I do next time he is out of town? Thinking the master bathroom! Check out my curtain Mom! All by myself!

Sunday afternoon was the first cook out at Lena Point beach with Renee and her kids and a few other families. It was gorgeous but cold out. I need to find those ExtraTufs for Caden still Renee! He hung by the fire because his feet got wet and cold. It was a fulfilling and fun weekend!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T10:09:00.003-08:00

This morning the Easter bunny surprised everyone with baskets of goodies and a new bike for Caden. Caden had to follow the clues (eggs) to the garage where he found his bike & basket.

Colton also had to hunt for his basket following clues to the washing machine. Devin....well, the Easter bunny just left his in his room where he had already eaten half and was playing XBox by the time I caught up with him with the camera. No big whoop for teenagers I guess. Ed even got a basket (filled to the top with Reeses peanut butter eggs).

Happy Easter friends & family!

Birthday weekend

2009-04-05T16:32:00.003-08:00

This weekend we finally celebrated Ed's birthday. He has been so sick that we didn't do anything on the actual day (April Fool). I made the traditional 14 carrot cake (my best one EVER) and had family over for pizza. It was a nice low key evening before the main event......

Caden's 4th Birthday Party!!

Caden turned 4! He had an Iron Man birthday party and asked all his guests to wear a super hero costume. They all turned up in style (fake muscles and all). He had 6 friends come and at times it was pure 4 year old boy energy. Whew! Caden had so much fun though and I think he will remember this birthday for a long time!

Simple Sunday

2009-03-10T08:45:00.003-08:00

Thought I would try this again. We have had such low-key weekends lately there is nothing new to report. This past weekend however, the big news was the SUNSHINE...and lots of it. Don't get me wrong, it was still cold out but the sunshine was inspiring, refreshing and just plain awesome. The mountains behind my house were glistening with snow and the crisp air just felt nice. We spent as much time as possible outside. The big boys would NOT let me take their pictures but they dug out a 4 foot high pathway for the neighbor next door. It took 4 teenagers 2 days to accomplish! Good exercise. Hoping this is the last month for snow and cold. I am really looking forward to spring.

Caden is king of the hill...errr...berm!

Buck waiting for the ball to be thrown. He can do this for hours!

Caden got a huge icicle down from the house!

Caden got a new bed!

2009-03-01T08:06:00.003-09:00

Yesterday, we put together Caden's new twin captain bed. He was kinda nervous the whole time. He kept saying he did not like the new bed. He has been sleeping in a little toddler bed and has grown so much in the past few months that his little feet were hanging off the end! It was definitely time for a new bed! What he didn't know is that I found Iron Man bedding for him! We went to the gym to play basketball, then had to drive downtown to pick up Colton from the high school basketball game so Caden fell asleep in the car on the way home. He was so sleepy that he didn't mind waiting downstairs while we got his bed ready.

When he came up to his room, his eyes lit up sooo big! He needs a litle step stool to get all the way up there but he jumped up there with a HUGE grin!

Colton paid him a visit on his new bed and gave him a high-5!

We tucked him into bed (with his Iron Man jammies on of course!) and he went right to sleep. What a big boy!

I love my Valentine!

2009-02-16T19:38:00.004-09:00

Not for nothing ladies, but my husband is the best and he is mine, AHHLL mine! He truly spoiled me rotten on Saturday. I woke up to a small bag. Inside were about 20 peppermint patties and a small envelope with a gift card to Rejuvenation Spa for a pedicure.

Also inside was a small box with a freshwater pearl necklace and earring set! I have always wanted some pearls. I have no idea how he knew that. I am sure I have never mentioned it!

Then (yes...there is more!), he came home with gorgeous flowers...

...and my favorite coffee from Heritage.

That evening, we went out to dinner at Zephyr's. It was cozy and romantic and the food was incredible. Hay...we hardly EVER go on dates so this was something! Thanks Babe for making this Valentine's truly one I will never forget.

Valentine's Fun

2009-02-12T19:07:00.003-09:00

Today Caden had his very first Valentine's Day party in his preschool class. He was so excited! My friend Renee and I got pretty creative with the kids' valentines and made them using small plastic shovels. On the bottom of the shovel we wrote "I dig you". I wrote the child's name on the handle and then tied a candy necklace to the handle. They turned out sooo cute. I forgot to take a picture of an actual one and have only attached one that Caden "decorated". Oh well...you get the point. So cute!

Here is some of his loot!

So, I thought my idea was totally unique and awesome but no....someone else had the cutest idea too. They took a picture of their child holding a large cut out heart and made homemade picture valentines....too creative!

Finally, tonight I made special cupcakes to deliver to Ed tomorrow to share with Command staff. They are Brown Sugar Pound Cupcakes from Martha Stewart. I frosted them with a vanilla glaze instead of the brown-butter glaze and tinted them pink. These rock!!! Have a happy happy Heart Day everyone!!

Superbowl Sunday feast

2009-02-03T19:28:00.003-09:00

Superbowl Sunday

As is Superbowl Sunday tradition, we had a mexican feast! 7-layer bean dip, nachos, chips & salsa and burritos at half time.

For dessert, I made chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes...delish!

