Carolina on My Mind

Swing set fun!!!

2009-02-10T18:12:00.002-09:00

For Christmas this year, Nana and stinky pop got all the grandkids a swing set. Well, there is one of the grandkids that absolutely LOVES it!! McKinley has so much fun on the swings, and sliding, and "she can't reach the monkey bars". I guess time will help that! But for now, look at the smiles on her face from just the swings!! THANK YOU NANA AND STINKY POP!!!!

GO SPARTANS!!!!

2008-10-03T18:49:00.002-08:00

Emily went to cheer camp about 2 weeks ago.....at "her school".. How cool is that? And as an added bonus to going to cheer camp, she got to do a halftime routine at the VARSITY football game... Now that is cooler than cool!! Here are some pics of her and the varsity cheerleaders and some of her classmates. Needless to say, she had a blast!!

GO SPARTANS!!!!!! EEE with a B, BBB with an A, E with a B, B with an A, EBA!! (this is all I hear!!)

Meet Ruby

2008-07-16T07:18:00.002-08:00

Emily has been wanting a puppy for awhile now. The catch was she didn't want the puppy to grow to be as big as Harley. As luck would have it, Shane's aunt's dog which was a shihzu-pekinese had puppies. Ruby was promised to someone else, but that someone wasn't able to take her home, so...........she came home with us! Ruby loves Harley. Harley tolerates Ruby. But occasionally when everything is quiet, we will find them snuggled up together. Right now she needs to go to the beauty parlor!

Actually, I had a dog, Daisy, that looks just like Ruby. I loved her so much. She is living with Granny blue and Robin now, getting fat and sassier!(as they say). I had to give her to them because she didn't like the snow.
Anyway, here they are: Emily and Ruby! Neither one could be happier! They are like 2 peas in a pod. They go everywhere together!!!

GRANNY MONTANA

2008-04-28T15:15:00.003-08:00

Granny came to stay with us this past week... While she was here Emily dressed her up....into Hannah Montana!!! I think no other words are needed for this................ Thanks Granny for making your stay with us very MEMORABLE!!!!!!

PS. I am sorry, I had to do it, Granny!!!!!

ROCKSTAR

2008-02-13T07:08:00.003-09:00

I am guessing that anyone who is anybody knows who Hannah Montana is!!! But, just in case you have been living in a sheltered world, I will tell you......Hannah Montana is Miley Cyrus..yes, she is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus of Achy Breaky heart.... Well, any person who is between the ages of 2 (Mac) and 16(Emily thinks she is) is a HUGE fan of Hannah Montana... Well, last weekend we attended the Hannah Montana 3D concert movie, just me and Emily!! We had a blast.... This is a picture of her before the movie...She was so excited!!!!

This is her afterward!!! She thinks that she would like to become a rockstar just like Hannah Montana when she grows up!!! I told her only if she gives me backstage passes!!!! So everyone start saving your money now.....Because here she is THE ONE THE ONLY EMILY MATTHEWS......

Sweet!!!!

2008-02-07T05:27:00.000-09:00

Well, I got a lot of flack for not blogging!!! (You know who you are, GrannyBlue!!!) So, I found this picture and I thought it was a really cute one!! Sweet!!! These are the most precious days, having your baby sink into your arms and loving you. This one was taken in Alaska!! Hopefully, I will get my camera back into my hands and start snapping again!! Things have kinda started slowing down a little!!!! So, Lord willing.......I won't get fussed at any longer!!!

Jacob's first deer

2007-11-30T19:36:00.000-09:00

Hey guys, I am back!!! Mom let me use her card reader while I am still searching for the cord for my camera uploads!!! Thanks mom!! And quite frankly I forgot all about blogging until I was reminded!!! The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Jacob killed his first deer!!! He saw it, aimed, and took the shot all by himself!! I am so proud, as is his daddy!!!(and Pop)!! You probably can't tell by the look on his face, but he is pretty excited about it too!! HAHA This deer actually ended up weighing in at 150 pounds, he was an 8 point with a 14 inch spread!! Pretty good for the first one! So, congrats baby!!!!

ALL I CAN SAY IS YUCK!!!! It is so a guy thing!!!

Proud cousins!!!!

The Good Ol USA

2007-10-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Hey guys sorry no pics!! I have been searching for my dang camera USB cable. Since the movers left I have no idea what has happened to it.. I think I put it in a REAL safe place where I would know where it was!!! HAHA!!! Well, what can I say...........the view is BEAUTIFUL!!! The roads however not so pretty!! There were a few times when Shane said just Drive, DONT LOOK DOWN!!! I thought, oh my!! I didn't even know that this much land could be uninhabited!! For miles and miles and miles, nothing not even a car....a little mom and pop gas station that charges out the yin yang is a welcomed sight!!! Today, we are in Montana!! It is truly the wild west!! I think we even saw the scene from a cowboy movie!! I could really see Jacob and Em and Mac playing on all those hills!! It is unbelievable!!! Can't wait to show pictures!!! and to be back in the SOUTH!!! and eat at a good ol waffle house!! Will write more later, thanks for all the prayers, I can feel the angels all around us!!! Love you guys!!!

The Supervisor

2007-09-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

Since receiving orders that we are to leave Alaska, we have been so busy trying to get everything cleaned out. We have been donating things, throwing away things and putting things up in each room. We were in Jacobs' room this past week and Mac, being Mac, pulled up this spongebob chair, got her sippy cup, Jake's pirate hat, and her binky and sat and watched us. It was so funny, that I had to share this with you guys!! She was sitting there like she was supervising us on where to put everything. Good thing someone is in charge around here!!

Happy Birthday, Baby!!!

2007-09-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

Today is Shane's birthday, so tonight me and the kids made his most favorite dinner.....Salad, marinated steaks, baked potato with all the trimmings, corn on the cob, and of course a birthday cake and ice cream for dessert!! We were going to make him a cookie dough ice cream cake, but the dang commissary was out of the sara lee cakes.... Oh well, the cake we made was good too! Here he had just blown out ALL those candles....see the smoke???

These are some babies who LOVE their daddy!!!

side note for Nana.....Mac usually has a hair bow or a pony tail!!! LOL!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

5, 6, 7, 8

2007-09-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

These are the cheerleaders for the Panthers!! See their wonderful uniforms??? Well, at least they cheer for their brothers, ok, every now and then.....most of the time they are off playing and don't even know that the team is playing!! LOL!!
As for the 5, 6, 7, 8......this is all I ever hear....as this is the way we start every cheer and dance!!! At least I know Emily can count from 1 to 8, right??!!???

They are a trip!

Just look at this pose!! This one was well thought out and even practiced before I was allowed to take the photo!!! AHHHHH, Girls!!!

A Tribute

2007-09-05T23:08:00.000-08:00

The post tonight is a tribute to a fallen comrade. This Santa looking fella is Lt. Colby Umbrell. He was Shane's platoon leader that was killed in Iraq May 3, 2007 by an IED. He was an AVID Philadelphia Eagles fan. He was known to wear his 1940's leather football helmet at briefings coming in to address the guys singing the eagles fight song thinking he was Jack Bauer (off of the show 24.) He went from playing football every day of his life weighing in at 240, to running marathons weighing in at 210. He loved his job, believed in the true cause of helping the Iraqi people attain the freedoms that we enjoy. Most of all, he was one of the biggest practical jokers that I have known. This picture was taken in December 2005. He was Charlie company's newest Lieutenant and he got suckered into being Santa for the Christmas party. I was called to the back where he was standing in this room. There he was all nervous. Is my beard alright? Is my belly ok? What do I say to the kids?? I said all you have to do is say HO HO HO!!! and talk to them. Here is this big tough army guy nervous about being Santa, with his palms sweating!! It was so funny!! He got out there though and did a wonderful job!!

LT COLBY UMBRELL, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

Their first day at school

2007-08-30T23:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry girls for not blogging lately, I have been so busy!!!! But, we FINALLY have some good news. We are being transferred to Georgia. We don't know the exact day, but very soon!! The kids also, started school this week, on monday. These are some of the pictures that I snapped of their first day!!!
As you can see, Bubba had to cut his mohawk before he went back to school. He wasn't very happy about that. But, they ended up having a pretty good week at school.

YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE........

2007-08-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a day like no other!! It should go down in history books!! I have never been more proud.... Jacob had a game today against the Steelers.... Well, he has been practicing so hard and really giving it his all....so, Coach Mike let him play the 2 back position.....(he got to run the ball).... so...at the 40 yard line he started his run....he ran a little left and the straight up the middle before he turned on his juke juice for about 35 yards......

Then, on the next play, there was a bad hike, but he picked it up.......there was a guy here and a guy there, and a guy on his knees right in front of him.....he did a spin juke....and TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!Needless to say, this is the face we pretty much saw all day!! And we heard the story about 250 times!!! But, we couldn't be more proud of our ol #49!!! I am sure some of you will be getting phone calls tomorrow....after school that is!!! Even the greatest football players still have to attend the 3rd grade!!!

