Love the Bliss

92 Days!

2012-01-20T20:22:00.001-09:00

I cannot believe we're in the homestretch with Ian serving his mission! He finally broke the 100 day mark and tomorrow we'll be able to say "three more months and Ian will be home!!"

Ian is doing awesome! He just registered for school so we'll be waiting to hear about when he'll start. Mallory has actually heard that she was accepted into the Winter/Spring tract at BYU-Idaho so she is very excited! Mallory turns 18 next month and will re-certify for Lifeguard 1. Once she's a level 1 she can be on deck alone, make more money and hopefully get a lot more hours. Until you're 18 and a lifeguard 1 you're not supposed to be on deck alone...but, Mallory has been as she's proved her capabilities. At one pool she's always worked alone but the borough pools are a bit more strict. I believe she's now saved three people!! Abigail is swimming...Annie is swimming. As a matter of fact this coming summer Abigail will start training for the high school swim team! So weird to think of her going into high school!!

Jezzie is about finished with her allergy de-sensitization. I believe I have to give her two more injections and then hopefully she'll be done and healed!! We shall see! But, I think she's doing better! She doesn't seem to be gnawing on her feet as much!

We've had some really cold days up here in Fairbanks! -45 for days! Yep! That's a negative 45...below zero! We've skipped school a couple days and seminary has been cancelled several days as they cancel when it gets to -30. We've had a couple warmer days but it's supposed to get down to the -40's again this week. This is life in Fairbanks! It's not that bad. We stock up on the essentials so I don't have to run to the store for anything and we just hibernate. I actually enjoy the days off from running!

That's the excitement for now! We've got to start getting ready for Ian's return and prepare a room for him. With the renovations we've been doing in the girls bedrooms all their stuff is everywhere! The piano room is full, the upstairs rec/guest area is full and the guest bathroom is full! It's time for the de-crapification process to begin!!!

Spring is coming!! Maybe just two more cold spells and then it will come!!

'tis the season

2011-11-09T21:41:00.001-09:00

Well...it must be the holiday season because I have officially begun my Christmas shopping!! Yep...I've purchased one gift at this point and I'm beginning to think about what I want to do from here. I think I'll begin that list that helps me to organize my thoughts so I don't end up buying too much for one and not as much for another. Apple has an app for that and I love that I can make my list and cross things off with each step...purchased, wrapped, mailed and etc...it's awesome! I'm still waiting for individual lists from kids but I'm excited that the holiday season is here! It's a happy time! The next thing we need to do is dig out all the holiday decorations to really get in that holiday spirit. Mallory has already begun playing Christmas music!

Ian wrote today and there weren't any changes in transfers today. The next transfer is right before Christmas. Oh my goodness! That's when we get to talk with Ian!!! Can't wait!

Holiday happiness to all!!!

Only 6 months to go!!

2011-10-21T19:53:00.001-08:00

Well...today marks an important date! Elder Dixon comes home in exactly six months from today. Well...give or take a day or two perhaps. In six months Ian can come home but sometimes due to transfers he may be a bit early or late. It doesn't matter, it's just exciting that in about 6 months we get to greet Ian at the airport! I can hardly wait to smother him with hugs!

Ian is currently in Arroyo Hondo which is an area of Santiago I believe. His companion is a local boy, Elder Valdez. And, Ian is Zone Leader. He is loving where he's at and his companion and now says this area is by far his favorite. He's had quite a few baptisms...enough that I can't remember how many at this point. He loves the people there and really loves what he 's doing.

That's the latest with our missionary!

Crazy Bliss

2011-09-10T16:05:00.002-08:00

So, one year I thought a good gift to give my grandchildren would be books read aloud my me...their Nani. I did it for a year and sent several books...some of our favorites over the years. On one occasion I was finding it difficult to find a quiet zone to make the recordings. So, I made a sign to hang on my bedroom door that read, "Do Not Enter...Recording in Progress...Quiet Please". Of course, in the middle of my recording there was a knock on my door with the accompanying, "MOM...What does this sign mean?". I won't name any names...but, whoever it was...I love them to death!!