We all dutifully wore our 3-D glasses to catch the cool half-time commercials.

Even Ed.....Ü

Being an Arizona girl at heart, I was really rooting for the Cardinals. The 4th quarter was so exciting but ultimately such a let-down. Oh well. The commercials were good, the food was good and the company was the best! Maybe next year Cardinals!!

Throne fit for an Alaskan!

2009-01-31T15:48:00.004-09:00

The other night Devin, his friend Scott from across the street, and Caden spent 2 hours outside building this snow throne for Caden. They worked really hard on this masterpiece!

They even carved out little drink holders for Caden to put his Gatorade. I couldn't help but take some pictures....they worked so hard! Only in Alaska do kids find this kind of stuff fun to do!

(Nana...I did snap a picture of Devin smiling...can you believe it?). Ü

What to do with rotten bananas?

2009-01-25T19:34:00.003-09:00

Caden and I found something to do with them alright! My little helper and I spent some time today making banana-chocolate chip bread. It was Caden's idea to add the chocolate chips! Great idea. The bread turned out the most awesome it EVER has. I found the recipe (banana banana bread) on allrecipes.com and made a few changes by adding vanilla, cinammon and chocolate chips. I also made 3 mini loaves instead of 1 big loaf. Seems to last longer that way. And also, if you eat the WHOLE loaf, you might not feel as guilty...right? We have all been staying inside due to the bitter cold outside and the smell of these babies baking made it even better!

Happy 15th Birthday Devin!

2009-01-13T20:25:00.002-09:00

Today was Devin's 15th Birthday. 15!! I just can hardly believe he is that old. For those of you with teenage boys, you will probably not be surprised that it was a rather "low key" birthday. Gone is the desire for a "big deal" made out of anything really. He was shocked that we were actually singing to him and did not want to pose for any pictures. Honestly, he would have rather just eaten pizza and cake, opened his presents than escape back upstairs to play Xbox. It is quite a hard struggle as a parent to want your children to grow up but to also want them to behave like excited "little kids" around holidays and birthdays. They just don't. Maybe he will grow out of that. Maybe! Devin got a 5-sided Rubik's cube (yes, he tells me that are back "in"), a Patriots jersey, an itunes card, a movie, a book and money to help him buy an Ipod Touch that he is saving for. He also got more cash and gift cards from family. Happy Birthday Devin and as Auntie reminded you tonight...you are half way to 30!! Ahhh!!!

Now that is SNOW!

2009-01-13T20:17:00.002-09:00

For those of you that live in the balmy southwest...I have one word for you...shovel. Do you know what that is? In Juneau, we are intimately familiar with one of these babies! We have had about 4 FEET (yes...FEET) of snow fall on us since mid-December. We have had enough! It actually started raining on Sunday and that made it worse. Now we have flooding and ice. The fun never ends...for anyone. Well, except for Caden who always loves the hot chocolate at the end of a long stretch outside with the....SHOVEL!

Thoughts on my Mom

2008-12-31T11:27:00.005-09:00

This morning as I was showering (crying and showering) after Mom left, I thought about why I miss her so much when she is not here. Then it hit me. My Mom is good for my soul. She is a fun, funny, silly, thoughtful, kind, and generous spirit that truly just makes me glow inside. She is fun to be around and always humming a little tune (or talking to herself...or the project she is working on...damn those curtains!). She is the kind of Mom that leaves a little box of chocolates under your pillow when she leaves. Or a little card on the counter with words of thanks and also a few words of wisdom. Inside this morning's card was "Devin and Colton are good boys. Don't give up. The end will be worth all the sweat and tears. I know, I've shed a few! Just love them and find something to smile about." She always says these things and I believe her. I know she is right. She ALWAYS finds the happiness in things and brings that little something to your life...ya know? That something that after being with her, you can't help but be happier. And at the same time she is one of those people that just says what is on her mind and also gives her opinion (even if you aren't really looking for it). She just be-bops through life with a huge smile on her face and a huge heart in her chest.

I enjoyed just dinking through my day with her. We must have dinked our afternoons away for several days and I couldn't have been happier to have her by my side. It might seem to the mere observer that we really didn't do much for 10 days but my soul is happier and I miss her already. I love you so much Mom! Thanks for being YOU! I am a very lucky daughter!

Bye Nana...we miss you already!

2008-12-31T07:47:00.004-09:00

Mom's visit flew by! She was worried that 10 days was too long but it really went by fast! We had a very relaxing holiday and spent several days just lounging and napping over Christmas. It was very nice. On her last few days, we did turn it up a notch and made curtains for my room and Colton's room. They are beautiful! Thanks Mom! We also shopped a bit, watched a few movies and spent long evenings chatting about years past. On the last day, I bought some fresh prawns at one of the Harbors and we cooked up a great dinner. We thought about trying to pack some in her suitcase but just the thought of thawed out shrimp in a suitcase....ewwww!

We miss her already but understand that the sunshine was calling her home (ok sunshine and my brother Jeff and his family)! It was -4 degrees this morning when she left! I sure wished I was getting on that plane with her...brrr!

