Party Planning Mode

Autumns birthday happens to fall in the middle of next week, so I am having her party this weekend. I am unable to do it after her birthday because it is our grand opening at Target. Of course this didn't dawn on me until this weekend... so now I am trying to do last minute planning. I think we will stick to going and seeing a movie, then returning for cake. I am trying to keep it simple, but yet have fun! We will be going to see "Igor". I'm not too sure about it... haven't seen too many previews, but it is the only kids movie playing. Now my big debate is the cake. I have always made the cake, but I'm running out of time and debating buying cupcakes from Costco. I guess we will just have to see how things go :o)

This day has gone to the animals!!

We decided that we would go check out the zoo today. Autumn is doing better and sun is shining!! It was a whopping 39 degrees when we got up this morning, but it warmed up nicely to about 50. As we got in the car and were leaving the house, there were two moose at the end of the street. One of them is the young bull moose that has a volleyball net stuck in his antlers... see what happens when you try to impress the ladies! :O)
We got the zoo around 10:30, and we decided to buy the family annual pass. It was only $75 and we can even get grandparents in for free when they come to visit.... hint, hint. The zoo is nothing like one I have been to before. It is all dirt paths, winding through the trees. Very natural! They have nice amenities for the animals though, plenty of room to roam for the bigger animals. We really loved the wolves! We got there as they were releasing them out to eat. They let them out in groups of two, starting with the eldest. As they let the first ones out one of them was snarling...scary! They have their food hanging in the trees and stuck down in burrows. They definitely weren't like animals that were used to be caged up... they still acted very wild. We came back and watch them a few times, and once actually made the hair in the back of my neck stand on end. The pack of wolves were all watching and sneaking toward something. I stood there watching and they were keeping an eye on a mother who had three young children tottering behind her. They were actually hunting her kids!!
We also enjoyed the tigers and bears. I couldn't believe how close the were to us. The coyote was bigger then what we are used to seeing also. We will definitely be going back many times. We want to see the otters and seals, but for now their area is being repaired and renovated.

Prayers for Autumn

Our girl has been sick with pneumonia for a week now. I took her in for her follow up this morning and if she doesn't have a better pulse/oxygen level in the morning, they are going to admit her! She isn't complaining about anything.. and I thought she was getting better, but her levels are low and her chest sounds tight. We have put her on a steroid and have to do a nebulizer treatment every four hours. Your prayers will be appreciated! : )

We have SNOW

Today is the first full day of fall, but we have been thinking a lot more about winter. The mountains have been getting more and more snow capped everyday. Everyone one here has been warning us that soon after the leaves turn, winter is here. Well the leaves are not only turned... they are starting to fall!! The highes forcasted for this week is in the forties.. so I'm sure that we will be in the snow soon. It has rained everyday that we have been here so far, so I am thinking and wondering if it will snow everyday???These pics were taken from the Target parking lot..

The Furniture is In

We had the furniture redelivered yesterday. Adam, Austin, and I took it around back and up the stairs, then got it in through the living room window. Better yet, we didn't put a mark on it... take that lazy delivery men!! It is finally starting to look like a HOME in here. I will post more pics later, but for now I have to get kids ready for school and me off to work. I get to start my new training today : )!


Did I mention how small the living room is??!!! :o)

Field Trips,Furniture,and Such

The kids are very excited about the field trips they get to do here. Ayden already got to go on his first field trip. It was on Friday and they went over to a training obstacle course on Ft. Rich. The whole class had to work on the course as a team, it is to build communication and teamwork in the class. They had an absolute blast and needless to say he came MUDDY! It was nerve recking to send him after reading the waiver about the risk of injury and death... but it was from the Army, and they want to cover their butts from any possible lawsuits. Mr. Newsome explained it to them and us worrisome parents to relieve our worries, and in the end I am glad we let him participate. Autumn will be going on her first field trip on the 6th to a theatre (like the Philharmonic). She doesn't really understand what she will be seeing... she just loves the thought of going on a field trip. We'll see if she thinks it was all that once she goes.... I wish I was able to go with her, but I will be working. Speaking of work, I thought I should mention how well it is going for me. I have been promoted and gotten a raise already!! I knew being a freak about details would work out in the end. I am now a "Brand Leader", which entails making sure the women's department is always in tip-top shape. I am going to be spending my days making sure the pants are folded right, straightened, the clothes are on hangers the right ways and sized correctly. It all sounds boring and there is more to it than I can explain, but presentation is huge to stores. I know I hate shopping in a store when its a mess... think of ROSS... no matter how good the deals are, you get frustrated when you have to dodge around the messes to get something off the shelf. Well anyways, I am excited and looking forward to the challenges. So far I am enjoying my experience working with Target... maybe a little sick of Khaki and red already, but I can handle it.
We were supposed to have our furniture delivered yesterday, and they even brought it to the house. But after they got the over sized chair in and then the couch half way in, they asked us to sign an addendum. We very quickly refused because we noticed rub marks on the chair as the were bringing in the couch (which they had stuck in the walkway). So needless to say, they took the furniture back and we are still waiting to hear when we will get another delivery. Next time we will just have them deliver to the house and Adam and I will bring it in. We already measured and will have to bring it in through the living room window... did I mention how small the living room in this place is??!! HE-HE! I just keep telling myself that it is just temporary....just temporary!