It's these crazy memories that add to my Bliss and bring a smile to my face whenever I think of them. I'm afraid one day I might start forgetting, so it's time I start recording them for posterity to enjoy!

Summer is over...it's hit the books time!!

2011-09-06T13:55:00.004-08:00

It's the beginning of a new school year! Lots of firsts and lasts! It's Mallory's last year in High School! Yep...she's a senior and will be leaving the nest next Fall. It's Abigail's last year as a student in her Charter school (grades K-8th). Next year she'll begin her four years where Mallory, Ian, Delaney and Scott all attended! Annie is attending her first year in Middle School! She'll have two years there until she joins Abby at West Valley. Annie got braces just in time for school but should have them off by the time she starts High School. Mallory is swimming her final year for West Valley...she's sad. But, she's really excited about college!! Abby will join the WV team next August and keep the Dixon name going! So far so good.

Abby's class started off the new year with a two night camping trip to Denali National Park and Preserve. It's such a beautiful park and they have so many educational programs there for kids, of all ages, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I went along as a chaperone! We didn't see one bear at all whereas last year as we pulled into the camp a momma bear and her cub roamed through the campground.

Ian got transferred to an area of Santiago and was also called as the Zone Leader. He's loving things still and even though he's got less than 8 months left, we're the only ones counting. He's enjoying the work right up until the end!!

Family is Bliss

2011-08-17T14:54:00.001-08:00

Ralph and I just returned from visiting Scott and family. A couple weeks ago we got word from Scott that he was being called into his ward Bishopric and he wanted his dad to ordain him to the office of a High Priest. So, we traveled down for a quick 5 day trip so we could visit and be there to sustain our son. It's really quite incredible to visit our grown son, with his own little family, and to remember that not so long ago we were walking hand in hand with him, when he was the age of his own sons. We couldn't be more blessed to have the family we have! Scott will be a great 2nd counselor in the ward Bishopric and it's so awesome to know he honors the priesthood that he holds. Kluane and kids are doing great too and they're an awesome family. Kids are growing so fast! It was really nice to have a few days with them. We went hiking up R Mountain and saw all kinds of bugs and critters. We went bowling. And, we got to go with the family to a Kids Fair type thing where they got to do all kinds of activities and enjoy some shave ice! It was a great visit!

We just heard from Ian today also and he's doing awesome on his mission. Transfers came this week and he was thinking he'd stay in Puerto Plata serving as not only missionary, but District Leader. BUT, he got called to be the Zone Leader and was transferred into an area of Santiago. He's down to 8 months left but he's not in a hurry to start talking about coming home. Eight months is still a bit to go and there's so much more he can do. We're very proud that he too is honoring his priesthood and serving so diligently.

School starts tomorrow and we've got three girls attending three different schools! It's Mallory's last year in High School...Abigail's last year in Middle School and Annie's first year in Middle School. It should be an exciting year!

Mallory has begun the High School swim season and will be competing soon after school starts. Annie is on the Stingray Swim Team and will be swimming with Abigail each evening after school.

Life just doesn't get any better and I love our little world of bliss!

$10,000 smile!

2011-07-29T16:05:00.001-08:00

Look at that smile! First it was braces for about 1.5 years and now it's removal of wisdom teeth! Yay! Amazing that so many Dixon kids require all this dental work!! I might add that while I didn't ever have to wear braces I did have my wisdom teeth out! Ralph never wore braces either so where in the heck did all this come from!!

Summer update!

2011-07-19T11:17:00.005-08:00

This summer has really been a great summer! Mallory and I started off by leaving for Utah a day after school let out for an EFY. Mallory had a blast for a week at BYU while I spent time with Scott, Kluane and fam...I had a blast as well!! We spent our last week in Utah staying with Uncle Boyd and got to visit all the family over memorial weekend. I really wish we could visit more than once a year!! We always have so much fun with Uncle Boyd!

