Stuck Outside, multiple blessings

Okay, we did really something crazy.  This year in planning for "Lemonade Day" the kids and I thought it would be nice to have a neighborhood garage sale so that many people would come by our quiet street in our dense neighborhood   Last year, there was a garage sale in our neighborhood EACH WEEKEND.

So, we put flyers up, made a facebook page, and posted signs at the exits of the subdivision.  I was happy to receive some participants phone calls and it sparked more community involvement.  

However it SNOWED last Saturday.  I had no idea what would our Friday/Saturday bring.  Thankfully, we got the best weekend so far this spring- TOTAL SUN with NO WIND in Palmer, AK.  

The Lemonade Stand was a huge hit as with the added donated garage sale items sold the charities will be getting $260! A crazy thing happened as while we were taking our lunch break at 2pm.  Caleb ran up to our home and said, "The Lemon head guy is at your lemonade stand." What?  Yes, some state maskot came and visited some of the stands.  It was crazy.

I loved being outside for the two days.  *I couldn't clean (but I did do the kitchen floor at 7 am because it was SCREAMING my name).  I had great conversations with friends who stopped by.  And all the friends who helped add to the funness of the day thanks  to Rhonda, Sue, Kim, Diana, and Linda).  Also, many neighbors came over to meet us.  LOVE IT!  We look forward to the summer block party and other community building events.

*Last blessing, all the unsold items will be donated to a family who is struggling with bills for their daughters cancer fight.

How to Escape the Wind?

Often I hear people complain because of the terrible winds here in the Valley.  However I have three quick and easy solutions for you.

1) Go to the Butte.
  I have a few friends in the Butte.  Yes, it might be 5 or 6 degrees cooler, but it usually dosen't have the blazing winds.  We hike the shady side of the Butte or go tackle the Intake trail up the Mt. Peak at the end of Smith Rd.  Amazing.  I also recommend the amazing Kahtoolas.  I don't fear slipping.  I can even run down Lazy Mt. with them.



2)  Go to Hatchers.
There is many places to visit. I spent 4 days at the Government Peak Nordic/Skate ski trails down Edgerton Park Rd. just two roads pass the gas station on the left.

Today, I took the kids sledding.  It was breathtaking cold/windy but, no wind there.  Just 15 minute drive from my home.  The fun thing was that no one else knew.  We had the hill to ourselves.

3) Invest in a face mask.
I know my neon green one is not that attractive.  But, I am warm.  As long as the wind doesn't knock me over, I am not affected by the cold gust. You also can use the neck Gaiter.  But, I like my face mask, it never falls down. (enjoy the video with James Embree commentary)

Palmer Fire

What really matters?

We were just enjoying our crazy day.  Woke up late.  We had our Bible Time, speed school, finishing up our novels, Respiratory Science speeches/lab/Jeopardy in a co-op, Chess club for Max, Robotics for Max, Bronwyn and Hannah doing little lady factory (Christmas goodies).

Then as I am packing up for Battle of the Books, James calls and tells me that their is a fire nearby our subdivision.  He was just going home from work early to tend to the dog, etc.

The fire actually just came from an accident and flew into our subdivision.  So, we left to help James pack up a few things (if we had time).

On the way, the children were stressed when they saw the smoke. We have 30 to 50 mph winds and NO SNOW.  It has been dry and blustery.  I reminded them that we will be fine. But, Bronwyn was concerned about her neighbor friends who don't know Jesus.  And then I reminded her that they would still be in school.  But, we did say a prayer for all the people to be safe.

We left at the time that Cedar Hills was being closed.  We had a nice soup and homemade bread at Nonna's and Uppa's home (Max and Donna Embree).  We had so many calls for people offering to help.

Thankfully, we were able to return after 8pm.  When the kids and James returned, Max said,"Before we do anything, we need to thank the Lord." So, we huddled in the kitchen and thanked our Savior.

Please pray as two firemen were taken to the hospital.  They did an amazing job.  

As I was looking at my quiet time journal for the day my response for Psalm 134: PRAISE THE LORD.

1Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

2Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

3May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion

choices...less is more

Before starting a school year there is the choices of "extra" activities.  I thankfully have almost finished For the Children's Sake by SUSAN SCHAEFFER MACAULAY. It is refreshing summer read book that I will re-read.  I do value the  principle of keeping the children's schedule free to play and be kids.  In the book, she values highly the effect of being in the outdoors.  We live in Alaska.  So, we need to be a bit creative to keep our kids active during the dark days of winter.  

But, as of now, I am so excited that I will be out of the house ONE DAY a week during school time.  Yes, on two nights, either James or I can bring Hannah to ballet but it is after dinner and gives us some good time to connect with our oldest.  I choose to combine our one day out with a myriad of activities.  So, we will be free to go walk in the park or listen to a concert at the local library. 

enjoying a flute concert at the Art & Garden Fair in Palmer, AK

Not too early to learn about vegetable shopping from local growers.  

Max: (before being eaten by a giant Venus Fly Trap)

Piano

Pioneer Club

Lego

speech share co-op

Science co-op

(later: Swimming)

Hannah:

ballet

youth group

speech share co-op

Science Co-op

Middle School Book Club

knitting

Bronwyn:

Pioneer Club

speech share co-op

etiquete/art/knitting 

(later: Swimming)