Christmas 2010

The week of Christmas was a nice one. On Monday, I met with the "crew." They are a group of friends that I hang out with. They are a GREAT group of families! I am blessed to have them all in my life. I digress,... Monday we got together and had some yummy clam chowder, then ventured out into the FRIGID night air. As a group, we went to a few members' houses in our church congregation. We put out luminaries and did a little caroling. It was a lot of fun. COLD (we're talking freeze your nose hairs cold), but fun.

Then the same "crew" had our very own Christmas party. It was organized chaos! SO MUCH FUN, but chaotic. With 6 families, and children ranging from 1 month- 14 yrs old. oh. my. There was a talent show with a lot of tumbling, a white elephant gift exchange, and of course the Christmas story was read from Luke 2 and the kids were all decked out in their attire. It was a lot of fun. I am SO glad I have this group of friends. They support me and love me and care for me. How blessed I am to have them all in my life.

On Christmas Eve, I went to my friend's, Megan and Zach Jones’ house. It was a nice fun evening. Dinner was marvelous, gifts were opened and we played a game called "Ticket to Ride,” they had received for Christmas. If you like Settlers or strategy games, it’s a good one to play. We played three rounds. We all won a round and Zach was SCHOOLED by none other, than moi! (Not to brag or anything!!) ;o). (We played again a few days later, and Zach won big time!) The game was a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it! I went home when Santa was heading out...

On Christmas morning, I woke up around 7, talked to my mother and read the list of scriptures of the birth of Christ, that I received on my mission, which has become a yearly tradition for me. It was nice to sit and read by the light of the Christmas tree. Then I went to my Alaska family. The kids opened their gifts, and we had a yummy yummy breakfast. Below are pictures from that morning. I went home, opened my gifts from my family, called everyone, laughed a lot with them, took a nap, got ready and then went back to my Alaska family for dinner. It was quiet, and the table looked GORGEOUS! It was all decorated and SO pretty!

If you haven't guessed, I had a fantabulous Christmas! Hope yours was as enjoyable!

Xander with a HUGE candy cane

Not letting go of the candy candy cane, while opening gifts... problem solving skills in action!
Ruby wasn't feeling too good.
While opening her stocking, she laid down
in the middle. Poor little sister!
Papa and Ruby.
they have a very special relationship.
Reminds me of my relationship with my grandfather.
The barrier, Christmas morning!
The Nativity
Cade in the talent show. He stacked the cups really fast!

Hallelujah Chorus - Alaskan Style!

In Quinhagak, Alaska the whole town participated! Who says Alaskans don't know how to have fun? Here's the article from the paper. Click here. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

A Petersburg Thanksgiving

This past summer my friend's the Hayes's moved from St. George UT, to Petersburg Alaska. I have known Donnie for MANY years! I first met Donnie and his dad, while participating in The Oakland Temple Pageant, a play about the restoration of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I happened to be Donnie's secret pal. His dad made me laugh, while acting in a scene where we were supposed to be cold and shivering and miserable... Most days it was hard not to laugh! Then years later, by chance, I happened to work for the family's frame Shop. I worked there for over a year, and during that time, they became like family. I call them my "LDS family." They love me like their own, and they have been there for me many a time, especially when deciding to serve a mission for the church. ANYWAY,... to say the least, it was nice to have "family" move to the state! The family decided to buy a sport fishing business and decided to move up. While seeing other members of the family as they flew through Juneau, it was somehow mentioned and just known, that I would come for a visit for Thanksgiving. I had seen Donnie from time to time as he came up to Alaska to go fishing in the last 5 years. His wife, on the other hand and kids I hadn't seen since their oldest (who is now 8), was about 6 months old!! They now have 3 other children! I headed to Petersburg, and the plane went up, reached the altitude that we needed and went down. The flight is about an hour long. SO quick! Donnie came and picked me up and then we went to the house, where I was instantly enveloped into the family. After a tour through the awesome house, and being attacked by many a kid, the weekend was filled with laughter, game playing, creating, twirling, singing, sleeping in the living room with the kids, having the couch stolen from me by the 3 year old, while I went to the bathroom in the wee morning hours, answering many a question ("who's your favorite friend?"), eating, cooking, talking, talking and more talking, more creating, a cold shower thrown in, more singing, lots of hugs, and LOTS and LOTS of LOVE. It was SO hard to leave! It was fantastic to reconnect with Meggan since our days of painting, to see Mandy as an eight year old and to meet all of the other kids, and of course to see Donnie and to know that he is EXACTLY the same and has NOT grown up, though he says he has. Donnie made some AMAZING turkey and Meggan and I made everything else, (mostly Meggan). It was THE BEST Thanksgiving with my "family!" I am SO glad I went. I am counting the days til I go again. Meggan was nice enough to allow me to link her blog with mine. Click here for pictures of the WONDERFUL food and the many adventures that we had!!! Thanks Donnie and Meggan and kids, for making it the BEST weekend! Glad I have family here!