Once we returned to AK...Delaney, Daegon and I went to Anchorage for a quick visit and had fun visiting with family there...and shopping! Again, I wish I was closer so we could visit more often than just a few times a year...usually during the summer. When I returned home the rest of the family declared they wanted to go to Anchorage also but we thought we'd wait until closer to school starting. BUT, everyone is working and we discovered after looking at the calendar that there would be no time just before school! Abby started a new job yesterday working at a community garden. Mallory continues to lifeguard at pools all over Fairbanks. And, both girls are mowing the yard of someone who needed it done all summer. So, they drive out Chena Hot Springs Road about once a week for that job! Mallory begins high school swimming the second week of August and then school begins on the 18th. Yikes! We have a month of summer vacation left!! Anyway, on that note we decided to take a last minute shopping trip to Anchorage and fortunately the timing couldn't have been better! We got there just in time for the Nordstrom sale of the year! For the first time ever we enjoying "touring" all the booths set up for the pre-sale goodies. The girls and I found all kinds of school clothes and other stuff and are quite happy with our successful, although quick, shopping trip. Another highlight is to get to visit family also...and although we didn't get to see everyone...we'll see them next time as...we'll be back!!

Ian is doing AWESOME! He was recently transferred to Puerto Plata and was called as District Leader. Above you can see he's looking good, but his shoes are another story! I sent money to get them resoled so I hope they're looking better and will get him through his remaining 9 months!! I'm very proud of him and he's really enjoying his time of service.

Annie finally made it through all her swim lessons and tried out for the swim team. AND, she made it!! Her first meet is coming up soon and she's very excited!!

All is well in the Dixon home and life couldn't be more blissful! We really are blessed and are grateful for all that we enjoy!!

What is this Bliss?

2011-03-24T20:21:00.003-08:00

I can remember as a little girl dreaming of the day when I would be a mother. I didn't come from a particularly large family but knew that I would have a "bunch" of kids. One of my earliest memories was watching a movie entitled, "Cheaper by the Dozen" with David Niven. I remember that entire family of 12 kids and their parents all around the dinner table and it was crazy! But, with all that chaos around that big table, I knew that's what I wanted. And, sure enough I got it...a gob of kids (although not the 12 I originally wanted) and that chaos that sometimes comes with it. It hasn't always been easy and there have sure been some challenges and tears, but I can't think of a single moment that I would ever want to return or take back. We've become a very disposable society and when things aren't exactly as we thought, or hoped they would be, we're done and we walk away. The moment I became a mother I committed to being the best mother I could be...through thick and thin. It takes work...lots of it. The rough times strengthen us and prepare us for the next rough turn. Challenges are inevitable. My kids know with every fiber in their body that I will be there for them until...forever. My kids, and just the thought of them, bring me my Bliss. I am grateful that God has blessed me with the sacred calling as mother and entrusted me with these beautiful children. I promise to do my best to help them to reach their greatest potential. I am so happy that we are a forever family!

Latest from Elder Dixon

2011-03-16T15:38:00.003-08:00

Ian has transferred to Santiago. Today he told me a bit about the city. It's the largest in the mission but second largest in the country. He's been fortunate that every apt/house he's lived in has had running water and plumbing. I think I may have mentioned though that the people in DR don't take hot or even warm showers...it's all cold!! Ian tells them they don't know what they're missing with a nice hot shower. This pic is a reunion of Ian and his first companion...his trainer Elder Tams. He really liked Elder Tams and was glad he got to see him as Elder Tams is heading home after this final transfer. Ian is almost to his year mark...on the 21st it'll be officially one year! He's doing well and has had several baptisms and loves the work. He's reading Jesus the Christ and is encouraging me to read it too. Ian looks good doesn't he!! I'm quite proud of him!

Quickie Missionary update!!

