Oh, Rats!

Warmer Greetings from the Last Frontier!  We are set to embrace the warmest temperatures we have seen in weeks later this week, and we thank the File family for bringing sunny weather here, all the way from North Carolina.  Their pending arrival is being anticipated with almost as much joy as Baby Jackson's and Baby Ahtna's!  Truly one of our greatest joys has been witnessing other family and friends as they see this wonderful place for the very first time.  It makes for memories like no other.

Helping with Breakup

While we wait for their arrival, we have been busy with daily duties of spring cleaning, last quarter schooling, work, and grocery shopping.  It was during our most recent grocery shopping trip that we came into very close contact with some more of the Alaskan wildlife.  I shan't tell you at which establishment we were purchasing our groceries, lest on a trip here you may not accompany us to fill our pantry (and, yes, I do routinely use the words shan't and lest).  At any rate, Michael and Ethan were perusing the toy department while I shopped the grocery aisles.  The toy department (and other areas of the store) had been completely dismantled for remodeling. That tends to happen in nearly every establishment here in the spring.  As I stood in the frozen food aisle (literally having just picked out the last item on our grocery list), I glanced toward the front of the store just in time to see a giant RAT run from one side of the aisle toward another as he (or she) was making its way toward the produce area.  Did you hear me?!  A RAT!!!!  My husband, God love him, found me frozen in the frozen food section standing on the rung of the buggy, white knuckling the buggy handle with both hands.  And then, like an idiot, all I could do was stutter and point.  Once I got the word, "RAT!" out of my pie-hole, he flagged down the produce manager, who calmly responded, "Yes, we know. They have been active with all the remodeling; but we are taking steps to get rid of them."  What?! AGGGHHH!

Now...I am not naive enough to believe that such critters do not exist within warehouses (particularly given this colder climate); however, I NEVER needed to see them! EVER!!!  If you cannot tell...they are NOT one of my favorite creatures, and I really think I'd rather be charged by a Mama Moose than see a stupid rat!  So even in grocery stores, Alaskan "nature" abounds.  Blech!

Lil Sue at Breakup

On a better note, my sweet husband has been off for a rare few days in a row, and we have been blessed to go out and about exploring some more.  We were actually in search of some new places (closer places) to take our future guests and had a ball muddin' and hiking to get to those places.  Our first venture was to the Little Susitna River.  It's close to one of the prisons, but a prime spot for locals who like to go salmon fishing.  We saw only one other family there, teaching a young one how to fish, but by the looks of the tent sites, camper pull-ins, restroom facilities, and other parking we anticipate it will be full this summer.  We hiked a few of the trails and Ethan made sure his waders "worked."  As you can see that the Lil Sue (which we affectionately began to call her) is still in the midst of break-up.

Bald Eagle at Lil Sue

We saw two magnificent bald eagles there and fresh signs that a moose was in the vicinity.  From there, we ventured on to Port MacKenzie -- an old army outpost that is no longer in use.  It is on the opposite of the Knik Arm, and from the post we could see the Anchorage waterway port of entry and the city of Anchorage.  That was really neat.  Finally, as we headed home, we caught sight of the BEST view of all!

Bald Eagle at High Tide on Knik Arm

The Knik Arm came into view, and it appears like muddy flats at the base of great mountains.  As we stopped to look and take pictures, however, the tide came in -- and with it several eagles and sea otters.  The otters were too quick for pictures, but we did capture an eagle.

In addition to the sightseeing, Ethan and I were able to attend one afternoon of the Native Youth Olympics in Anchorage.  Their athletics is unbelievable, and we watched the kneel jump event for the better part of nearly two hours.  Athletes (boys and girls) from all over the state come together (just like an A.C.E. Convention) to compete in feats of extreme athleticism.

NYO Anchorage 2015

Kneel Jump Start

Kneel Jump Measuring

The kneel jump is accomplished by sitting on your knees, flush with the floor.  From that position, the athlete "jumps" into a standing position, planting both feet firmly on the ground.  Both feet must hit together, and the measure is taken from the starting line to the heel of the foot closest to the line.  The farthest measurement wins.  Ethan cringed every time one of the boys attempted.  He tried it when we got home...without much success.  After several attempts he said, "How do they do that?!" I strongly encourage you to take a look at the NYO events on You Tube to get a better idea of the events! Amazing!