Ship creek

2007-08-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

Today we took the babies down to Cottonwood park. There, they have a creek called Ship creek. The kids love to feel how cold this water is. It flows down from a glacier, I think. I know this water is take your breath away cold. They were walking in it, collecting rocks, and Shane even convinced Jacob to lay down in it, but he only did it for a second. It was pretty funny!! Needless to say, it was a great day for us to be together!!

Faith can move mountains....

2007-08-25T00:27:00.000-08:00

My photo editing software is not cooperating with me tonight, so I had to pull from an oldie!!! As you can see this one was taken last winter..... But I love the pink sunset that is on top of these mountains! My faith has been tested and tested here lately!! But, I keep believing that I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I thought and thought about how I could take a picture of something that you can't see!! And then it hit me, duh, you live around all kinds of mountains.... and faith can move the mountains..

Today I watched the movie Facing Giants!! This movie hit home to me... especially since I have been facing them alot lately. God says 365 times in the Bible 'Do not fear'. It is amazing that this also coincides with how many days are in a year. So, everyday, you have nothing to fear if God is on your side!! I truly believe that God is on my side!! I was told yesterday that I was never part of the Army's plan..... But, I kept pressing on and now, I am seeing God work through my actions. He is making support groups for the families whose soldier comes home with PTSD and TBI's(traumatic brain injuries). He is also making new paperwork for these families to fill out if they need to take their kids with them to appointments in other states.... All of this because I have stood up and had FAITH that God would put me where He wants me to be and doing what he wants me to do...

Perky???

2007-08-22T23:09:00.000-08:00

One day while in the McDonald's drive thru, I looked up to admire the mountains all around me and this is what I saw! And just what do you think it looks like??? Doesn't it look so perky?????

NO, Peas, NO!!!!

2007-08-21T23:29:00.000-08:00

Mac has been running a temperature for about 3 days now, and I took her to the doctor yesterday. He said that she has a urinary tract infection... So, he gave her some antibiotics to take and she HATES it!!! She is the first of my kiddos to HATE taking her medicine! Everytime she sees the syringe full of her medicine this is what she does! She always covers her eyes...I guess she thinks if she covers her eyes, that I can't see her anymore..... Little does she know.....Today she started covering her mouth!!! It is actually kinda funny!

Three muskateers!

2007-08-20T23:47:00.000-08:00

Somebody(nana) wrote me and said they wanted pictures of ALL 3 of the kiddos.. So, here they are!!! I finally rounded them all up together to get this one! They took time out of their busy schedule just for this!! And I got 3 smiles too, whew!!! These babies are our pride and joy!! We thank God everyday that he chose us to raise them!

A softer side

2007-08-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

On the football field, he is Mr. Destructo, but he still finds time for his baby sister.. He is such a boy, complete with frogs, getting muddy, and being rough. But, he loves his sisters, and no matter what they say, they love him too. In this picture, he is so delicate and loving, I guess just a softer side of my boy!!

The other dynamic duo

2007-08-18T23:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys, my life has been turned upside down lately.....having to fight with the Army!!! And ya know, the army has a lot of experience!! But, I have a LOT of will power!! I never have given up very easily, just ask mom and dad!!! LOL! The same birdie that flew to Heathers house also flew by mine and said I needed to post some more pics of the kids!! So, here is Emily and her friend, Jamie! I kinda like her, I wonder if it is the name thing! Jamie's brother is part of the dynamic duo that I posted earlier.... So, while the boys are playing some football, these two are playing girlie things!!

Old Glory

2007-08-14T23:25:00.000-08:00

This photo was also taken at the gym. This flag is huge, hanging from the ceiling. I was standing practically right under it!! Just look at the colors in our flag! They are beautiful!

I just want to thank you guys so much for praying for us!! We are postponing our trip to Seattle as things just didn't work out. However, I feel that God has another purpose for us! I believe that God is using us to open doors for other wounded warriors and their families. Just keep praying that God will direct us in the path that HE wants us to go.

Fun at the gym!!

2007-08-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

Emily had her cheer camp in the gym on post!!! So, after the camp was over, it was time to play....The gym has an obstacle course complete with tires to run through, ropes to climb, a dangling ladder to climb, monkey bars, chin up bars, balance beams and a rock climbing wall--a total kids paradise! In this picture she is on a balance beam that is in the air about 8-9 feet. She had no problems walking across!! (There is net just in case!) I thought it was a cool shot looking up at her!
On the other side of the gym, they have a boxing ring! As you can see my little man is schooling another little boy on how to hit focus mitts! He must be the gym's new combatives instructor! He had better not get to used to this being in the ring thing!! This is one thing that mom just couldn't handle!!

An update on Shane...... we got some good news on Friday!! We are going to be leaving soon to go down to Seattle for an evaluation to get a spinal cord stimulator!! I have been fighting everyday for this since March, but actually talking with a person down there for about 5 weeks now!!! So, when they called on Friday and said that we are to go this week, I was ecstatic!!! I finally feel like things are getting done!! But, with the Army, until we get on that plane, I won't believe it!! Keep praying, I can see God working!!

Rah, Rah, Rah!!!

2007-08-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

This whole week Emily has been going to cheer camp.. She has loved every second of it, and even got upset with me when I showed up to pick her up!! Imagine that!!! (Shelia, I know that Pooh wouldn't have acted that way!!LOL)
At her camp they learned a cheer, a dance and 3 stunts. They are going to compete in November. They did really well!!

This is her cartwheel!!! Look how fast she was going around! Looks like you can see right through her leg!

Have a good weekend guys!!!

Panthers vs. Steelers

2007-08-08T23:48:00.000-08:00

AHHHHHH, KICKOFF!!!!

Jacob had his first official game tonight! They were against the Steelers.... There was some big boys on that team... Jacob was blocking a guy that was a whole head taller than him... But, that didn't matter to him. He still knocked that boy flat on his back everytime!! Here is a picture of him on a tackle. I think this was who the ball was kicked to on the kick off...

They ended up winning 30-0. Yeah, Panthers!!! This is the sign of victory!! Notice his "war" paint, and his muscles!! He is my hero of this game!!!

Riley Roos

2007-08-07T00:29:00.001-08:00

These came in a package about two weeks ago or so.... Yes, it was a package from Nana and Pop..... These are Mac's riley roos! These shoes are made to be super comfy!! They kinda remind me of Em's ballet shoes... Mac loves them.. What I like most about this pic is that her feet are crossed. This is the way she sits all the time! Too cute...kicked back and chillin'!!

Dynamic Duo

2007-08-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

I think this picture speaks for itself.....INTIMIDATION!!!!!

Today was the jamboree!! This is where all teams get together and do an exhibition game, where they show off their new uniforms, their players, and their stuff!! Although, we all know we can't use our best plays because then the other teams will know what we REALLY got!! Everything went very well!! The boys did really good!! These Mitey Mites can weigh up to 90 pounds!! Talk about scary for mom. My baby only weighs 70 lbs. with his jacket, shoes and hat on!! UGH! Jacob isn't scared though, he now calls himself the waterboy and says that he has his tacklin' fuel ready!! He also says that the train is comin', CHOO! CHOO!!!

Following in Dad's footsteps

2007-08-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Jacob loves to put on his camoflauge and perform missions... Just so happens that Mackie was one of his POW's that he was saving today... I love the look on his face.. So intent!!! He always says he is going to go in the Army just like dad. I just hope that he goes to college first and then he can decide!!!

Also, look at the sunflowers in the background!! They have grown so much over the past couple of days!!

Details

2007-08-03T23:35:00.001-08:00

These are my detail pics for tonight. As you can see on Emily's hands, she has blisters. This is from playing on the monkey bars at football practice. She also does penny drops on the uneven bars for at least 2 hours a night, non stop. Just over the last week, she developed these!!
This is the picture that I actually took for the challenge.. I thought and thought of what I could do, and then right before my eyes there it was!!!! It was with me all along...My hands!!! We all have these lines, and I thought it was perfect for the details challenge!! It just goes to show you, that sometimes you can look and look, but the answers are really right in front of you!!!

Best Friends

2007-08-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

Emily has a new best friend!!! Her name is Tiffany! For 3 years now, there hasn't been any girls on our street that have been Emily's age. She has prayed and prayed for a friend to come move into a house around us.. I told you that my kids have a direct line to God. Well, he answered her prayer...he answers most of her prayers pretty quickly....(he know's how she is!LOL!) Tiffany moved in 2 doors down and she is one week older than Em!!! How cool is that.. And I must say that having another girl around the house is quite different than having Jacob's friends over!!! Boys love to run around all the time and eat everything in the house that doesn't eat them first.....But little girls, sit and talk quietly!! They don't run around, they take their shoes off before coming inside, and all they do is drink a Hi-C every now and then!!! It really took me by surprise!! Just look at the joy on Emily's face!! She is so happy that she has a friend!! And I am so happy for her!

Little red tomato

2007-08-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

This is my tomato plant! I am so proud, I FINALLY have a ripe little tomato! I guess it is too little for a sandwich, but maybe I can just eat it plain. I will just have to savor it a little longer. But, at least this year, one turned red!!

