Slacker!

So, I'm a bit of a slacker.  My parents are here for Christmas/New Years and we have been just enjoying the down time! 

Some small news - we found out that in May/June - we will be moving to San Diego where Aaron will be stationed at Balboa Navy Medical Center.  He will be doing a GI fellowship.  3 years in San Diego.  I'm super excited that we will get a break from the snow.

Speaking of snow - enjoy this!

Thunderbird Falls

We went on Friday and did the Thunderbird Falls hike with Sassy's parents and Luke.  The kids did pretty good although they were getting tired when we were headed back.  Here are a few of the picture.

It was absolutely stunning.  It's hard to be in a place as beautiful as this and believe that there are people that don't believe in God.  We are so thankful for the opportunity we had to be here!

Showing some Military Love!

Before I get started, the winner from the Pocket Full of Posies giveaway is comment #4 - Amy Marie. I need your choice of pocket.  Let me know so I can get this out to you!!
Now, before Aaron left, we did a photoshoot with a gal that was referred to us.  Annie did an amazing job and I am so thankful for these pictures that she captured for us.  Thanks Annie.  Take a look!

Hardest. Thing. Ever.

I am removing comment moderation on this post.  I guess I need to get a journal to make it through the next 6 months.  Having said that:

The goodbye's have been said.  I have kissed him for the last time.  I am confident the kids will still wake up in the morning asking where Daddy is.  Especially Maggie.  The test, so be able to tell them that he is gone for 6 months without tears.  Without sobs.  Possessing the ability to comfort them and stay strong at the same time.  Hopefully I will be able to go through the motions.  Get the laundry and dinner done.  Do school and make it to my bed every night. 

This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done!  I already miss you Aaron!

Rumor has it....

There is a few days left in the giveaway for the freezer meal book.  Go here to check out the details of how to enter.

Since it is starting to spread, I figured I would put all rumors to rest.  We have waited until we were sure it was going to happen, but it is now as official as things will be in the military until he is gone.

Aaron is deploying.  He leaves the first part of December and will spend 6 months in Afghanistan.  I know I am strong and I know I will make it through.  PLEASE don't post that.  I don't need people to pull me up right now.  I want to be mad.  I want to be in denial and just live in my little bubble!

He will need do to at least 3 weeks of training in the lower 48 and maybe 6 weeks.  If your counting, that doesn't leave much time!  :)  I am placing all my trust in my Heavenly Father and really putting my faith in his bigger picture, even though I can't see it all right now.  Christmas in this Lewis household will most likely be during Thanksgiving.  Knowing me, the kids and I will probably do school on Christmas day.  Just to keep us going.  Anyway, any prayers you might want to send our way would definitely help!  For now, I am trying to trust in His plan.  Sometimes I am successful, sometimes I am not.  Oh well!

Family time in Whittier

Aaron's parents are here so we went down to Whittier to do a day glacier cruise.  It was super cold but it was a lot of fun.  Here are a few cute pictures.  A mass post will be coming soon.  I don't have much time now.  I've been quilting, canning and sewing.  So, watch for my catch up!

Melts.My.Heart

No other words needed.

Just for the hal-i-but

It is after 1 am and I am just getting to bed.  Before I do, I want to record this.  Tomorrow will be yet another fun post and late night.  Yesterday, mom, dad and Aaron left for Kenai Alaska.  They stayed in a dinky 12 x 12 hotel room.  Drove another hour this morning and got on a boat just before 7 am.  Between the 3 of them, they brought home 74.5 pounds of Halibut and 2 lean cod!  I have just spent the last 3 hours vacuum packing Halibut.  Here are some pictures!

Mom and Dad

That's Aaron in the ghetto green shirt/jacket

Dad getting fresh with the fish!  He's the only one (besides the captain Travis) that didn't get sick.

Mom had to do it too.  She caught the biggest fish!  35 lbs!

Dad, Aaron, Travis (one of the other 2 guys) and Mom. 

74.5 pounds of halibut filets.  Filled the whole laundry basket.

