The Light at the End of the Tunnel

We begin this week's entry with our home school field trip to H2 Oasis yesterday.  Thanks to the brave men and women who served as our indoor Baywatch Crew, we were able to enjoy the only indoor water slide in Alaska!  It is crazy to remember that it has been nearly 13 years or more since our first visit with Alex and Andrew to the Oasis.  Time truly is "but a vapor," and reliving H2 Oasis took us back to Alex and Andrew's boyhood days.  What a blessing to have Ethan now, too - reliving vicariously - some of the same memories his brothers have shared.

The Oasis has 3 large slides, 1 medium sized slide, and a pirate ship full of slides for toddlers.  They also boast a large wave pool, two jacuzzis for the adults, a fully stocked snack bar, and a lazy river that weaves under and through all of the attractions.  In the winter, they open their doors for half price every other month on a Monday, just for home schoolers! So away we went from 10-4 to frolic in the water and give Ethan his first waterslide experience.

Waterslide #1

He immediately hit the wave pool and the Lazy River -- although the term "lazy river" is wasted on anyone under the age of 16 (and Michael).  So much swimming, splashing, chasing, flipping and pushing tubes into each other!  I, on the other hand, just sat in my little tube -- all the way around -- and watched them wear themselves out early!  Ethan realized right away that he was "too big" for the pirate ship, but he was ready to go with his daddy to that first water slide.  It was a medium-sized enclosed tube that spiraled once before plummeting into 3 feet of warm water.  True to his nature, he let his daddy go first, so he could be met at whatever awaited at the bottom.  We didn't tell him that the lifeguards clear the pool for safety reasons before the next rider.  As he hit the water at the bottom of the slide, he IMMEDIATELY stood up, walked out of the pool, and said, "I think I'll do that again! This time with mom!"

So he and I ascended the stairs to take our plunge.  He went first this time, so he could show me "how to do it."  Now keep in mind, I absolutely LOVE water parks, but it has been nearly 13 years or more since I've been to one.  I had no trepidation whatsoever about getting on that water slide -- until about 1/4 of the way in when the total darkness surrounded me.  For those of you that know me best, you'll remember that I like dark roller coasters the best -- because I can't see what's coming.  Not so with dark water slides -- because there's WATER waiting throughout it and at the bottom and yours truly is a bit of a claustrophobe!  So as I made my big splashing entry into the pool and came up into daylight once more, Ethan was waiting -- all smiles -- ready to go again -- this time with both of us.  He asked me how I liked it.  I told him, "Son, I've got to be honest. That was a little scary for me.  The darkness was creepy, so I just shut my eyes and waited to hit the water."  To my surprise (which I don't know why I'm surprised...the Lord uses him daily to teach me things)... he uttered the words of wisdom I needed for the day: "Mom, you have to keep your eyes really wide open.  Only then will you see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that you are almost there."  Hmmm, pretty smart advice from a 10 year old.

Last Leg of the Master Blaster

We played there for while then had a quick pizza lunch in the snack bar before hitting the "big ones."  It was then my turn to do some convincing -- carrying a 2-person tube up a flight of 50 stairs is no small feat, and surely several sudden drops await after a climb like that.  So Ethan decided he would take on the Master Blaster the very first time with his mommy - you know, the one he talked into doing the "little dark slide."  Once positioned on the tube, the life guard opens the chute, and the two of you have to pull yourselves to the first drop off. And away we went!  Into the darkness, then into the light, then D-O-W-N the big drop (which causes you to go airborne just a tad!), then up into the open chute, then down and around the dark spiral (which dumps a LOAD of water on top of you...in the DARK!), then down the final drop into...wait for it...the lazy river!!! Yay for a slow ride in the lazy river back to the beginning!

