Little Trooper

Our Little Trooper-

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

During August, while playing at the Cress’ house, Nate was called to the truck. He came running at full canter down a slope in the yard toward his daddy’s awaiting arms. Unfortunately, his legs got ahead of him and he slipped on the grass. His body turned sideways and his downhill leg went out from under him, while the up-hill leg pronated inward and rotated. The effect was a loud, sickening “pop” that resulted in all the parents present to run to his aid. Later after some late night x-rays we found out that he had a double break with a spiral fracture of the left femur. The on-call ER doctor splinted his leg and told us the orthopedist would be there to see him first thing in the morning. Since I was weeks away from delivering and having contractions, Jeff stayed the night with Nate while I returned home with Leif for a few hours of sleep.

As I lay awake in the wee hours of that night, I replayed the incident trying to figure out how it all could have turned out differently. I also agonized over the initial prognosis. Even though my body needed the rest, my mind couldn’t escape the pain I had left my little boy enduring. Every time he would drift off to sleep those first few nights he would jerk awake and shriek in pain due to his muscles twitching as they relaxed.

Nate was placed in a hip-spica cast, which runs the length of the broken leg, to the knee on the opposite leg, up to the middle of the chest and held together by a 1 inch dowel across his thighs. He was in the cast for six weeks. Three and half weeks into his casting I delivered our third Kathryn via c-section. Thankfully, both of our moms came from Texas to help for nearly a month. If they hadn’t come to Alaska, I might have been committed to the loony bin.

On the night he first figured out how to "scoot"...

Three weeks “post-cast” Nate and I walked out to the storage cabin behind our house to retrieve some toys. Nate had been walking about ten days and was still a little shaky. He clung tightly to my hand as we painstakingly traversed the uneven, muddy ground. Normally, our trek would have taken about ten minutes; this day it took a little under an hour. As we slowly walked I admired the Alaskan fall beauty that surrounded us and tried not to cry over my son’s struggle. His broken leg had healed nearly a half inch shorter and I wondered if his severe limp would ever go away. My mind worried ahead to possible future athletic disappointments, lifelong physical pain, and social stigma. As if he was reading my mind, Nate said, “Momma, I want to run.”

“Okay, let’s give it a try…” I replied uncertainly.

“Not yet, not today…I can’t…but I will run, momma. I will,” he emphatically stated as he trudged ever so slowly onward.

His “declaration of overcoming” hit me squarely between the eyes. No matter the outcome of his accident, God was already training his heart and mine.

The passage in John 4 encourages us to be aware of false prophesies, but can also stand as a reminder to be aware of Satan’s schemes. He wants nothing more than for God’s children to worry about tomorrow and to doubt the power of Him who resides in us. Satan and his workers are also seeking to make us forget that God has already overcome our greatest problem (death) and through him WE are OVERCOMERS as well. God is bigger than any problem we might face in this world, even the gut-wrenching, heart-rending pain of seeing your child suffer. In fact, he understands better than anyone.

May and June Happenings...

In mid-May, Jeff was looking out the window above the kitchen sink when a beautiful, white pigeon flew into the yard looking somewhat injured. He went outside and the bird didn't fly off.

Pigeons are very rare in Alaska, if ever seen at all. So, we assumed the bird was a domesticated carrier pigeon. We figured out the bird wasn't injured, just exhausted. It allowed Jeff to catch it, so we put it into a dog kennel outside with some food and water. Initially, it enjoyed tortillas. Locally, we have a daily radio program that advertises lost pets called, "Dog Gone News". Jeff called and advertised the bird to no avail. After a few days of feeding and obvious recuperation, we figured it was time to let the bird go.

Jeff opened the door to the kennel and the bird flew out, landing nearby on the roof of the station, and then off into the "wild blue yonder". We assumed that was the last we would see of "Polly". We took the kennel out of the boy's play house and refilled the water and food. Later that day Jeff was preparing the garden and Polly showed up again, roosted in the boy's play house and officially adopted Jeff.