Looking forward to doing the same to the salmon tomorrow and Aaron is doing a halibut charter with his family 2 weeks from tonight.  Can you say halibut?  Anyone care to share recipes?

Memorial Day Camping - Not for the week stomach

We went camping for Memorial Day with some of our friends.  First time we have really been camiping since we've been married, which is 9 years next month.  Anyway, after getting lost trying to find our party, we were greated by a fried who went looking for the bear his wife spotted not to far from camp.  He came back not 30 minutes later and said he had killed the bear.  He went and picked it up, brought it back to camp and degutted it and everything you do to a bear.  (Not my cup of tea!)

He convinced me to take a picture with him and the bear.  Seriously, thought I was going to puke!!

Aaron as an Eskimo!

If you are friends with Aaron on Facebook, you have probably already seen these pictures.  I am mainly posting these for my dad and our grandparents.  If you have no idea what I am talking about, let me explain.

Aaron had an opportunity to work in the villages (Bush) of Alaska for two weeks.  If you have a map handy, I'll tell you where he went.  If not, just ignore the rest of the paragraph.  He flew from Anchorage to Katzebue.  From there, he got on a Black Hawk Helicopter and flew to Kobuk.  He arrived Sunday night (April 12th).  They were there until Friday when they got on their snowmobiles and drove to Shungnak.  He was there Until Wednesday (April 21st).  He flew back to Katzebue and then home on the 22nd.  Here are a few of MY favorite pictures.

Inside the helicopter going to Kobuk. We had to hold luggage on our laps.

Posing outside the clinic in Kobuk.

Riding the sleds on our way to Shungnak. I took this holding the camera out in front of me.

Cross country skiing in Shungnak.

Self photo looking back over Kotzebue Sound

We are happy to have him home but glad he enjoyed himself.  He wished he could go next year but too many other doctors want to go.  We are glad he had this experience!!

A Few Favorites

 I decided to do a post of a few of our favorite things. 

 

The kids watching a movie.  You can't tell but the lights are off.  They love being at the "move."

 

 

Aaron's new favorite.  His new TV and his Valentines present is the Surround sound.

Maggie loves her Tinkerbell chair, her singing dog and pulling faces.

My new favorite thing.  My Cannon Rebel XSi.  I got it yesterday and I am in LOVE all over again.

And, my absolutely favorite thing of all time.  (Most of the time!)  He has really helped out this week.  Picked up a lot of slack with my lack of ability to move.  I love him.  I know I don't express it often enough, but I really, honestly love him with all my heart.  You're the best babe!!

Spring Break

If you are looking for the Princess and the Frog coupon, scroll down to the next post.

I am sorry for the lack of pictures lately.  I finally found my camera just in time for spring break.  So, I will post some pictures.  Spring break was pretty crappy.  Aaron started nights in the middle of it, so it made for some REALLY long days.  The highlight of the week was Chuck-e-Cheese on Friday.  So lame that the one thing that we loved was that place, but it really was the best - for all of us.  I got some "peace and quiet" and the kids got to play. 

 Brooklyn & Kara 

I LOVE this shot.  Closest is Justin (love this face), Colton and Kennie playing Ski--Ball.  Stacie is the one in the black shirt walking by with her mouth open.  Love the action in this shot!!  HA!

Maggie in her glory.  She's been into posing lately.

Kennie, Ryan and Savannah playing Air Hockey.  They had a blast!

The mama's that made it happen.  Stacie, Sassy (I know you were wondering!) and Crystal!!

 
In other news, I bought a new camera.  It's the Cannon Rebel. I am SO excited.  It should be here tomorrow.  I am sick of doing laundry and my house never stays clean!

Yesterday, I gave myself a concussion.  Funny, right?  Right.  I would laugh if it wasn't me.  Long story made very short, I hit above my left eye with my trunk.  Creating a very large, blue and blood red bump in my eyebrow.  I spent the night dizzy, falling over and throwing up.  Sound fun yet?  Ya.  Not good when your husband is on the night shift.  Anyway, that's our boring life. 

Procrastination

I am usually getting on Aaron for his supreme example of procrastination.  He is excellent at it.  Most of the time, it drives me crazy.  However, tonight I am very grateful for this character in him. 