While Ethan doesn't think he can do those types of athletics, he has certainly been blessed with artistic ability.  In addition to his drawings, he recently won a 1st place award for the 4th grade state of Alaska in the VFW Flag Poetry Contest.

We have included a copy of his poem for you to read at your leisure.  He also won Honorable Mention for the state of Alaska in the Letters About Literature national contest.  He wrote a letter to Mr. Mikaelson for his work entitled Spirit Bear.  As his school year winds down, Alex and Andrew are busying themselves with scholarship deadlines.

Jackson Dale Beaver

Jackson at Home with Mommy & Daddy

And, finally, perhaps the most exciting news of our week...Michael and I became an uncle and aunt (respectively :) ) to Matt and Ruth's firstborn -- Jackson Dale Beaver!!!  He was determined to have the final say about when and how he entered this world!  He battled hard and has overcome an irregular heartbeat and jaundice -- all in less than a week!  He is home now, doing wonderfully, and we thank the Lord for His provision, and for this newest addition to our family.  We are so proud of Matt and Ruth and look forward with them to their new role as parents.

Until Next Time -- Blessings to You All!

"The Flag"
By Ethan Martin

The flag, the flag, what do I see?
I see soldiers fighting for me.

The flag, the flag, what do I see?
Red stripes that remind me of my ancestors who have fallen for me.

The flag, the flag, with stripes so white,
Protecting my innocence with all their might.

The flag, the flag, with soldiers that have died;
The blue reminds me of their courage and pride.

The flag, the flag, with stars complete,
Tell of each state's greatest feat.

The flag, the flag, flying so high,
Like an eagle soaring in the sky.

The flag, the flag, what do I see?

I see Jesus and my ancestors watching over me.

Making Way for Babies

April 13, 2015
Alaska State Fairgrounds

While the weather here has decided that winter needs a final sputter, spring seems to have officially "sprung" for all of our friends and family...and with the springing, new life begins and babies abound!  We are exceptionally excited for this week's posting, as Baby Jackson Beaver is scheduled to make his debut in North Carolina no later than Thursday or Friday of this week.

We are hoping for Thursday since Aunt Ruthie will be induced that day,
and more than 24 hours in labor isn't pleasant for anyone!

As a "big sister" it is difficult to imagine my "baby" brother as a husband and father...and yet, here we are.  When did we grow up? Wasn't it just yesterday that he was shoving peas up his own nose?  Wait, yes...it was just yesterday his middle school students would attest -- haha!  It's so funny to remember our antics growing up and now to imagine him as a daddy -- the protector and leader of his family!  I am so proud of the Godly man he has become; and I praise the Lord daily for bringing him such a sweet bride.  They will be great parents, and now we all anxiously wait...

Ethan and Ahtna

Back here in Alaska, we are also excited about another arrival that occurred Easter morning.  Little Ahtna was born as one of eight puppies in a new litter to Mama Jamie of Alaska Labradors in Wasilla. We met her for the first time today.  What a surprise for Ethan!  Poor fella...he's been taking standardized tests for the state of Alaska since Friday of last week.  Science was first, then Math yesterday, followed by English today.  Sadly Alaska has adopted Common Core as its "standard," so the math and English tests are newly written this year and serve as the baseline for future testing of homeschooled students receiving subsidized dollars for education.  After all that testing we were excited to surprise Ethan with a trip to the breeders.  He kept begging to "just go home" because he was so tired (we've been up before 6:00 daily to make it on time to testing)!  The breeder's home was on the way home, and it wasn't until we got to the "puppy shed" and he heard the whining and saw Mr. Ron's Alaska Labrador Sweatshirt that it finally dawned on him where we were.  He nearly danced all the way through the puppy shed.

Mr. Ron's family is a rather large one, and all of his children are homeschooled.   I can't even begin to describe how many dogs they must have, but there are currently three litters from which to choose a new family member.  A previous set of pups was ready today, but the other pups won't be ready to go to their new homes until May 9, 16, and 23rd.  He introduced us to those litters, and Ethan (and Michael!) fell in love with this beautiful rollie-pollie after she left my arms, of course.  We had decided on a name several weeks ago in honor of a nearby mountain range.  Baby Jackson joins Matt and Ruth on Thursday-Friday, and Baby Ahtna will join us in late May.  So many changes, and yet such joy!