KNOCK, KNOCK!!

2007-07-31T22:38:00.000-08:00

KNOCK! KNOCK!!!
WHO'S THERE??

This is Mac's new playhouse!! She loves to play in it!! She likes to look out of her windows and knock on the door, and then answer it!!! She really likes our doorbell these days. Before coming in, she has to ring it!!

The outfit!

2007-07-29T23:50:00.000-08:00

Tonights blog photo is actually for Nana...... This is the outfit that Nana sent Emily for her birthday...She HAD to wear it to her party! It is rather cute!!! I really think that the bowling shoes truly make the outfit!! LOL...

I had to throw this one in there... She was the only one I didn't post yesterday, so here she is, with her cutsie face she always makes!!!

What a day!!!

2007-07-29T00:33:00.000-08:00

Emily had a most 'wonderful' birthday!!! She had about 15 people at her bowling party today... She had 5 friends that are around her age....The rest are her friends that also happen to be mine and Shane's friends...LOL....
Of all the friends that came, this one probably was one of most special!! This was her VIP at the party!! His name is Aaron. He and Shane have been friends for a LONG time. And when we first got up here to Alaska, they didn't know that the other was here, until they saw each other at formation.. Ever since then, he has been in Emily's life....She loves Aaron!! He loves being with our kids, it's like another uncle for them!! He just got home for leave (R&R) from Iraq!! She said that she didn't even recognize him!! But then it was a big hug!! Needless to say, her day was great!!

Moving right along.....right after Em's birthday party was football practice... Little man is doing really good this year... He is tackling people left and right! He is a lineman on defense, and a right pulling guard on offense. He was promised a mohawk if he did his very best and knocked some heads!! Well, since he can't really have a mohawk during the school year (Christian school won't allow it) he got one tonight!! This is a big transformation for him.... he now is a warrior!! Would you want to be right in front of him on the line???? I think I will pass!!!

We didn't cut this in a point, it is the way his hair grows!!! crazy!! The purple mark below it is a bruise... from football!!! I know this was a lot for today, but this is just another full day for us!!!

Some beach.....

2007-07-28T01:25:00.000-08:00

Well, if we were at a real beach we wouldn't have to improvise!!........Tomorrow is Emily's birthday!! I think she is 5 going on like 25.... We hadn't figured out what we were doing for it until last Thursday, so she and I laid in the bed discussing what it was that we were going to do....She said, 'I got it covered mom.' I told her that she needed to tell me so at least I could be her taxi driver.... Where does she get this independence from??? Anyway, we decided on the bowling alley!! And I would make the cake... Hence the picture... It is an ice cream cake....so easy to make...a Sara Lee cake cut in half and chocolate ice cream in the middle....with twizzlers to make the flip flop straps and M&M's around the bottom.... Cool whip is the frosting...The sand is made out of graham cracker crust!!! Amazing that this is what she wanted and it was SOOOO easy!!! Wish you guys could be here for her birthday!! Maybe next year!!

side note: Jacob kicked butt today at football practice!!! He is playing the defensive line... and an outside lineman..(I think)... He was on every pile of boys!! Right in the middle! GO #49!!

Our day of exploring

2007-07-26T21:53:00.000-08:00

Shane had therapy today, and so instead of sitting in a waiting room for an hour and a half, me and the kids go exploring in the car. We found this water fountain today. We didn't even know it was there. It was at Alaska Pacific University. I liked the fountain, but what I found really cool is the hanging pots in the background. You can see it if you click on the picture. They were huge. Pretty cool day exploring!!!

Sweet Dixie

2007-07-24T23:38:00.001-08:00

Even in Alaska, they know what is the best state to live in!!!! I came across this truck today and had to take a picture! You guys wouldn't believe how many South Carolina license plates are up here. I would say more SC than any other state. I have even had people roll down their window at red lights and ask me where from in SC that I am from!!! Gotta love that good ol SC pride!!!

(the only thing that I would change on this truck is the Gamecock trailer hitch!! I think it needs to be an orange tiger paw!!!)

His Boots

2007-07-24T00:20:00.000-08:00

To some, military is just hoorah kind of guys and girls that run around in camoflauge. To me, it is a way of life. We are very proud of our flag and what it stands for. Day in and day out he puts on these boots and goes off to work.....sometimes to the opposite ends of the earth to fight for our freedom. The very freedoms that you and I enjoy and take for granted everyday. Shane always says these boots and his feet are what pays our bills. But, I know different. It takes a very special and courageous person to fill these boots! Not everyone is cut out for these boots. Not everyone would lay down their life and sacrifice everything just to insure that you and I can enjoy the very comforts that we have become accustom to. I thank God everyday that my husband and every other person who has served and are serving have put on these boots and have sacrificed everything- their families, their lives, their bodies unselfishly for me and my children..

All over my house are hints of camoflauge and desert boots. Sometimes it clutters up my house as he packs for missions, 'nature walks'-(road marching), and even for combat. I hear taps playing outside my house everyday, and along our streets are flags waving in the wind.... We are a very patriotic group of people.... We as wives and children are left many times to carry on at home, to be independent, to make sure that he doesn't have to worry about anything while he is gone except for his safety and his mission. We have to carry on this way and wait anxiously and patiently until those boots come walking in our door again.

I felt that I had to get this out today. Shane's platoon in Iraq has had many injured and sent home and one killed. These were all guys we knew... the people next door, the people who wear these boots day in and day out, go without sleep, without all the ammenities of home. They do this for all of us, unselfishly give up everything. It is what is in their heart. They love what they do, and they wouldn't have it any other way. Please keep praying for all our men and women serving, who are courageous enough to put on these boots!

The salmon are running

2007-07-22T01:49:00.000-08:00

We went to see the salmon running today!! It was actually pretty cool. These are Chinook salmons. They go up this stream.....there were alot of them.. Around here these salmons are just called 'reds'. The other ones are called silvers, and kings.

When they get to a waterfall, they attempt to jump up them... They go up pretty high. This waterfall is really high, so they couldn't make it up it. But, this is also where the hatchery is so I think that they just made this a natural habitat for them.

But, when I have a bad day, I remember what these poor salmons have to go through, swimming up stream their whole life, then they spawn and then, they die......so my life is pretty good......

Keepin cool in Alaska

2007-07-20T23:52:00.000-08:00

So, tonight is keepin cool night!!! I almost forgot!! Most of you probably expected me to post some snow pictures.....but we are in the middle of summer ya know...I knew that you guys know how I keep cool in the winter, but in the summer well, that is another story!! Sometimes, it reaches about 80 degrees and then only gets down to about high 60's at night. And, well, we don't have air conditioning up here. Even most of the civilian population don't even have AC. It really gets hot in our houses!! SO, to keep cool in the summer we all have fans!!!! It is pretty funny because in all the stores lie empty shells where fans used to be! That is how you know it is summer in Alaska!!! So, keep cool everybody!!

Jacob made me...

2007-07-20T00:41:00.000-08:00

Jacob made me post this one. Well, actually, he just wanted me to email this picture to EVERYBODY. So, I figured this would be the best route. He finally learned to jump his little motorcycle. And yes, both wheels are off the ground. Be still my heart.

But, after a hard day riding, he must come in for a pit stop. I loved this shot because it shows how deep in thought he was. One could only guess what in the world he was thinking about. I wonder if it was any of my wise words...... probably not!!! Oh well!!!!

Before the storm........

2007-07-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

This helmet may look so nice and shiny now, but the STORM is coming........

Enough said.....stay tuned!

A day at the spa?

2007-07-17T23:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Mac and Emily both had manicures done by JoJo. Mackie loves to have her nails painted!! She chose her color, aquamarine!! She likes to look at her nails after they have been painted! I think JoJo might have been having a little fun too!
Everyone who paints their nails knows that we must blow them to get them dry! So, that was what Mac was doing!! Too cute. JoJo was teaching her!

Then it was Emily's turn! I think she chose pink, (imagine that). She has had so much fun having them here!

This is the ultimate!! She got her toes done too! But the most amazing thing is the things that go between your toes! She loves them! I thought they were cute too. They say SPA on them! Too fun!!

So, when do I get to go to the spa???????LOL.

Our Day

2007-07-17T00:49:00.000-08:00

We started our day off today by visiting Alaska Wildberries. This is 'the' place that houses the world's largest chocolate waterfall!! It is 20 feet tall!! It pours from pot to pot all the way to the bottom!! When we first got to Alaska, we found this place, and now we take everyone there!! When Emily was 2, Mom, dad and JoJo came up here and she told them 'Don't wick it!!!'

In the summer months, just outside the chocolate waterfall, there is a place that you can hand feed the reindeer! We always love doing this. We can pet them and feed them. Jacob and Emily don't mind them. Mac got close to petting one and then thought otherwise!!

