Margaret & Darrell, Chefs Extraordinaire

(Thanks, Steve, for lending me the photo!)

The Cox's

Steve and Denise Cox and of course Anthony, their son!
Just moved up from Sacramento...Very interesting how the Lord is bringing up families from across the US to Jubilee Worship Center.
I must beware...Denise makes a mean cup of hot tea and pumpkin cake. (Steve makes me laugh.)

Baby Wiggy...

Anthony is much loved!

Chris, Steve and Isabella

Thanksgiving Day

Our Thanksgiving with dear friends...
Since I am always behind the camera... voila! I have friends! :)

Above: Me, Margaret Russell, Denise Cox

Standing: Me, Rebekah

Sitting: Cathy Dallaire (the Russells daughter)

Rella's Calendar

Butterfly Science, Finale

Butterfly Science, Part III

Butterfly Science, Part II

Butterfly Science, Part I

John-James

Volunteer school - that's what this is! John-James cried when I told him I was too busy to do school last night.

Act II, the von Revells Family Singers

The Singing von Revells

We videoed some of our school work here in the Russell's shop. This is the first post. The only thing missing is John-James! He was taking a nap. But I have a really cute video of him coming up.

Up Moose Mountain - again

Now the snow is here in earnest. The trees are beautiful and ethereal. Last week, we went up Moose Mountain to the Roberts home again for a morning snack - homemade rolls with jam and some cookies. And I had some chai tea.

Through the spring, summer, and fall I would also ask for a grande Java Chip Frappucino with a shot of espresso, whipped cream on the bottom, please. So now I am loving spiced chai tea, even a chai latte. And the Roberts make a mean cup of chai tea.

It was so pleasant to sit and chat with Sachi laughing at our 11 children running around and having so much fun while the menfolk had a business meeting.

Enjoy the clips and the Diana Waring Roman history lesson!

The Boys & Arctic Car Care

Isabella Maria

I couldn't resist one more...

Happy Birthday, Baby Bella!

Can't believe our baby is one! We measure our Alaskan experience by her birth. She was one week when the possibility of Alaska came up. She was 2 months old when we first came to visit. Isabella was only 4 1/2 months old when we moved here.

So my darling, I am sorry we are all sick with the stomach flu. But when we feel better in a few days, we will have cupcakes and ice-cream!

And when we move into our newly remodeled home, I will throw you a special party!

Oh, my goodness!

Oops! In all the comings and goings of our life, I forgot to tell you about our dining room table!

So, at the end of August I journaled about trusting that God would provide us with a much-needed table. In September, we received a check in the mail for a table. I searched all over Fairbanks for this particular dark wood farmhouse table that I had in my mind. Ronni LaBean watched the children one afternoon and I shopped all around. But, I did not find it.

Then mid-October, by chance, I went to the apartment of one of our youth leaders, to help carry up chairs and a card table. And lo and behold, there it was - in Chris Bressler's kitchen. I could have cried, I was so happy, I had found my dining room table! Only one problem - it was already in use! I quite forgot the reason I was there in the first place, I was so excited. Ronni was with me and I told her, "This is the table I have been looking for! I have searched everywhere for it! No wonder I couldn't find it - it was in Chris B.'s kitchen!"

Turns out, the table is actually hers! Chris B. has always wanted to make a table so he agreed to sell us the table and he is using the money to purchase lumber so he can build their own. Pretty special, huh!?!

And in the midst of all our moving out, I am not sure I can find a picture of this amazing table. I will keep looking.

So, we put oil lamps on it in keeping with its heritage. We were watching the Waltons and they have the same exact table, 'cepting that theirs was a bit longer. So now my heart can be full, gazing down the table at my husband and surrounded by beautiful hungry children. I just love eating at our table together.

Thank you, Lord.

Ah, here it is...

The Russells

The way to our "home away from home"...

The Russells have graciously put us up in their "shop." This is their office in the disguise of a guest house. We have 2 bedrooms, the exercise room got converted to the boy's room, a living room, kitchenette, bath, conference room turned school room, and our very own reception desk turned kitchen counter. I have the crock pot, toaster, expresso machine (very important - right, Dad?), electric skillet, a microwave and fridge. What else could I need for this adventure? Oh yeah, they have a real popcorn machine, too. Like the one in the movie theatre. Only, I don't know how to use it.

So as I sit here typing, I am overwhelmed with a sense of privilege. We have experienced the depth of faith-walking and now the favor of the Lord. Who are we that God would send someone to shower us with unconditional love? The answer: we are royalty. Now that is something to meditate on this evening. We are royalty.

The "Shop"

Demolition Days

Here is a quick preview of the demolition of our little home. Everything came out - ceiling, flooring, some walls, all the cabinets, tub, appliances, even the kitchen sink! Very exciting! Stay posted in a few weeks for before & after pictures.

Our first snow! It didn't stay long. But it was beautiful and made us long to see more.

Trip to Anchorage

We went to Anchorage for Youth Conference. Last month, we had 3 conferences. It was crazy, but good. The trip was beautiful. Enjoy some of the scenery...

Mount McKinley...

Moose

David got charged by a couple of moose at the FCF Trace. Nothing major; he hid behind a tree while Chris raced to his rescue with our truck, "Ol' Bertha." He was shaken up though! Listen to his voice... :)

Tired after moving out!

Alvin, Kirsten, and Brennan

Nathan and Robin, Brennan and Chris

"Extreme Home Makeover" on 3rd Street, Fairbanks

So... I have this amazing newsflash! Last week some friends of ours decided to loan us some furnishings from their model home. They came by to see what we "needed." Came back by the next day to take measurements to see if their furniture and accessories would fit. Well, they had a bigger plan than we ever dreamed. After talking and planning and not sleeping very much the night before they presented us with Plan B! (Don't ask about Plan A! :) )

They would like to totally gut the upstairs and remodel the kitchen, bath and living area as well as the master bedroom. New appliances, new windows, new flooring, new ceiling, new everything!!!! How totally amazing!!! They wanted to bless us and bless our church and pay for everything themselves.

I stayed in a state of shock for a week. How could God send a precious family to bless us this way? Things like this happen on Extreme Home Makeover (HGTV) not in my life! I almost feel famous and terribly important. I feel like royalty. This feeling of being loved without reserve. Just for being.

Well, I had to work really fast even in a state of shock, because we needed to start the demolition phase within 2 days. So I sent out an emergency text and our young people poured in to help us pack and move out.

These pics are Jessi LaBean, Kirsten Markle, and of course Brennan!

Oh, my goodness!

How did they get to be so big?

Baby Bella

My Baby Girls

Hanging at the King, Part Two

All of the kids (young adults :)) in the pictures are mine! We claim them all! They are a marvelous group of young people.

Hangin' at the Taco King