2010-12-09T16:06:00.002-09:00

Ian wrote yesterday and said that there were transfers and his companion left Dajabón after spending 7.5 months there. Ian's new companion is Dominican and Ian will be speaking only Spanish for the next 6 weeks or more. I guess unless he starts teaching the other Elder English! Seriously though...Ian is very excited!! His new companion was already sharing the apt. where two companionships share. So, he only had to move across the hall. I guess each companionship takes one half of Dajabón. All is well and Ian is super excited with the transfer and super happy to be spending more time in this city! We get to talk with him in 16 days!!!

Life in Dominican Republic

2010-12-04T17:59:00.002-09:00

I finally figured out how to get another pic of Ian posted. I LOVE this photo because it's so candid with Ian carrying his bananas! Ian says his apt. has electricity and plumbing but the people in DR do not take hot showers...I don't even think they have hot water that runs through the plumbing! Anyway, he says it's not just cold...it's take your breath away for a few seconds! Despite the cold showers and really living without a lot of the modern conveniences that we enjoy, he LOVES it there!! He already wants to plan to return after his mission!! When you immerse yourself in good...good happens!!

Happy Times...

2010-12-04T17:49:00.001-09:00

Life is good in Alaska! Ian is doing awesome on the mission and our weekly letters from him are so good! He loves it in Dominican Republic and is really happy! He recently relocated to another city...Dajabón...right on the border of Haiti. He loves the people, the food and doing what he's doing! So, as his mother, I couldn't be happier!

The rest of us Dixon's are doing great also! We survived a recent winter freezing rain storm. Just before Thanksgiving...the Monday before...the temps dropped and it started raining and once that rain hit the frozen ground, it turned to ice and pretty much made going out a bit treacherous. So, the girls and I hung out at home for a couple days waiting for it to get cold again! The four day weekend for Thanksgiving began early and we ended up with 7 days off...yep, the schools even closed!! That's a rarity!

We're all excited for Christmas and the tree is up and the shopping has begun! Eggnog is in the fridge and the Christmas music is playing nonstop! It really is a happy time!

I'll try to get more pics posted of Ian. AND, I need to get our camera out and get more of us here!! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Dajabón

2010-12-04T17:40:00.000-09:00

Hi dad!!

2010-07-20T13:10:00.002-08:00

The girls and I drove to Anchorage last weekend and we got to see my dad, see a long lost sister and her family and catch up on family history...it was so fun! Here's some pics of our visit. Can you tell I was excited??

My New Ride...Meet "Sweet"

2010-07-03T17:53:00.003-08:00

I've been looking for a smaller car as it's not necessary to drive a big SUV anymore. I had things narrowed down between a 2010 or 2011 Subaru Outback and a 2009 Toyota Venza. I was really worried about the '09 Venza as it was a first year car on the market. So, I was leaning towards the Outback. THEN, I drove the 2010 Venza and fell in love with it! It's my favorite color (white) and is really sweet to ride. It's really close to the Outback in dimensions but is a lot more luxurious. I wasn't really going for the lux, but it was really difficult not to like it! It'll be an adjustment not having the rugged SUV security, but change is good...so, we'll see how it goes over the next few years. Besides, we're looking at getting a new "teen" mobile and a used Outback might be what we're in the market for. I totally forgot about having to have a trailer hitch for our bike rack and an Outback would come in handy for that and be a lot safer for the kids.

Happy 4th of July everyone!! I love the freedoms of our country!! We are so blessed and fortunate!!

ELDER DIXON update!

2010-06-25T10:09:00.002-08:00

Ian has finally left the MTC in Dominican Republic. We got a letter from him a few days ago and it was his first day in the field...obviously a P day. He said he was the lucky one to get the best trainer in the mission and he said he also scored with his first place to live! He says he has plumbing AND electricity most of the time! He was told in the Provo MTC by others who had served there that it was basically a two year camping trip! Most places the missionaries stay have no plumbing and little electricity in that it comes and goes. When you have electricity you hurry and charge phones and do whatever else you need. It's a pretty good thing that Ian decided to leave the electric shaver home! He said he's got a nick name by one of the native elders in DR who calls him "papa noel" because his beard grows so danged fast! He says he shaves in the am and within a few hours it's grown out. I guess his shaving with a little disposable doesn't work as well...I don't know. Anyway, he's loving the mission and is excited to be there and doing this important work! I don't have a snail mail address and have just been using "dearelder". I don't know if that still works as well with him out in the field. Once I get an update as far as what we should do with mail...I'll pass the info along. For now, go ahead and use "dearelder". He's in the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission.

