The Letter From Last Year (Spring Letter)

News from north of North Pole! We are hoping you all had a bright, wonderful Christmas, New Year, MLK Day, and Valentine’s Day too! A few weeks before Christmas I started our letter; then as you may have noticed I prolonged the duty so... (Clint took over this year for most of it.) Then I sent it out VERY Late. Moving on... We will attempt to be brief this year. But, I am including photos (many) since it has probably been a few years since we have seen each other.

January came on like a bang and before we knew it, time flew by. We had a mild (by Fairbank's standards) winter. We only saw -40 degrees for a couple weeks. In March we all went to the ice park to see the World Championship ice sculptures and play on the ice slides. Jacob loved going down the hand built tracks with Daddy in our plastic sled.

There was also a nice maze that Wendy and Jacob tried out.

We also went to the start of the Yukon Quest sled dog race

(Quinn driving the truck.) We got to see most of the big name racers from the Iditarod. This race left from Fairbanks and ends in Whitehorse BC.

In February, we watched the finish of the Iron Dog, a 2000 mile snowmobile race from Anchorage to Nome and then to Fairbanks. For Jacob’s birthday we had a party with a few friends with kids. He got a big boy bike and rode all over the driveway with his new friends. We only had one trip over the edge and down into the timber. Wendy's friend Janet came to visit and we went to North Pole to visit with Santa. In May we all loaded up and went to see “all” of Grandma Jean’s (Clint’s grandmother) family in Maui. 35 +/- family members for a week. A great time was had by all. We got to meet our niece for the first time. Jacob thinks everyone should be his cousin. We took the kids in the ocean and to the aquarium and on the Pineapple Express train. Jacob fell in love with the ocean and wave jumping and the twins got to swim and play in the sand. They were NOT impressed with sunscreen and sand mixed. So much fun was had we had to come home to rest.

June and July are wonderful here, sunlight 24 hours a day. The sun does go “down” or out of sight for about 2 hours, but it is just barely below the horizon so you still don’t need any lights to drive or see.

Berta came up for 2-3 weeks then Wendy and the herd went to Wyoming to the ranch for a couple weeks and I came down at the end for a few days. Meghan spent 2 days in the hospital. All the kids got sick. But, on the bright side Jacob got new “cow boots” and a hat. The little ones made a complete mess of anything close and got into everything at Grandaw’s (Berta) house. Nothing is safe from them. The weather was a little much for them as picture day was 103 degrees. Jacob and Daddy got to help Pappy do some plowing. Jacob loved it because he could help steer the big tractor. Look out world, a 3 year old in a large John Deer! August and September were pretty quiet until hunting season started and I spent a few days looking for a caribou. Then we all headed to Southern California for Kathy’s wedding. It was a great trip and the first time we had seen many of the cousins and new nieces and nephews. It was very nice to “catch up” with all the goings on for the past 10 years. The wedding was very nice and the family took many pictures as we rarely get them all dressed up like that. Congratulations to cousin, Kathy and Steve.

Halloween was fun. We didn’t get out because it was 2 degrees but the kids all wore their costumes all day. “Cat in the Hat” and “Things 1 and 2” had lots of fun. Thanksgiving was pretty quiet. We had planned to go to some friends but the preceding few days weather made a huge mess so we stayed home.