After a hard day of sightseeing and then taking Jacob to football practice, we made Alaskan red King crab legs!! We ate 5 pounds of crabmeat. And JoJo made some homemade marinara sauce to go with some french bread! MMMMM!!! This is the picture of the aftermath of all of that! I didn't think of taking a picture before we started eating.....oh well, I guess we will HAVE to get some more!! Oh the sacrifices that we must make!!

Catchin' some AIR

2007-07-16T00:42:00.000-08:00

As planned, we went out riding 4-wheelers. This is the first time we have gone out in a while, since Shane left last October. It was a good test of how he is doing. He actually said that he had better wait a little while longer, cuz just loading and unloading and fixing, and helping the kids ride was quite enough!! Actually, I did most of the loading and unloading. Anyway, we had a blast!!! This first picture is of Jacob on his Honda 90. He found this little jump and stayed there most of the day!! He was catching some air all day!! even on the little Honda 50 dirt bike! Check out the dust trailing him!
These are the girls!! We might could send this pic into dirtwheels magazine!! Check out Emmy's stance on this one!! It is so funny how she can change from little princess ballerina to gettin down and dirty on some 4wheelers!!! It was cool to see her get braver and braver on her wheeler.. She even learned how to ride the dirt bike today thanks to dad!! She says she is so happy in her heart!!

This is what Mac did just about the whole time. She would go in the trailer and sneak some snacks!! She didn't know I got this shot!! BUSTED! She was so good out there!! And she loves to ride!!! I don't think she cried the whole time we were there!!

As a side note: THE LUGGAGE CAME IN TODAY!!! My guests are soooo happy!!!

Our strawberry

2007-07-14T23:46:00.000-08:00

Well, my aunt JoAnne and my two cousins, Robin and Annie came in last night. Everything is going well except that their luggage got lost or actually it isn't lost, it just stayed in ATL!! Anyway, we were sitting on the backporch and I looked over at our strawberries to see how they were doing and this is what I saw!!! We actually picked 2! They were good! I only took one bite and Emily ate the rest! Hope you guys have a good rest of the weekend! I think we are going out to ride 4-wheelers out by the lake tomorrow!! FUN!

Some beach, Somewhere!!!!

2007-07-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

Well, let me see!!! Smells of summer..........Up here in Alaska, we have summer all of 2 days, this year at least! So, when I think of summer and the summertime smells, I think of the beach, suntan lotion, watermelon, bar-b-q's, baked beans, ....... So the closest that I can come to any of that is this candle!! It is Sun and Sand by Yankee candles. It smells like suntan lotions! I burn it all the time, especially when I want a little hint of summertime up here in the Artic!

Doesn't this look inviting??? Some beach, somewhere!!!!! (this is how I feel most of the time!!!)

Out and about

2007-07-13T00:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight after football practice we went riding around to see if we could find the bears that everyone but me has seen!!! Instead of bears, we found this cotton wood tree. I have been wanting to take pictures of this for awhile. Around the first of July this tree always starts letting cotton fall from it. It really looks like it is snowing in July.... And believe me, we get enough of the white stuff!! But after it all settles, it looks like this around the trees. This picture is taken at Cottonwood park.

This is a picture of the cotton up close!!

This is a purple weed I think. But it is a beautiful weed!! I think it is called blue bells. Not sure.

I am still working on the smell of summer. Nothing up here really reminds me of the smell of summer!! Jacob and Emily says that I should take a picture of Mac's smelly crocs!!! LOL. I will figure something out though!!!

One of my favorite models....

2007-07-12T00:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the only one that will be relatively still. You know from my blogs that my kiddos are my favorite models, but the older ones are hard to capture in motion. So, Mac I can keep in one area most of the time. Her granny decided to put her hair in pigtails today..... I think that she looked like the people that use to live across the street from me when I lived in Sheldon, but it was cute...LOL. The first pic.. is of her biting her nails... I don't think that she really bites her nails, but she has her fingers in her mouth when the passi isn't!

The marks on her chin are from being chapped and the passi! Jacob used to get the chapped look all the time! Yes, Nana we are using Balmex to try to clear it up! LOL. And do notice the bracelet on her arm!! She loves jewelry!! She is just tooo dang cute!!

Woodstock???

2007-07-10T23:58:00.001-08:00

So, looking up at the sky we all see different things in the clouds..... Snoopy is one of my favorite cartoon characters...and his trusty sidekick woodstock... So, up in the sky what do I see???? WOODSTOCK... Do you guys see it?? Or am I totally losing my mind?

AND SO IT BEGINS.......

2007-07-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the official start of the 2007 football season. Practice was actually a parents meeting along with the dispersal of equipment. So, here about 20 boys and their parents are anxiously standing there in a circle around the coach and waiting for their sons name to be called and gear and practice jersies to be given out. Then it was up to the parents to give them all the vital info about your kid like birth cert, report card, physical, and a picture...... I am surprised that Jacob's manager wasn't there to do all of this for me!! I think I will fire him!!! Along with the nanny and the housekeeper!! She never does her job like she is supposed to. We always have clothes on the floor....But thats another story!!!.......... But back to the blog.... This is the infamous practice jersy (that he is currently sleeping in.) AND he got his all time favorite #49!!!!! WOOOHOOO~~

POP get ready, Jacob is ready to destroy!!!!!!

Battle of the Wills

2007-07-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

Mac is starting to do everything we do, even down to biting her fingers because she sees me biting my nails. She even spits into cups just like daddy and his copenhagen!! So I think this picture explains itself! Who do you think will win this battle?? (You know daddy is wrapped around her little finger!)

A baby brother?????

2007-07-08T00:45:00.000-08:00

I think NOT!!! Jacob keeps telling me that I need to have one more baby, and it NEEDS to be a baby boy!!! I told him that we are all done having babies, and that if we did have one, we couldn' t be sure that it was going to be a boy.... You know he is such a loving little boy, (don't tell him I said that), but, he would love to have a million brothers and sisters!! Emily would love to be the only child and Mac--- I think that she would love to have more brothers and sisters, as long as it didn't interfere with her schedule and what she wanted!!! This picture is of Jacob holding hands with one of my good friends little boy. He is almost 3 months old. His name is Tad. Jacob, since we aren't having any more babies, has adopted Tad as his little brother!! He loves to hold him and talk to him!!
Mac loves him too!! She always wants to give him his passi, and she holds it in his mouth for him and pats his little face!!! She loves to give him kisses too! Tad is usually good with her loving, but sometimes he just wants some space!! Just like a man! LOL!!

Somebodies round!!

2007-07-07T01:41:00.000-08:00

My something round actually turned into somebodies round!!! LOL. Emily had cheerleading today and I thought what a cool shot it would be to have her whole squad help me with my round shot. You should have seen these girls trying to get into this shape. I told them what I wanted and they were trying to make themselves in a circle instead of working together as a team!! They had fun though and all had to see the pic!! Now I have to email it to all the parents!!

These girls love to cheer and some do gymnastics with Emily too. We kinda got some news about the gym though. Ms. Amy, their teacher, was going to move her gym to another gym on post and already had approval and everything and now they are saying that it might not happen. She is supposed to move in a couple of weeks. Please pray that God will intervene and these girls will have a place to go to gymnastics!! They LOVE it!! (Her contract is up with the place that she is in now.)

Found the cord!!!!

2007-07-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Todays post is Mac with the Carolina flag behind her!! Em got this in a package sent from Nana. She loves it. It is already on her wall! Jacob has the Georgia flag on his wall because he was born in Georgia. Lou probably should have a Virginia flag, but I think she is a Carolina girl at heart! You know when I was pregnant with Mac and we were thinking of names, Shane wanted to name her Dixie. So, maybe this flag is appropriate for her too! JoJo and Uncle Glenn call her Dixie and so does everyone at our church up here!!

These are the pictures that I was talking about yesterday! This is when I wish that I had photoshop!! The flag could be so much more vibrant!! Also, it didn't help that yesterday was an overcast day. Oh well, I was just trying to show you girls that I DID take a pic yesterday!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2007-07-05T00:24:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!! Sorry about no picture today! I do have one!! Everyday at 1700 hours or 5:00pm, the flag comes down on post. They have a song that is played, can't remember what it is called right now, and then the cannon goes off!! So, I went and thought I would get a pic of the cannon going off with the smoke coming out of it, but since it is the 4th of July, they didn't do it!! I thought it would be perfect with the flag coming down and then a shot of the cannon going off. I did take pics of the flag coming down though! But, I can' t seem to find my USB cable to hook to my camera, and I don't have a card reader! SO...... I did take pics, but am having technical difficulty. (Actually, the cable is in the room with Emily and my mother in law who is visiting!! And they are asleep!)

As for an update on Shane.........he keeps having stabbing pains in his head, which makes him feel nauseated. He can't talk to ya, much less do anything else. Then afterward, he just sleeps. Today, all his muscles hurt, like he has been beaten up. I did take him to the ER yesterday, and they did a CT scan and it didn't show any bleeding in his brain, so that is good, but what the heck is happening. Good news is, his neurologist is putting in a consult with Palo Alto VA clinic in California. Supposedly this is a top notch facility. Stanford Univ school of Medicine practices there. They have a traumatic brain injury rehab place there. I really think that he needs to go....but there is a catch.... The army will pay for me to go, but not the kids. So, pray that God will show us the way and that we will have answers to all these burning questions that all of us have!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!! We didn't see any fireworks,( I don't know what the point of even having them in the summer, because it is light out when they go off!!) but, we did have a pretty good day! Thanks to all you veterans out there who have served and who serve today, so that me and my family will be safe!!