Hawaii Bliss

2010-06-25T10:00:00.003-08:00

This was the view right outside our door...for two weeks! It was beautiful and couldn't have been more relaxing! The house pic is the house we rented over on Laie side and that too was tucked away from any hustle and bustle! We can't wait to go back!

Up Next?

2010-05-07T07:28:00.005-08:00

Well...Ian is in the MTC in Provo for just one more week before he heads off to the Dominican Republic. As sad as it it to say good-bye to one of your children...especially for two full years...it's an awesome thing to see them progress and so willing to do what is good and right. So, what are we doing next? Hawaii!!!

We have a house on the beach...almost...the house and beach are separated by a lush green park and we've got family portraits planned and the Polynesian Cultural Center...Haunauma Bay and snorkeling, hiking and sunning on the beach! We can hardly wait! All the grand-babies will be there and I'm just thinking it's going to be pretty close to being in heaven! Aloha!!

2010-04-22T11:07:00.001-08:00

Elder Dixon is in the MTC!

2010-04-22T10:41:00.002-08:00

Well...yesterday was the day! It seems just like yesterday we were counting down the days till we left and that was 50+ days ago! Ian was to check in at 12:45 but we got him there about 12:35 because we just didn't want to prolong the agony of saying goodbye. We seriously pulled to the curb and the Host Elders greeting us asking Ian, "do you have a cell phone?"..."do you have the car keys?"...and, "do you have your immunization record?". And, then Ian hugged us and grabbed his bags and was gone! It was pretty quick. I miss him already but am so excited to hear about his adventures over the next two years.

If you want to write Ian, there is a cool website set up that makes it pretty easy. It's called dearelder.com
You need Ian's name, his MTC mailbox #, which is 270 and his mission...Dominican Republic Santiago. He'll have the letter you write by the very next day, if not that day! It's pretty cool!

I'm back in Idaho Falls with Scott and family and am here until Monday am. It's fun to have extra time with all of them here and my grand-babies, but I miss my family and can't wait to see them!

Ian is on his way!!!

2010-04-09T19:48:00.002-08:00

Ian left AK on Wednesday and is on his way to the MTC. He begins his journey leaving Fairbanks and heading for Denver for the wedding of his good friends from BYU-I...Jason and Lauren in the Denver Temple...too awesome! From there he heads back to ID to spend time with Scott, Kluane and the kids and will be joined there by Delaney, Daegon and ME! The good-byes in Fairbanks weren't so horrid at all since I knew we'd be together in a week. Ian enters the MTC on April 21 to begin training (in Spanish) before he heads to the Dominican Republic! (This good-bye I'm sure will be a bit more emotional!) We're so excited to hear all about his adventures and experiences in sharing the gospel! We'll miss you Ian!!!

2010-04-09T19:37:00.001-08:00

I want to play with an Ipad! It seriously looks way fun!!

FOXNews.com - Wilson Bentley's Pioneering Snowflake Photography - Slide 21 of 21

2010-02-08T12:29:00.001-09:00

FOXNews.com - Wilson Bentley's Pioneering Snowflake Photography - Slide 21 of 21

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Advice from Elder Busche

2010-01-15T15:50:00.001-09:00

What a beautiful message!

IAN GOT HIS CALL!!!!

2010-01-11T11:09:00.003-09:00

Woo-hoo!!! Ian is going to the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission. He reports to the Provo MTC on April 21, 2010! It's a Spanish Speaking mission and he is extremely excited as all of us are! Too exciting!!!

Where is the call???