This bird is crazy! It follows him EVERYWHERE...to work in the morning, back home, on walks with the boys. If it could stay on top of the car when he leaves the house, it would. Just like the dog, Polly cheerfully greets us when we get home.

The other day I looked outside as Jeff was grinding and welding and the bird was just a few feet away from him watching his every move. Polly is here to stay. Funny thing is, Jeff is just as attached to her as she is to him. We wonder if she will migrate in the fall.



Polly....




At the beginning of June we had a great visit from an old friend and coworker, Erin (Baldwin) Day, her husband Heath and their precious kids.


Leif and Nate loved making friends with Charyse and Trace.


I love the progression of these photos...



....and they're done.



Later in June we loaded up the new 5th wheel, the canoe and kayak for a family camping trip with the Cress clan.




Post camping stop at a cafe in Kasilof...we had fun fishing for lake trout, canoeing , kayaking, and playing in the water at Centennial Lake.


I love how Leif and Auden are wearing the same expression.


I think they're a little "fried".


Best Buddies...






We completed the month with Leif's first visit to the dentist. He did a great job having his teeth cleaned and x-rayed. He had a good report and has become a fanatical 2:00 minute brusher (complete with a timer).

Easter '11

This year's Easter egg hunt was a little on the muddy side.



All the kids really enjoyed themselves especially with all the puddles around.




Nate kept finding the eggs and then asking his daddy to get them for him.




They are the sweetest boys....




Our Leif. He is a great big brother.




Nate is growing up to be such a big boy.

The Best Ski Ever!

Today was a gorgeous 38 degrees with warm sun and no wind...so, we went out for a family cross-country ski.



Jeff pulled Nate and I had Leif for a while...





Then because of this growing bump ;) and my lack of stamina; Daddy made the 'Kidlet Train' and pulled both of the boys.







Overall, it was a gorgeous day! Thank you, God for such beautiful weather.

It's Been Too Long...

After a rather long hiatus from the ol' blog I thought I might begin anew. A run down of the last year seems rather necessary:

The boys are doing great and enjoying the sunshine and snow of Alaska. Nate just celebrated his second birthday and astounds us daily with new verbal revelations. Leif is a great big brother and enjoys his role of protector and chief fun organizer. They really do play well together (for the most part).

However, I came in today to break up a skirmish when I realized Nate was screaming, "Let me kiss you, PLEASE!!!" Leif was nursing a wounded forehead that he explained was inflicted on him by Nate "running him over and hitting his head on the train track." I asked Nate if he ran over his brother on purpose and he said, "Yeah, but I want to kiss it." What are you gonna do?!!

Jeff and I celebrated our 11th anniversary in January and found out we were expecting again. Lord willing we will meet this new little one the first of September. I am still working at the Bay Club teaching water aerobics and swimming lessons. I also began coaching for the Kachemak Swim Club this last fall and loooove it!

Jeff is both working for World Christian Broadcasting and preaching at our local congregation; and enjoying the outdoors every chance he gets.

Fun Happenings

Yes, our little monkey made it to the top!








An Alaskan momma's work out!




Sledding Fun with the Family

A Proud Moment: My Son's 1st Imaginary Friend

I typically gag inwardly anytime I read a Christmas letter or talk with a mom that blatantly extols the wonders of her perfect children. My kids are just as awesome as any others, I just like to keep most of their accomplishments "in house" if you know what I mean. Don't get me wrong I will sit you down to let you know just how much I love my children and how blessed they make me feel, I just hope I don't venture too far into the field of "brag-adocia".

With that being said, my oldest son is a rock star. I am so super pumped! He told me the most amazing thing today: he has an imaginary friend!!!! Can you believe it?!!

He was sitting at the lunch table eating a burrito and he looks up at me and says,
"Momma, do you see that rabbit?"

"Where, son?" I ask.

"Right there!" he says as he points to a spot on the floor.

"Oh, that rabbit. Yes, I see him," I respond.

"She is named Buzz. She is lellow," He tells me.

He then went on to introduce his imaginary rabbit to our dog, Red. I didn't have the heart to tell him, but Red is a viscous rabbit killer and impressed my husband this summer by bringing him the head of a snowshoe hare.