If he had a current Passport, at this very moment he would be packing his bags for Indonesia.  But, since he (and the other doctors in his clinic) doesn't have a current passport, his boss has to go.  Which meant he had to cancel a $4,000 course he had paid and registered for at Harvard.  Um, hello?  Holy Moly!  Thank Heavens for expired passports! 

However, he will probably be leaving the 10th of April for a 2 week TDY (temporary duty assignment) to the Busch of Alaska.  (rural areas in Alaska that need doctors)  Kennie is a little sad that daddy will be gone for his birthday, but I think we will do the party the next week so Aaron can be there.  I can do Busch Alaska.  I could do Indonesia, but I sure am glad I don't have too!!

Aaron - this might be the only time I am grateful for this trait.  I do love you though!!  Just realized, I need to buy another camera so he can take pictures.  You might enjoy that, huh?

Finally

So, it's finally happened.  Let me 'splain!  When we moved to Ohio, I was 7 months pregnant with Nate, Kennie was 3 and Justin was 2.  I was a bit overwhelmed at the thought of moving away from my safe home (okay, so D.C. was not safe, especially the area we lived in, but just pretend!)  We knew 1 family that lived within 30 minutes of Dayton, but I was scared.  I was one that didn't take change well.

Dayton got off to a rocky start.  Our house was a gazillion years old and looked it.  No carpet and my raging hormones made the problems much worse than they probably were.  However, within a few days, it was evident that Dayton was home.  We were invited to the courtyard cookout and instantly felt loved and accepted.  Kennie and Justin were the happiest I had ever seen them.  The next 3 years were a dream (kind-of) and I was VERY sad at the thought of leaving.  However, I knew there wasn't a choice, so I tried to be positive with our move.  Anchorage scared me (okay terrified me) and most of it was leaving my home.  (Still hurts!)

Anchorage started out worse than I could have ever imagined.  I have never felt so alone.  I have never been so full of despair and the "why me" mentality.  I couldn't figure out how a loving God would take me from what I had in Dayton to Anchorage.  We met the Holmes pretty quick and gelled with their family.  They were a HUGE blessing in my life those first few months.  I am sure I saturated her, but I had no where else to turn.  I have so much respect for her and who she was for me. 

Tonight, on my way home from a baby shower, I realized that I am comfortable here.  When the time comes for us to move again, the tears will flow.  I have grown to love the few friends that I have hear and appreciate all that they made an impression on me.  I feel "safe."  I have someone LOCAL that I can call just to chat.  Or because I have a headache and my kids are driving me crazy.  It is nice to finally be at peace with this being our home.  

So, for the next 2 1/2 years, we need to get as many girls nights, play dates at Arctic Playground, workouts at the base gyms, play groups and whatever we might come up with.  Maybe even a craft night!  To you - my Anchorage friends (you know who you are...) I say thank you!

{Merry & Bright!}

Merry Christmas! May your days be Merry & Bright!!

Love,
The Lewis Family

Kitchen

Lots of posts today, keep scrolling down.

Here is our kitchen. If you want to see the layout of the house, go here. There is so much cabinet space here. I have ALL my kitchen stuff put away and still have room to spare. This is a first in our marraige!! All pictures were taken from the informal dining room. We also use the informal dining room as an office. Our computer is in the corner. That's why the printer is on the counter.

Living Room

Lots of posts today, so keep scrolling down!

Here is our Living Room. To see a layout of our house, go here. The Living Room is on the main floor. My favorite part about this floor is that there is no TV. The kids don't like it, but I LOVE it!

View from the hallway to the right.

The rest of the right side (and stairs going up)

Standing in the hall way straight on. (peek into dining room)

To the left of the dining room.

This is the first time we have painted. I am really pleased with the way it turned out. This is my favorite room to just sit in. The couches are new and I LOVE THEM!

Small Update

Kennie – He is doing well in school but is daily upset by the "fun" homework Justin has and his homework is so boring. He complains daily about being the oldest, but usually just accepts that he can't change it. He likes to pretend he is the boss.

