Update

Last week went by super fast. I really have no idea what took up our time but I am glad we are one week closer to daddy being home.
This past weekend was Lance's last soccer game. We had a fun season, but glad it's over with. The kids had a pizza party afterwards to celebrate the end of the season.
Sunday was church and then a day spent of relaxing. We did make a run to Walmart where the Easter bunny just happened to be visiting.
Yesterday after gymnastics the kids and I went with a friend and her two girls to the indoor splash park. The kids had an amazing time. Lance is such a good swimmer. He really amazes me at how good he is! Lexie enjoyed sitting in the shallow water playing with her mermaid Barbie, she was so cute! They were super wore out so it made for a very calm relaxing evening.
Today a prospective baby sitter is visiting with the kids. Our favorite sitter is getting married and moving away next month so we need to find a replacement. I have high hopes for this lady. She is a newlywed who just moved up here with her husband to help with the start of a church. They don't have any kids of their own yet, but love kids. I am very excited for the kids to meet her. I really like her and I think they will too!

brain dump

Friday Andrew had booked a sleigh ride for us. It was such a beautiful day! The sun was shining and it was just the perfect temperature for a sleigh ride. Lance was still pretty wore out from the long week so he didn't get into it much, but Lexie was all about the horse named Big Fred. She wanted to pet it and just love on him. When we got back from our ride there was a fire waiting for us at a little log cabin where we enjoyed hot cocoa and hot apple cider. It was Perfect!!!

Lexie has went back to calling me mommy!! Occasionally she will say dad, but i think it is just habit for her now.

 

Lexie is obsessed with eating pears. every time I turn around she has gotten into the bag and is eating another one. She could live on just pears and Peanut butter jelly sandwiches which she calls "Jelly Bread"

 

Lance is enjoying having his own library card. I can not tell you how many times we have visited the library since getting it.

 

The kids are no longer going to Preschool. We pulled them out a few weeks ago. Some things had been happening lately that made me really question what all was going on there. For instance, Lance is 100% potty trained and has not had an accident in well over a year. One day I went to pick him up before nap time and he was laying on the cot and when i went to pick him up he was wet. I asked him if he had peed and he said yes. I asked why and he said, "I told my teacher I had to go but he told me to lay down and be quiet" Obviously he felt scared enough that he would rather lay there and pee on himself then get up and use the potty. One of his teachers was a young guy which also erked me and I had heard him yell at a few of the kids on different occasions. Also that same day I was handed a letter about RSV going around. This was not the first time I had gotten a letter like this. Matter of fact it had become a very common occurrence. Andrew and I decided that it was no longer beneficial for our children to be attending there.

 

We are now looking into Preschools for Lance to start attending 2 or 3 days a week starting in the Fall. We found one Christian school that has a preschool program that we really like.

 

I finally got a chance to buy Lexie new clothes and wouldn't you know that her 3T clothes are too small. BOTH my kids wear a 4T.  There is only 2 pounds difference between them, for now.

 

Today the kids and I ate lunch with daddy then took him to the airport. He will be gone for two weeks this time. Hopefully this doesn't become the new normal.

 

Spring is almost here!!! Our days are getting longer and slightly warmer. Rite now, it is getting dark around 8:30 pm. I definitely need to buy some darker curtains to make it easier to put the kids to sleep.

We are planning some summer activities for us to do when family comes to visit. Fishing is number 1 on the list. We are looking at train rides, ferry rides, hikes, you name it! Alaska has so much to do!

 

We are also hoping to take a road trip on the Dalton Highway North of the Arctic Circle!! We have to see how much vacation time Andrew gets. If he keeps working like he is then he will have tons. He already has built up quite a bit.

 

I have started the search to find the perfect Easter outfits for the kids. Growing up my parents would take us shopping and we got to pick out a pretty dress to wear Easter Sunday. I always looked forward to it, so that is something Andrew and I have started with our family also.

 

Life is Good! I really can't complain. I wish Andrew wouldn't have to be gone so much lately, but I am extremely grateful for this past week we got to spend as a happy family. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

 



 

Fairbanks photo dump

Here are a few more pictures from our mini vacation this past week.