***Shameless plug,... Come fishing with Petersburg Sports fishing!!! Click here for contact information! Come fish and catch "the BIG one." Halibut, salmon, rockfish, you may even catch a double ugly! ;o) Hurry and book your time! Come to Alaska and go fishing! While you are here, swing by Juneau and come see the capital! You'll have a personalized tour from me! ;o)

A Petersburg Thanksgiving...con't

On Friday morning, after Meggan and Donnie's friend's came over to help figure out why there was no hot water, and the hot water was back on, we all showered (ah, the joys of HOT water!) and got ready for the day. There was cleaning of the living room, Christmas decorations up, leftovers, eaten, and when it was dark, I was released from my confinement, and Donnie and Meggan let me venture outside by going into town and participated in the yearly Christmas tree lighting ceremony. It was GREAT! We met about a block or two away and all carried candles, or glo-sticks, and walked down the blocks. The high school band played a few numbers, the mayor spoke and then the tree was lit. SO great. Then we walked through the stores, that were open and walked back. While waiting for the parade to begin, I was grabbed and given a great BIG hug, from Sister Jeanie Bringhurst. Sister Bringhurst lives in Petersburg. It was SO good to see her. I know her from the time I have been here in Alaska. Sis. Bringhurst was the Relief Society (womens organization through the church) President of the stake, which means she was over the Relief Society presidents of about 12 congregations. She helped if things went wrong, or help was needed, trainings, encouragement and of course love. I LOVE this woman! She is a woman of strength and great testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She helped me a lot when I was the Relief Society president of the singles congregation here in Juneau. She is a wonderful woman to rub shoulders with.


With the help of Meggan (thanks Meggan) I have pictures! Click here to go to Meggan's blog. Meggan is a woman of many talents and how I enjoyed being with her and getting to know her better.

After walking and checking the streets of Petersburg out, and seeing MANY people I know from Juneau, we went to The Marsh's house. The Marsh's are friends of Donnie and Meggan's. They made homemade churros (SO good) and yummy and garlicky chex mix. Now I am not a chex mix kind of gal, but OH. MY. This was DIVINE! If you like garlicky yummyness, you should try this! The Marsh's are a great family and I am happy to have gotten to know them better. It was a GREAT day had by all!

New favorite show...