What, Sunflowers in Alaska?

2007-07-04T00:44:00.000-08:00

Jacob and Nana planted these sunflowers from little seeds when mom was up here!! My, My, look how they have grown!! I know, I need to do some weeding. But, it has been rainy these past couple of days and I haven't even had a chance to cut the grass!! (I almost said mow the lawn---oh boy do I need to move home!) Between all Shane's appts and 3 kids and finding a little time to blog, I am pooped at the end of the day when I can weed!! I can't wait to see how big these babies get!!

Thanks, JoJo!!

2007-07-03T00:38:00.000-08:00

These are my windchimes that my aunt Joanne sent me for my birthday. It is always so great to get things from home. This set of chimes hangs on my back porch and when the kids are jumping on the trampoline, I just sit on the porch and watch them and get lost in their Charleston melody!! Remember, Shane says that when you marry a Carolina girl, you end up having trees and moons all over your house inside and out!!! (Pretty cool reflection in the window!!)

Catie, we are all praying for you that God will put His Hand on you and heal you!! A friend always reminds me, (Mrs. Louise), God is still in the healing business!!! Take care and Shelia, girl, if you need me night or day, I am here!!!

Looks of Determination

2007-07-01T23:38:00.000-08:00

These pictures are also of the park yesterday. I had to put these in here. They were too cute to pass up. These are the looks of determination. They are on the monkey bars. You know, I don't know if I ever could do the dang monkey bars. I know when I try now, there is NO way!!! I don't know if it is the weight that I can't hold up or just that I am too old. It also, hurts my hands. What happens that we can do things as kids and then as we grow up, there is no way that we can do them? It is amazing!!! (Notice the tongue sticking out in both of these shots!)

Day at the park

2007-06-30T22:58:00.000-08:00

Well, today was sort of a do nothing day for us!! And, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of doing NOTHING!!! We don't get many of these, so we took advantage of it! Although, after being asked many, many times, I finally gavei n and took the kids to the park and decided to take the camera along. (You guys probably didn' t want to see any pics of us sitting around!) My kids have become camera hogs. But, that is alright with me! These pictures were taken about 10:00pm. Yes, we are in the land of the midnight sun. The sun is just barely going down at about 1am. Then gets kinda duskish by about 3 am and then it is back up around 4 or 5 am. It was cloudy on and off today and just so happens to be really cloudy behind the kids. The clouds mostly stay on the mountains though. I don't know why! Hope you guys are all having a wonderful weekend!

Baby Crocs

2007-06-29T23:01:00.000-08:00

You guessed it!! These are McKinley's shoes. These are so cute! She loves shoes!!! Almost as much as Emily!! They have to get a pair of shoes almost everytime we go to Wal-Mart!! (By the way, we are getting the first Supercenter in Anchorage!=)I think she needs some jibbets though.. But, I don't think they make them for baby crocs. Do they? You guys get everything about a year before we do, so you will have them first.

Oh and just to let you know, I did meet the Col. today, but with his schedule and Shane's appt. for today, we couldn't meet up, so we meet on Monday!! He has already involved about 2 other people, so things are getting done! Thanks for all your prayers! I can't wait to start with this new challenge!! I have already begun to think about what I want to capture!! Thanks for giving me direction Ame!

DAIRY QUEEN, FINALLY!!!

2007-06-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

Today, Shane had appointment after appointment. So, while he was in one of them, he sneaked off to Dairy Queen. YES, I said Dairy Queen!! We have one now!! It has been opened for about 2-3 weeks and still we were in line for the drive thru for about 45 minutes. Hey, we had time to kill!! And since we have a DVD player in the car, the kids didn't mind too much! So, here is Jacob with a chocolate dipped cone. Well, actually he already ate most of it! Look at the drip of ice cream coming off his chin! LOL. (He was watching a movie.)

Here is my little princess eating an oreo blizzard!! I couldn't believe it, but she ate a medium blizzard all by herself!!

And here is the wee little princess eating her ice cream cone!! She doesn't quite know what to do with the cone yet!! So, when it gets down into the cone, she uses her fingers to dip it out like a spoon! I am waiting for her to act like Jerome (Ms. Elouise's brother) and eat the bottom out of the cone first!!LOL.

And, yes, we got into trouble because we didn't get Shane an ice cream. But, it would have melted!!! That is my story and I am sticking to it!!!

Good Big Bro!

2007-06-27T23:14:00.000-08:00

I had to blog this picture today, because Jacob is such a good big brother. He always takes care of his little sisters. Now, that doesn't mean that he doesn't like to aggrevate the snot out of them, but he is so sweet with them. And, don't tell him, but they secretly love him too! Mackie watches every move he makes and tries to do everything he does, and Emily too. She does flips, she dances like Em, likes to have her nails polished, and shoots guns like her big bro. Jacob always sits on the arm of the couch and watches tv, and in this shot she climbed up there and sat right next to him and was watching cartoons too. Now, mom, doesn't Mac's face look a little like mine when I was little?? I have a picture here that she kinda looks like! Hallelujah!! One finally may look a little like me!!
The kids had a dentist appt. today, and on the way back home, we saw this moose. I think she just had a baby. So, she is a little skinny. Here she is having some chow! (as military folks call it).

My flowers

2007-06-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

A short one tonight ladies........As I was watering my flowers tonight, I noticed the water drops on the petals. I thought it looked so pretty. So, I snapped this picture. Actually I am really proud of this shot. I think it might be one of the best ones yet!

Thunderbird Falls

2007-06-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

I am pulling from the archives today. This shot was taken when we first got to Alaska, 4 years ago. This was taken right before Shane went to Afghanistan the first time! We went and hiked up to Thunderbird falls. It was about a 2 mile hike, I guess. Turns out when you get all the way up there, the falls is just a little waterfall, but all in all it was a good family outing. This was back when my husband walked faster than I did!! LOL. I guess Emily was about 2 and Jake was about 4, and Mac wasn't even thought about yet! It is good to look back at the good ol days sometimes!
PS. Ame do you remember this pic? You helped me get the camera strap out of it!!! Thanks again!!

Street repair

2007-06-24T23:04:00.000-08:00

On our street, they have decided to take up the whole road and repave it. This has been going on for awhile now. It is kinda annoying as they start work at about 6am right outside my bedroom window. Not so good for sleeping. But, it is good for the kids because we can walk down the street without worrying about cars. So, this is the road we took while on our search for bear poo yesterday. They had all their equipment lined up and of course, no kid can resist going up to it and taking a good look at it. And you know for my kids, I guess it kinda runs in their blood! So, Mackie had to walk into this bucket and take a closer look. I am putting this picture in for Poppie, so that he can see how little Mac is! I guess this will put her size into perspective for him.
In this next shot, you see the first machine. I guess it is a roller, but it also has shaking ability to pack the gravel/dirt down. Maybe it is just a really big whacker packer. When it first started packing it down, I felt my whole house shake and thought, 'oh my goodness, it is an earthquake'. You know we have those up here. It scared me a little until I heard it and figured out it was just this piece of equipment. I can only wonder how the poor man on the equipment felt after running this machine all day. He probably shook all night long!!

I'm getting close...

2007-06-24T00:02:00.000-08:00

My friend called me the other day and told me about a bear that was near our house and told me he left something that I might could use for my blog! So, this is what I found!! Bear POO!!! They call it bear scat, for some reason. Now, this is something you fellow bloggers probably don't see everyday!! Enjoy! Much different from moose poo, huh!! So, who wants bear poo earrings???LOL.
I took this shot of Mackie on our walk. I let her walk today for the first time without putting her in the stroller. She walked everywhere. And, what is even better is, is that she stayed with me!! Hallelujah!! What a cute face!! Jacob and Emily were with us too, but they are usually too far away to get good shots of them.

After our walk, we came home and I let the kids put icing on some cupcakes that I had made. Jacob and Emily were so busy decorating, and I was making sure they weren't making too big of a mess, then, I looked at Mac. She was EATING the cupcake that she was supposed to be decorating. This is a BUSTED picture, don't cha think?

Maters

2007-06-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

I thought today that I would show ya'll my tomato plant. I have several tomatoes! I just hope that this year they will have a chance to turn red, so I can have me some tomatoe sandwiches or at least some tomatoes on my salad. I get so excited when my plants produce fruit, that I generally don't want to eat them because I want to show them off!! Crazy, I know!!
On this one branch I must have about 8 little tomatoes, and I am so proud!!!

Hopefully soon, I will be able to tell ya'll how just how good these little babies are!!

Applesauce, anyone??