2010-01-09T11:00:00.002-09:00

So...yesterday, two other future missionaries received their calls! That would be two out of three men waiting for "the call". One is going to Cape Verde (Portuguese speaking) off the coast of Africa...just south of the Canary Islands and the other is going to Dominican Republic (Spanish speaking). Needless to say, we here at the Dixon house are getting a tad impatient and anxious for the mail to come every day! Perhaps today will be the day!!! Ian is secretly hoping for a foreign mission so it'll be exciting to see if he's going to New Jersey or New Zealand. I hadn't thought of New Zealand...that would be fun! I'll let you all know as soon as we hear!

Nani gets to see her Dixon grand-children!

2009-12-24T12:41:00.002-09:00

I'm a little late in posting but I got to see my daughter-in-law and my grand-children from Idaho! It was sad news that brought Kluane and the kids here but I hadn't seen them in over a year so I was very, very happy to visit with them. We played, made Christmas cookies and watched a movie and just had fun! I wish we could do this more than once a year! But, here they are...Kaiden, Connor and Cambrie...and Kluane! Aren't they beautiful!!

Age Group Championships Homer, AK December 2009

2009-12-10T13:55:00.003-09:00

Abigail did awesome at the AG Championships! Overall, in the 11 year old category she placed 11th. She finaled in 5 of her 7 events and ended up placing 5th and 6th places in those finals! So, she worked hard and did great! She's already looking forward to the next big meet. Junior Olympics is next!

In the pics is the champion...Abigail with her relay team...and Abigail with one of her coaches, Heather.

Annie got baptized!!

2009-11-30T17:31:00.004-09:00

Annie was baptized on November 27, 2009...the day after Thanksgiving! Ian baptized her and Ralph confirmed her. It was a simple sweet occasion with just the family, a member of the bishopric (Tim) and his wife (Valerie) and their son Soren, and I think all the missionaries in the area. The opening song sounded so awesome with all those priesthood voices! It was a very perfect baptism!! Just what we wanted!

Soon to be missionary!

2009-11-30T07:22:00.002-09:00

My son is preparing for his mission and just completed all the paperwork yesterday! I am so excited for him! And, of course he makes his momma very proud! When "the call" comes, we'll be sure to let you all know!

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

2009-11-21T11:25:00.004-09:00

This is an absolutely delicious pumpkin pie alternative...and it's no bake!

Here's the link to the recipe:

Double-Layer Pumpkin Pie recipe at Kraftfoods.com

I love UGG boots!

2009-11-17T13:21:00.003-09:00

These cute little boots are officially on my wish list! I'll probably just go buy them myself instead of dropping hints all over the place or leaving pictures on my blog!
PS...I did go buy them and they are very cute and comfortable! The best part of all is that I got them 20% less than suggested retail!

Halloween Invitational Oct. 2009

2009-11-02T18:55:00.002-09:00

Abigail competed in a Club Meet on Halloween Day and here's how she did:

2nd place girls 11-12 200 Yard Free Relay with a time of 2:20.83
2nd place girls 11-12 200 Yard Medley Relay time 2:34.94
2nd place girls 11-12 50 Yard Breast time 41:32
3rd place girls 11-12 50 Yard Free time 33:51
4th place girls 11-12 100 IM time 1:25.53 (dropped 2 seconds)
4th place girls 11-12 50 Yard Fly time 40.72 (she dropped 5 seconds!)
4th place girls 11-12 50 Yard Back time 40.37 (dropped 33 hundredths of a second)

So, overall in the Girls ages 11-12 she came in 3rd place. Not too shabby!!

There is another meet the middle of November...the last opportunity to qualify for more age group events. She's already in 7 now but wants to add the 100 Back and possibly the 200 IM. I think if she goes with 7 events that will be good...it's a lot!

Swimming is awesome!!