Christmas Slideshow

2008-12-27T11:02:00.001-09:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Early Christmas

2008-12-22T21:35:00.003-09:00

We had a very busy week last week with holiday festivities! Caden had a Christmas program at his Preschool. He was a shepherd and had to wear a robe. Grandma and Grandpa Mercer came and it was so cute. All those little 3 year olds dressed up and singing...well, all except Caden. He just kinda stod there in shock!

We had an early Christmas for the big boys who had to leave Saturday to spend Christmas with their Dad in Eagle River. We ordered pizza and opened presents on Friday night! Colton was sweet enough to give Caden his very own ipod shuffle loaded with kid songs. It was fast and furious and before the wrapping paper could settle on the ground, they were all off and running upstairs to play some new XBox games. Geeze...teenagers! It is sure quiet here now without them.

My Mom arrived today from Phoenix. We shopped the afternoon away and have lots more planned for the 2 weeks she is here.

Gingerbread madness!

2008-12-08T18:36:00.004-09:00

This weekend was all about the gingerbread houses. A few weeks ago, Colton pestered me non-stop to buy a gingerbread house kit to assembly and decorate. A few days later, I received a postcard invitation in the mail to the annual UAS alumni gingerbread house decorating event! Perfect! Except....Colton was 1 of only 2 boys selected from the 6th grade boys basketball team to play "up" a division with the 7th graders in a tournament. YAY for Colton but that also meant that he could not attend the event. Caden and I went without him though and had a super time. Santa paid a visit and Caden was mesmerized! He truly thought that man was Santa. With a twinkle in his eye, Caden ran right over to him and asked him if he would bring him some presents. It was absolutely adorable. He truly believed! We brought an extra kit home for Colton to decorate later (after his team won the tournament!). He spent a few hours eating (err...decorating) that thing.

Also attached are some pictures that Caden took tonight after I finally got the boys to sit still long enough to get their Christmas card picture taken. Not bad huh? Maybe some hidden photographer talent there?

Bring on the season!

2008-12-05T17:36:00.002-09:00

Last weekend we did the traditional weekend-after-Thanksgiving decorating. Caden and I made some pressed cookies...would you like some cookie with your sprinkles?? Colton put the angel on the tree and we strung the lights outside. It was a fun time, a traditional time and I sure love the magic and warmth it brings to the house.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-29T16:25:00.004-09:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day up here in Alaska. No snow and the sun shone through the clouds making it a beautiful day. We had appetizers at 2:00 and Caden was the first to put an olive on all 5 fingers. He had to wrestle Grandpa for those. Not sure who loves olives more...Caden or Grandpa! Ed's sister Caryn came with her family and his parents Ed & Barbara were here too. After everyone arrived, I handed each a leaf with their name on it. On the back I asked everyone to write what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving. Before grace, we all read the back of our card (I cried of course) and then hung our leaf on a branch in the middle of the table. It was very touching and very nice. After that, we ate and ate and ate (hay...that is what it is all about right...good food and family?). We watched "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation" and laughed and laughed. It was a very nice day. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Toot Toot!

2008-11-17T06:05:00.004-09:00

Yesterday I heard lots of noise coming from the dining room and front entry way. I was in the kitchen and yelled, "what is going on?". Caden replied, "MOM! I am making a train!" I wandered over that way to find that, in fact, he had made a train out of our dining room chairs. There they were, all in a row. He even had a few friends join the ride. Elmo and the Big Dog are his latest pals he sleeps with and obviously he wanted some company for this big trip!

Day in the Life

2008-11-10T18:02:00.002-09:00

Was hoping to have an uneventful weekend, but no! Is it EVER uneventful? I am beginning to wonder. To start us off, Caden came down from nap with a rather interesting design in the front of his hair. He found scissors (or something) just in time for holiday pictures. Aunt Erin....we need you!

Colton got some new goldfish to replace the ones that Caden, umm, "set free" down the sink last weekend. Yeah...I could blog about that incident all by itself.

Finally, I made a double batch of pumpkin bread to freeze for holiday gift giving. I had soo much batter that it came up over the top of the mixer in my kitchenaid. I was frantically trying to figure out what to do when Colton walked into the kitchen to assess the situation. He just gave me a look like, "what are you doing Mom?" and walked off. Thanks for the help! I figured it out and even split the batter and added cranberries to one half and chocolate chips to the other. Smart or what?

Like I said...never a dull moment around here. Caden himself keeps us all hopping!

Oompa Loompa

2008-11-03T07:31:00.003-09:00

Halloween at my workplace is all about the costumes! This year my office decided to be Oompa Loompas from the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". It was great fun pulling the costumes together and we really didn't get the final touches done until the day before! We even practiced a short "skit" for the event (dance moves and all). Needless to say, we won the "Best Work Unit Theme" category. Too fun!

Fall Festivities

2008-10-28T20:15:00.003-08:00

Over the past few days, we have been up to lots of festive fun! On Saturday, Caden, Colton and I went to a Halloween party and Caden got to wear his costume for the first time (out of the house, anyways!). He was so excited! He is such a cute spidey. He and Colton both won goldfish that Colton has since named Lucky and Keegan. Caden got his face painted, won a cupcake at the cake walk and felt some gross things in a guessing box. This little spiderman had so much fun that he crashed on the way home.