2007-06-22T00:39:00.001-08:00

Sorry ladies, once again, I know I missed my blog last night. We were extremely busy and in the land of the midnight sun, you never know quite what time it is. So......I am back now, and I know, I know, I have blogged my kiddos for quite awhile now. But, I had to share this with you. Mac was having some applesauce and she is very independent now, so she HAD to do it herself. And I promise she did have a spoon, but she preferred to use these utensils that everyone has!!
This next utensil, I think is the best! For pictures anyway....it probably wouldn't go over very well, say, at Olive Garden.

So after seeing these, I have to ask, Applesauce, anyone????

Wild, Wild West

2007-06-20T00:20:00.000-08:00

I had something else in mind today for my blog, but they were really old pictures. So, I looked and looked and couldn't find them. Actually I think they are on my old computer, and I can' t figure out how to get them off of it!! Today was mine and Shane's 9 year wedding anniversary!! I can't believe that we have been married that long, seems like only yesterday that I married my best friend. And today marks the 4th year that we have been in Alaska. 4 years ago I remember thinking 'what an anniversary, moving to the fridged way NORTH??' We have lived here longer than anywhere else. I keep asking Shane why it is that we chose so far away to be for the longest.. Anyway, instead of the pictures that I had in mind, (they may come later), Mackie picked up Jacob's cowboy hat and his gun and started having a shoot out! It was so dang cute! She was in rare form. And, the more we laughed, the more she would shoot and laugh! Be careful...cuz...this town ain't big enough for the two of us!!!

Wanted: Mackie the Gunslinger Matthews!

Angel Face

2007-06-18T23:49:00.000-08:00

I love this shot of Emily!!! We can see her freckles so clearly! And those eyes! This is truly an angel face. And, as for an update on Shane, he is home. He has been instructed to stay at home this week with his leg elevated. For those who have not heard, he was put in the hospital last Thursday for his migraines and yesterday they found another DVT, or blood clot, in his leg. So, he is on blood thinners again. But, God will see us through again! We have faith! Thanks for all your prayers.

Our hope, our future....

2007-06-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

Watch out bad guys, we have a new and upcoming army growing up right before our eyes. They may be cute and look innocent, but really they are mean fighting machines. They, also, may change the uniform to pink battle dress uniforms (BDU). But, they can kick some butt, especially if your name is Jacob. Notice Em doesn't put the hat down on her head like she is supposed to, it might mess up her ponytail in the back!!

As for this new recruit, I think the flowery carseat will add that special touch to any humvee!!! And the new SOP (standard operation) will be that all personnel will be required to have a binky in their mouth. Ya know, to keep sand from getting in there!! Cuz really, who wants to have sand grit in your teeth???

So just remember BE ALL YOU CAN BE, or be an ARMY OF ONE, or whats the new one...........oh yeah, be ARMY STRONG!!!!! (which ever slogan it is for this year!!!)

Football Camp

2007-06-16T23:48:00.000-08:00

Today was the start of football. Well, they had their day camp today. Which to Jacob is just as good. These are some that I took of him in order of his play. First he is trying to jook his defender or get the defender out of his way, which he did a great job at...

In this one, he is actually catching the ball!!! I am so proud. He can't seem to catch any of the passes that Shane throws, but I can't much blame him because everytime Shane throws them a ball it ends up hitting them right in the face!! Not on purpose, or so he says.......

And here is the football champ running it in for a touchdown.. His coach says that he is showing lots of promise for this season! He says that wrestling did a lot of good for him. It taught him to be more aggressive and to be on his toes.

I think that this kid just has HEART...... He even fell asleep with his helmet on a couple of weeks ago. Too cute. And so Shelia, you and me both will be screaming our heads off in a couple of weeks. And so another season of football begins.........

The Enemy

2007-06-15T22:46:00.000-08:00

The sun was shining so bright today. It was about 73 degrees. Heat wave going on. So, while it was gorgeous outside, I cut my grass and we played outside almost all day!!! The kids even got some sun!! Emily's arms were pink. Isn't that so funny, and to think that when we first got up here I laughed at all the people globbing on sunblock because it was 75 degrees. Anyway back to my subject, I have a couple of spots in my yard that needed some TLC and some grass seed..... So, here is my baby grass. I am so proud. Mom, this is Shane's little patch of grass. Yes, he put the seed down and I have been doing all the watering and taking care of it. Isn't it funny how that always works out?? His project and I end up taking care of it????? I know you ladies don't have that problem.....Back to the grass, isn't it cute???
NOW, Meet my ENEMY!!!! These blessed dang dandelions!!! Every year I battle these little boogers. My yard is covered with them and I want my yard to look like green carpet. So, I tried squirting everyone of these danged things, I have tried turf builder with broadleaf killer..... all that does is make them wilt like this one! Now, I need some real AMMO.... Any suggestions????

Thanks for all your prayers!! Shane seems to be a little better, but because this medicine is taking his massive migraines away, he can feel his leg more. Go figure!! If it isn't one thing it is another! Hopefully soon, his leg will be better too!! God has a plan, and it will all work out!

Looking Up

2007-06-14T23:05:00.000-08:00

This one's gonna be short today, ladies. Today has been sort of a crazy day, so once again I am pulling from the archives. This tree is also from our picnic at cottonwood park. This tree was really ginormous!!! I thought that it was cool to stand at the trunk of the tree and looking up at it! This was the view that I saw! Pretty neat, huh?

Bubble gum, Bubble gum....

2007-06-13T23:34:00.000-08:00

Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish, how many pieces do you wish?? This pic was taken of the kids out at Cottonwood too. They all had to put their feet in a circle to see who was gonna be it. They were playing tag! As you can see Mac also had to get in on the action!!

This picture is my absolute favorite. Hmmmmm, I wonder which ones are the girls feet!!! Tooo cute!!

I remember doing this as a kid. This and eeny, meeny, miney, mo,.......catch a tiger by the toe, if he hollers let him go... Some decisions to this day, I still use that method! Oh, to be a kid again!

This one's for Pop.......

2007-06-12T22:43:00.000-08:00

Today me and the kids went to have a picnic in the park on post with our friends. This park is known as Cottonwood Park, and later in the summer you will see why it is called that. (It is from all the Cotton wood trees there. All the cotton starts flying everywhere and it looks like it is snowing.) Anyway, Jacob has been writing stories for a little while now, but lately he has been acting them out as he tells them. Pop calls them cowboy stories. So, Jacob has also been into Pirates lately. BIG TIME!!! Ask Nana. Any way, at Cottonwood Park they have one part of the playground that looks like a pirate ship complete with the plank shown below. So I will try to recreate his story from today. And of course it is a pirate story!! Be weary me mateys.
So, Pirates had boats like this and planks too. They used to make people stand like this on the planks! (I wish you could see the facial expressions). And they would say, Arrrgh, Walk the plank!!

(I'm not so sure why they had to stand humpbacked. Maybe that is what they looked like.) But, I don't want to walk it says the guy. I don't care, keep walking, Arrrgh!

But, please, NOOOO, (yells, yells, yells). I didn't do it!!!

Splash!!! (More yells!)................The End.............I wish I could remember it word for word. But, this one was a short one. Oh, my friend spotted a momma bear and a baby bear at the park yesterday while she was walking. She said that she was pretty nervous, as I would be! But, no bear sightings today!

My header

2007-06-11T22:41:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, Shane thought the Sourdough Express sounded toooo Alaskan!! So, this brings me back to my roots!! And of course, as much as I miss Carolina and the beaches, Carolina is ALWAYS on my mind!!!!

The plaque and state bird

2007-06-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I have two subjects for today. While Nana was here, we took Jacob and his state championship wrestling brackets, and his medal to Michaels to have it framed for him to keep forever!! So, here is ICEMAN and his framed medal and brackets.

Here, I decided to blow this one up so Nana could see the finished product. So, Nana, what do ya think??? I think it looks good. Jake, uh, I mean, ICEMAN, likes it and it is already on his wall right next to the other one that holds all his medals. I guess I should take a pic of that and let all you ladies see that one!!

This is my second subject of the day!!! This just so happens to be the Alaskan state bird. It is a mosquito! They are HUGE!! This is actually a little bit smaller on the picture. He is on my kitchen wall. These things are aggrevating! I think mom was trying to get a pic of one of these boogers while she was up here. Be glad that you guys are far, far away from these things!!

Can you say COLOR??? finally......

2007-06-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

These are some of my flowers in my yard. I love this purple one. It is a petunia, right??? I love the vibrant color in this one. I think it is neat how the yellow bleeds into the purple! I guess you can add this color to Shelia's "God's Crayon Box" post!! I was trying that 1/3 thing that Ame was talking about!

This one is just as vibrant! This is my begonia. It is in a hanging basket with flowing purple lobelia hanging down! The lobelia doesn't look so hot just yet, but I will get it on here I am sure!! If you look closely you can see a couple of water drops on the little bud to the right. I had just watered them.