Only in Northern Alaska does a warm trend with rain close schools and shut down all public utilities, roads, and services. It warmed from -15 degrees to 34 degrees and rained. Not usually is this a bad thing, but if your ground temperature is still less than 0 degrees every drop hits and freezes. In about 30 minutes the entire region cars, houses, roads, utilities had about 1” of pure ice on them. We still have about a 2” layer of glaze ice on all of the roads. I guess it will go away in April. Our well failed a couple weeks back. We have been learning why we didn’t choose a beautiful “dry cabin” and purchased a house with a well after trying to stuff $1 bills into a big water vending system at -35 degrees. We get to haul water to the house 250 gallons at a time. Clint learned that you cannot get water and then go get groceries…BIG ICE CUBE… need I say more. We were too busy to go cut our own tree this year. We got a 50% off tree because it froze (imagine that at -40 degree temps.) With this in mind, I picked the fluffiest one I could see. So far, the needles haven’t been falling off too bad considering that the two boys think that they should plow into it using the Tonka dozer. Meghan and Quinn like to run into it face first and give it a good squeeze (future tree huggers? Hum.) Quinn was a riot while I was putting up the lights. He was like my little shadow. I would string a row around the tree then arrange the lights the way I wanted. Quinn would walk in circles around the tree with me and primp/fluff the tree then we would walk around to the next area stringing light and he would repeat his ceremony. At this point we had as many air miles as we could stand so we have stayed close to home for the rest of the year and will have a nice quiet Christmas here! We may even be taking a full year off from traveling. You all are welcome to our home. We are truly blessed to have friends and family like you. Hope everyone is well and having as much fun as we are! May your New Year be prosperous and happy. “Belated Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to All” (and all of the other holidays that have already passed so far) With Love, The Clan: Clint, Wendy, Jacob, Meghan, Quinn, and Josie. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle in their journey. Thank God and them for the opportunity to walk this leg of their journey with them.

All Hallow-Eve

So Halloween is supposed to be dressing up and going to collect candy... This year I get mother of the year award. We made our costumes and dressed up in them and then just ran around the house (no candy required.) Jacob got marshmellows and was totally content. The twins enjoyed their juice-er snacks. All was happy, especially mama and including the HR department where Clint works... since that is where all the candy goes to the following day (evil laugh hahahaha.) Jacob was great! It was a bit frustrating when he took the material scissors and decided to help cut the design for the white belly... looking back I find humor in it. Most would be appalled the he had sharp scissors and was cutting (true) however, Jacob has had enough experiences with he and I cutting things that the only thing he did wrong was not being skilled enough to follow the lines.

We added a red bow and it hid all the "boo-boo's". He LOVED his costume and enjoyed chasing his tail (litterally)! The twins posed as Thing 1 and Thing 2... they were wonderfull! Meghan's hair was PERFECT! (Her scalp was blue for 3 tub times following!)

Janet & her aMaZiNg wings...

I was granted one wish... I should have made more on that day; just what was I thinking?!!! I asked that my near and dear friend from Juneau come to visit so that she wouldn't forget us. Well, low and behold I got a call saying that she was going to get to come up and stay with us for a short while. YEAH! I had to add Jacob's comment to the Jacob-isms section on the right column because it just cracked me up! Janet called and asked if she could come sooner than expected! Duh- yeah, I am a SAHM-- I never refuse company! EVER- regardless of the household condition! So, Jacob asks, "Is Janet coming?" with a little banter back and forth followed by, "is she flying here with her most amaZing wings?" Well I guess since she has been an angel to me and my family I guess she did! I am still laughing. We had a great time! I got some time to catch up on a few things that needed to get done that I hadn't been able to because people frown when you leave your kids in the truck and run in to the Post Office or little things like that! Meghan is wearing a beautiful Yupik kuspuk that Janet made and gave her! What a treat! She looks so good in orange!

Meghan loved petting the tiled wall with the pretty Christmas scenes of the 'North Pole and Santa Lane'. We had to go to North Pole since Janet had never been. Jacob told stories as we drove and talked about how he wanted to see the reindeer.

So, of course we went to see the reindeer. We were informed of many interesting facts from a 3 year old and reindeer 'habits'!

You know you have a true friend when they willingly try so many new things with you...

Like... touring the neighborhood!

Home Sweet Plane!?

Kinda has a ring to 'er! Ya think? Janet did have to take pictures of a few other "originals" but I didn't get them from her... But her continual comment was that junk yards seem to breed junk yards; and there seems to be a lot of breeding going on up here! Personally, I think we could have our own JY Wars! Or it has something to do with the top secret government conspiracy! But the best was the washers/dryers and big 50 gal. trash bags. I mean it fills at least one acre maybe more! (I am actually speechless and DoN't know what to say!)

