January 23, 2017: dozens of eagles

In Kodiak, we see bald eagles all the time.  It's not abnormal to see 7-10 together in a tree or perched on the top of a building, especially in the winter time when you drive along the shore near the canary.  There have been a handful of times when I have seen around 20 eagles in one spot, and I usually gape for a moment, squeal with delight, and/or poke someone who is with me to make sure they saw them as well.   Today, however, I saw so many eagles driving home from work that I literally yelled, "HOLY S&*T," slammed on my breaks, and did a U turn in the middle of the road so I could go back and take a picture.   The picture only shows one group of them.  Up on the side of the mountain, there were a couple more trees with about 15-20 eagles in each one.  Across the road, the canary roof was lined with them, and there were another 8-10 circling over head.  I saw three of them that were sitting in the same tree, frozen, with their wings fully extended.  Like the back of a quarter.  I probably saw close to 100 eagles at once today.  There are 60 in the picture alone!  Aside from the whale surfacing near my kayak, and the three bears along the hiking trail, this was the coolest thing I've seen in Kodiak!

January 22, 2017: Prodigal Mitten Returns

So here is a crazy story:  Last Christmas (as in... over a year ago) I bought myself a pair of the most wonderfully warm, cozy, beautiful mittens at a craft bizarre.  These mittens are one of a kind, hand sewn, fleece lined beauties.  I had them for about 2 weeks before I lost one of the mittens.  I was devastated, and I have kept its mate for over a year in hopes that the lost mitten will return to me.  Last week, I was cleaning through the closet when I saw the lone mitten in my winter gear basket.  I decided it had been 13 months of unsuccessful searching, so it was time to part with the hope that this mitten's mate would be found.   I tossed it into my bedroom garbage pail.  This morning, on my way to church, I took the garbage out and threw it into the dumpster.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at church and I'm not even kidding you, my long lost mitten was just sitting on the same table where they were serving donuts and coffee!!!  Not in a lost in found basket, but sitting randomly on the table!!!!!!!!!!  I literally yelled out, "MY MITTEN!!!"  Then it dawned on me that the mate was LAYING IN MY DUMPSTER!  

As soon as church got out, I walked home and grabbed this weird dinosaur hand grabby thing I just happened to have in the back seat of my car.  (don't ask).  I hoisted myself up to the dumpster, moved around a few bags with my T-Rex hand until I found my special bag, clawed it open and rescued my precious mitten.

I didn't even wash it.  I just stuck it on my hand and yelled "VICTORY!"  I really never thought this day would come.  And what are the odds that the exact day I gave up hope, I found it again.  As my friend Iris said to me today, there is a sermon in this story.  I agree, but I am too tired at the moment to write anything elaborate on it.  Just know, my friends, that some things don't happen in our timing.  Don't let your hope die.  Keep the faith.   Get your hands dirty for the things that matter.  Invest in mitten strings.   Or something inspirational like that.

January 21, 2017: First time sledder

She grew up in California, so I can't give her too much crap, but today was Alanna's first time going sledding.  We tried to go to the ski chalet where you can sled down part of a mountain, but our car couldn't make it down the icy road.  We settled for going to a hill on the CG base.  Yes, we went with Arthur and Henry, but capturing Alanna in her newbie sledding glory was even better than getting pictures of the kids!

January 20, 2017: A little obsessed with the snow

This is what I get to look at when I am on the playground with my kids:

And this was my drive home today:

I consider myself a little spoiled. 

January 19, 2017: even worse than splotchy skin...

During library today, I was reading this book with one of my students.  It's called If you had Animal Ears and it shows you various animals that have unique ears.  It then shows you how your life might be different if you had those ears.  (For those of you with kids, if you haven't seen these books, they are really great!  There are a few in the series, including If you had Animal Feet, If you had Animal Teeth, and If you had Animal Hair.  My students and I love them all.  Anyways, I came across this page, and it describes how life would be different if you had Tasmanian Devil ears.  Apparently their ears change color when they experience heightened emotions like anxiety, stress, or excitement.  I had to show this picture to Jesse, because we both have ridiculous skin that gives away anytime we feel the same way.  We can't hide if we are upset, embarrassed, nervous, excited, or moody in any way.  The skin turns blotchy and red. We must be part Tasmanian. 