Last night we finally all carved pumpkins. Caden really got into the spirit and was right in there digging those seeds out. Devin and Colton abandoned the "pattern" and went with the "homemade" pumpkin look. They came out great...especially Colton's. Ed plugged in the traditional Halloween movie with Michael Meyers and a spooky time was had by all.

3 more days until real Halloween fun.....hahahahahahahahahaha

Vegas Baby!

2008-10-25T09:35:00.004-08:00

Last Sunday, Ed and I went to Las Vegas for 4 days. I actually had to go for work (an HR conference). Ed had never been to Vegas so he tagged along. After 24 days of rain in Juneau, we were VERY excited to just get into warm weather and see the sun. We, in Juneau, are starting to doubt the sun's actual existence!

We stayed at the Flamingo Hotel (where the conference was being held). While I was attending conference sessions during the day, how did Ed spend his time? Well, of course he found the Bass Pro Shop first thing Monday morning! Tuesday, he took a tour bus up to see the Hoover Dam and on the last day, he took a taxi to an Outlet Mall. At night, we walked and walked and walked! We went to the Shark Reef at Mandolay Bay, the Roller Coaster at New York-New York, the Pirate show at Treasure Island, the water show at the Bellagio, and lots and lots of tourist stores. On the last night we went to see Elton John at Caesars Palace. It was incredible. We had great seats and he put on an awesome show! Most of the songs were from his early albums and he had some pretty interesting stage props, but he has such an incredible voice.

We left for home Thursday morning and all went smoothly until we were about to land in Juneau. Weather here was terrible with very high winds, so the plane had to turn around and head BACK to Seattle. We saw a friend in Seattle who said that winds like those are called "hurricanes" in Florida and "October" in Juneau. We had 4 hours to wait so we took a cab to the Southcenter Mall. Just what we needed, more walking and shopping! We finally arrived home around midnight and crashed.

Thanks to many friends and family for watching the boys and being so flexible at the end when weather just did not cooperate! It was a nice break for Ed and I. Just being able to take a shower without little people banging on the door was a HUGE treat. I know all the parents out there can TOTALLY relate!

I love Fall!

2008-10-13T17:53:00.004-08:00

Fall is my favorite season. I love the colors, smells and holidays. What are my fall favorites? Football (isn't Colton cute?), my Mom's pumpkin cookies, and pulling up to my decorated house at the end of the day. It just makes me smile. Happy Fall y'all!!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-09-28T13:58:00.003-08:00

Yesterday was my 38th birthday! It is really hard to believe. Talking to my brother Jeff today, we both just can't get over how time flies. It seems like just yesterday we were waiting for the big milestone of "16" (and FINALLY able to drive!) to arrive. It it felt like an eternity! Now here we are in our 30's (and I'm quickly approaching the milestone of "40"...YIKES!). So, what did this 38 year old do on her day? I slept in late (thanks Babe), got present delivered from Renee (thanks for the CUTE jammies and dragonfly), ran some usual weekend errands and went to the usual weekend football games! We also had my favorite pizze - Chef's Mistake from Jovany's and a Costco cake...princess no less! Ed got me a new coat from REI (love it) and a digital picture frame, the boys got me a book light, itunes card and fluffy brown coat. I got a People subscription from MOM....yahoo!, clothes, jewelry, and more gift cards. It was a great day and now I am glad to be back to normal today. Thanks everyone for making my day very special. I love you all!

Happy Birthday Colton!

2008-09-24T20:10:00.003-08:00

Colton turned 12 yesterday! He had an entire day of favorites...Favorite breakfast? I made him homemade chocolate chip pancakes. Favorite lunch? Ed picked him up from school and took him to Subway. Favorite dinner? Beef stroganof, fruit salad and flaky layer biscuits. For the cake he wanted chocolate with chocolate icing. Family came over and we had a pretty low-key few hours. Just cake and PRESENTS! Colton only wanted a few things this year but everything seemed like a big ticket item. Ed and I surprised him with a DC jacket and a cell phone. Colton was shocked! I think he had a most favorite birthday!

Posting issues

2008-09-16T20:38:00.004-08:00

I have been trying to post some pictures from Ed's fishing trip for days and it just won't upload. I thought I would run a test to see if a different one would work....here goes.

Preschool, Middle School & High School

2008-09-05T18:59:00.004-08:00

Ahh, the smell of back to school supplies! Pencils, paper, new clothes and backpacks. I all 3 boys going to school this year. I ask....who plans a high schooler, middle schooler and preschooler all on the same day? Not many can probably say that huh? Caden now goes to preschool 2 times a week in the morning, Colton goes to middle school and Devin started at the new high school. All in all, I think everyone had a good first day. No major mishaps. Aren't they 2 cute?

Our Governor for VP?

2008-09-01T15:32:00.005-08:00

Holy smokes! Not much work got done in the State of Alaska last Friday. EVERYONE, that I work around at least, talked of nothing else! I have to admit that I am very proud. She is a woman and she is from ALASKA! Say no more!