I'll have Clint get a pic to or from work-- you wouldn't even believe it!

We had a cool convoy. We went out to the Ft. Knox mine to give Janet her first open-pit tour. I am concerned that she may turn geologist (rock-rabbit) on us.

She was willing to eat my cooking and I was trying out new recipes! She NEVER even complained! Even if I only know how to cook on high and don't know how to follow written recipes... Oh, you saintly woman with amazing wings! I kept her up late-- She was up early! Crazy woman! We had a great fun filled three days. Then she took her aMaZiNg wings home! We already miss her!

40 going on 12?

The day after Jacob's birthday party was almost as fun! I have added 3 clips to show some of the little moments. The whole family sure enjoys the time that we have been able to spend outside.

Then Jacob asked his daddy to go get his big bike from down stairs to ride on the patio. Then things transpire. I recall many years ago when Clint got personalized plates for his truck "STILL12" ! It seems to fit still today!

Big boys on the toys! Though, I do sense that he has gotten out of shape.

Are we 3, YET?

I couldn't have asked for a better day! I finally got the cakes baked by 3:00 am! I sat them outside; wanting them to cool and freeze(hoping that it would not snow, rain or any mixture of the two.) My luck held and at 8 am I started to decorate the cake. Now, let me tell you that I am NO Duff (The TV cake guru,) Sara Henderson (professional cake decorator and daughter of dear friend,) or Mindy Barry (the classy cake decorating- just did and awesome Percy Jackson cake for her son- teacher/mom.) But hey, Jacob loved HIS dump truck. We started out carving the cake. We staked, arranged, an re-arranged, hacked, whacked, doodled, scratched our canoodle(brain), and then hoped that the patron saint of the lost would look upon us just a little! At least until photos and kids got to see it.

Jacob underfoot, on my head, then bouncing off the ceiling onto the wall, through the twins and back underfoot (seriously it was like wrestling with a giant squid and a couple squid lings.) With a beautiful smiling face looking up and an over joyous squeal, 'Just wanted to help a little!' was finally put to work smashing Oreo cookies in a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin (I know... what was I thinking-- for the record Clint and my mom hid the big stone rolling pin so it was just a little one) for dirt. This was AFTER forced eating-s of his oatmeal (which he agrees with Pappy and comments, "I don't wanna eat THAT oatmeal!") two bathroom breaks (I think it was just to get the jellybeans) but hey he's going to the pot willingly! Now, here is where you have to picture the average roller coaster ride with 4 consecutive loops... are you picturing it? Okay, forget the picture and listen to the volume. Go up about 30 more decibels and you are now in my house baking Jacob's birthday cake with Jacob!

For those of you that love me and are able to accept me as I am -- cleaning my house is not my priority; nor has it ever been, and at my age... I am not sure it will ever be! I do attribute this to my wonderful mother who trained or is it ingrained my house keeping ability, however, it is clean just not 'tidy'. Needless to say, Clint and I start cracking to get the toys in their spots, the paper work picked up, the counters cleaned off, and everything else. We would get toys picked-up and the trio would have them dumped and strung out in less than 5 minutes time! UGH! Meanwhile, the cakes edges start to slum. So, Clint bails to go plug in the other freezer that we have and hauls the cake down to the freezer hoping to stop the majority of the issues that have started. Slightly exhausted Clint decided that it was time to build his little bike. I love the fact that Clint thought it would be great to have Jacob "help" build his bike (neither one can read instructions) and they would be able to do it together. Not wanting the little ones to feel left out I had him bring up the box and build it in the living room. This was a riot to watch! Jacob was in heaven getting to, "...wrench, wrench!" with dad and everyone else and Meghan was quite the go-getter! She would grab wrenches, parts, spin the tires, taste the seat and handle-bars and check-out anything that was set down. Quinn checked out the box and just watched what was going on (a Tom Sawyer in the making?) in the end he was willing to kick the tires.