Here is a picture of Buzz:


I will keep you posted if she survives the week. Maybe Buzz and Pawna can hang out sometime.

The Dark Side...

If it weren't for sunsets like this one and the family walk we had today, I think I might run for the border.

I am not one apt to complain, but I have to admit this is my first "winter of (occasional) discontent". This discontent is due largely to the fact that this is the longest amount of time I have ever been out of the state of Texas. Our last visit was the fall of '08. It has been more than a year since a dove met its demise at the end of my shotgun, or a "Oaxaca Tacqueria" burrito has crossed my lips, or my favorite Tony Llama boots graced the sweltering hot asphalt of Abilene, Texas...or Anywhere, Texas! Yes, folks I am ho0000mesick.

Due to the wind blowing mach 10 for the last few weeks most of our nice, ski-able, snow machinable, and sled-able snow has blown away. When the wind has done its work you are left with roads and parking lots of glare ice and the general feel of the dark side of the moon. Thankfully the darkness is slowly ebbing away and 4-5 minutes of increased sunlight is gifted to us each day.

Today the temperature broke into the 20s, the wind laid down, and the sun shone brilliantly. About 11:45am, Leif was beginning to remind me of a pan of jiffy pop right as it nears the moment of explosion. If it weren't for our bi-weekly trips to the gym and community volleyball (one of us plays while the other chases the kids up and down the halls of our local elementary school) one night a week, I would be right there with him.

I called Jeff and asked if he could come home early for lunch and take a family walk with us. I didn't think I could singularly handle pushing the stroller and Leif on his bike, while trying to stay upright on the ice. At the mention of a walk, Leif was determined to take his bike. I told him it might not go on the ice, but he said,

"It will if I peddle it."

At that, I had to let him try. After bundling myself and the kids up in 40 layers we took off.





Leif actually did ride his bike...quite well...as long as he stayed on the "crunchy" parts. Occasionally we would look up and he would be stuck in a slick rut, peddling madly away. We didn't rush to rescue him, as I figured this was a good way for him to burn off some that "Jiffy Pop" energy.








After a nice walk in the sunshine we returned home to warm robes, hot chocolate, soup and sandwiches for lunch. I cleaned the kitchen and put the boys down for a nap (they actually slept from having worn off some of their energy) with a better attitude. It is amazing what a little Vitamin D and a reminder from your 3 year old: "you can even ride a bike on glare ice if you peddle hard enough" can do for one's attitude.

The Baby

I know, I know, some of you may not want to hear a mom go on and on about their child. So, if you are one of those people: stop reading.

I am in love with this kid. Nate has to be one of the coolest kids on the planet, and I love a lot of kids. Spending time with him is like warm brie on a cracker, or the perfect cup of soup after a cold afternoon working outdoors. He is such a comforter and a blessing to our family. His goofy grin is enough to make the Grinch crack a smile.

He is beginning to get a real personality. As previously mentioned, the kid loves to chow down. He can eat. If I am a little slow in preparing his food (or even in between bites) he lets me know of his displeasure by slamming his hands down on his tray and sounding off. When I turn to him and let him know that is not appropriate and to chill out, he cocks his head to the side and grins.

One of my favorite things to watch is how much he adores his daddy and brother. He can sit and stare at Leif in sheer wonderment. You can see the love and adoration in his eyes. It is as if he is saying, "Wow, you are so cool!" He especially gets this look when he watches Leif and his daddy wrestle.

"Thank you, God for these boys. They are yours...what an awesome God you are for letting us raise them these fleeting years."

Ten Years of Pure Awesomeness!

For those of you that have seen Kung Fu Panda, the words of Po perfectly describe the last ten years of our marriage.


Home-made Anniversary Cake

Yes, yesterday was our ten year anniversary. I am so blessed to be married to a guy that leads me and our family on many adventures of awesomeness. Even during the challenging times, I love being married to Jeff. I wouldn't want any one else and I am so glad he chose me.