Several have emailed asking what I think of my Governor. Mind you, my perspective is one of a southeast Alaskan (it is no secret that she favors the northern part of the state). So, my only reservation about her is that she is trying to slowly move the capital from Juneau, even after campaigning otherwise. A move like that is greatly feared down here and would be devastating. Other than that, she is straightforward, ambitious and certainly seems to walk the walk...very no nonsense.

Above is the editorial cartoon that appeared in this Sunday's paper. It is very true. We, in Alaska, were just as shocked as the rest of the world!

May the best man....er....woMAN win!

Raffle Ticket Plea

2008-09-01T15:23:00.002-08:00

Here is my plea to all family & friends...I have 2 boys in football this year and that means they have to sell a combined total of 60 of these raffle tickets! There are great prizes this year (airline tickets and WHO doesn't need a chance at those?). My Mom hit is on the nail head when she said that these folks are pimping out our kids...huh?

If you are interested, make a check out to JYFL and send it up our way.

Thanks so much!

Did I ever mention that Caden LOVES scissors?

2008-08-26T19:46:00.002-08:00

What do you get when you leave a 3 year old alone, in the dining room, with the dog AND you don't know he has snuck a pair of scissors in there too??

Why....a designer haircut for the dog...of course! Silly!!

PS: After the initial shock...I called my friend Renee laughing so hard I was CRYING!

What IS that bright shining ball in the sky anyways?

2008-08-26T18:56:00.003-08:00

This evening, out of nowhere, there was SUN! Precious sun. I am probably slightly vitamin D deprived so it is possible that I might be hallucinating! But no! I have some pictures to prove it! It has been raining constantly. I am not talking for days here folks....I am talking....MONTHS!

Soooo...we are going for a walk this evening, and then a bike ride, and then a car ride to get ice cream and then....Ü May all your days be filled with sunshine (because this might just be IT for us up here!).

Clean Cut Boys....finally!

2008-08-24T13:39:00.004-08:00

We FINALLY got the boys to get haircuts. Actually, it was not that hard. I think they both realized that it was looking pretty bad! With school starting next Monday, it was time!

Devin had orientation this past Friday and they took his school pictures already. It is a brand new school and I THINK he is kinda excited to get started. Even little Caden got a much-needed hair cut. They all look much better....agree?

Caden is all boy!

2008-08-18T21:17:00.003-08:00

I took a few photos of Caden with the salted herring last weekend. He just kept posing and loving up that little fish. He didn't care that it was stinky and scaley and salty. I think he liked the fact that he could pick it up himself. All the other fish we bring aboard are so big that he can't do much with it.

This evening he was helping Daddy clean the boat and just HAD to get his raincoat on just like Dad. When he was done he ran over and got his play lawnmower and mowed the lawn with Devin. He is truly all busy, busy, boy and I would have it no other way. He sure is one happy little man!

Derby Weekend

2008-08-12T20:09:00.004-08:00

This past weekend was Derby Weekend. I took Friday off from work and fished with Ed on Friday and Sunday. It was not the best weather and it was not the best fishing but it was fun none the less! I entered a 12# 3 oz coho salmon. It placed 59th on Friday but did not make it to the end. We ended up with a few more salmon and some baby halibut. All fine eatin'!

Pictures are: Essentials for the boat....junk food; another essential....coffee (it was Arizona Gold coffee from my brother Jeff...delish); yet another essential....my JB bucket hat with all my derby pins (I wear this every year); salted herring (the bait); the big fish I caught.

The big winner was a 35# King Salmon and the prize was $15,000!! We will keep trying!

Colton & his new hat

2008-08-05T20:49:00.003-08:00

I recently took Colton back-to-school shopping and he just HAD to have this Volcom baseball hat. Volcom is a skateboarder brand. yeah...didn't know that either. I am not COOL enough. Heck, what was important to me back in "the day" was Jordache jeans and high heel clogs. Anyways, he loves this thing so much that he asked me take a few pictures so he could post them to his page in hotmail for his friends to see. He said, "Mom, I just really love my hat." Funny little guy. Notice, he too is trying to avoid the "haircut". Soon my little men...soon!

Simple Sunday

2008-08-04T21:21:00.003-08:00

This past Sunday was not simple...AGAIN! Well, it started out simple. Caden and I had picked some blueberries in the side yard on Saturday so we made some blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Yummy! Another reason to love Alaska in the summer....berries.

Then, we discovered that the refrigerator was not working. Only 2 & 1/2 years old and food was getting warm and we could hear a rythmic clicking sound. We had to unload the freezer into the spare in the garage and the refrigerator things went into a cooler on the back deck. How fun for us right? Well, 2 good things did come from this fun filled day....I found items that expired in 2006 in the fridge and I cleaned it top to bottom. My friend Renee and I wonder why we keep leftovers only to find them hidden in the fridge at a MUCH later date covered in a thick blanket of crud. Scary. I had nightmares all night that a bear would crash through the back deck gate, tear open the cooler, devour the contents and then decide to see where the rest of the food might be. Seriously!

Well, after that, I painted the upstairs bathroom (you would be so proud Jeff & Erin). It turned out awesome, made an apple crisp for dinner at Caryn's and finished up the bathroom.

What is up with these Sundays NOT being so simple? Ugh.

Devin is home!