The rest of our trip

Wednesday we decided to drive out to Chena Hot Springs for a day of relaxing and swimming. The springs were located 56 miles East of Fairbanks. The road was super slick, so it took about an hour and a half to get there.
We had such a great day. Inside there was a family swimming pool and outside was a hot pool just for adults. We played with the kids for a while then Andrew and I took turns going outside. It was so neat. You walked through an outside hallway the. Opened the door to 2 degree weather and got into the pool as fast as possible. The hot mineral water was so relaxing. The water at the hot springs comes out of the ground at 165 degrees Fahrenheit so it has to be cooled off before going into the swimming pool. The whole experience was amazing. As I sat in the hot water my hair and eye lashes frosted over. I didn't get cold one bit.
It was funny watching Andrew come inside from the cold weather. He looked like a white hair old guy. He really enjoyed relaxing outside. Andrew said the hot springs was his favorite part of the trip.
Thursday morning we went to North Pole Alaska to Santa's house. Santa wasn't in, but we did see two of the reindeer. We walked around for a bit, picked out a few souvenirs and mailed off some postcards. It was kinda of neat, but I don't see what all the hype is about. We still had fun though, it just wasn't what I expected.
After visiting the North Pole we headed home. The trip went by pretty fast. The drive is so beautiful! Lance slept almost the whole way home. He was just so wore out from having so much fun and staying up late. Lexie slept a tiny bit and then chatted with me the rest of the time. She can be so silly. At one point she took off her socks, put them on her hands and was acting all silly.
We had such a great time with daddy this week. We have a few fun things planned this weekend before daddy leaves again on Monday. Yep, he leaves out again on Monday. His work is short handed and needs him to go back up to the slope again. Not really sure for how long this time.
It stinks, but I know it could always be worse. He could not have a job at all, or be military and be gone for a year at a time. We are making the most of it and enjoying the time we do have together.

Scared to death!

Yesterday we came back to the motel to hang out before dinner. lexie was following me around the room while daddy and lance were hanging out on the bed watching tv.
I decided to start our car so it would be warming up while we were getting ready to leave. Our room is at the very end of the hall rite next to the stairwell. I thought I could open the door and push the button to start the car. So I opened our door and didn't let it close behind me so I could step rite back in. I went through the door to the stairwell and it closed behind me. I didn't know it would automatically lock behind me. I banged on it for a second but no one could hear me so I had to run down the stairs, go outside, run around the building to the door, wait for someone with a key card to go into the building, run in to the elevator, stand and wait for someone to open it from either coming down or use the key card to go up. I was standing there waiting and wouldn't you know I could hear Lexie yelling for mommy. Not a scared yell, but jut yelling.
I WAS FRANTIC!!!!!
Finally the door opens and I am able to go up the the floor our room is on.
I start running down the hall and I see Andrew. I yell out "is lexie with you?" He gives me this huge o crap look and says "no! I thought she was with you!!!"
I am about in tears. Then I hear lexie again! She is in the other elevator and it was stuck because she is pushing buttons. She is saying "mommy let me out!"
She kept hitting the alarm so the elevator wasn't going anywhere
I kept pushing the up and down button hoping that it would just open but only the elevator next to it would open. I kept thinking "what if it goes up or down and we don't know where she gets off."
Finally I told Andy I was goin to the front desk, but calm him walks over and tells her to stop pushing buttons.
Once she stopped he was able to make the elevator open and there was our little giggling girl.
O my goodness! I have never been so scared in all my life. My heart was racing and I just felt sick.
All evening I just felt horrible! HOW WAS I TO KNOW THE DOOR WAS GOING TO LOCK BEHIND ME. My plan was to just step out and turn around and step back in.
It wasn't Andrew's fault;He thought she was with me.

He's Home!!!

Friday morning I got a call from Andrew that he was finally coming home. I was so excited!! We didn't know if he would for sure be able to because of the strong winds they had up there is Deadhorse. After a very bumpy plane ride he made it home. The kids and I have never been happier!! We made a celebration dinner which included, a ham, home made mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, home made bread and a home made peach pie. Totally not on our diets, but Andrew deserved it.
Poor Andrew was so wore out he took a two hour nap and then went to bed at 8:30 with the kids and slept in till 9:30. After 5 weeks of 12 plus hour days he was wore out.
Saturday we took the kids to a splash park (indoor, of course) in Wasilla. They loved it!!! We had such a great time and the kids got wore out so Andrew and I were able to spend some time together, but first things first. My man needed a haircut! He was looking pretty wooly.
I got one of Andrew's favorite movies, The Man From Snowy River, and we just enjoyed some time together.
Sunday we forgot all about day lights savings time an over slept for church. We spent the day lounging around the house watching it snow and planning a couple fun things to do through the week.
Monday morning we headed for Fairbanks. We had an amazing drive up here. It was so pretty! We drive through part of Denali National park and even seen Mt McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. The kids and Happy did amazing on the 8 hour drive. We stopped once to run around, take pictures, potty, and dig out the snacks.
Alaska really is amazing!! Everywhere we have gone so far has been just breathtaking. The animals here are so awesome. We love just driving around looking at the moose.
We arrived at our hotel in fairbanks and wouldn't you know the room we had reserved they had rented out. I was waiting expecting them to turn us away. Instead she hands me keys to the Caribou Suite, apologized and told me we would be charged the same price as the basic room. Talk about relieved and super happy!! The kids are loving are extra big room! We unloaded the car, stretched are legs and started looking for a unique place to eat. We decided on Big Daddy's BBQ. Guy Fieri with Diner's Drive Ins and Dives visited here a couple years ago so we knew it would be good. The good was good and not too pricey. My only complaint was we waited 45 minutes before we even got are drinks or orders taken. Our waiter "forgot" about us. It was pretty aggravating especially when you are waiting with a super hungry 2 and 3 year old. Our food was great so I'll forget about he wait.

