Born to live up North

I tell you what...my son is nothing short of a complete product of Alaska. He has wanted it to get bone chilling cold for the last two months and has been hoping we would have blizzard like conditions for about that long too. Trav and I love the cool air and fall like days but Travi is all about snow. He loves it more then anyone I know. This morning he came into my room and woke me up to tell me it was snowing. I told him I would get out of bed and come right down. I laid for a minute enjoying the warmth of my covers and let my eyes focus. I came down the stairs and my heart just melted. There was my boy, sitting alone, in total silence admiring the snow through the window. I snapped this picture.



He said he was watching the snowflakes fall and that is was so pretty. We must get this boy back to his neck of the woods!

A good day to hike...

So we woke this morning to a dusting of snow, Cape Cod's meager attempt at winter so far. Travi was pretty disappointed so we decided to take the kids on a hike. We headed off Cape a couple of miles to this really great dog friendly beach called Ellisville State Beach. It is about a 1/2 mile hike to the beach. Along the way we passed some marshlands and followed the paths through the woods eventually dumping out on the beach. The dogs were beside themselves and Travi was just in his element. Taylor was cold and opted for a push in her favorite outdoor transportation, "The Buggy" as she calls it. The beach was really pretty today. We got there on the incoming tide and the waves were the biggest we have seen since arriving here two summers ago. East coast beaches in general don't really have good waves, but because of a passing storm the surf was pretty good today. We beach combed and even saw the remains of a dead seal, which was the highlight of Travi's day. No matter what, it feels good to get outside on a cold day and breath in the fresh, crisp air.


Ellisville Beach~Biggest waves we have seen here yet!

Taylor overlooking the beach.

The boys heading down the path to the beach.

The marshlands leading out to the ocean.

Taylor preparing for the hike. She did survive this outing and eventually did come out of her fleece cocoon.




Here are a couple of photos showing our dusting of snow this morning.

For you viewing pleasure....

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas...

I know that every family has their own traditions and symbols of Christmas. We all bring out our decorations every year and get ourselves in the spirit of the holidays. At our house, we LOVE the holidays and decorating. We smile and get giddy at the though of brining up our decorations from the basement. We barely make it through Thanksgiving before the kids are singing carols and begging us to get a tree. More then anything we have one item in our Christmas goodies that officially signifies that Santa is on his way. Our elf...


This elf has been in my family for a very long time. I have been told he has been around at least 40 years. He was given to me by my Mema years ago when I was about 10 years old. I have so many memories of seeing this elf at my grandparents house. He was always very special to me and finally one year, Mema said I could take him home to my house. She had another one that she kept with her. So for years he participated in Christmas at my parents house. Then, once I got married and moved away, mom sent him to me and he became part of my Christmas traditions with Travis. Now that we have the kids, I get to partake in the joy of sharing his magic with them. Each night after we go to bed he comes to life with the help of Christmas Magic and protects our decorations and present. He also reports back to Santa on how well we are all behaving. He has been so devoted to our family for so many years and I love the idea that he will be with us for so many years to come. Some day I will share him with my grandchildren too! So in our house, Christmas is only official once our elf begins his month long task of watching over us until Christmas Day. Then we can begin our "Countdown to Christmas"!!

Hunting

Well, on Friday the guys headed up to Maine for a quick overnight hunt. Trav was looking forward to taking Travi out to the woods and teaching him the basics of going on a hunt. Mainly, the art of being quiet. Anyone who knows anything about Travi knows this is extremely difficult for the gabber box. So geared up and wearing two pieces of Blaze Orange each they spent half of Friday and half of Saturday in tree stands and deer blinds. They didn't see anything other then a Snow Hare but I am positive both have memories that will last a long time.

Travi of course did not want to come back to the Cape. He would have preferred to spend the rest of our time on the East Coast in the remote house out in the woods that they stayed in. He loved the fire place, chopping wood, walking in the woods and making deer calls.

Week of Thanks-Day 4

So today I am thankful for:

My friends.

My good friends mean the world to me. In the lifestyle that Trav and I live, it makes the value of friendship so very special. We are never close to family so during those times of extended separation we surround ourselves with friends. Friends become like family when you need a place to escape to, when you need a shoulder to cry on, when you need a helping hand moving your TV into just the right spot and its to heavy for your wife to lift. They are those people who you share holidays with when you can't go home. It is invaluable to me have my friends by my side or on the other end of the phone.

I value my dear friends because in times when Travis was not home for extended periods of time and my family was 4000 miles away, I could look to them for anything at anytime. They keep you going and make you smile on days when you feel like you can't. They let you grip and complain and they understand why. They love you children like family would and take them in when you need a hand. It truly feels good to have people like that in your life. I can honestly say that I rely on my friends for so much support and companionship.

To each one of you...You know who you are. Thank you and I love each for the friendship that you have brought to my life. You are all uniquely different but vital to my happiness. To the ones I don't see right now, I miss you dearly and look forward to those hugs when I see you again.