2008-08-04T21:13:00.003-08:00

Last Wednesday night my last birdie flew home (well, he actually came home on the fast ferry). He has been gone since June 8th (3 weeks in Eagle River and another 4 & 1/2 weeks in Sitka). He grew another foot above me (notice in the picture!) and his voice is deeper. He is mostly planning on just hanging out the rest of summer and trying to avoid getting a hair cut. Those are his goals pretty much. Oh to be 14 again huh? "Live it up now!" is what I say!

I have to admit that is sure feels nice to have all my little birds under one roof again. The house just feels so strange with one missing. I don't know what I'll do when he leaves for college. I guess I'll cross that bridge in 4 years.

Welcome home Devin...we all missed you!

2008-08-04T21:12:00.001-08:00

Feeling crabby!

2008-07-29T22:09:00.004-08:00

Pure happiness is 5 pounds of fresh crab meat and a freezer full of halibut!

I know I have been whining for weeks about the non-stop rain and colder summer we have been having up here but I just have to rub it into all of my sunshine family and friends that that is the price you pay sometimes to live in paradise! Ed went on a fishing trip this weekend and boy did he bring home the bacon (well it was halibut and garbage bags full of dungeness crab).

We had family over to help shuck the crab shells last night and we ended up with a huge bowl full (notice in the picture that Grandpa does not quite seem to be getting the meat into the bowl.....GRANDPA!!).

We are so lucky to live in a place that is not only beautiful but also provides food for the table year round. I love halibut and crab and so does the whole family.

Next up? Salmon! I am going fishing with Ed in the fishing derby August 8 - 10...wish us luck!

Not so simple Sunday!

2008-07-27T21:36:00.002-08:00

I had a Sunday all right. I wish it was simple. I was this month's host of BUNCO in our neighborhod. I chose a pretty simple mexican menu for a reason. Ed was gone halibut fishing all weekend (more on that later) so I was in charge of house cleaning, shopping for the food, entertaining a very busy 3 year old and preparing the house for 12 guests!

Here is my day. I didn't realize how hectic it as until I started thinking about blogging my Simple Sunday and thought...holy smokes...it was NOT simple:

8:00 - Woken by Caden with these words, "I poopy Mommy." Nice.
8:05 - 8:30 - Caden in tub
8:30 - 9:30 - Chill with coffee and Sunday paper (Caden watching Scooby Doo).
9:30 - 10:30 - Vacuum & mop floors in kitchen & dining room
10:30 - Colton woke up & helped...nicer
10:30 - Dumped kahlua into cake for Kahlua Chocolate Trifle dessert
10:30 - 11:00 - Clean bathrooms
11:00 - 11:15 - Prep buffet table
11:15 - 11:30 - Re-do dining room...CADEN!!
11:30 - 11:45 - Clean windows
11:45 - 12:15 - Take quick shower
12:15 - 12:30 - Drive Colton and friends to Skateboard shop
12:30 - 1:00 - Talk to Mom on cell phone while running errands for Ed
1:00 - 1:30 - Pick up last minute items for margarits...YUM
1:30 - 1:45 - Drive home with 3 teenagers and 3 year old. Fun.
1:45 - 2:00 - Put together trifle and refrigerate
2:00 - 2:30 - Brown meat, cut tomatoes and olives, & prep other stuff for Taco Pie
2:30 - 2:45 - Assemble taco pie and preheat oven. Make and refrigerate the margaritas
2:45 - 3:00 - Arrange furniture for game
3:00 - 3:15 - Gather toys and items for Caden's visit with Grandma. Wrestle Caden into car.
3:15 - 3:30 - Drop Caden off to Grandma's.
3:30 - Put taco pie into oven and preheat 2nd oven for taquitos
3:30 - 3:45 - Last minute cleaning, dishes
3:45 - Quick brush through hair, check makeup & Renee arrives
3:50 - Taquitos in oven & ice in margaritas & more guests arrive
4:00 - Taco pie & taquitos out of oven
4:05 - 6:15 - Play, eat, play, eat...I lost...no money for me! :(
6:15 - 6:45 - Clean up
6:45 - 7:45 - Drive to Caryn's to get Caden and drop off watermelon (I bring dessert to Sunday dinner every week).
7:45 - 9:00 - Help Ed package massive amounts of halibut & crab (more on that later).
9:00 - 9:15 - Wrangle Caden into jammies and bed (thankfully he wanted a short story tonight!).
9:15 - 9:30 - Final kitchen clean up.
9:30 - 10:00 - BLOG

I am tired, tired, tired. As I said...nothing simple about this Sunday.

Ferry Ride

2008-07-20T22:15:00.003-08:00

Just wanted to show some of the really cute pictures I took of Caden on the M/V Fairweather on our trip over to Sitka for 4th of July. For those of you unfamiliar with this mode of transportation, it is the State run Alaska Marine Highway. I would say our family travels by ferry at least once, if not twice a year. We usually make a trip to Haines in order to drive up to Whitehorse, Yukon, B.C. every summer. These ferries truly link the southeast communities in Alaska that don't have a road connection. It is the ticket out of land locked Juneau from time to time. It is really fun, relaxing and sometimes there is lots of wildlife on the way. When my Mom comes to visit, she LOVES to take a ferry ride. As a matter of fact, the last time she went on a ferry trip was with my late Grandmom Gerle. We all went to Sitka for the 4th of July. It was a gorgeous trip, sun was shining and the water was sparkling. My Grandmom loved the water and commented on it many times. We love the ferry too!