I have a friend who teases me that I watch a LOT of reality shows. I tend to disagree. I think reality shows are more Kate plus Eight, Big Brother, Jersey Shore, or most anything from MTV or VH1. I don't watch those. They irritate me. I never really got into American Idol, andSo You Think You Can Dance doesn't really interest me either. I know you are thinking that we will probably never be friends again... oh, alas! ( picture me with the back of my hand to my forehead...). I like Dancing with the Stars, and that's about it. A show was put out called "The Sing-off," The first season I NEVER bothered to watch, I figured it was another competition show and whatever... This past season, there was NOTHING on so I watched it. Oh. my. goodness! This is my NEW FAVORITE show!!!! Ben Folds, Some Nicole Pussycat girl, and Shawn, from none other than my FAVORITE group, Boys II Men, are the judges. They aren't mean, or disrespectful. The groups on the show are A-MAZING! They harmonize, and are all a-capella. WOW, is all I can say. Talent to the core. There is a group from Oakland, a group of older gentlemen 50's-60's) Who sing motown... this group and this other group of young men who sing together in church are my FAVORITE!!!! I hope one of them win...Shh don't tell me who won, I'm watching the reruns. Go, enjoy the show and some good tunes!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!! I know I need to blog Thanksgiving, and my tree.
But saw this and knew I needed to share. The choir sounds MAGNIFICENT!
Love to you all and have a very Merry Christmas.

Fall

Changing color leaves. Wind blowing my hair. Walking dogs in the darkness of the evening. Rain on my face. The smell of fireplaces burning perfectly dried wood to warm their houses. FALL. A Wonderful season!

One of the BEST weekends EVER..(well, for this month! )

This is one of the reason why I spent my hard earned money and took a trip to Anchorage. It was WONDERFUL to go to the temple and feel the peace. The weather was GORGEOUS and so warm. ( This picture was taken a few years ago.) While in Anchorage I also made the trek to Palmer and attended the State Fair. It was pretty good and again, the weather was SWEET! Enjoy the pictures!


A cow that I got to pet. Yep, the dream is still alive!

This is my friend's daughter MJ(on left) and her friend from birth jolynn(right) They were fun and SO cute! MJ was great that weekend! She's a little like her dad which is a little scary ;op

and what's that??? One of the MAIN reasons (besides the temple) why I went to Anchorage. Who is that you say...? Only one of the BEST guy bands EVER... and one of the best R&B bands that was ever given a record deal,... BOYS II MEN!!!!! It rocked. Yes, one of the highlights of my trip! go on, laugh,.. others have. I did realize this weekend that I am freakin' old! Boys II Men have been playing for 20 years and I have been listening to them since the beginning. I remember the cassette tape that I had of their first album... oh yea,.. cooleyhigharmony! aahh,.. the memories!!

A New Horizon

It's time for me to move on. What I am I saying you ask? I got a NEW JOB!!!! After four years at Juneau Youth Services, I am moving on to new horizons! I will be working for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency as a school counselor!!! I will be working at the "new" high school. (The school IS going into it's third year.) The grant that I will be working with is mostly with tobacco, but I also will be counseling teens with other drug and alcohol issues. I am SO excited! I start THIS Thursday!!!!! I have a few days off. One of the best parts of the job is tow little words.. SUMMERS OFF!!!!... I mean, how COOl is that! Pennies will be pinched, but a WHOLE month (or more) in California, I think is worth it! The day after I turned in my notice, I bought a couch! It was 250.00!!! I couldn't resist! Also, in the last few weeks I went to Anchorage. That will be the next post. Keep your fingers crossed that I enjoy my NEW JOB!!!!!!!!!!!

"Stella's day"

I saw this video on "the best dog treats in teh world" website (check out the link--->) It was SO cute. there are a couple of boston terriers that I doggy sit for are just awesome. They crack me up! They have such personalities, as do all of the furry ones I sit for! This video reminded me of them! It was cute and warmed my heart. hope it warms yours!

Stella's Day from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

My friend Jon

This is Jon on his boat. The Maiden voyage! We went fishing and
caught nothing, but it was beautiful!

About two weeks ago now, my friend Jon passed away. It was a shock and tragedy. I first met Jon when he got home from serving as a missionary, in the Las Vegas mission for our church. He and I became fast friends. We would go for drives out the road, debate about the latest news and have wonderful conversations about the gospel, our missions and just life in general. He was a wonderful friend and comrade. Some of my happiest and best memories were with Jon and his love for life. he listened and was a good friend when I needed one. How I will miss him. Love ya Hamblin and sure do miss you!