Babies aside, most of our attention has been turned weather-ward.  Our days prior to Easter were spent readying the garden plots for planting, but we have been employed most recently with observing the odd weather phenomena.  We watched the blood moon, which truly did look red.  Although the pictures definitely do not do it justice, it was an amazing evening of gazing heavenward!

Blood Moon Eclipse Begins

Blood Moon April 2015

After that, it hailed here for three days in a row, then warmed up again. At the end of last week, it was d-r-y in Wasilla, but by the time we got to the fairgrounds in Palmer on Friday, there were at least three inches of fresh snowfall.  We like the snowfall in the midst of spring, however. Spring here is not like spring in the Lower 48.  With all of the melting snow, everything "breaks up" and turns to muck, guck, and gross. The trash that has fallen from (or been thrown from) vehicles all winter litters the medians, shoulders, and roadways.  We know the fresh snowfall covers it only momentarily, but a new snow sure makes everything seem pure and clean again.  Reliving that part of our Alaskan experience has given "literal" meaning to being "washed whiter than snow."

State Fairgrounds Beneath Pioneer Peak

In the midst of all of that, we have been trying to clean up our yard when we can, without getting mired in muck.  To that end, the boys have established a ceremonial "burn pile" that has already gotten its first use of the season.  We anticipate hopefully sitting around the fire next week or the week after when the File family reaches our humble home.  Nothing says welcome to Alaska like fresh snow, some mud, and some fire!  I always have enjoyed that wood smoke smell!

First Fire of the 2015 Season

In other news, our church held its Spring Fling this past Friday, and Ethan and I ran the fishing booth.  Michael had to work Thursday and Friday, so Ethan and I were charged with set-up, manning, and clean-up.  It was so reminiscent of Fall Festival that I cried, literally...LOTS of tears -- missing all of my students, family, and friends at Rockwell.  It was the first time I had occasion to go into the gymnasium that is attached to the school.  It reminded me so much of the Charger home court (complete with new floor and unfinished loft), that I took one step in and burst into tears!  Ethan was precious and understood my tears, and we talked about how we could make the fishing booth better for next year and how we should recommend a "Paul and Silas" jail to this crew!

The Fishing Booth was a VERY popular booth - probably because of the tremendous amounts of sugar we loaded those youngsters up with!  But at least we weren't giving away live animals! That was at another booth -- haha!  No rabbits, but live fish!  Ethan served as "the fish" behind the curtain of water, and I was the one fortunate enough to try to teach all those young ones how to "cast a line" and yell "fish on!" when they got a "bite."  When they realized they were fishing for goodie bags, we had a line for the full two hours!  We were exhausted, but we had great fun!

"Regular" school is on tap for tomorrow, then we will be field tripping it into Anchorage a couple of days this week to watch the Native Youth Olympics!  So much to do, and now we only have sunlight from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Missing you all and looking forward to updating you on our (and others') great adventures!

Ethan's Garden Plot

Breakup Brings "Flocks of Meese"

     We hesitate to say it, but we believe that "break-up" has officially arrived in our area of Alaska, changing the landscape here, yet again.  It has been amazing to watch the summer fade into fall, to wait patiently for the first snows, and now to have arrived at the time when the ice and snow are melting and the temperatures are on the rise again.  I must admit, I do love the changes of all the seasons (fall is my absolute favorite), but I had forgotten the "yuck" that must precede spring in this great state.

     Many of you awaken to "spring" with beautiful flowers, greener grass, and leaves that seem to appear on your trees overnight.  The change here is much s-l-o-w-e-r, which seems to mirror the pace of this place.  Sometimes I find I am growing impatient, so Ethan has reminded me (on more than one occasion) to seek the beauty and the good -- in the midst of the yuck.  His gentle prodding reminds me that such is often the case with life...

     Seasons change -- some bringing beauty, others, not so much.
Yet in the midst of the mud, guck, and yuck there is beauty...and hope...
if we are diligent about seeking it.  

     Our beauty can be seen amid the ankle deep mud -- in a sunrise that begins now close to 5:00 a.m. and a sunset that leaves the skies lit until nearly 10:30 p.m. With the advent of additional Vitamin D you would think that we have more energy than can possibly be expended.  Not so!  Our bodies try to stay awake as long as the sun does, so we find ourselves already starting projects earlier and later than we normally would in the Lower 48 - and paying the price with bleary eyes and weary bodies.