Master Blaster Ride with Michael and Ethan

Well only one of those kinds of rides will never do...so we spent the next 2 1/2 hours on the Master Blaster and in the Lazy River.  That is, until Ethan decided that he wanted to venture off on his own.
Wait a minute, I'm sorry, what?  Am I ready for that? We are at a huge water park with other people (lots of other people by now), and you want to do what by yourself? And you'll meet us where, when? Wait! I'm not ready!  But HE was. And in that one parenting moment, our 10-year-old took one step closer to independence.

How often do we find ourselves in similar moments in life -- times when changes occur and we are not ready -- yet they occur nonetheless?  Perhaps it is a parenting moment like mine.  Perhaps it is a new diagnosis. Perhaps it is when that infant takes her first step into toddler-hood.  Perhaps it is when your adult child needs you again. Perhaps it is the passing of a loved one from this life into the next.

Whatever your moment, I hope you will remember that it is just a vapor.  Yet in that vapor, whether great pain or great joy, I urge you to be present.  In the midst of a glorious day on the water slides, there was an intermingling of pride and sadness at our little Ethan (who reminded me boldly he wasn't so little anymore).  But I didn't miss it...I was there and I saw it...because someone wise once told me to keep my eyes really wide open -- only then could I see the Light.

Today's post is dedicated to the Newton Family,
specifically to Uncle Kenny,
who kept his eyes wide open and finally reached the Light at the end of the tunnel.
Praise the Lord we are assured of his salvation, that he is no longer in pain,
and that we WILL one day see him again.

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
I Thessalonians 4:14

"MOM! Will You Please Roll Up Your Window Before That Mamma Moose Attacks Us?!"

Chugach Range - March 2015 at 9:00 p.m.

Chalk the title of today's post among those quotes I never thought I'd hear any of my children say to me!  Perhaps it's the relaxed atmosphere that this part of the world offers...perhaps it's the untold beauty that can never be adequately expressed using our "mere" words...perhaps it's because we're "prepared and packing" all of the time.  Who knows? Whatever the reason, we all seem a bit braver as we run into the "wild" neighbors with whom we share this great space.  We are cautious, not careless; but the comment from our little Ethan reminded me that even adults need a warning now and then about "getting too close" to those things which could potentially cause us harm.

With the days growing longer and longer and Spring Having Sprung here, our encounter with Mamma Moose and her two calves on our way home from church Wednesday was not as welcome as you might think.  Twilight cast heavy dark shadows in the forest leading to our home, and as we approached the final leg of our journey, all I noticed first were a pair of eerie yellow eyes, reflecting our headlights right back at us.  I whispered to Ethan, "Eyes. eyes."  As he peered into the growing darkness ahead, he replied, "MOM! That's a moose!"  Only when we got closer did we realize it was a baby...and mother was not in sight.  Now we've seen enough Alaskan/Canadian "reality" shows and the real thing in our own backyard to know that if baby is near, mamma is nearer.   Thank goodness there weren't any other vehicles on our road.  As we edged closer, baby scooted into the woods.  I rolled down my window to try to take a picture, and that's when we saw the second baby.  And then we heard mamma deeper in the woods, and barely made out her head, poised in our direction with ears perched.  For those of you still reading...this is the part of that scary movie where you are screaming at the people on screen to stop being stupid and get to some place safe!  I can even hear some of you now in my head (yes, I hear your voices...ooohhhh) saying, "Roll that window up and get on home, Girl!"

I couldn't help it...I was so mesmerized watching the babies and listening to mamma crash through the underbrush.  Twigs were snapping, branches breaking, boughs rocking, and Ethan...our brave little Ethan yelling, "MOM! Will you P-L-E-A-S-E roll up your window...?!" Like rolling up the window would "save" us from imminent danger. Bahaha! So I rolled up the window and we headed on home.  With a great sigh of relief, Ethan said, "I don't ever want to have to tell you that again!"  He's growing up so fast, and learning all of the great parenting quotes! Who says homeschooling doesn't teach what we need it to teach. :)

Tuesday Night Sunset -- from our backyard after our walk

Our weather has been amazing this week, and while we all love the snow, having warmer temperatures and sunshine has been a nice diversion.  We've been able to get out and slog through the neighborhood on evening walks (we take Daddy and his big gun with us for those).  We're doing that under the auspices of "exercise," but really Ethan and I are secretly mapping out a dog-walking route for the puppy we don't own yet.  Ahtna is the new puppy's name, and it isn't too much of a secret because Daddy is the one calling the breeders - haha! No new puppies yet, but we remain hopeful that a new addition will join us later this spring.