Week of Thanks-Day 3

So Today I am thankful for:

My family...

Family is the glue that holds life together. For me, my family are those people who have always seen past my imperfections and faults. They are the ones who are honest, forgiving, loving and constant. My parents have always loved me and supported me. We may not have always seen eye to eye on life, but there was never a lack of respect there. We have learned to understand one another and my parents from the times of my early childhood through today have always offered a hand when I needed it and an ear when I needed someone to listen. As I have gotten older, the importance of family has become more clear to me. Travis and I live our daily lives never really being located close to our families. Yet, they never feel that far away. Its all about making the effort to stay connected. Its about calling instead of texting. Its about cards and emails. Its about doing anything and everything to keep that bond going.

I try really hard to let my family know that they are truly always with me. I am who I am because of who I was surrounded by as a child. My foundation is strong because of all of them. Whether it be my parents and their constant vigilance, my sister, my grandparents, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins and everyone else that falls in the bloodline. It is an honor to say I have a strong foundation around me that still tries to raise me up.

I am also very blessed with an amazing mother in law. She came into my life many many years ago and treated me with the same respect then that she does now. I have always felt wanted and loved by her and have enjoyed some very important conversations with her. She is the mother of the man that I love. I respect her ability to rise above hard times and devote her life to her family. She is a role model and a friend to me. I love her dearly.

God has truly blessed me with strong, good and sound people. Family is everything...Without them I would be lost.

Week of Thanks-Day 2

Today I am thankful for...

My Husband.

Travis is my absolute soulmate. I know people use that term so often these days, but truly that man was meant for me. He so wonderfully completes the person I am. He has not only been a loving companion and best friend, he has also been a shopping buddy, a friend to drink wine with, my movie night friend my snuggle buddy and so many other things. No matter where we are he is my first friend and he always supports me 100%. Over the years I have found myself is some very uncomfortable situations, whether it be where we are living, my lack of a social life and friends or just a turbulant time in my life. He has ALWAYS extended a loving hand to me and offered me comfort or a shoulder to cry on. He is the rock in our marriage as sometimes I can be weak but I never have to wonder. Wonder if he loves me, is annoyed or fed up, he just always tells me its OK and nothing matters but us and the kids. He always just gives me his heart and lets me feel like a wonderful wife, mother, daughter and friend.

I love that man more every day and every minute. I still get giddy when I know he is about to walk in the door after being gone and when he reaches down to hold my hand. Its those small things that make life so worth living.

Trav I love you all the way from Cape Cod to Kodiak and back again and then to infinity and beyond!!

A Week of Thanks-Day 1

As this week will lead us into Thanksgiving, I have decided to sit down each day and offer thanks for something in my life. So today...

I am thankful for my children.

Travi and Taylor have truly been the biggest blessing in my life. They bring me so much joy and smiles I can not image being without them. They have changed Travis and I in so many ways. Everything in our lives is affected by the kids and every choice we make is only made after thinking about them. Life is a blessing when you are given the opportunity to care for two amazingly beautiful babies and watch them grow into beautiful little people. They have brought me the biggest challenges in my life, which have allowed me to grow. They have also brought the biggest rewards, which have made my heart whole. All children are a blessing, but my children are nothing short of gifts from above. I am so very thankful for each and every day with them, and whatever those days bring.

Homemade Water Filtration System

So this past summer Travi got a survival book while on one of our trips. One of the topics in the book was how to make a homemade water filtration system. He has been dying to make this for some time now. Only problem was, he needed a 2-liter bottle for the project. We don't drink soda so we never had the bottle. Well, he final convinced me to allow him to buy a bottle of root beer so the he could do the project. So after enjoying 2 liters of what he called "Delicious Goodness" he got to work. The idea of this project is to filter water through layers of a catch system that would clean up the water enough to make it drinkable. So we used trouser socks, grass clippings, sand and more trouser socks to filter the lake water and see if it became clean and drinkable. We went down to the lake by our house to test it out. It worked pretty well and he was really happy about it.

I tasted the water and while it did taste like liquid mud, it would sustain a person in a survival situation which was his ultimate goal. My little Survivorman had another successful day. I can promise you one thing...When my boy is all grown up, if you ever decide to get yourself lost in the woods take him along as a companion and you will not die.

Here are the pictures of his Water Filtration System.

Fleas are Hard Work

We have been combating fleas for what seems like forever. Apparently another perk to living in the New England area is that your dogs get fleas and according to the vets there is nothing you can do about it. Funny enough we are those dog owners who spend obscene amounts of money on flea and tick treatments only to find out they don't work. Our dogs have battled ticks since our first day here and we are now on to the joys of fleas. So, the dogs have had to endure a few weeks of what I am sure they consider "Living Hell". This includes daily baths, flea dips, nights without their bed and banishment from the couches. Yes, our overworked dogs have not been allowed on the couches for weeks now.

So today Trav finally allowed McKinley to get on the couch and lay in his lap. I have to imagine for her this was comparable to a full body massage for us human folks. I walked into the living room and this picture is what I captured as evidence of total "Dog Bliss".