At 5:30 friends start showing up and by 6:00 the crew of kids takes over the house and the volume is back to the roller-coaster ride. Jacob had a ball riding his bike outside on the paved court/driveway... we had tears when it was time to come in he was having so much fun with the big boys. Thank heavens that he is so willing to follow the big boys because a couple of them told him that dinner time was a good thing and that we would get cake, ice cream and presents soon. We had our bbq hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, Dutch-oven potatoes, and mac-n-cheese. All which were pretty much devoured in the first pass! There was more bike riding, running, and wild banshees followed by cake and gifts.

The kid is spoiled rotten! He was given: Large mat Cars coloring book, an t-shirt for Elko old cars, loads of shirts, a crane set with a couple trucks, a set of Chuck cars and carrying case that has a ramp and elevator, a box of crayons, a set of alphabet letters for the tub, and a few other gifts that I didn't even get to see because the other 8 kids were passing presents and flinging paper faster than I could keep up. We wrapped up the party at about 9:30 with Meghan quiting the party early. Everyone left and it looked like the tsunami had hit us! Clint and I clean up ONLY what was necessary and the rest would be there in the morning! AND IT SURE WAS!!!!

So, Quinn is finally ready to crash now that the house is quiet and Clint is on the phone planning hunting "things" with one of our friends and Jacob decides that he wants to sit with me on the couch. Me wanting to have my snuggle-time follows him to the couch, change the channel to 'his' show and he ambles over to my lap, flops down into the middle of me (good thing there is a lot of me) and drags the quilt over us, blows me a kiss and tells me to put it in my pocket to save it for later that I will need it and he pauses for a short time. Finally, he roots in a little closer, as IF I could get away, looks up a me and says,

"Are we three, yet?"

sighs drinks a shot of water and closes his eyes.

It's the moments like these that just melt my heart and turn me into puddy--

because they are so special! This is why being MOM is a blessing.

I am the luckiest in the world!

Bed rest- 2009 from AK to WY

Here is my tale about our novel trip to Wyo from AK

Bed rest--- It's like sitting on a beach lounging, kicking back an relaxing with not a care in the world; drinking some fruity drink with an umbrella. No, really… I’m not kidding! Take me serious here!

So, I left Juneau via Alaska Air and had a 21 month old bouncing on my big ol belly (BOB) like it was his personal horse for about 12.5 hours. Thank goodness he decided to sleep for take off and landing and then once we were landed and in the truck on the way to my parent's place.

Back to the beginning. With the bags packed, dog included, the family started our adventure. We ended the journey by landing in Denver, CO . BUT, Because Clint’s company had to book the tickets they had us change airlines--AAARGG! Well, in Seattle , I, the size of a personal storage unit, not Clint, had to out the gates and go claim the dog --as he was on business travel; mine was personal-- and the dog was mine. Check her in at the other airline and shell out more money! (All worth it- since she has been with me for 14 years and tolerates a toddler, and keeps my feet warm, let alone she doesn’t talk back.) The lady checking us back in decided that I needed to have “acclimation” papers on my dog since we would be landing in Denver and it was a very cold 20 degrees. So, I get to call the vets office beg them to fax the information and wait for them to fax the papers to this place. All the while, umm our plane was scheduled to leave 1 hour and 15 minutes from the time we first landed. Finally, after four attempts to get a simple paper stating that Juneau has not been a tropical haven they seem to think it is since it IS a "RAIN FOREST" and that she could tolerate the weather to go from the plane to the cargo carrier to the luggage claim I get to take her to be drug tested. Oh, they were nice enough to call a person over with a cart only to be told they would help for $10 (which I didn't have!) I was directed to an ATM not far away. I hand him a $20 and he claims, "I ya sod-y I habba no chenge! Tank you da beddy much for da tip!" I called him several unkind names under my breath while they wipe down Josie and her carrier then load her up only to advise me to check with the attendant to make sure she even gets on the plane. Stress? Now just why would you think I have hyper-tension and my blood pressure is through the roof!? I quickly waddle off to the security check AGAIN (Not only do I have to go back through security but, with a ticket that claims there should be an infant with me… I get hauled to the interrogation room where we play 20 questions and they finally look up all of our flight plans and figure out that Jacob is still on the concourse waiting for me with his father. I finally get through the security check to hear that we are boarding and this is the last call for our flight (I know I have a guardian angle on over-time looking out for me because the plane was slightly late!). But wait there is more... I am crossing my legs because I have to- drum-roll please, pee. Once we were to the 'it's safe to move about the cabin" I pushed everyone out of the way and did battle with the confined space and my budda belly. With a rather uneventful second leg of the flight our attendant was picking up the last of the trash and Jacob pulls out all the stops and gives a polite thank you and the ol’ Popeye. She stopped all the other attendants to see if he would ham-it-up and do it again. On cue he winks at all of them. Unbenunced to us after the plane landed and we were getting off she stopped everyone behind us and pulled the captain out to get the Poppeye, a grin, and a bye!