January 18, 2017: In the Light

Tonight at Awana, we sang "In the Light" by dc Talk.  This used to be one of my favorite songs, and as many of you know, there is an absolutely ridiculous "music video" that I made when I was in high school of me singing the song.  If you haven't seen this video, count your blessings because you can't un-see it once you have.  It's funny to me how songs bring you back to very specific moments.  With this one song, which I haven't heard in years and years, I was immediately flooded with memories of making iron on t-shirts for a concert, road tripping in the youth group van, and sister jam sessions in the car.  

January 17, 2017: Winter runs

I used Christmas money to get myself an apple watch, and I used the workout app for the first time today on my run.  It has a GPS right in the watch, so it calculates your total milage, your total time, your time per mile, and your heart rate.  I was really excited about this, until I saw how hard my body was working and how incredibly slow I was going.  At the end of my run, I felt like I had gone 5 miles, but it had only been 2.74, and my average pace was 13 minute miles.  I know it was hilly, and I know I haven't run many times since my half marathon in November, but that was not easy to see :)   I got over it pretty quickly though, because we all know I'm one of the least competitive people in the world, and I was just thankful that I got to run through pretty snow and be outside in the brisk, fresh air.

January 16, 2017: so. freaking. cold.

It tends to be a bit chilly in my classroom, and in the rest of the rooms in my wing of the school, but today felt extra cold.  Poor Michele was walking around with her winter hat on all morning.  There is one vent in the hallway that seems to be working, so I actually stopped for a few seconds and thawed my ankles in front of it today after dropping the kids off at music.  The school got a maintenance guy out to look into it by noon, and we finally have real, wonderful heat coming into our rooms!  At the end of the day I think we were up to 68 degrees, and my kids were peeling off layers, complaining of being way too hot!

January 15, 2017: HE'S FOUR!

Happy birthday to this spunky little man!  I'm so in love with his spirited self.  There isn't a day that goes by that I regret moving to Kodiak to be close to him and the rest of his family.

Today in church, he kept looking over at me, smiling, and holding up four fingers.  After church we had lunch, he opened presents (this one from Grandma D was a huge hit), and then we went bowling.  It was so fun to see him with his little buddies at the alley.  He acted so mature and kept saying things like "That was really nice of you" when people brought him gifts.  He truly is a great kiddo.

January 14, 2016: Sweet Surprise

So I went over to my friend Iris's house tonight for some food and games.  Being the good hostess that she is, she kept offering us delicious goodies that she had around the house.  The best moment was when she offered us these fancy chocolates.  Before we opened the box, she warned us that she is notorious for eating bites out of a candy and putting the rest of it back in the box.  Yep, that's what we found.  I almost wish we hadn't received the warning ahead of time.  What can I say, I have classy friends, and I wouldn't have it any other way :)

January 13, 2017: Shaky Shouldered girly laugh

That's what we taught Henry tonight.  This is a screen shot of the video (which is pretty funny).  In this part of the video, he obviously got tired of us making him giggle like a girl, because he stuck his tongue out and spit at us instead.  

January 12, 2017: #bioteacher

Kinsey and I went for a walk at Abercrombie today.  We were mid conversation when she noticed these huge bones laying on the side of the path.  Like a normal human, I "ewwwed" and "yuucked" them from a distance, but Kinsey decided to walk over, PICK THEM UP, and start comparing them with her own legs.

Love her.

January 11, 2017: Just another Wednesday

This Wednesday was actually pretty amazing.

First, I had Awana.  I had a new 6th grader show up, last week and she is pretty new to Christianity.  We got along really well last week, and I was happy to see she came back this week.  She isn't technically supposed to be in my group, but because she and I bonded a little bit, we decided not to tell anyone else that she was a 6th grader and not a 5th grader.  :)  This week, we had really, really great conversations about the depth of our sin and who Jesus is.  I forget how much I enjoy middle school kids sometimes.

Secondly, I met Buskin tonight!!  Buskin is Jolene's new puppy.  We have been eagerly awaiting his arrival on the island.  Look how precious he is!

Lastly, tonight some friends came over and we took turns reading aloud The Twits by Roald Dahl.  The fact that 5 of my friends are willing (and eager?) to come over to read a children's chapter book together makes me smile.