Justin – Thoroughly enjoys school. He is excited about his homework and doing very well with his handwriting skills. He is enjoying reading and is very close to reading chapter books. His favorite part of school is being able to check out a library book and read it home for us to read together. He has brought home books about Snakes, Whales and this week brought home one about an elephant and his 11^th birthday party. He started his allergy shots today and isn't very thrilled about it.

Nate – Well, it's Nate. What more can I say about Nate? He is as destructive as ever and doesn't seem to want to take a break from that. He does his best to keep up with the other boys. He even likes to "read" during their reading time after school. He will occasionally tell me he needs to go potty, but I haven't pushed it at all. I am not ready for that fight. Once he is potty trained, I am thinking about doing a home-school preschool group with a couple other gals in the ward. There would be 3-4 kids so I would only have to teach about one week a month. Totally do-able.

Maggie – Oh boy! She sure is cute!! But, she is in to as many things as Nate is. Always wanting to do what he does. She is talking like crazy. Her favorite words right now are: Costco (love this one), airplane, Mama, Daee, Nennie (Kennie), up, down, stuck and all done. She has learned the signs for help, please, more, all done and thank you. Having a girl is so foreign to me! I tell ya, it's crazy!

Aaron – he is alive! He just finished a week of nights and is trying to recover. Work is very demanding on his time and what he has left is spent on his demanding crazy wife! (Did I just say that out loud? This is Sassy – byw!)

Sassy – Well, I am alive. I have lost 16.5 pounds and have 13.5 left to go. I am so psyched. It has been a tough road, and I have earned every pound, but it feels so good. Once it is all over, I will bask in my glory and MAYBE have a Mountain Dew. That's a big Maybe!!

We are looking forward to the visit of Aaron's parents next week. We are trying to figure out some fun things to do in Alaska in October. We've heard that March and October are the worst months to visit Alaska. Hmmm….what to do? Any suggestions? Oh, and I am going to give myself props for the excellent photograph at the top of this post. Do you know how difficult it is to get all 4 kids to smile at the same time? I DID IT!!! I believe this maybe the first time EVER!! Anyway, off to figure out dinner! Ciao from Alaska!

A silver linning

Just a quick update because there is still so much to do. We did make it safely to Alaska Tuesday around noon local time. We arrived at our house and got the keys. I spent All afternoon Tuesday and all day Wednesday and part of the day Thursday cleaning the kitchen so I could unpack the kitchen stuff. I am almost there. Aaron put together the beds and played with the furniture until it all fit in the kids room.

This has been a very hard time for me. This house wasn't what I was lead to believe. With every thing I have had to do, I have been met with a huge road block. It takes 5 times as long as it should to get things done.

What is my silver lining? The Holmes family. BJ came over Tuesday evening and introduced himself. He is a CRNA (An Anesthesiologist minus the MD). His family lives 7 houses away. They have 4 kids. An 11 year old, an 8 year old, a 5 year old and a three year old. He went to the medical school Aaron went to, he went to Sacramento for a short time and then did his residency in Dayton. As you can see, we have a lot in common. Here's the best news, they are in our ward. Too good to believe, I know. I was thrilled, to say the least. They watched the kids tonight for a couple of hours so we could go car shopping.

Time to run, but I thought I would let you know we are safe and well. It's going to take a while for me to get to the point where I can really post. So much to do and I am pretty emotional right now. Continued prayers on our behalf would not be wasted :) Thank you to all our friends and family for their continued support!!

Love,
Sassy

Holy Moly

I don't know if that's how you spell it but Holy whatever. Aaron just booked our tickets from LA (the port where we drop the car) to Anchorage. $3045 later. Yea. Did you just fall off your seat? I did. I called him and told him I think I just filled my pants. He laughed at me. It was so good to hear him laugh. He has been pretty stressed. Anyway, we are leaving from LA the 21st of July.

Our anniversary is the 20th, so, for our anniversary, we get to drive from Vegas to LA and drop off our car and then figure out how to get 4 kids back to the TLF (temporary lodging) and then to the airport at 6 am the next morning. Grrr!