Colton is home!

2008-07-16T21:24:00.002-08:00

Tonight Colton came home! He has been gone since June 8th! What a little adventurer he is....3 weeks in Eagle River and another 3 weeks in Sitka. We sure missed him. I THINK he missed us too but won't admit it (can you tell he is growing up?). He came home to get started on the outdoor soccer season which will help condition him for his first season of football. Not quite sure what I think of my little cutie pie playing football out there on the wet, dirty field with other bigger boys but it is what he has his heart set on. Devin is staying in Sitka to get a job (Gramma thought the smaller town would be a perfect place to start out). We will see. I am soo glad Colton is home (and I think Caden is even more excited....he would not leave his side for a few hours). I made Colton a cake that we half devoured already. Welcome home Colton...we sure missed your smiling face! Ü

Missing the big boys!

2008-07-14T21:47:00.002-08:00

The older boys have been gone for so long and we sure miss them. Especially Caden. The poor little guy has been like an only child for weeks. He sure loves his big brothers and I have to say that they are all really sweet together. Soon Caden...they will be home soon!

The Big Move

2008-07-10T22:11:00.004-08:00

This past weekend Ed, Caden and I helped his parents move from Sitka to Juneau. Ed rumbled into Sitka in a 17 foot U-haul with his sister Caryn, her husband Jewel and their two foster daughters. To put it mildly....we ATTACKED! Poor Barbara had a swarm of worker bees in her home inundating her with, "do you want this?" and "is this garbage?". She was a trooper though and we ended up taking 4,000 pounds of stuff to the landfill. There is a picture of Ed in the small garbage truck we got to load up. Uncle Jewel really liked the compactor on that thing. He was crushing stuff all day long...men! I almost ended up taking home their dog Hurley (a Yorkshire Terrier) but at the ninth hour, someone came and took him away...whew! There is a picture of the old house. We all loaded up on the fast ferry this past Wednesday and roared into town. There is a picture of Caden hanging out the car window as we waited in line out at the ferry terminal. Their new home is GREAT. We snapped a picture on the front porch the night they arrived. The U-haul is unloaded and now they are slowly putting things away. I think Barbara is relieved to be done and really likes the new house. It was a lot of work but we are so glad they are here. Welcome to Juneau!!

Sitka 4th of July

2008-07-09T22:22:00.003-08:00

Did I already mention that I love small town 4th of July celebrations? Caden and I took the Fairweather ferry over to Sitka (only 4 and 1/2 hours) and we watched the fireworks at midnight on the 3rd from Thompson Harbor aboard Jimmy Womack's boat. Even Caden lasted long enough and his version of the evening goes something like this....the "bad man" lights the fireworks and they go "boom, boom" in the sky. The next day was 71 degrees, sun was shining and flags were waving. We headed to the parade and the boys waited patiently on the curb for candy and Devin even got a visit from a cute Keystone Cop! We hit the food booths for taco boats, fry bread and snow cones. It was a really fun time. That wasn't the end of our exciting trip to Sitka. We helped Ed's parents pack up their house and move to Juneau but that deserves it's very own post....tomorrow. Hope you all had a nice 4th of July.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-02T22:16:00.003-08:00

As my family and friends celebrate Independence Day around the United States (east coast to west), I am curious what each of your traditions are surrounding this day. I bet most of you would be surprised to know that in Alaska (well at least the 2 towns I have lived in), we have fireworks at midnight on July 3rd. While most of you have fireworks at a decent hour (6pm or so), it is still so light out in Alaska that we have to wait until midnight. Well, as most folks have to go back to work on the 5th, tradition here is to have them the night BEFORE the 4th of July. Interesting huh? The 4th of July is also one of those holidays that my dear husband ALWAYS has to work. This holiday is soo busy that almost everyone has to work it...no vacations can be planned around this holiday...EVER. So guess what? Caden and I are jumping on the fast ferry tomorrow to spend the 4th with the big boys in Sitka!

I love small town parades and food booths and cheesy floats with lots of salt water taffy (why is that always the thrown candy of choice by the way?). I sometimes get a tear in my eye just watching small town Americana all come together for a glorious 45 minutes (yes, it is a small parade) to clap at the decorated military, wave at the coast guard helicopters as they fly in formation overhead, and smile at the cute little ones struggling to keep up with the march.

Enjoy your 4th of July everyone!

Simple Sunday

2008-06-29T21:00:00.002-08:00

Another simple Sunday in Alaska! Boy did the day bring us exciting things! Exciting technological things! We FINALLY got rid of the old Dell computer that was driving us all crazy. When the sound finally went out this past week - that was the last straw! We got an HP Pavillion PC with a 22' flat screen monitor...holy cow is it big! In addition, we also got a new printer. An HP Photosmart All-in-one. It can print, scan and copy! We had an old Epson Stylus...the one we got with our first computer back in the late 90's. It still worked but it was getting harder and harder to find the printer cartidges. After that big shopping spree, we got Caden new slip on shoes that light up (just in time for July 4th), Daddy mowed the front yard, Caden washed his boat (that is one of his daily rituals) then we went for a walk. It was a gorgeous day up here. The big boys flew home Friday night and got on the fast ferry Saturday morning at 8am to see Grandma and Grandpa in Sitka. They weren't even in town for 12 hours (or long enough to get a picture taken)! Anyways, another simple day for us up here!

