Christmas Break

Christmas is over but it was so enjoyable, relaxing and even stress-free.  I always enjoy Christmas, but I have enjoyed this Christmas more than I have in a long time.  Maybe it was because we did a few extra things before hand, I'm not sure, but whatever the reason it seemed to last longer or something.  I am so glad that Jesus came!  When everything around us gets crazy and commercialized JESUS is still the reason we celebrate Christmas!

I am enjoying our break from school so much!  Right now I'm listening to music--no, not Christmas music--just ordinary, everyday, uplifting, soul-refreshing music.  A good reminder of WHY Jesus came in the first place!  I am thankful for the time of quiet (Wow! How did that happen?) and music. 

Family Day at the Reindeer Farm

We took the kids to the Reindeer Farm for one of their Family Days.  They went through a "Hay Maze" and fed the reindeer.  We also got to meet Denali the moose (who is the same age as Ashley).  The kids were so excited to get to ride horses!  

September PA Trip

Here are a few pictures from our trip to PA in September.  I was so happy to be able to have a good visit with my mom and get some better pictures as well.  When I was there in April Mom was having some issues with her meds which made visits a bit difficult.  I am so blessed to have had another opportunity to be with Mom.  The mission pictured below is located just down the road from where Mom lives.



First Day of School

Yes, I know this is rather late but I hope that you will enjoy these photos anyway.  Homeschooling the best kids ever!

 Our School

 First Grade class

 pre-Preschool

 Sixth Grade Class

Fourth Grade class

New Cub Scout

Our newest Cub Scout, Nicholas.

Can hardly believe that Nicholas is already in scouts.  How quickly they grow!  He will be 7 years old in a few days.  That's a bit hard to realize too.

Hubby's New Hobby

Last month Warren was finally able to get the tools that he needed to run his lathe and turn pens.  He has been having a blast!  They look great too!  The other cool thing is that he's been getting orders (without even trying) from people wanting to buy them from him.  So now he can support his "habit". :-)  Tonight he is showing the boys how to do it and letting them try it out.  They are very excited!  

Happy Fall!

Yes, it is, or at least was, Fall in Alaska.  Tis "the season" anyway.  You know,  Halloween is just past and Thanksgiving has yet to make its appearance.  The weather says otherwise by the way.   The kids wanted to carve a pumpkin and we missed doing it last year so I made sure to get them one this year.  We don't do a lot for Halloween--just don't like it, too much uglies and creepies--but we figured a pumpkin and candy would do just fine.  They had fun!  And Grandma brought over a huge bag of candy so they are happy.

Dutch Oven Cook Off

September 3 we participated in a Dutch Oven Cook Off at the state fair.  Warren loves to cook Dutch Oven so he thought he'd try doing this.  It was a lot of fun!  He won an Honorable Mention for his desert!  I have to say it was good!  It was a great experience and now we know better what to expect the next time.  

 The Honorable Mention Welsh Cake

 Dutch Oven Sweet Bread

Dutch Oven Beans

The Cook and his Side Kick

Family

Family.  A word that brings so many pictures to mind.  Love, joy, togetherness, legacy, sharing (both pain and joy), good times, memories, belonging and . . . NUTS!  Well in my case at least.  One big crazy family!  That's the way our family is and I like it that way!  Spending 5 days with our family in Pennsylvania was great!  I am so thankful that we could be there for my brother, Chester, and his wife, Kim, during this time of loss.  Nathan was a such a special part of our family.  He is missed so much!  We were able to spend all day Friday with my brothers and sisters.  It's been a long time since I have been able to spend that much time with them.  It was good to harass and be harassed by my brothers, visit with my sisters and just "be" together.  We were also able to see my mom again.  Another of God's blessings.  Then, of course, my dad made Apple Fritters Saturday night.  Love. . . sharing. . . belonging. . . Family.

God's goodness has been so evident over these last 2 weeks.  I watched as Chester and Kim's church family surrounded them with love and support.  God provided, through the kindness of a dear friend, the money for both Warren and I to fly to PA to be with our family during this difficult time.  Thank you, friend, you know who you are!  I also felt God's comfort in time of sorrow.  We were overwhelmed by the number of people that went to celebrate Nathan's life.  It seemed like "everybody" was there.  

We are not promised tomorrow so live today like it was your last and "Love Like Crazy"! 

Nathan Paul Hetrick

We love and miss you, Nathan!

Valdez 2012

Once again, I am behind on my blog posts.  Maybe one of these days I will do better.  Here are a few pictures from our trip to Valdez this summer.  It is our family tradition to go there for the Kids' Pink Salmon Derby.  This year Clayton came in 3rd in his age division!  Way to go, Buddy!  

We were privileged to have Papa and Grandma (Warren's parents) go with us this year.  We really enjoyed having them with us.  Janet, we missed you this year!  Thought of you often while we were there. 

We had fun but it rained much of the time so we ended up leaving early.  Also, Warren and Clayton had to leave right away for Scout Camp so we came home early to give them time to get ready to go.  All in all it was a good family weekend making memories for a lifetime.

Colony Days Parade

Our Cub Scout Pack walked in the parade this year.  The boys were excited!  Even though Cameron is now in Boy Scouts he went along to help out.  

Backyard Archery

We've been wanting to do this for awhile.  Warren finished it Saturday night.  Of course he had to try it out.  These pictures were taken at 10:30 p.m.!  Love Alaska summer nights!  We are excited to have this all set up.  Part of this is sort of a Father's Day present for Warren.

Growing Up

Cameron is now a Boy Scout.  So hard to believe how big he is getting!

My Amazing Dad

I am reposting these two pictures (they are some of my favorites) in honor of Father's Day.
Dad, though you may not get a chance to read this, I want to say that I love you so much!  I treasure each memory I have with you.  I am so glad that God let YOU be my Dad!  Happy Father's Day! 

My Mom

      My mom is a very special lady!  Even though life has taken an unwanted turn I remember the "real" Mom and know that she has always been--and always will be--special. Mom, I know that you will never read this but I want to say that I love you so much! 
     The second picture is the view out my mom's window.  The next one she is posing for me.  I told her to stand there by Dad so I could take her picture so she posed for me.  The last one was actually taken on Mom's birthday a couple of weeks after I came back home. 

My Dad

My dad is such a special person.  I miss him alot and wish that we could see him more often.  It was so good to spend some time with him.  He makes Apple Fritters every time we are together.  Mmmm good!  I guess I'm a little spoiled.  :-)  I love you, Dad!  You are the best Daddy ever!

My Trip to PA

 

I was able to go "home" for a week last month.  It was so good to be in Pennsylvania with my family.  I only wish that Warren and our kids could have gone with me.  I spent a week soaking up memories and family.  Along the way I made new memories, new friends, and renewed an old friendship.  As some of you know our family has been through some changes especially over the last few months.  I enjoyed my time with Dad and seeing Mom in her new place.  An Alhztimers home is not a place I ever invisioned Mom living and yet I know that this is best for everyone.  I am thankful for God's help and peace in the midst of all this!   I have the best family ever!  Here are a few pictures of my time with them.  #1 Aunt Ruth (Mom's sister), #2 Aunt Lucy, myself, Uncle George (Mom's brother), #3 my brothers--Chester and Harry and I, #4 my sisters--Janet, Elaine, Karen and I.

Poetry

Moose

I see a great big moose
And he is wild and loose
He's tall and brown
He runs down town
He's chasing me and I can't run
And that's not very fun
Here's the police
With Catch and Release
The moose isn't mild
So back to the wild
So now he's happy and free

by Cameron

Memories

Dad, Mom and Cameron

Robin Hood