Tuesday we took the kids to the Ice Park. The Ice Park is where the BP World Ice Arts Championships take place. It was absolutely amazing! Some of the sculptures were made just for the kids to climb and slide on. Others were not for touching but were being judged. They were so amazing and so full of details. I really can't decide what my favorite was. I mean just look at these pictures!!!
We drive around Fairbanks for a little bit just seeing the sites (seen 3 moose) then decided to go back to he hotel to rest a bit before going to dinner.
I googled a few places and we decided that the Cookie Jar sounded like a neat place to eat. Guy Fieri had also visited here. The service and food were great! Once Monday comes around I am hitting the gym hard, but for now i'll just enjoy slacking on my diet.
We are really enjoying spending some much needed time with daddy! God has blessed me with such a wonderful husband and friend and gave the kids and amazing dad!

Parenthood

After almost 5 weeks of having Andrew gone I am wore out!! Today was one of those days that everything pushed my buttons. It seems the more frustrated I got though I just created more problems for myself.

After the gym this morning the kids and I went to subway. I was in a hurry trying to get the kids food out and cut in half while Lexie is grabbing for stuff. Well I went to unroll my sandwich and the dang thing rolled rite out in the floor. I was so hungry. I didn't know what to do. Should I ask for another sandwich? It wasn't there fault that in my rush I did that.
Then tonight I felt like I just went from cleaning one mess to the next.

I seriously don't know how these military wives up here do it. A friend text me tonight to vent a little. She has four at home. She was trying to do homework with them, dinner, baths and everything all by herself for months on end.

Parenthood is tough!!! With people having to move away from their families and not getting any help from family it just makes it harder. I don't know how anyone can juggle more than two children these days without a nanny or some type of continuous help. Then there is the added pressure to have your child in every sport and activity. Who has time for dance, soccer, gymnastics, track, basketball, piano etc... for a bunch of kids! I see moms who do it, but lets face it they look like crap! They are sleep deprived and run ragged!
I don't want to be the mom who is constantly exhausted and over whelmed by so much. I don't want my kids to feel like they can't have all of me. I want them to have 100% of mom at her best. Not what's leftover after a crappy day at work.
Yikes! This world is hard enough as it is. Kids grow so fast. I want them to have great memories of their mom. I know Andrew and I made the very best decision for our kids by choosing for me to be a stay at home mom.
Our kids have missed daddy so much these last few weeks. They have cried so much when I have to go do a Pampered Chef show. I couldn't imagine how they would feel If I had a 40 hour a week job. I know people say they get used to it, but is that really what I want my kids used to?

My mind has been spinning a lot lately. We have talked some about me going back to school. As much as I think it would be great I know it would NOT be best for my family. Do I really want to put that financial burden on my family to maybe make it back later. With this economy no job is for sure. It's not even just that. Do I want to go to school during the day then spend the evenings trying to read, write papers, clean, cook, spend quality time with my kids and husband (that does not mean in front I the TV) etc.... I don't see how it could be beneficial to anyone! If I wait till they are in school then that means in the evening I will be trying to help them with their homework, cook dinner, baths and then My homework. So if I decide to do one class at a time then that's not much help either. It would take me 6 or more years to finish school. No way we twist it does it make since for me to go back to school. At least,not in the near future.

Rite now the biggest contribution I can make to my family is by raising our kids and being the best mom to our children. It's not about me. It's about my kids and their needs come first!

That's my little rant. I'll step down off my soap box now. I am not going to worry about keeping up with the Jones's. I'm just going to be the best mom I can be and a good quality one who isn't overwhelmed! I mean my kids and husband deserve the very best so I'm gonna strive to be the best for them not for everyone else.

What's up

Andrew still isn't home yet! He thought maybe Friday he would get to come home , but that changed to Tuesday. Now it looks like tomorrow won't work out either. They are under wind advisories so no flights in or out the next couple of days.

Thursday was a very exciting day for Lance. He got his very own library card!! He doesn't quite understand how it works. He thinks the librarian lets us borrow the books, which he thinks are all hers. Lance is bored with most of the books we have. He needs more than just rhyming and pictures. He loves stories!! Wouldn't you know the very first books he picked out were Curious George books! I found it very funny reading to him the things that back in the 40's were totally acceptable, like smoking. Now days the storyline are quite different.
Lexie loves the library too! She is a little overwhelmed by so many books. We went to the library back in Missouri but that has been over 8 months ago and you know how much kids kids change in 8 months.
We have already traded out our books twice for more curious George books. We can't wait to go to our first story time.
Last night I let both of the kids sleep in bed with me. Lexie had her horsie and so Lance wanted something to hold. He went up to his room and brought down a ball to hold. It couldn't hurt him so I allowed it. I enjoyed cuddling with my babies!!! We all slept so good last night.
That's really all that has been going on with us. The only other exciting things that go on are pampered chef shows, going to gymnastics and the gym. O and Happy turned one year old the other day 😄
We can't wait for daddy to get home!!!