Memorial

"Today, as in the past, there are problems that must be solved and challenges that must be met. We can tackle them with our full strength and creativity only because we are free to work them out in our own way. We owe this freedom of choice and action to those men and women in uniform who have served this nation and its interests in time of need. In particular, we are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free."
— President Ronald Reagan
Memorial Day Message

The Shot

picture from a sculpture at David O'Keefe Studio

Click here for the shot of the day for Phil

Mickelson backflip

It was about to be a 3 way tie today, but Lefty made an amazing shot that gave him a birdie chance to win. As he is addressing the ball to putt, you are just holding your breath that he does not choke and today the ball fell into the cup. Bring on the Open we are rolling

Going Up

A bear up in Prudoe Bay, Alaska had a need to do some exploring. After being amazed by the climbing I then asked myself how did he get down?

The Wyld Side

First Elton John is coming to town and now I hear Wynonna - otherwise known as my personal workout motivator - is doing a FREE concert on base June 27th. I have a bad feeling I got volunteered to work the door at the 1988's 20 year high school reunion so I may have to dump my blood sister for my soul sister.

Go Team

Seth is trying T-Ball instead of soccer this summer. This is Amanda and they already have something in common - they have the same missing teeth. When Seth played first base today he would give the base runner a slap on the back or a high five for a good hit and forget that his teammates were throwing him the ball. Luckily, their throwing aim is not that good right now. Go Red Sox!

All Grown Up

Our good friend Gary has finally established some roots by purchasing his first place and he had a house warming get together last night. As I was helping myself to a beverage I just had to take a picture of the Bachelor fridge. It was so nicely organized, clean and had all the important Bachelor grocery items. Those are not vegetables, those are the limes to go with the Corona that arrived later. Someone needs to explain the relationship between being a bachelor and the big hunk of cheese - can one not exist without the other? Does having Tillamook vs Velveeta say something about the guy? He also needs a cookbook as his brother and I were looking around the kitchen to see if he had one - nope.

Here's to the new homeowner:
Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire-
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire!

Our lil Stinker

Sydney has decided that it is easier to eat her chicken with a screwdriver and she likes to help with the dishes - sort of. She is also going through the "take my clothes off" phase.

Photoshoot - Sydney

photoshoot - Seth

Mom's Day

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE ~ My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE ~ My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE ~ My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE ~ Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE ~ Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned

18 YEARS OF AGE ~ Mom, you think you are so hip.

25 YEARS OF AGE ~ Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 YEARS OF AGE ~ Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE ~ Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE ~ Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

(author unknown)

A bitter sweet day for me. A day I get to hug my kids and hear them giggle, but also a day for me to think about my mom and how she would have adored her grandchildren and possibly share a few laughs about raising kids. When this day comes around I feel a bit cheated because we went through the tough growing up part of life but we are missing out on the fun living as friends part of life. Miss ya, mom.

I never gave much thought to being a mom. I grew up playing sports, did good in school, went to college, came home and got my career going. When I met Glen, my life and future went to a whole different level. When we decided to start a family it seemed like the next thing to do and it felt right. Seth and Sydney come along and there is no manual on parenting - you just want to keep them safe, entertained, provide opportunities, let them learn, sometimes just hope for the best and at the end of the day when they tell you they love you - you just melt and think I am doing something right.

Conversations with Seth

It is such a sweet moment when your son tells you he loves you out of the blue. Sometimes it gets followed with a request - yes, I am on to you - but last night it did not. As I am putting Seth to bed our talk went like this.

Seth: Mom, I love you so much. - followed with a big hug.
Mom: Oh, I love you too and I love it when you tell me you love me.
Seth: I love you everyday, all day.
Mom: How big do you love me?
Seth: As big as the death star.

You can obviously tell what phase we are in and I will take all my lovin anyway I can.

So Gross

I guess one of the good things of the fallin' snow we had last week was it delayed the annual scoop the moose poop in your yard event. It is nice to have these large animals come in your yard, but you know they are going to leave some "presents" and your first job of lawn care is to rake it all up. As a kid, on camping trips, we would put gloves on and make moose sculptures and you can always find moose poop tie tacks/jewelry or stir sticks in the shops downtown. I think I will pass on poop dangling so close to my nose, thank you very much. Just another unique aspect of living in Alaska and the funny things we do to keep busy.

Zoo Fun Run

We met up with Kevin (303) and Jack (108) at the Zoo Fun Run over the weekend. Kevin and Seth raced together and both think they won. Jack ran by himself and was all smiles at the end.

Just Maybe...

Seth loves parks and he has been aching, not asking, aching for his own park. We have a large backyard and I was hoping to find something that would keep him busy for years. We found this one and it might make it to the backyard - in other words, we have not told Seth this so his hopes don't get up. I like that it has a covered part so that he can maybe have sleepovers in there. What kid does not want a good fort?

I remember coming across an ad for outdoor playhouses on a trip once, tore out the page for my "home idea" book for when I have kids. Well, that time is now and here is the website for you to drool over. I just need to go on Deal or No Deal and make a few grand. UPDATE: in our search for these we are finding out that no one Ships to Alaska - SHOCKER. We will keep you informed.