Hatchet Boy

We are attempting a B-I-G spring cleanup of our yard which began in earnest this past week.  Michael felled two trees and has plans to take out a few additional widow-makers in our back yard.  We all worked in the front yard clearing a landscaped area that hasn't had much attention in the past few years.  It will definitely be a learning experience, as much of that area was covered in moss and needed quite a bit of weeding and "hatchet attention," while the backyard is completely covered with huge rocks that would destroy our mower if we attempted to use it. 

     I remain sore from that day's work, but feel accomplished, as it looks much better.  There is still a rather large slab of ice in our front yard where the sun shies away for much of the day.  Because our driveway slopes downhill, I'm not quite sure I can't paint a vivid enough picture of the murky quagmire that was our driveway a week ago.  Ethan could wade in the melting puddles and just barely keep water from running into his boots at his knees.  Michael made a makeshift bridge from some old lumber he found hiding underneath his workshop.  I think it has served more as a hardcore door mat than anything.  We would walk in ankle deep mud from our cars to the "bridge," stamp off our muddy shoes, and enter the house.  Praise the Lord for a mud room!  It is definitely that!

   
 

First Bike Ride of the Season

Despite the mud, we are able to get out and enjoy the weather by walking, and Ethan has begun riding his bicycle quite often.  Hiking isn't too far in the distance, and we have already mapped out some new locations we want to try once all of the mud is at bay.  The warmer weather has also spawned tiny buds on the trees, and we know it won't be long before the brown turns a vibrant green.  Bears have been spotted in Palmer, and many a wildlife specialist attributes that to the very warm winter we had this year.  Warmer winters "confuse" the bears, so they go to sleep later and awaken earlier.  As a result, we remain cautious when outdoors, particularly when we are around moose.  Moose are practically a staple of the bear diet -- particularly upon waking from hibernation.  It is a bit too early yet for calving, but calves tend to receive the brunt of the bear hunts.

   
Interestingly enough, we have seen more and more moose activity.  Michael and Ethan saw 4 moose on one trip from Wasilla to our house, and Ethan and I saw 3 large moose congregated together in a feeding area a few miles from home.  It was completely unexpected, as moose don't normally travel together like that.  I got so excited at seeing them that I yelled, "Look, Ethan!  It's a whole FLOCK of

moose!"  In true educated fashion, he shook his head and said, "I don't think that's correct, Mom.  If anything, it would be a herd."  As we burst into laughter that spawned an entirely new conversation about the intricacies and rules of the English language, and I decided very quickly that we had indeed witnessed a "flock of meese." Ethan stayed true to his "herd of moose" and even told me he would show me the English rules (exceptions) that led to his conclusion!  All in a day's work!

     His next project is determining which artwork to enter into the State Fair in August.  The Exhibitor Guide was published earlier this week, and he is excited about entering multiple entries in the various art classes.  He may even talk me into entering a crochet project!  Alexander was less enthusiastic about our prospects and even said, "That sounds a lot like ACE Convention!"    

     "Yes! For all ages!"

Magua (aka Wes Studi)
The Last of the Mohicans

     Alex is less likely to participate, as his current life situation is work and school -- full-time at both.  It is doable, but very exhausting.  Please pray for continued strength for him.  Michael has also been busy, completing a 3-month leadership course at the VA. His graduation was earlier this week, and we had a chance to meet some of his co-workers here.  It has been a unique transition for him, as they are professional - but relaxed.  Individuals are not constantly trying to "move to the next promotion."  Perhaps that's the result of working at a smaller facility.

LEAD Graduation, March 31, 2015

Andrew continues to work diligently at Lee, and he and Sydney are making their way to North Carolina and Tennessee this holiday weekend.  He is excited to show her "his stomping grounds and where he grew up," Please pray for their safety.

     And, now, as we must continue to busy ourselves with the work for this day, we pause for a moment to reflect with you about the joy and significance that this weekend holds.  Today is "Good" Friday.  While the acts that were accomplished on this day to our Savior were so heinous and "not good," His WILLINGNESS to take the punishment that should have been ours to secure our salvation is indeed Good.  We will celebrate His resurrection on Sunday and remember the unconditional love that only He has for us.  We pray you will know and remember that He loves you, too, and that you will accept His grace, forgiveness, and gift of salvation. Blessings to You All!

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8