As an aside, Ethan and I were able to have a 2:00 a.m. science lesson -- observing the Auroras for nearly an hour out our front living room window.  I really need to learn how to take pictures in the dark!  So far this week I've missed a moose and the Northern Lights.

Ethan continues to do well in his art classes and will be moving into an intermediate art class with older students following his teacher's encouragement that his skill level warrants such a move.  He was very surprised about that recommendation and also very humbled.  He thanks the Lord daily for his ability and wants to use it for the Lord's glory.  Please pray with us about how he can best do that.

Ethan's Acrylic of a Popular Screensaver

Alexander has been selected for a full-time position at MTA, so he is navigating changes in his part-time work schedule.  He will be transitioning out of his tutoring role over the next couple of weeks so he will have ample time for the new job and his school work.  He's excited about the move since it includes "benefits" and we know that is an additional step closer to full independence.  Wow!

Andrew just finished up Spring Break and a portion of a huge project at Lee.  He's working to secure scholarships for next school year and looking forward to Easter Break in North Carolina.  Please continue to pray for him as he studies and makes decisions about his future.  We thank you all for your continued support and prayers for our family.  It is hard to be away from you, but knowing you are thinking of and praying for us helps the distance not seem so far.

We are preparing for our next set of visitors in April -- and we look so forward to welcoming the File Family then!  Our home is open...and Alaska is ready when you are!

We love you all!!!

Hatcher's Pass - 9:00 p.m. March 2015

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11

Take My Breath Away

Greetings All!

My apologies for the delay in this posting, but we have been having grand adventures this past week, host and hostessing Grandma and Grandpa Beaver on their first winter trip to the great state of Alaska!

They arrived the day before Iditarod 2015, and we hit the ground running almost immediately, like many of the seasoned sled dog teams!  It's such a blessing to share this magnificent place with others, and we had so much to see that we wore them out right away!

We had a full day Saturday, March 7, taking full advantage of Fur Rondy, the ceremonial Iditarod start in downtown Anchorage, the open museum, and beautiful sunshine that caused the temperatures to swell to the mid-30s.  It made for a GREAT day of walking, but not so great for the sled dogs.
They were amazing, and after an 11-mile run toward Eagle River (running on snow that had to be brought in for the event -- yes, you read that right -- they had to truck snow INTO Anchorage!), they all packed up and relocated for the official restart in Fairbanks (scheduled for Monday, March 9).

We met some great new friends who weren't afraid to don their furs - even in the "hot" temperatures, and Ethan is more anxious than ever to head out with his daddy to hunt and trap.  Trapping is still very much alive and well in this part of the world and will hopefully provide us with some very nice meals in the coming winters.

Ethan entering Beluga Point

Following the Iditarod start, we made our way to the Midnight Sun Cafe for a quick lunch before hitting the Anchorage Museum.  Ethan and I have been there at least five times, and we still can't seem to see everything!  After a quick nap during the Planetarium Show (ha ha) we were rested enough to tackle the remaining two floors of the museum, and make a trip to Girdwood, passing Beluga Point along the way.  No belugas this trip, but we were able to see several people paddle boarding (yes, you read that right, too) as the tide came in.  It was a bit too cold for us on the water, but they were all dressed appropriately!

Grandma and Grandpa Beaver at Beluga Point

Beluga Point

Sunday, March 8 brought new adventures in Palmer, as we watched our little Ethan get baptized.  He had been asking about baptism for some time, and the date was set weeks ago.  It was a nice surprise for Grandma and Grandpa to be able to join in his celebration.  Sunday and Monday we had to rest to get rejuvenated for the remainder of this week!