January 10, 2017: Single life

I love the single life.   Sometimes I worry that since I have been single for so long, I'm going to have a hard time transitioning into marriage if it ever happens.  I like not shaving my legs.  I like eating like a college boy.  I like my alone time.  I like watching Project Runway and not having to share my hostess cupcakes if I don't want to.  I also really, really like using the other half of my bed as a makeshift dresser/ storage unit.  I can keep clothes, school work, my Bible, and even snacks on that side of the bed for easy accessibility.  It's really quite convenient.   This evening, however, I couldn't find my journal, my eye mask, or my other slipper.   I think I have a problem that only finding a man will eventually solve.

January 9, 2017: Lisa Frank lives on

By far the best thing I have ever confiscated from a student.  It's a pity I give things back the next day.

January 8, 2017: Sea glass beach combing

The key to finding all the good sea glass:  Go in the winter when it's too cold for anyone else to collect it.   We found so many pieces in beautiful colors I had never found before.  We also got to see another gorgeous sunset!  It was worth stumbling and sliding across the ice field leading to the beach.  I can't believe I haven't learned yet to ALWAYS bring my ice cleats with me, because you never know when you're going to be walking on treacherous terrain.

January 7, 2017: New Years Resolutions

In class this past week, we talked about New Year's resolutions.  One day we shared different things we hoped to learn in the next year.  The next day, we shared bad habits we would like to break.  We went around the circle on the carpet, and I was impressed at how reflective and honest the kids were.  Lots of students wanted to work on being nicer to their siblings or listening more in class.  One kid shared that he really wanted to stop picking his nose because it was giving him bloody noses so frequently.  Another kid admitted that he brushes his teeth with only water, so he was going to try to start using toothpaste.  I shared that I was going to try to eat less McDonalds.  There is another teacher in my room at this time, and she shared that she was going to try to stop eating cheese and crackers so late in the evening. 

Well, a few days later and here I am with my favorite McDonald's meal in hand.  I texted this picture to my coworker to confess how awful I am at resolutions.  She texted back and told me she couldn't judge me because she ate cheese and crackers after her kids went to bed the night before.  At least we both brush our teeth with toothpaste, right? 

January 6, 2017: Popcorn Malfunction

Meg and I went to see Manchester by the Sea tonight.  GREAT MOVIE.  I cried through the whole thing.  Then I came home and cried for another 2 hours.  I am not going to give anything away, but it was a tough, raw, beautiful movie.

What was also tough and sad was the fact that I spilled an insane amount of salt in my popcorn.  Ruined the top three layers of it.  Bummer.

January 5, 2017: Tea Time

I have a kiddo who stays in my room after school for a few minutes while her mom finishes up her work.  I love this girl and her imagination!  Today she served snacks to all the stuffed animals in our classroom.  She is so good at keeping herself occupied with her creativity and imagination- something that so many kids these days are terrible at doing!

 Someone needs to teach the dinosaur some table etiquette.

January 4, 2017: Some days...

Some days your Dory one piece pajamas are calling to you.   So you listen.

January 3, 2017: Sunset at the lookout

I've been loving the sunsets here lately.  You don't see lots of them in the summertime, so the ones here in the winter have been exciting.  I love that I have lived here for 18 months and I still can't help but pull off to the side of the road to take it all in.  Way to go, Kodiak.

January 2, 2017: Game night

It's the last day before school starts up again.  No better way to spend it than having a game night at Meg and Kyle's house.  Henry decided to help me play.  He wasn't much help.  But I like his enthusiasm for board games.

If you haven't played the game "Marrying Mr. Darcy,"  I highly recommend it.   Especially if you like Pride and Prejudice.

January 1, 2016: New Year in Kodiak

Fireworks during NYE are huge here.  Bigger than the 4th of July.  Mostly because it doesn't really get dark enough on the 4th to really enjoy fireworks.  So people go crazy on New Years Eve.  And the next day, and probably the rest of the week.  

Tonight some of our friends got together and we all burned our Christmas trees in a bonfire at the beach.  with fireworks.  And little cheddar smokies.  

Put it all together, and you get a picture of Alanna roasting her little smokies over the Christmas tree fire with fireworks in the background.  Magical.  Except I couldn't time it right enough to capture the firework in the background of the picture.  Use your imagination.  