Work vs Stay at Home

So I have been a Target employee for three work days now, and I am struggling with my decision. This week I have a great schedule of 9-4. I like this schedule because the bus comes to pick up Ayden and Autumn around 8:45 and drops them off at 4:10. I leave as they get on the bus, and get home right as the bus is dropping them off. I know I won't be blessed enough to get to keep this schedule once the store opens.. it will be like black Friday until January!
But here is my dilemma... I am still expected after working this shift to still know what is for dinner, cook it with a smile, be on top of the kids school work, laundry, dishes,.... and so forth... AND do so with a June Cleaver smile and attitude. I am miserably bored staying at home or a B*%&^@ if I work (or so I'm told). What is a girl to do?
Thus far I have enjoyed my job at Target... more work than retail usually requires since we are setting up the store. I have a new respect for putting things back where they belong!! I guess I will continue this week and see how it goes, but at this point, something has to give!

Saturday well spent

Autumn got to have her first sleep over last night. She made friends with a girl in her class, Madeline, who lives in the culdesac across the street. They were so cute, I swear they have the same identical giggle! After we got her home, we headed out to do some more furniture shopping... they boys opted to stay home and play the Wii. We had the phone book with us, and we literally went to every furniture store in the city. We thought we found some that would work, so we came home to remeasure.... good thing because it would not of fit. So with measurements in hand we headed back out. It is a zoo out because everyone one here just received their PFD money, this is the money that the permanent residents receive, but we found what we wanted and now we just have to wait for delivery... which should be sometime Saturday. :o)
Oh yeah... on our way back out, we saw some more moose. This time it was a momma and baby.

Decor and such

Today has been pretty productive. I headed out soon after the younger two and got some needed things for the house. When I got home Adam and I headed to the Bx for a new propane tank and such. When he wanted to head to Home Depot, I had him drop me off at home. I got busy and got quite a bit done. It usually happens that way.. no one home to interrupt.: )
Aydens room is being done in a sport theme since he is our athlete. His Auntie Candi got him so cute throw pillows before we left and they look great... So "Thank you!!" I also found a neat clock and such so his room is really starting to come together. I still need to get his shelf put up, but since it is so long I need Adams help... otherwise it would be all cockeyed. :o{ I also want to find a cool rug, but his room is almost finished.
Austins room is also coming together pretty well. His is more of like a travel theme. We have made a border out of old license plates at it looks neat. Then we got some old looking advertisement signs/tins. I am still looking for a headboard for his room. I just can't find one that fits the vision in my head. When he got home he was really excited about getting it put together. I love it when they appreciate the work I do!! I can't wait until the other two get home so I can hear their reactions.
Autumn wanted a big girls room, which was fine since she has had the same decor since before she was born... and she is turning eight in a few weeks. I think it was about time. We got her a beautiful handmade quilt for her daybed. It is all flowery and sophisticated. I gave her this teddy bear that my mom and sister made when I was a teenager, it is also floral. She is stoked! I hung up my Kincaid in her room today, it doesn't really go anywhere else in the house and she thinks it beautiful... so Ta-Da! She will jump up and down for excitement. : )
If only the rest of the house was coming together as nicely. We are still looking for furniture to fit the living room, so hopefully this weekend! There just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done. I will post pictures soon so you all can see!

They DO Exist!!!

We finally got to see our first moose on base. It was just outside our neighborhood and walking towards our street. We were on our way downtown, and glad I carry my camera in my purse now!! :o)

Life without Internet

We finally got moved into our house. I am still having mixed emotions on the place. I can't believe that I got rid of almost half of our belongings before we moved here,.. and my stuff still doesn't fit! When we went to the housing office, they warned us that the bedrooms were small....we weren't too concerned because we don't spend that much time in our rooms. But the bedrooms are plenty big.. it's the most important rooms that are too small. My kitchen won't even hold food and dishes. The cabinets are weird sizes and there are only 4 of them. I do have more counter space and I guess that is why I thought everything would fit. Then we have the living/ dining area. They are one room and it is about the size of my bedroom. We are now looking for a sectional couch that we can manipulate into the space. We love our couch but we can't all fit on it, and there isn't enough room to add a recliner or love seat. Not if we want to be able to pull out the dining chairs and sit at the table to eat.
We are positive that we are sharing the housing area with Army. Fort Richards is connected to our base and shares our BX, Commissary, and hospital. Which is just fine, but I truly think they are all the rude people we have dealt with. Our oh so lovely neighbor is one of them. The day we were moving in, he let us feel so welcome. And anyone who has lived on a base knows what it is like when the movers are here. It is a big truck, and they can't help but block someones way. That is just the way it is... we live on a court and share driveways. That's life! but our lovely neighbor comes walking over rather quickly, drops the F'bomb and yelling about how dare we block his way. He was in the movers faces and yelling at me, in which I just sat there stunned....what was I supposed to do about where the moves parked the truck?! How did he move in and not inconvenience anyone else? ARGH!
But now comes the kicker about the house.... I can't get rid of the smell of cat urine/litter box!!I have steam cleaned and scrubbed and tried everything we can think of. The housing office says they never noticed it but did treat the one area they knew of that had urine....anyone have any suggestions?!!