Ethan's Baptism Service

Tuesday we braved the summit of Hatcher's Pass, and we have decided that the ski hill we initially found during the Christmas holiday is for sissies!  You will see t-i-n-y dots in the picture.  Well...those dots are actually sledders close to Independence Mine.  You may even have to zoom in with your computers/phones to see them - they were that far away from us!  We watched them for awhile from the parking lot, and have decided that will be our new sledding destination (if the snow fog and avalanches don't keep us away)!

Zoom in to see the sledders...soooo far away! And sooo high up!

We hit up the Palmer Hay Flats after that then joined King Tom and Queen Brenda for dinner at the castle!  Grandma and Grandpa climbed to the top of the castle, and we thought we were going to lose Grandpa one time when he leaned out the open window to take a picture; but...praise the Lord, he remained inside and intact!  After some super food, great fellowship, and funny stories from Tom, we have decided we will venture to McGrath, Alaska on July 4, to see what that's all about!

Grandma Bocces

Yesterday Ethan and I taught Grandma and Grandpa how to play bocce ball, and after one round Grandma said, "I'm hooked!"  We laughed, concentrated, and talked about how bocce could easily become a game of choice -- maybe even a contender to replace horseshoes at the Beaver family reunion...Nahhh!  A five-way Uno tournament later in the evening nearly turned bloody, as Ethan beat us all TWICE!  We didn't know if it would turn to fist-i-cuffs or if I'd have to call a clean-up crew for bladder issues.  We play "house rules" which increases the drawing required for all players. I think by the time the grandparents return to NC, Grandma will finally know that you can't play the number 2 on a Draw-2! (Secretly we all believe she knows, but she just doesn't want to draw 2 additional cards!  Just like Grandpa knows sixes and nines are NOT the same! :)  So we laugh until we cry!

Baby Salmon "Wintering" on the Flats

As their trip winds down, we decided today would be the final day of "sight-seeing."  They were able to see two moose and an eagle, although none were in our yard this time.  The Northern Lights have been scarce as well, but predictions indicate they may actually fly out while the lights are active. That would be amazing!  We found a new access to the Hay Flats today, and I think it is beginning to be very difficult to decide on a "favorite" place in this paradise.  The portion we visited today is home to "baby salmon," and we can't help but be anxious for Spring when the water thaws and we can see them!


We love sharing our photos with you, and yes, the backdrops are all "real."  I struggle to put words with the photos, as I don't think there are adequate words to describe what we are seeing.  Grandma and Grandpa agreed.  Thank goodness we have Ethan to keep us "grounded" and giggling.

Case in point:  Perhaps the highlight of the trip occurred earlier in the week at Beluga Point.  The scenery there is so gorgeous, that even in person, the mountains just don't look real.  They look like a painted backdrop. The awe they inspire as a result can be overwhelming.  It was in such a moment that Grandma said, "I cannot believe this view.  No one would believe this view.  It absolutely just takes my breath away." To which Ethan replied in the sweetest, most innocent voice:

 "Do you know what else takes your breath away, Grandma?"

"What?"

"A good punch to the gut!"

AAAGGGHHH!  Boys!!!  My life would not be complete without my four -- nor would it would be nearly as fun!  Until the next adventure...

 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13

Mom and Dad, There's a Hole in My Heart

     The past few days have been days of "deep" reflection - as Ethan likes to call them.  They are days when we are thankful for the beautiful scenery that the Lord has blessed us with and for the opportunity of living in Alaska yet again.  We feel so small, and at times unworthy, to be viewing these sights.  Ironically it is in those moments that we all become even more introverted than usual -- thinking of family and friends -- so far away -- that we wish could be here with us.  We think of Baby Jackson, the newest addition on my side of the family that we may not meet until he is no longer a "wee babby."  We think of aging family members and ailing friends that may pass from this life into eternity before we get the chance to hug their necks and tell them one more time how much we love them.  And then we sigh, smile, and carry on, praising the Lord for new Alaskan diversions in these retrospective moments.