We got all of our luggage and the dog and headed for the ranch. Clint, the spouse (I think this is who I married… haven’t seen him in a bit), left 3 days later to go to (thankfully to what should be a full time job for a few months-- just hope they don't want to keep him there)in Mexico until the 20^th of Feb. Where I will see him for 5-7 days and off he goes again until March 12^th.

At the ranch, Jacob loves waking up at 6:30 am still! I am working on the “sleep-in” thing but doubting it will happen! At 7 am we bundle up and walk out to the barn which is about 100 yards from the house. We look in on the ewes and baby lambs! Jacob gets mauled by the llamas and loves every minute of it with joyous yipps and squeals of glee. We sit out on the porch petting Ki-Ki until “Danna”, Grandma, come home in the bus. Then he goes back out to check sheep and then it's feeding time. Jacob loves to ride in the back with the hay or grain. Pappy was the first to get the lesson learned the hard way-- Jacob loves to “drive” when the pickup with all the grain was idling away down the pasture. The driver was as happy as a clam; grinning from ear to ear squealing, “Un Pappy, UN!” Fortunately there was minimal damage to the truck, and the driver missed all of the gate posts. However, the pig pannel that was being used as the fence didn't make out so well. With Pappy in good spirits about everything they come in for a cup of coffee and breakfast and to warm up a little then back out they go to brand, “paint numbers”, on the ewes and lambs. It is at this time when Jacob gets propped up in the corn bin where he hides all of the tools and branding irons. “Danna” unearths all of the buried treasures and then Jacob helps Pappy drive the bobcat to the dump pile and brings back straw for all of the jugs (sheep pens) and the barn. When he gets bored with this task “Danna” kicks him out with the lambs and ewes that are in the big pen. Here he chases down the lambs and "Ma-we dog" (Molly). They all buck and kick and run around! The Great Pyrenees puppy loves joining in on the action but is smart enought to be wary of the 2 legged thing that squeels.

Everyone comes in for lunch. Jacob(21 months) and his great-nanna (91years old) fight like children about who gets which chair, what plate, fork, cup, and/or anything else that seems to be sitting out. When one has something the other one seems to want it. (Is this what having twins will be like? I don't think I want them out... ever.)

My favorite time of day arrives and Jacob and I nap. When "Buckshot" get up he stalks out to Pappy to get some milk and cookies for a snack and then they go check fences and load the pickup with hay and grain. Then I think that they just drive around but I am told that they are working hard. Often I get told they are 'fit-sen' things! When they get back they go into the shop where Jake rides his trike and Pappy tinkers on things that need fixing or made (jugs).

Then they chase Ki-Ki’s around, check sheep and come in for a nap. Some friends of the family, Bea and Dave, have came to help with lambing for a couple weeks take over the checking ewes and lambing. Jacob doesn’t slow down until he is out for a nap.

