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.