Flat Sophie

I housed a little girl named "Flat" Sophie a few months back. It was great fun to play tour guide to my new paper friend. I felt honored that my friend's daughter would pick me. Here are some pictures of Flat Sophie's adventure!

While in town Flat Sophie saw her friend Flat Stanley! They met at the glacier

Here is downtown Juneau from across the Gastineau Channel.

The Mendenhall Glacier from a different side

While visiting the glacier, there was a man playing either a
native flute or a nose flute. It was melodic and
a little magical and VERY peaceful.
It was like he was calling to the spirits of the mountains and nature!

Flat Sophie and the glacier

Flat Sophie at the bell that was wrung when Alaska became a state!
Last year at the 50 year celebration the same man who wrung
the bell when he was a boy, rang the bell again!

Sophie and the legislative building. They were in session as well.
I was hoping for a picture of a senator or something! But no luck!

I sure hope Flat Sophie had fun! I did! It was a beautiful day in Juneau as well! For those of you who don't know, Flat Sophie is the cousin of "Flat Stanley." Flat Stanley is a book about a boy who gets flattened and realizes that he can fit inside of an envelope and be shipped and have LOTS of adventures! Flat Sophie was joined by lots of her friends in a first grade class in California, where they shared their adventures with each other as well as the students in the classroom. Thanks Stacy and Caylyn for allowing me this opportunity! :o)

Goin' back to Cali,...

The Oakland Temple


My best friend growing up, Sandra's baby. Isn't he ADORABLE???
This is his "How you doin' look!"
Check out those rolls!!!! SO squishy and lovable!

Two of my best friends, Stacy and Sandra. It was good to see them and chat and LAUGH!!!

These are from my California trip in January...Yes, I realize that it is May 31st and this happened MONTHS ago.. oh well, been a little busy! I had a great trip and just visited with my family and some dear friends. One of the highlights was playing Settlers with the Tingey's. They taught me to play YEARS ago. When I travel back, I try to ALWAYS go over and play a game with them. normally Abraham wins. he and I have a friendly competition. It's a lot of fun. Razzing and smack talk goes on and of course laughter. This past time we played, and I was SO close to winning, Abraham won...again. We made a deal and I can't razz him for at least 6 months. He has bragging rights for the next year and I have one more month before I can start the smack talking! :o). Abraham this one's for you!

The Boston's, Buxton and Suma. Aren't they cute!
I took this picture after I told them it was time to go to bed.
They leaped off the couch and ran to the room and jumped on the bed! There people
were coming home soon, so I had to have them sleep in their kennels the last few nights! It was SO sad, and I missed them! ( I am not sure why this is blue and underlined..)

Suma the night of New Years. She has her bone in her
mouth and her eyes aren't normally that big!

"Once in a blue moon." Yep this is a picture of the blue moon we had
on New Years. DO you know wy it's called a "blue Moon?" I do!

This is Buxton on New Years. He was fine!

This past Christmas, I house sat for some friends of mine. They have two Boston Terriers's that they saved in Virginia. They are two WONDERFUL little pups and were a pleasure to take care of and have for company! Suma and Buxton are there names. They sat on the couch with me, and slept with me. Suma burrowed under the covers and kept my feet warm, and Buxton literally laid in my arms! they have little hoodie sweatshirts for their walks, and are well behaved! On New Years eve, I was still there, but not at the house. I was scheduled! I went to my friend Carrie's house for dinner and a party with all the little kids. I was a hit, if I do say so myself, I was the cool one that got everything down, and refereed the arguments on the dress up clothes! We celebrated Eastern time, and fired poppers at 7pm. It was big fun had by all who were in attendance! I then went to my friends house for some games with the single people! It was fun, and we got into a good discussion. Again, more fun.. By 11oopm that night, I just wanted my PJ's on, reading a book and drinking some hot chocolate. I know, I am OLD!!! That is just what I did. I got back to the house, put on the PJ's, made some hot chocolate, laid on the couch with the dogs and watched a movie. It was SO sad, because apparently Suma, DOES NOT like firecrackers. POOR thing!!! She had her bone in her mouth and as the night continued on, her eyes got BIGGER and she started to shake. I had to put my hand on her to keep her okay. I felt SO bad for the poor little thing! It took a little while for her to stop shaking, even after, the fireworks were completed! then we went to bed! :o) She recovered well and was her ms. priss, self the next morning! New Years was relaxing and fun. Next year, I'm going dancing!!! :o)