2009 Regional Finals

2009-11-01T14:22:00.007-09:00

Here are a couple pictures from last nights meet. The first is the West Valley Girls team Regional champions. The second is Mallory and a couple team mates and the third is Mallory on the podium receiving her 3rd place recognition for the 100 Breast. She swam a 1:16.61. She did great but unfortunately, it wasn't a qualifying time for State. Her 200 Medley Relay team came in 2nd in Regionals also but it wasn't a qualifying time for State. West Valley girls did great overall in Regionals and claimed First Place over the other schools in our Region. They did awesome!!

Winter Wonderland

2009-10-29T10:36:00.003-08:00

One day we were wondering if the snow would ever come...and the next it came and kept coming! It's so pretty when it finally snows and covers all the left over gray from Fall. It will be a white holiday season afterall!!

Pumpkin Cookies

2009-10-19T09:53:00.003-08:00

This recipe was given to me way back by my friend, Camille Maher, while we were in San Antonio, TX...Camille, where are you? Anyway, it has become a family favorite and now I'm sharing it with you!

PUMPKIN COOKIES

1 cup shortening or margarine

3 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 cups pumpkin (or 16 oz can)

5 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla

1 small pkg chocolate chips

Cream all ingredients, except flour and chocolate chips. Once blended together, add the flour a cup at a time. Once all ingredients are blended, add chocolate chips. Drop onto cookie sheet and bake @ 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Yields about 10 dozen...Yummy!!

Alaska Day Invitational Swim Meet

2009-10-18T19:05:00.005-08:00

Abigail did awesome at a swim meet yesterday! She swam in four events and here's how she did:

50 Free 4th place 32.79 dropped 1.20

100 Free 1st place 1:13.60 dropped 5.70

50 Breast 1st place 41.04 dropped 2.26

100 Breast 3rd place 1:33.82

We just made reservations to fly to Anchorage in December for the Age Group Championships. The meet is actually in Homer this year so we'll catch a bus from Anchorage to Homer. Abby has so far qualified in 7 events. She'll be competing in the above events plus the 50 Back, 50 Fly and 100 IM. She's got two more meets here in Fairbanks that she can try to qualify for more events and is going to try in the 200 Free and the 100 Back. Go Abby!!

October in Fairbanks!

2009-10-15T16:23:00.003-08:00

This has been Fairbanks by day! The grass is still green in spots! It looks as if our gorgeous Fall is coming to an end however as snow is expected tomorrow! We're actually kind of excited for the white stuff to fly but really have appreciated the extended Fall and warm days! Tomorrow we'll be ready to get the snowboards, skiis and sleds out!

Update...as of today, the 19th of October...still no snow!!

Gorgeous sunrises!

2009-10-15T16:17:00.003-08:00

This is the view that I have enjoyed the last week during the most beautiful Fall I can remember in Fairbanks! This picture doesn't do the sunrise justice, but it really is spectacular and it brings a sense of peace to the beginning of each day! Gotta love Alaska!

Final Good-byes...

2009-10-04T11:42:00.002-08:00

It's always sad to say good-bye! We love you Brad, Delaney & Daegon!!

Delaney and Daegon's last day!

2009-10-03T09:15:00.003-08:00

Today is Delaney and Daegon's last day with us...I am very sad to see them go. I love them madly and will miss them so much!

Good luck at Bartlett Mallory!

2009-10-02T20:49:00.005-08:00

Mallory left early this morning for Bartlett High School in Anchorage. The weight lifters had to meet at WV High at 6am for weight lifting before boarding the bus and leaving at 7:30. They're safely there and will swim all day tomorrow. Good luck West Valley and safe travels back Sunday!