     As the sun rose on one of these majestic views on Saturday, we headed into Anchorage to experience our first "Fur Rondy."  The Fur Rondy is an 80-year-old fur trading auction (rendezvous) that now culminates into a week long celebration - complete with carnival rides, snow sculptures, foot races, concerts, dog sleds, and running with the reindeer.  We were all excited and dressed for a full day of being outdoors in actual winter temperatures!  After maneuvering through closed streets in the middle of downtown Anchorage and having Michael only get a little frustrated, we finally found a great parking spot on the 4th level of the JCPenney parking garage.  I say "great" because we were able to watch the Fur Rondy Fun Footrace above the crowds.

Hundreds of runners participate and most wear costumes.  We have decided that if we are all healthy this time next year, we are running the Rondy Footrace!  We aren't sure what the distance is, but it's two laps around 4-6 city blocks.  What we haven't decided is what costumes to wear.  A group of regulars wear long red underwear and bunny boots, so there goes that plan for us!

Long Underwear Group :)

 I think we will have some costume guidance though as Michael's boss, Capt Rex, and his wife, Vicki, run the race each year dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintstone! They offered to hook us up with "their guy" who has been collecting adult Halloween costumes for decades!

Capt Rex and Vicki

After watching the race, we headed to 5th Street to watch the Rondy Parade.  Talk about fun!  Imagine Faith, NC 4th of July Parade...but in the winter!  The biggest hit for all of us was seeing the number of mini's and Porsches in the parade.  I mean, really? Who brings a Porsche to Alaska?  Much less enough to fill an entire city block full of them?!  From there we hit up the fur auction and nearly had to tie Ethan's little arms down.  He is ready to be a furrier or a trapper TODAY!  He and Michael both bought fox tails for their cowboy hats; so we didn't leave totally empty-handed.  We also walked down to Shipp Creek and looked at all the snow sculptures.  It's amazing what artisans can do with snow, ice, and power tools!  Our favorite so far was the crucifix and something with a horse.  We hope to view them again this coming weekend when we head back into town for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod.

We were worn completely out from our day Saturday that we overslept for church Sunday morning! Yikes! Praise the Lord for grace...and a Sunday evening service, so we weren't without fellowship for a full week! And it was Sunday evening after church, as we sat at home talking about our weekend and the neat people we got to meet in Anchorage on Saturday, that Ethan became SUPER quiet.  For those of you that know him, that can mean 1 of 3 things: 1) He's plotting against you and will surprise you with his plan when you least expect it; 2) He's sick and doesn't want anyone to mess with him; or 3) He's really deep in thought about something of great significance.  In this case: Number 3...

     Without warning he looked up at us and said, "Mom, Dad? I have a hole in my heart that needs a baby sister or a puppy to fill it!!!!"  And like the loving parents we are, we scooped him up in our arms, gave him the tightest hug ever, got our snow clothes on, and went right out and got him a puppy!  NOT!!!! True to OUR natures, we burst into uncontrollable laughter with him sitting sad and forlorn on the sofa.  But he knows that we are considering a puppy, so his dramatic statement did not fall on completely deaf ears.  Once we regained our composure, we did pull him onto our laps and talked about the tremendous responsibility it would be to have a puppy (which would be like having a baby sister!), and we talked about what we expected from him as a pet owner and lover.

Ethan's Self Portrait, 2/15

So here we are...on the brink of dog ownership, looking at breeds, reading books, and budgeting for a new family member.  We have decided that early Spring is our goal for a puppy, as training outdoors will be much easier then and that gives us an opportunity to teach delayed gratification and savings principles to our youngest child. Please pray for us as we work together to fill that puppy-shaped hole in Ethan's heart.  For now, he is learning to be content in this state...honing his artwork skills (so he can draw pictures of his new puppy) and helping me hone mine (he liked the thought of a hat with Beaver teeth)!

Adina's Beginner Crochet for Baby Jackson

Until our next adventure...