Hope everyone had a good day. It was beautiful here today. I hope just the beginning of many more to come. However, I don't want to get toooo hot because up here in the frigid north, we don't have A/C, only fans. But the warmth feels soooo nice!! It was about 70 degrees today!! And one more note, pray, pray, pray for LT and all our guys over in the sandbox!! They need our prayers desperately! I love ya bub, take care and keep your head down and for goodness sakes, watch your 6!!!

Our first Butterfly....

2007-06-09T23:35:00.000-08:00

Well, here we have it guys, it is now, what, June 9, and I have spotted the first butterfly of the summer!!! I am so excited. And I was wondering if it really was summer. Maybe it will reach 75 degrees at least once from now to August!! Butterflies are so beautiful. I love to watch them putter around my yard flapping their wings like crazy to get away from all these kiddos playing in my yard. I actually feel sorry for them. I love their colors. I don't think that I have seen one like this before!
Today, was also another demonstration that Emily had. Her cheer team, the firecrackers, travel around to different places showing off their moves!! Today, we went to the senior center in Chugiak. They had a spring fair and the girls cheered and tumbled their heart out. Em is really getting good at her round-offs!! I am so proud!! Here, she is a 'flier' (cheer term). She is the top person in the stunt. This was called a chair lift when I was a cheerleader. She loved it!!!

In this picture, she is about to perform her very first back handspring!! She did really well, and I as a mom took this picture of the preparation, and I watched the actual back handspring. Sorry!! Shane says it is OK to watch sometimes. But, I will have you know I got in trouble by my husband. It was innocent. Emily tumbled with the big girls and all she was doing was a front roll. So, I yelled out into a rather quiet crowd, Em, DO YOUR ROUNDOFFS!!!! (I guess like I yell at Jacob in his games.......you know, the mommy yell for your baby yell.) Well, he (Shane) politely came over to me and said this isn't really a sporting event that you yell like that at!!! Oh well, I can't help it!! She ended up doing her round off and then trying this!!! And, I might add, she did very well for her very first time!! Next time, I will take a picture!!

The Release

2007-06-09T00:06:00.000-08:00

Sorry ladies for not posting yesterday, I had all good intensions, but a certain little Mac decided not to go to bed until really late. After fighting with an 18mos old baby, I was exhausted. Anyway on to the new name....... I have been trying to think of a really good name for my blog and this is what came to me. This is the story behind it. The natives in Alaska call newcomers or people who have not yet experienced an Alaskan winter Cheechako's. After you have been through a winter and survived, you get to don the name Sourdough. So, seeings how we've been up here for so long, I think it is safe to say we are sourdough's. And, since my life is a whirlwind, thus became express!!! So there you have it, The Sourdough Express! Now, for today...... Today was the annual Military Appreciation Day on Fort Rich. They always have a picnic with some fun activities. The first pic is of my family, Mac was with me. (hey, who's that guy in uniform?=))
One of the activities was releasing a Bald Eagle back into the wild. I guess it hurt its wing and "Bird TLC" nurses hurt eagles back to health and then releases them. So today, they picked the wounded soldiers returning from Iraq to help release it. These 3 guys are some of our friends. So, here they are waiting for the word.

This picture is of them releasing the eagle. If you look in the middle you can see part of its wing.

I was really trying to get him as he flew away, and right when I snapped the picture, this lady stuck her head right in the way. It was a perfect shot too!! The bird never really flew very high up and there was too many people, but he happened to light in a tree not far from where we were. So these next shots are of him in the tree. He is a very HUGE bird. It was pretty awesome!! I am glad that they asked these guys to release them. It was a surprise to them! And some even admitted being a little nervous. I told them that my dad would have said NO WAY, NO, NO, and NO. I would hate for this bird to be looking at me like this!!!

I thought something was hanging off of his beak, but I think it is the curvature of it! They are awesome creatures!

Their eyes amaze me! And they can turn their heads all the way around kinda like an owl.. All in all, it was a pretty awesome experience!

Is modeling in the future??

2007-06-06T23:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Emily decided she wanted to pose for the camera. So she picked one of my flowers (well, I think I actually picked it), and started holding it all different ways!! She is so funny when she does this. She moves just like a model would in all different poses!!
I liked the way they turned out though because of the splash of color that it added. This second one reminds me that I need to be in a warmer climate, say, Hawaii?? Anyone up for a trip?

This one is SOOOO Emily! With that cute little grin and pose with the flower right next to her face. She is so photogenic, taking her picture is easy!!

Flowers...

2007-06-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Today was a very sunshiney day for us in the Big AK!! It was awfully windy though. Here is one of my favorite pics of day we spent playing OUTSIDE!! I am going to start and finish this blog with a shot like this!! Maybe these shots will make up for our vacation time!

Alright.... So, here they are. My flowers, or at least some of them. This first one hangs on the front of my house. I have a matching one to the left. I had a picture of both of them, but I wasn't happy with the way they turned out, too dark. I would have to say this hanging one is probably one of my favorites.

This next one is is one of my pots. I love this one too. I wasn't too sure about it when we got it, but we put some other flowers in with it and it brightened it up a bit!! There is some stock (a kind of flower for those who don't know) int there, and I LOVE the way it smells. Hopefully these will be growing out of the pot soon!!

Here are my two gardeners examining the leaves of the flowers, making sure that everything is OK. I guess it all checked out great! If you look in the background carefully, you can see why I don't have a picture of Jacob on this one. He is too busy playing and fighting with the water. I guess that is what you do when there really isn't anyone else around to play with. (And of course, the girls didn't want to play that game- it is too cold!)

Here my gardener is checkin my flowers again. She checked every pot! She had quite alot to say about each one too. Maybe she was just critiquing my color scheme.

And my favorite picture of the day.......... Mackie smelling the flowers. Pheww, my flowers get the A-OK from all aspects. Doesn't she look so cute?? My girls.... I hope that we can bond over these same flowers one day!!

Stay tuned for the next flowers!! These are only some of them!! I can't believe that we have COLOR again!

Lou Lost her tooth!!

2007-06-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hip, Hip Hooray!!! Emily finally pulled out her loose tooth!!! She told me to email this to EVERYBODY!! She wants the whole world to know she lost her VERY FIRST TOOTH!!! She did this last night right when she got into the bed. Perfect timing for the tooth fairy! And, I will have all of you know that the tooth fairy DID visit and left 2 whole dollar bills!! How cool is this? Now we have one more that is loose. We will have to start working on it!

Somewhere over the rainbow

2007-06-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

We saw this rainbow after a long day working in the yard. Hey, mom, look at that, it is a blue sky. We have those sometimes. This rainbow was tremendous. It was so wide. I don't think that I have ever seen one this wide and vibrant. It was almost like being right at the end of it and looking up. Pretty cool!! Maybe soon I will have pics of my flowers that we planted while mom was here. I will have to post a before pic and then post through the summer so ya'll can see how they grow. They have already taken off. I better get busy!! Welcome back everyone!! Now I guess Ame has everyone back and won't feel so lonely!!

I'M BAAACCKK!!!

2007-06-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

I guess we are back into full swing with blogging. Sorry it was so lonely without all of us. We truly were so busy, I would crash into the bed at night. We took this picture also at Portage glacier. I am really not that big into glaciers, I think they are cool, but they are so far away I can't actually "get into" them, ya know. But, Portage glacier is really cool. It actually has little iceburgs floating on the water!! They also have a little sidewalk that you can walk right up to the water side. In this picture I tried to show exactly the blue color mom was talking about. And look how the mountain disappears right into the water!!! Pretty cool!!

In this next picture, you know who we are. But, I am truly blessed to have a mom like I have, and I think it is a bummer that I don't get to enjoy her as much as you guys down south do!! I thought for sure that Jacob and Emily had her talked into staying a couple of extra days. We sure were begging and pleading!! She gave me the much needed R&R that I needed. Thanks so much mom for coming and spoiling me!! Love ya and I can't wait for Sept.1-31!!(That is how long Jake said they are staying for the next trip!)

PS- Is it just me or am I a whole head taller than my mom???LOL.

A hard day fishing, AND.......

2007-05-29T22:21:00.000-08:00

We went fishing at Gwen lake on post. We caught nothing there, but a bunch of grass!! But Jacob went on the other side of the lake and said that he saw some big flappers. This is how big he said they were. All I know for sure, is that he can't stand people talking to him while he is fishing!!! He kept gesturing for us to be quiet!!!

Since we couldn't catch any fish at Gwen, we headed down to Clunie, which I think is pretty picturesque of Alaska. This is the picture of Nana trying out her luck. We could see these dang fish swimming in the water and nibbling our nightcrawlers(which the princess did NOT want to touch), but no real bites!!

So, Dad and the girls decided to take a walk. I could not resist this one!!! I love him holding both the girls hands taking a walk and talking. Notice Emily pointing out things to him.... They were looking for a good camp site. Not that the princess would ever sleep outside......

Now to the BURNING question, Who is the next American idol???? Why, none other that NANA!!!!!! This is Nana being silly with the McDonalds toy microphone. We had to sing our hearts out!!!!