The last ten years feel as if they have flown by. I know the years have passed when I look out at wintry Alaska (we started off in tropical Puerto Rico!), think back on our time in Abilene, and notice my two beautiful boys. (I actually do more than just 'notice' them as they are usually demanding my attention). I am blessed however, to be able to still say how much I love and adore my husband. I look forward to the coming years and adventures together. My favorite person to live life with is still, Jeff. I just hope that in 50 years we have as much spunk as this fun couple.

We celebrated our anniversary by eating a delicious rib-eye dinner and homemade strawberry cake with our friends, Danny and Gail. We then watched the game that "shall-not-be-named". (Our prayers go out to the McCoys...UT's efforts were admirable and inspiring).


Sharing a conciliatory kiss after a bitter defeat...

"Majestical"

Last night was majestical…there is no word in the English language that articulates what I experienced. So, my husband came up with: ‘majestical’.

At 6:00 pm we received a call that a friend was stuck on our hill in his suburban, with our 16 foot trailer attached. He decided to return the trailer as a bad storm was beginning. Half-way up the hill he started careening backward. He ended up ditching the trailer and then jack-knifing his suburban. Jeff and Leif went down to pull him out.

As I finish off dinner the power kept flashing off and on. The “snow globe” snow that had fallen softly throughout the afternoon turned to a torrential down pour of snow that was rapidly accumulating on the power lines. I was warming some mushroom chicken that I had cooked the previous day, praying the power stayed on long enough.

The chicken, by the way, was a home-grown, Cornish-cross hen raised by our friends, the Cress’. When Sarah and Jesse “off-ed” the 22 meat chickens they raised this summer, we helped out and in return they gifted us some dead fowl. Jeff helped slaughter, dip and pluck and I helped with the inside cleaning and wrapping. I couldn’t eat chicken for a couple of moons and now that I am feeling better about poultry, I decided to give it a go. Killing, preparing and cooking a chicken not purchased in a store is a new experience for this city-reared girl, but it turned out great! I brined the bird overnight in a salt, brown sugar, cayenne pepper solution. I then cut it up (also news on this front: I finally figured out how to cut out that piece that has the wish bone in it. My Gran always fried this piece and it was my favorite. For years I have been trying to figure out how she cut the breast in such a way to get a piece with the wish bone intact…I finally did it!), browned it, and baked it in a mushroom gravy.

When Jeff walked in the door at 6:30, and thankfully sat down to his hot supper, the power went out and stayed out. We ate a romantic meal by candle light and then listened to daddy read Kipling’s, The Jungle Books. It was a great evening spent together without electricity and all of the distractions that come with it.

Shortly after 9:00 pm the power came back on. We put the boys to bed and the snow was continuing to fall. At this point it looked like we had at least six inches of snow fall. Jeff went to work at the station and I settled in for the night. A few hours later, he bounded into the bedroom and said, “You have got to come outside!”


He took me outside to see the most beautiful sight I have yet to see in Alaska. It was a perfectly still full moon night. The wind had lain down and a foot deep, blanket of snow shrouded everything. The snow was soft, voluminous and cloud like. The trees looked like a huge vat of icing had been poured on them. Some of them were so heavy with snow their smaller limbs were breaking. After the raucous storm the world had fallen completely silent. The moon light was bright enough to read by. The blue moon light reflected off of the newly fallen snow to create an ethereal world of winter wonder…it was ‘majestical’. The sight was so spell binding that neither of us could speak for nearly ten full minutes. We stood there and whispered in hushed tones about the beauty we beheld. About the time Jeff turned to head back to work, we looked up to see a cow moose not twenty yards away. She stood soundless and stalwart, staring us down. Looking at us with knowing eyes she seemed to question whether we could truly appreciate the world in which she lives.

"Wife in Awaska"

"The Fam at Thanksgiving"

In three-year-old vernacular, “wife in Awaska is pretty funny…”

As I write, “snow globe” snow falls gently outside. Winter is here. The studded tires* are installed on the truck. The skis, snow machine, and sleds are dusted off and at the ready. My husband had to plow our road for the first time today.