Christmas 2009...

This past Christmas, my father and stepmother gave me what I requested. A NEW camera! yay! My old camera, was just not capturing the beauty around me and my life like I was wanting it to, that and it is o-l-d! Its a cool Nikon! A step up from a point and shoot and a step away from a SLR (my dream!). It is a nifty little thing, and when I actually read the directions, it's quite an impressive little piece of technology and heaven! Finally, I have figured out how to download the pictures. It took about 15 minutes... yea, I was just being lazy is the real answer! So below are the pictures, taken with my new little toy, and some of the happenings in December... A little late, oh well! Enjoy!


This was Christmas morning! I got up REALLY early (in reality 7am), drove to the Lea's (in my PJ's) for Christmas morning! I tell you, Christmas morning is just NOT the same without little kids. It is SO much fun! I watched the kids open their gifts from Santa in their new Christmas PJ's, played, and had a YUMMY breakfast! I think I like this tradition, that is, if I am not with my own flesh and blood!

Xander on one of his new toys. Its a video game, learning thing
that you have to pedal the bike with. SO cool! They need
these for adults!

Little sister in her "tutu " Very stylish,
especially with the PJ's!
She NEVER took it off ALL day!

Xander and Ruby opening up their stockings. Yes, Xander moves THAT fast!

Christmas Eve,... I was a baking MANIAC this year! This is not my kitchen I was dog/house sitting... that story to come later...

My friend Lynn. The last two Christmas's we have not gone home for Christmas for various reasons. Her family opens up their homemade presents to each other. They rotate names every year. This year, her sister had her and had her other sister make her a scarf. It was AWESOME!!! Something like 5 yearns were used to crochet with or something.. It was SO THICK! We had a good time this past Christmas eve, even without our families! Good thing we have each other!

So this basically was Christmas in a very SMALL nut shell. After breakfast, Lynn and I opened up our gifts from our families and each other. VERY NICE and THANK YOU!!! I then sat around and talked with my family for like 4 hours! It was a good talk with everyone! I then went to Mom and Dad Lea's house for Christmas dinner. OH MAN, can that woman cook! It was all SO fun and good! Presents were opened, food was eaten, games were played, laughter was heard. All in all, it was a GREAT Christmas, even without my family! Apparently I need to go visit this Christmas as I was told by everyone, " Where you at? I thought you would be here..." Maybe this year,... Now,... on to New Years! :o)

Paper castle's

I know I have been "blog absent," lately. Life is JUST SO BUSY!!!! School is in full swing, which thank GOODNESS I LOVE my classes this semester! Lots of writing, but its ok. They are short papers. Work is hectic and busy.... Some of the best days are when I spend with my "AK family," The Lea's. They remind me of my family, and have accepted me and love me including all of my quirks! I think they are missing a screw or two, but none the less they love me! The kids call me "Auntie Heather," and I have their four year old in my class that I teach on Sunday. I get LOTS of stories from him! Like mooning the whole Primary!( the Sunday school for kids). On Sunday's I go to their house for dinner. It's like family time for me. Last night, while Carrie cooked, the kids and I had a GRAND time! We played, and then drew "paper castles.' Which is drawing a castle on a piece of paper. Markers and crayons were used, and so was the imagination! The castle rocked, if I do say so myself! It had a dragon (drawn by me), flags, a moat of fiery lava, a bridge, a princess(drawn by X.) among other things. We had to put it away while eating dinner, then after baths, we continued and finished! it was a beaut! "Little sister," wanted to draw and color too. She sat either on my lap or in her table chair and colored as well. AAHH,.. what a wonderful time coloring is! Oh and Carrie made a GREAT and yummy spaghetti dinner! Thanks Lea's I love you all! :o)

WHO DAT?????......