For those wondering, the old reliable $6 flea collar, daily baths with dish soap and my obsessive vaccuming/steam mopping is what I think did the trick. *Knocking on wood I don't see fleas after typing that*

Because he loves her...

Today, because he loves her Travis once again succumbed to the needs of his aspiring nail technician of a daughter. Taylor absolutely loves having her nails done and as well loves doing my nails. I try to let her practice her skills as much as I can but some days I just don't want to be painted on. So, being the loving Daddy that he is Trav will occasionally step in and take on for the team. His toes have been a beautiful shade of Pepto-Pink and Purple for about a week now. She just grins with pride out how well they turn out.

Trav and I know that someday when she's to busy with her social life to even bat an eye at us, these are the things we will look back on with a smile.

Shwame Pond

The kids never turn down a chance to head down to the pond and attempt to feed the geese. Unfortunately every time we go down with food the geese are not there. On the other hand, on any given day that we drive by with no food in sight there are about 30 geese on the porch waiting for a hand out. This night there were no geese but plenty of sticks to throw and a gorgeous sunset.

Dog Days of Fall

Well with winter making its official debut here in the next few weeks I caught my two youngest (four legged kid included) enjoying the warmth of the sunshine out on the three seasons porch. I think of all of us, these two enjoy that place in the house the most. Cooper and Taylor love a good cuddle session while warming up courtesy of Mother Nature. It was such a quiet, sweet moment to watch them lay together. Won't be long and that room will be a balmy 20 degrees and no one will be using it for anything but to brush off snow before entering the house.

730 Days!

So, 730 days have passed since my Papa has passed. That many days have gone by since I have seen his face, held his hand, smelled his aftershave and said my goodbyes. I can say whole-heartedly that not one of those days has gone by that I did not think of him, ask him for guidance or just see a photo of him and remember times from years gone by. I miss him terribly bad, not only because he was my grandpa but more because he was such a significant person in my life. I grieve today selfishly because I know he was ready to go home but I know that I am not grieving alone. He had such a profound affect on so many people that I am sure all over the place, people are remembering him today. I hope that they are all grieving quietly how they see fit, but I hope also that they are remembering fondly. Remembering his bear hugs, his ferocious laugh and painful love pats. Remembering an image of him sitting in his backyard with no shirt on listening to his favorite country songs. Remembering any memories they hold dear. I have more then I can write here so I will just hold on tight to them. They are precious and they are what I share with my babies. I love him so very much and I hope that from his eternal resting place he sees my tears, feels my love and hears my words.

Today

Today, I am thinking of a very special woman. Someone who came into my life as a very small child. I remember the day I met her years ago in Anacortes, Wa. From that day on all of my memories of her include her corky, amazing sense of humor and her smile. She was so full of life and loved to laugh. Most people who knew her would tell you that she was definitely a unique, eclectic soul. There was not one like her. Now, today for as much sadness that is caused when I think of the fact that her smile and laugh will no longer be seen or heard in life, I am relieved that I have fond, good memories of her. If she were still here today she would be loving her grandchildren, enjoying Hawaiian vacations with her husband, heckling my dad, making amazing oatmeal and pancakes and living life.

Aunt Bert, you are so greatly missed and I think of you always but especially this time of year. Your life was shortened which doesn't seem fair but I know you lived your time here full and well. That is what brings comfort to my sadness today.

Fall fun and Halloween!

Heather arrived earlier in the week so we have had fun spending time with her and have tried to be outside as much as possible. We went down to Shawme Pond the other night to photograph the fall foliage and the kids. It was a gorgeous, brisk evening and lucky for me Heather and I share a love of photography. Here are some shots from that night!








Halloween is always a favorite with the kids. This year Taylor was a Butterfly Fairy and Travis was Count Dracula. We trick or treated and drug Heather out with us. This was the warmest Halloween we have had in over 5 years. Temps. were in the 50's, which is unseasonable warm for the Cape and down right unheard of in Alaska.

A Great Canvas

Fall is just such a photogenic time here on the Cape. I love the changes that you gradually see happening around you and how Mother Nature paints her beauty no matter where you are. I also love photographing my babies. So obviously this time of year is when I love spending my time outside with my camera. I am learning more and more about my photography skills and loving it. So here are a few photos I have taken over the past few days of my babies out and about with the canvas Mother Nature has provided to me.

One of those days...

Today is just one of those days were I am wishing I was anywhere but here. I really do have a love-hate relationship with the East coast and Cape Cod in general. I think Trav and I both agree that our hearts are somewhere else most of the days that we are here. Lately we have been missing Kodiak so very much. We had some great years there and the longer we are here the more we realize how much we loved it there. I guess these are the days when I wish our fate and lives were not in the hands of a Chain of Command and a Detailer.

You know i heard over and over again that Alaska can change a person. I know most people can not understand that, but we do. Just missing Alaska very much today!!! Here are some of the reasons that "The Last Frontier" has stayed with us. Enough said....