Hallelujah!

2008-06-24T21:07:00.004-08:00

As many of you know, keeping a 3 year old entertained during an hour long mass can be torture. A few Sundays ago Ed and I were working hard to keep Caden under control and reasonably quiet. I know he was still distracting for those unlucky enough to be sitting in front of us but my philosophy is, if I always take him out of church, he will never learn to just sit there right? Well anyways, on this particular Sunday Caden was doing pretty good. He was even trying to sing along and participate in sections. At one point, the congregation said, "Thanks be to God" and out of nowhere Caden says rather loudly, "Thanks and the dog". Of course this outburst elicits a smile from Ed, a giggle from me and the big boys double over in hyserics (until I shoot them a look like...ok, ok, enough). We compose ourselves. A few minutes later the congregation said, "Blessed be to God". Caden's version? "Blessed be my gum". Background here...if you know Caden, then you know that he holds gum pretty sacred in his life. It is right up there with the toy vacuum and his blue blankie. He will do ANYTHING for gum. This second rather loud outburst from Caden has all of us giggling in the pew. Ed leans over to me and says, "all we can do is laugh right?". It was one of those most precious moments that you want to remember forever. It is not uncommon now for one of us to lean over to the other and say...thanks and the dog!

Simple Sunday

2008-06-22T20:47:00.002-08:00

We had a simple Sunday. Here is just a slice of our day. Probably nothing exciting to all of you but we like it! First we made muffins - Caden just couldn't wait to try one, then we painted the trim on the outside of the house, then Daddy fixed his truck with his little shadow (Caden) watching his every move, then we got a visit from Auntie Caryn! What a day! Simple Sundays are the best.

Saturday Drive

2008-06-22T10:16:00.003-08:00

The day started out drizzly and cold. All we really were aspiring to do was stay inside. I did venture out to get Caden a haircut (that went reasonably well) and do some shopping but then came home and vegged out in front of the tube. At about 5:30 though the sun came out and it turned into a gorgeous evening. We went for a car ride downtown to look at boats in the harbor. I snapped a few pictures along the way. One is Caden in his cool shades and the other is Mendenhall Glacier from the Brotherhood Bridge parking lot. This is a very popular stop for tourists every day. I was shocked there were no tour buses parked next to us. Just another day in paradise!

Clean Bedrooms

2008-06-19T20:59:00.002-08:00

It is the little things that Mothers appreciate. Really it is. We don't ask for much. Do we? I know all the Moms reading this will appreciate this post. The big boys are on a 3 week vacation visiting their Dad in Eagle River. I ALWAYS take this unique opportunity to gut their bedrooms and clean everything. You would be amazed at the things I find under the bed...I swear Devin could open his own grocery store! I thought about taking a picture of this amazing stash but thought...nah. I would just show all of you what I love about walking down my hallway now. I actually keep their doors open as that stinky teenage boy smell has abated. I do miss them terribly but I don't miss their messy rooms, or piling laundry, or arguing, or.....Ü

Flowers Then

2008-06-18T21:30:00.003-08:00

This was my flower garden last summer just after I planted it. I literally showed up to the Garden Center and told them that I kill flowers. Truly I do! I have 2 plants in my house and one is a cactus and the other I have to get on a ladder to water. I also have 2 plants in my office at work and I KNOW I don't water them enough so I think a co-worker has secretly adopted them because they are still alive. Anyways, I was positive that half of these plants (that I spent a fortune on) would not survive the winter. Well....look below! Impressed or what?

Flowers now

2008-06-18T21:23:00.003-08:00

Here is my flower bed now! Are you impressed or what? I really don't know what I am doing. Honestly! Look at that bleeding heart will you (the one to the left of the whiskey barrel)? It has doubled if not tripled in size! It was NOTHING at the beginning of spring and every time I come home I think...holy crap I think it grew some more! I am almost obsessive about this garden now. I watch for every bloom with pride still amazed that things are not shriveled up. I love driving up to my house. It makes me smile. I think it is because it is warm and colorful and feels like summer finally. YAY!

Mercer Cousins

2008-06-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

Are these kids related or what? These are the 3 Mercer cousins. Ashley (Ed's sister Caryn's daughter), Madison (Ed's brother James' daughter) and Caden. You can see the resemblance in those Mercer cheeks & eyes! Especially when they are making a scowling face. I often tell Caden when he looks at me like that that he looks like his cousins!

Life in Alaska is Full

2008-06-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

It is true! In Alaska we have fish, bears, glaciers and lots of spruce trees. Life here is good. Simple and good. Here is a picture of Ed and Caden with a 30 pound king salmon they caught yesterday. Grilling it up for dinner tomorrow! YUM.