You KNOW it! It's the SAINTS! GEAUX Saints!!!! Oh yea!

The written word...

I know I haven't blogged in awhile. School, work, vacation, Christmas all got in the way. I WILL blog about Christmas and the vacation just as soon as I learn to download the pictures from my new camera! During my time off from school, I end up heading to the library to check out some books. The last few weeks, I have read some AMAZING books, that I would HIGHLY recommend They of course, are books that give your brain a break after weeks of studying and writing papers...

"The Sugar Queen" is a tantalizing book, about a woman who is "stuck" in her lifestyle of being her mother's slave and not just her daughter, who is unsure of herself and trying to fix the problems of the past by being her mothers slave, until one day a visitor happens to appear in her closet! During the book Josee, that main character finds herself, her voice, and of course, a love interest! The book is a little magical, whimsical and just plain fun! The book has delicious descriptions such as:

"She stuck her head out and took a deep breath. If she could eat the cold air, she would. She thought cold snaps were like cookies, like gingersnaps. In her mind they were made with white chocolate chunks and had a cool, brittle vanilla frosting. They melted like snow in her mouth, turning creamy and warm."

Now if that doesn't tickle your senses,... good luck!


The next book is "At home in Mitford," by Jan Karon. A slow book, that reminds me of the south. It is about Father Tim, the local Episcopalian rector. It is about the town of Mitford, and the changes that happen in Father Tim's life as well as the people of Mitford. If you liked the TV show The Gilmore Girls, you may like this book. It's a little like the show, you see lots of people's lives, though centered around one person. SO good. It was hard for me to put down! A good relaxing read.




Laura Levine Writes a series called "The Jaine Austen Series." I happened upon these while looking for a book in the library. I read "Killer Blondes," and laughed out loud. Also a quick read. I have a few books on hold waiting for me at the library. I can't wait to get my hands on them! This series is about Jaine Austen, who is a freelance writer and happens upon murders that she gets involved in. Funny books!


Then comes, probably my favorite. "Santa Maybe," by, Aubrey Mace. I heard about this book from a weekly newsletter that I receive, that was talking about books to read during the holiday season. It sounded interesting so I asked my local library to order it. Though when I was in California, it was on sale! So I picked it up! When I came back to Juneau I cracked the spine open and read it. SO good! It is a sweet romance about Abbie, a bakery owner, who asks Santa for a man for Christmas, and what does she find on Christmas morning? Yes, that's right, a MAN under her tree, who has amnesia, and they call him Ben. The story is about Abbie and Ben and how their friendship (with romance swirled inside) blooms! This book made me want to,

a. ask Santa for a man for Christmas ;o)
b. bake some yummy goodness!

The writer has two other books, which I am waiting patiently to receive in the mail. A TOTALLY cool thing about this author, she says that she LOVES to hear from readers and to send her an email. So, in my old age, I am finding courage and boldness, and I emailed Aubrey and told her how much I LOVED this book! The coolest thing, Aubrey emailed BACK!!! how cool is that?!?!? I think pretty cool that she took time out of her busy life to respond. Writing is not her day job, but it should be 'cause she is good at it! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the two that are coming in the mail, to sit with a cup of hot cocoa and read. After, of course ALL of my homework is done! ;o)

So my friends and family, happy reading and I will post pictures of Christmas and fill you all in about the craziness that is my life! Cheers!