December 31, 2016: New Years Shindig

These people.  I can't get enough of them. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

December 30, 2016: It begins

I went into the classroom today to attempt productivity before the kiddos return.  Before leaving for break, I made this giant to-do list on my board.  It doesn't look like much, but some of those tasks took hours for me to complete.   By the end of the day, I had spent 5 hours in the classroom and had accomplished things that I have been wanting to get done since the beginning of LAST SCHOOL YEAR!  My favorite, and most daunting task on the list was "Attack closet and try not to die."  Ladies and gentlemen... I cleaned out and sorted through MY ENTIRE school closet.  I sorted through piles and bins full of random things.  I found a world map made of cloth, a huge stuffed penguin, mountains of stickers, and a box of library pockets!  I also found too many curriculum books from the 80s, stashes of student files from 6 years ago, more flashcards than I could count, and some really weird fabric.  You win some and lose some.  I now have a fully loaded shoe organizer hanging from the closet door full of sticky notes, metal rings, velcro, duct tape, markers, command strips, and stamp pads. 

My life is organized.  I don't have plans ready for Tuesday, but my life is organized.  It feels so good.

December 29, 2016: Only here

I got a gift certificate for a massage from Kyle for Christmas.  SO THANKFUL.  I had never been to this place, but had passed it numerous times on my way to Powerhouse for lunch.  I was having trouble picturing the building though... why couldn't I remember what it looked like?

Maybe because, like everything else in Kodiak, a salon and spa would be inside a basic, inconspicuous, shed type building like this.

December 28, 2016: :)

I don't know if there is anything I can say that hasn't already been said about the beauty of Kodiak.  So thankful to be reminded of God's power and creativity as a creator.  Grateful for a break from school and sunny weather so I can get outside and escape the drearies of winter.

Feeling really content and blessed.

December 27, 2016: buds

Arthur and his buddy Eli were too cute today.  

For a minute, Henry was trying to fit on the couch too, but couldn't quite make it.  He was so happy with his tiny square of couch space though.  Anything to be hanging out with the big boys. 

December 26, 2016: Puppy on Pillar

When the rest of the world finally has time off too, you take advantage of it!  We hiked partially up Pillar today.  The snow and ice made for lots of funny wipe outs (shockingly, none of them were by me).  It felt great to get out and exercise!  We took my friends, Caleb and Keagan's, dog with us, since they are in the hospital having a baby.  I love his face in this picture!!!

December 25, 2016: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Kodiak!  This was my first Christmas away from my parents and Jesse.  I cried every three days or so leading up to Christmas, bawled like a baby on Christmas Eve, and had my share of feeling sad today.  But I remembered to praise God each time I was sad, because I have a family who I am close to and love deeply.  We got to facetime while opening presents.  We all laughed at how similar Arthur acted to Meagan in the home videos of when we were kids on Christmas.  I had family time in the morning, went to a potluck with my church family in the afternoon, then headed back to Meg and Kyle's in the evening.  We dominated a 1,000 piece puzzle of a tribute to the 90s.

Overall, a really great Christmas.

This picture is of Arthur wearing a hat he got from Santa.  He decided he needed to keep it on for the rest of present opening.  Weirdo.

December 24, 2016: Santa and his reindeer

Cutest Santa I have ever seen. 

December 23, 2016: Sneaky Kid

I got to hang out with my little guys tonight while Meg and Kyle went to see a movie.  When it was time to put Henry to bed, Arthur was in the middle of eating popcorn and watching a movie in the living room.  I asked him if he could please finish the bite of popcorn he was working on and then take a short break while I put Henry to bed.  I explained that I was paranoid that he would choke while I was upstairs and that I wouldn't be able to hear him if he was downstairs.  He agreed that he wouldn't eat anymore.  I walked upstairs and put Henry to bed.  When I came out of Henry's room, I could hear a light chomping noise coming from Arthur's bedroom.  I walked in the room but I couldn't see anything.  I called his name, but he didn't answer.  I could still hear the chomping noise though.  I walked further into the room and found him hiding in this tunnel tent thing, sneakily eating more popcorn.  I can't say I was surprised :)

December 22, 2016: Kodiak Art

Kayla painted me and Alanna this amazing gift for Christmas!  I have a piece of art from someone from each major stage of life.  Marcie painted me a picture of Hope College's chapel, and Kathy did a painting of the Chicago skyline with a huge tree.  Love them both.  I have been joking that it's my life mission now to collect art from friends wherever I go.  This is an amazing addition to the collection.  It's so Kayla, and so Kodiak.  Love it.  If I ever decide to try to write a children's book, Kayla will be my first choice in illustrator.  She is so talented!