I love winter time. Once the snow piles up, Alaska is a pretty fun…and funny place to live. It never fails to bowl me over at how industrious Alaskans are in the winter. Summers may be filled with fishing, gardening, canning, and hunting, but winters are far from sedate. When I want to crawl in for a long winter’s nap and “layer up” with chocolate cake every day, these crazy folks are rearing and ready!



The day after Thanksgiving we went up to Kenai to catch their winter carnival. The Cress family invited us to attend with them. They told us we needed to get our parking place early for the light parade. At 6:00 we lined up with well over 200 cars to watch as Christmas-lit floats drove by slowly at 6:30. As we waited I marveled at the families lining the street. We warm-blooded Texans were waiting in the truck, meanwhile the crazy ones stood, sipping hot cocoa and watching their kids throw snowballs at each other. From young to old, entire families clad in all manner of cold-weather gear stood outside awaiting the parade.


"Leif and friends at Thanksgiving..."

The first to come down the street was the high school band. They oom-pah-pahed with great effort and sounded pretty good…at least well enough to send me mentally on vacation to a Friday night football game. (Hmmm...I used to think I was cold at some of those games.) While watching them shuffle past in their plumed hats and unprotected ears, I thought of many family members and friends alike that bemoaned their marching days.

“These kids are hosses,” Jeff said!

I tend to agree. We watched as they marched a good two miles, lips pressed against freezing cold instruments, in their uniforms, without coats.

After the parade, we drove over to the baseball field to watch the fire works; again, more waiting with the Alaskans playing out in the snow and the Texans in the truck. When we got there the Cresses joined up with their extended family. Jesse (dad Cress) came over to our truck and invited Jeff to go have a “fireball”. Where we come from fireballs are hot, cinnamon flavored jaw breakers. However, in Alaska the word “fire ball” actually involves fire and a ball. I looked over and saw a group of men huddled in a dark circle, with a flame that kept leaping up from among them. Occasionally, the flame would die out only to be re-lit and tossed about again. A few minutes later, Jeff runs back to the truck stating, “I think I caught Craig’s beard on fire!”

As he explained they were tossing a lit, tennis ball soaked in lighter fluid. The key was to keep the ball moving around the circle as long as it would stay lit; kind of like hackey-sack, only with fire…and a little stupidity. Luckily, the children were at a safe distance eating snow and playing in the sub-zero temperatures.

The night ended with an amazing fire work display. I love fire works…they are my favorite. You can’t watch fire works without smiling. It is impossible. Try it. These were especially good and especially close. It felt like we were right under them. I didn’t realize how much I had missed a good firework show.

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday after Thanksgiving. I like Thanksgiving because it is all of the food and fellowship without the stress of presents. I like the Fourth of July because it is all of the food and explosives!

However, the Fourth of July is rather anticlimactic here because the sun never goes down, thus no fireworks (or ones that you can see, anyway). Kenai saves their display for the day after Thanksgiving and New Years. We will most definitely be back again. Leif has yet to stop talking about his fun day. Maybe, next time I’ll remember the hot cocoa and brave the elements like one of the crazy folks.


You know it is chilly when the poor dog's toy freezes up into a block of ice.

*Studded tires are siped, all-weather tires, covered in 200 1/8" steel, studs.

Two Steps Forward And...Two Steps Back

You know winter is upon you when you have to put on the fleece-lined car seat cover. The high for yesterday was 9. I think we might break double digits today, though.




Nate is now among the mobile ankle biters. He is crawling! Backwards. He can really move across a room...just in reverse. If you give him lots of encouragement he will take a few paces forward, stop, and then go into a three point stance and try to stand up.





This is his preferred way of sucking his pacifier. Why stay with the status quo? Upside down, backwards...it's just the way he rolls.





He is also eating like a little bear. He loves carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, peaches, apple sauce, and pears. I noticed he was getting a little "yellow" around the gills, so I started trying to incorporate more green into his diet via some strained peas. Bless his heart, he gagged. I can't blame him. I don't like peas either! Mash them up and it makes them even more gross. I am going to try green beans today. Wish us luck!