Sorry for posting this many pics, but with Nana here and only one camera, we have to fight for pictures!!! And the reason, AMY, that I haven't posted, is because mom takes all the good ones while I am sleeping, I guess!!! LOL. I had to sneek this one on here!!! (She must still be on EST). We are going site seeing tomorrow, we should have some good ones!!! Hopefully enough to go around!!

4 Generations

2007-05-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

I know that I haven't blogged in a while, please don't get upset. We have been tremendously BUSY. We come home at night and fall asleep. This was taken at Emily's recital, which by the way was so good!!! They are all so cute. Notice the makeup on her. She was lovin' it!!! She knew all of her moves, she did wonderfully!! She also has graduated from kindergarten and thinks that she needs to start first grade TOMORROW!!! Too funny. Jacobs last day was today also and he is ready to fish. So, now we are waiting on the weather to cooperate!! We are having such a good time visiting. Wish you all could be here with us... And by the way, I think we have taken about 150 pics already!! I have a pic of the next American Idol too....... just take a guess who that could be!!!

BOB-big orange ball

2007-05-17T16:45:00.001-08:00

For those of us stuck up here in this arctic climate region of the world, when we want some of this...............................................
We have to go to a place like this!!!!!!

This is one of my most favorite places to go to!! Being up here all the time in the darkness and the cold temperatures, it really does your body good to go get some UV rays!! At least for about 10 minutes I get some much needed Vitamin D poured into my blood and skin. Up here, truly, alot of people have to come to these tanning salons for depression issues. I really took for granted all that the sun did for me. For 25 years, I had tons and tons of sun, and when I moved up here, I had none. It does wonders for my mood!!!! =) They also have "happy lights". You just sit under them for a specific time and it improved your mood. Crazy, huh??? What sealed the deal for me at this place is that everytime you go, they have a towel, your goggles and an ANDES MINT there waiting for me!!! HMMMMM, I think I will go again tomorrow!!!

P.S. bob is a military acronym!!! In case you were wondering if the tanning bed had gotten to me!!LOL.

Bears, Bears, Bears

2007-05-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

My friends husband went bear hunting over this past weekend. This is what he came home with. A black bear!! I saw one of these bears the other day taking the kids to school and wanted so badly to take his picture, but of course I didn't have the camera with me. Who would've thought that I would have seen this going to school? Well, in Alaska, I guess any animal can be seen anywhere. I came straight home and went on a search for him(in my car of course.) Needless to say, I didn't find him. He was already gone. So, this is the closest that I have come to seeing and being able to take a picture of a bear this year. Now, this bear is off to the taxidermist to be made into a rug or wall hanging. Shane saw this, and is wanting to go now more than ever!!! They said that it will take about a year for this bear to be made into the rug. I thought it was pretty cool, and thought you guys should see what I live with in these parts of the world!!! Being from SC, I think I would rather have snakes and gators anyday!!!

Squirrels

2007-05-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

I took this picture when we went to the zoo on Friday. Of all the animals that were at the zoo, I thought this little squirrel was the cutest and the most interesting. All the rest of the animals were being LAZY!!! This little squirrel reminds me of a little pest that I once had. I had a squirrel that lived in my yard when we first moved up here. He would go into the big dumpster right outside my fence and get trash and take into the tree in MY yard. I had all kinds of things in that tree. From empy things of toothpaste, to banana peels, to old paper towels, strewed onto every branch of our tree. Everyone that drove by kept looking into our yard and I couldn't figure out why. Then one day, Jacob was looking out his window and said there is a banana in our tree. I just blew it off, but he kept persisting. So, finally I looked out of the window at the tree, and saw all this MESS!!! And finally came to the conclusion that, this SQUIRRELS mess was what everyone was looking at. They probably thought that I just threw my trash up in the tree. He also stored pizza, paper towels, and all other treasures he could find in the trash, underneath the hood of Shane's truck. (He was in Afghanistan and I didn't drive it.) Boy, was he mad. I should have taken a picture of it, but didn't think about it at the time, as I was FURIOUS!!! Even Jacob said "It was those damn squirrels again!"

My mother's day treat!

2007-05-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Mothers Day, ya'll!!! Today I was treated by my kiddos singing a Mother's Day song to us at church! After the song, they gave me a white rose that smelled so good! I had tears in my eyes, it was so beautiful! After that, I was treated to neon bowling with my good friend Eileen. We had such a good time! Pizza, bowling and ice cream, does it get any better than this? The first pic is of me and Eileen. Emily took this picture, maybe she should be teaching me how to use this new camera!! The second pic is of Emily making a crazy, funny face. This is truly Emily!! And the third is of Jacob and his bud Justin, Eileen's son. It was a good time had by all! My bowling was not up to par today, but who cares, it was mother's day! And, I enjoyed it with my whole family!!!

BUNS!

2007-05-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

This coming weekend is Emily's ballet/tap recital. We had pictures this morning. I am so proud of myself, I have successfully created a bun of all buns. I was able to put up a bun at around 9:00am and I took it down tonight!!! I haven't ever been able to do this before. She looks so cute in her outfit. She has about 8 girls in her group. They are doing a routine to the song, Shine on your Shoes. It is soooo cute!! She practices all year for this one afternoon! We will take the summer off, and then we must choose between tap, ballet and jazz. I think it is a close race between jazz and ballet!! We shall wait and see!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLIE!!!!!

2007-05-10T22:22:00.001-08:00

Missed another one!

2007-05-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

I want you guys to know that I missed a shot yet again of the Alaskan wildlife. There were 2 moose in my neighbors yard eating away at the grass this morning. I couldn't believe it. I was taking the kids to school, so I couldn't be late again getting them to school!!! Anyway, I thought the next best thing to moose is Mackie!! She is definitely turning into part of the Alaskan wildlife! Isn't the second shot too cute of her and her daddy? Priceless! That is the reason God brought daddy home safely! Tomorrow I should have some good pics. We are going on a field trip!!!!!! TO the ZOO!! (no, not my house, a REAL Alaskan zoo!)

ALL DAY!!!!

2007-05-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

I took these shots today when the fix-it guys came over to fix our linoleum in the bathroom. These were some of his tools. One guy estimated that it would only take him an hour to do this. 4 1/2 hours later, he left. Apparently, this turned out to be quite the project. They had to replace part of the wooden floor beneath the linoleum. Yeah, I guess they weren't real happy with me.

This is the finished product of the 4 1/2 hour job. You can't see it too well, but if you look real close on the brown wall, you will see that the guy tore my nicely painted bathroom wall off and all that is left is cardboard looking stuff. It is right next to the baseboard. I just wonder how long this is going to last. The baseboards weren't even glued all the way on. As my boss always told me when I worked at the day care center and needed things like construction paper, and crayons, "there's a war going on, ya know." That meant that we had no more money to spend. I guess that is what has happened in this case too. (As you can tell, I am not real thrilled in the job they did.) HOWEVER................

This was what my sky looked like as it was setting last night at about 10:30. I love the rays that are coming up from the sun. Look at the sun reflecting off the clouds. Pretty cool!!! This helps take my mind off of earlier today!! Thank heavens!

**As a side note: Yes, I did say that the sun was setting around 10:30 PM. Soon it won't get dark but only for a little while. And, that darkness is only a dusk around 3:30 AM. So, mom get ready for sunshine all day and night!!

The moose is loose

2007-05-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today was a rainy, yucky day. I couldn't get much of a picture today! So, I thought that I would look deep into my stash. I found these that I hadn't shared with you before. I took these when we went on our trip down to Soldotna. This first ice cream cone shop is an ice cream/coffee shop. Remember in earlier blogs I posted some coffee shops and said that they are at every corner, they are literally in every corner of Alaska in all shapes and forms. I wonder how well this ice cream cone shop would go over in Beaufort county? Do ya think it would pass county codes?? I highly DOUBT it!!!!! The second photo is of a bakery that the kids dentist recommended. It's name is, you guessed it, THE MOOSE IS LOOSE! It is a fabulous, scrumptious, uuuummmmmmm place!!! In fact I think that I would drive another 2 hours just to go get some pastries!! If you are ever up this way, you definately have to go!!

A glimpse of Heaven

2007-05-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

We took these pictures on our way out to Wasilla where Jacob wrestled on Friday. The first one looked so cool to me. It was taken early morning just as the sun was coming up. Sometimes when I look at these mountains with the sun shining above them, it makes me stop and wonder, is this what heaven will look like as you are walking up to the gates? This picture looks to me like you are walking out of the darkness to the bright light ahead!! It is just so awesome! The second picture is typical postcard Alaska, with the lake and the snowcapped mountains right behind it. The only thing that I wish is that these mountains reflected in the water. It usually does, but the wind was blowing kinda hard that day, which made the water too choppy for a reflection. Shane took this picture. (I had to give him credit.)

Monkeys in the tree

2007-05-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

Today was a super nice day. Emily finally learned how to climb up in the tree in our backyard. She was so proud of herself! So I had to take her picture! They love this tree. The second shot is of Mackie outside. She loves to be outside. Her and Harley just roam the backyard. I am pretty happy the way these turned out!