His Great-Great-Grandma was recently sent into town to be cared for. It was just too much to handle here. It was sad to see her get sent into town and away from her home but, she is a lot safer. It also give mom and dad a break since they are the ones that ended up looking in on her.

I have been working on what I had set out to do for my goal setting this year and have a very sore back-side! I go to the doctors twice a week now---UGH!

It is amazing that when you no longer run around, get up and do, how lazy you actually become. I always thought that I was tired while I was teaching… but, now I need 3-5 naps in a day. However, lucky me… somewhere I picked up an allergy (that would be another comedy epic tale) and the flu and feel like crud… According to the doc’s office I’ve lost 8 pound… now why can’t I do that when I am not pregnant?

Any way, the babies are both looking good and growing really well! I sleep a lot and there is a bunch of sunshine (a few snow flurries) but even then it is bright!

Like I said before, “It's like sitting on a beach lounging, kicking back an relaxing with not a care in the world; drinking some fruity drink with an umbrella.”

REALLY.

3/10/09 update

The free help, Bea and Dave, left and Clint arrived. Clint took over the 3 am lambing check - nothing like leaving work for a vacation time like this! They would all get up in the am and feed, doctor, and general watching sheep. The guys came in laughing at the expense of Jacob... between all of the giggles I guess Jacob was in the catch pen with ewes and lambs when one old gal didn't like how close Jacob was getting and thumped him! Jacob looked quite indignant at her and was told to, "get up and brush it off!" which he did. Then it couldn't be more than a day later when Pappy and Clint let the ewes outside and drove into the corral and Jacob wondered up to the gate and was playing with the chain when the old ewes spotted the feed being dropped and a small opening in the gate and they TOOK HIM OUT! I think there was a couple tears and once again was told to suck it up. Jacob didn't seem to enjoy the humor in this as much as all of us!

We went to the bowling alley in Pine and Kayla and Kelton played baby-sitter... Jacob was like a ping-pong ball... all over the place. "Danna" took over the watching and let him try out his acrobatics where he tried to knock out his front teeth. But hey, he can now say "Gra-ma" !

March 1 we celebrated Nanna's 91st, Great Aunties birthday and a baby shower for the newest members of the clan.

We go to the doctors often and riding in the "town" truck is the pits because you have to "buckle in"

Everything is going well. As of Feb 20th the measurements were that Baby A (girl) was about 5 lbs. and Baby B (boy) was about 5 lbs and 4 oz. I am dealing with a few symptoms of preeclampsia. I am just on watch though. The biggest thing is to lay down more and drink lots of water...(my eyes are bulging and I run for the pot to pee a teaspoon but drink more water, you know!) there is less than 10 days left!

HOLY COW!!!!!!!!! There is less than ten days left... I'm not sure that I am ready for all of this. Putting it in writing seems to make me nauseous. Oh my, I better go lay down after that bit of information!

3/15/09

There on the flight home where I ran into one of my student's parents. She informed me that there would be NO emergency stops allowed! I think she was afraid. VERY AFRAID (in after thought and a couple years later looking at photos... she should have been afraid!) I got to power hurk from the turbulance over Ketchican, AK. The attendant let me in the 'closet'! Luck me or luck them I am not sure! We landed in Juneau at 10:45 pm with rain. Clint took a taxi to get the truck with carseat and space. Then we arrived at the house and unloaded just before midnight. We slep in, called the doc, went to our check up. Unpacked, re-packed, and went to bed. When the alarm went off I took a shower, knowing it would be my last for a couple days, got ready and went to the hospital! 7 am filled with drugs, and by 8:30 was sliced, diced and lost ALL modesty since I was observed by 27 people in the room and the MANY other on-lookers walking past that heard there were 'twins'! My dear friend Janet came in to take pictures so I could see the event.

Oh how lucky can one girl be! I am truly blessed!