We're Moving Again

Yes, you read the title right... we are moving again! But before you freak out, we are moving into our military house!! : - )!! We got the call today that our household goods have reached Alaska, so we talked with housing and we get the key to our house a week earlier than we planned... it will feel great to have our own place again!! I will post pictures once we get things set up.
For those of you who are curious... today was laid back and we did not go to the Arctic Oasis. I am fighting a sickness....mainly from the climate and elevation changes. SINUSES!!Argh! So I took my time and got every bit of laundry done. I went to the BX and got a pair of shears so I could give the boys a haircut.... I didn't know that my stuff would be here in two days at the time, but they needed/wanted a cut so it was fine. I also finally found snow boots for Austin, size 13 is harder to find. When he got home he tried them on... and they fit.. but just barely, his toes are at the end. Darn Sasquatch Feet!!!I also found a coat and he seems to like it, I don't understand the resistance to wearing a coat... but I think it is starting to sink in how cold it is going to get. His friends have been telling him what we have been, so now he seems more willing. Geez!! Like I want to spend money on useless stuff...or we just want to make him look like a dork!! :)He does that on his own! HE-HE! Now you know how much I adore him... but if you really know him... you understand me here. I do have a video from our trip up here that I could show you all.... but I love you all too subject you to it!!!

What a Mall....

We are on a mission to find a winter coat for Autumn, which is why I have mentioned shopping so much. But I have to say it is so nice to be where there are stores and malls without the hours drive!! :-) I found the most awesome mall today.. it has an ice skating rink, movie theatre, all the major stores we like, a huge Fitness Now. This mall is on the south side of Anchorage, and it seems to be the nicer side of town...cleaner, and the people are friendlier. I actually had people smile at us!!! I definitely foresee a trip there in our future!! : -)
After school today we went back to the Arctic Oasis as a family. This was Adams first time there and it was fun to see him try the rock wall with Ayden and Autumn. I got a small work out in while they did this. Then we all ended up in the game room playing ping pong, air hockey, and Adam taught the kids to play shuffle board. All in all it was a pretty good day!

Back to the Arctic Oasis

After we did some more shopping today, I took the kids back to the community center. They have not stopped going on and on about the rock wall. It is a 31 ft wall with four climbing spots. They are all harnessed in and it is hooked to a counter weight machine, so they can't fall and hurt themselves. Even Autumn tried this time and did very well... she made it about half way up. It really wore them out and we were only there about a half hour!
We plan on going there a lot more often.... this way they can play and I can work out. I even got new shoes... thanks to Fred Meyers (an additional 60% off clearance). We have done quite a bit of shopping, but it was hard to plan clothing when you are in 100 degree weather when you are packing. I was told that it gets warm up here... 80 in the summer. But this year has been a record breaking cool and wet summer. We have had to get more warm clothes until our stuff get here and we are preparing for the coldness of winter. :-)
Well I have to get these kids ready for school! I absolutely love their schools so far....I can't believe everything they have in their curriculum!!

Losing some chicken feathers

We have been getting braver and starting to venture out a little to see what is offered around us. Austin and Autumn was brave enough to venture out with me to do some shopping, and I am proud to say I found the mall all by myself. I had seen it when Adam was driving around, but I am one of those people that has to drive it myself to learn it. We had a good time, and the mall is four stories... it will take me some time to remember where everything is... but I will do my duty to get the job done!!:-) We also found our way back to Wal-Mart without Adam...he couldn't even remember where it was.
We went off the paved road and found the lakes that we can fish in. The Salmon were spawning and were so close we could actually reach down and grab them. We got to see them at the upper six mile lake, and then in a stream at the bottom of the mountain. In the stream the Salmon were still gray, and up at the lake they were the pretty red color. Down in the stream there was a fish ladder and we were hoping to see some of them swim up it, but not in our luck. There was signs posted warning us about bears in the area...hmmm if I were a bear, wouldn't I also go to the shallow water where the fish are flipping out of the water? But lucky for me I am not a bear... I don't like fish :-)
We also found the ski resort, it is a little smaller than Bogus but that is just fine with me. It has a chair lift, a tow rope, and a nice ski lodge... which is where I foresee me spending most of my time. We will have to check into lessons and season pass prices.
Now comes the best find...dah dah tada!!! The Arctic Oasis! It is the community center here on base. It has miniature golf,video games, indoor play equipment, indoor skate park, and an indoor rock climbing wall!! AND an area full of workout equipment where you can watch your kids play as you work out!!!! The equip is next to the playground area, and the rock wall. And best of all....it's FREE!!! Now I'm not sure how I'll like this place when winter hits... but I am loving it so far! There is SO much to do and see and the views are indescribable!!