Summer Photos

2009-10-02T19:09:00.001-08:00

A look back at our summer

2009-10-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Well...it looks as if our summer is finally winding down. We have had a house full and been busy! Delaney, Brad and Deagon have been here for the summer and Ian joined us about 3 weeks ago. Brad worked at his summer landscaping job and Delaney worked at Regis in the Bentley Mall. I watched Daegon and ran kids to all their activities. And, I took a summer Digital Photo class up at UAF. So, there are all kinds of pics to show what we've done all summer. Ralph and I hiked Kesugi Ridge. Mallory got a job picking up the streets of our fair city. She couldn't believe how many "hobo" camps they had to clean up. They really are hidden in any bush they can find! Su Bai got a job at McDonalds and is still working there, on Fridays and Saturdays, now that school has started. Abigail swam and went to a dance camp. Annie started swimming lessons and wants to join the swim team as soon as she can! Ian got a job with the same guy Brad works for doing landscaping. He starts classes on Monday the 5th to begin life guard certification and hopes to land some good paying jobs after that so he can save up for more college come next April! Some of the pics are of all our activities and some are my photo practicing. My favorites are with DOF...depth of field...especially when it's blurry in the background. Now, it's time to get ready for winter! We've had a taste of it already with about 3 inches falling last week. It's melted in most open places now but we know it's right around the corner! Get out those winter jackets!!

Summer is on!

2009-06-14T10:18:00.001-08:00

School is out and we've got even more going on. I used to think summer was "vacation" time and we'd get to relax and do whatever we want. I guess the kids are getting to do a lot they want and I get to drive all of them to their different activities. I guess compared to others, we're really not THAT busy. Mallory is going to be working for 5 weeks with IBEW doing litter patrol. They hire 14 and 15 year olds to do this job as there really isn't much else they will let them do till their 16. Her shift begins in July. Abby is attending a dance camp learning a bit about ballet, jazz and tap along with theater and is totally enjoying it! She wants to continue some how during the school year, along with swimming. We'll just have to see. Su Bai got a job and is working at McDonalds. She is enjoying it a lot more than she thought. She may even continue to work a little part-time after the school year begins. After all, she's only got two years until college and it's time to start saving money! Annie is learning to swim! Finally after all these years of being terrified of the water, we've gotten her used to it enough that she is excited to be in the water. She's excited to get through level 4 so she can join the swim team! Ralph is busy working with the same everything. We've got another venture going on this summer with building a detached garage. We sold the shed we had out there in the yard and then learned there were a few snags we have to work out with zoning or something. Meanwhile, the garage we do have is filled with all the stuff we want to move to the new garage when it's built! I hope it happens soon because when the snow starts flying I want to put my car back in the garage! Janet (that would be me) is taking some time every Thursday night to take a Digital Photo class at UAF. I have learned so much! Our first big excitement was to work with Depth of Field. I'll attach one of my favorites of my wild Iris plants. Other than all that, we've had some other adventures: We've traveled to Anchorage and visited the park I played at when I was just a little girl (the train pic shows the very train I climbed all over as a kid), visited the Turnagan Arms area, stopped at Byers Lake along the Parks Highway, and just yesterday hiked some of the Pinnell Trail only to walk into a thunder and lightening storm...so scary!!

Happy March 2009! Spring is around the corner!

2009-03-26T19:07:00.000-08:00

Okay...so this picture doesn't represent signs of spring by any means...but, it is March so we're thinking spring is bound to come eventually. We have had so much snow this year and I'm wondering how long it'll take to melt! This pic is of a cabin we camped at last month out on Chena Hot Springs Road. It wasn't heated so we had to get the wood stove going and it kept us warm and toasty all night long. It was so nice and relaxing as we had no phones, no TV and no distractions. We need to do this more often!

Also this month we had the Northern Area Swimming Championships! Stingray Swim Team won first place over all so all the swimmers did great! Mallory has qualified for Junior Olympics and will be swimming down in Anchorage with all the best from the state in just a couple weeks! This of course are the girls doing their goofy thing in between events!

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-02T21:22:00.000-09:00

Wow! It's a new year and new beginning! We can make new resolutions and hopefully keep some of them and try to do better in all that we do. 2008 was a great year! We had 2 new grand-children come into the world, traveled from AK through Canada to Idaho, Utah and Nevada to visit all the kids who have moved. And, we've just had fun!

The new year is beginning with some record cold temps that we haven't had since the 80's...yippee!! For a week or more we've had temps to just about -50...that's negative 50! Last night Ralph had scouts over to spend the night and build snow caves that they actually slept in all night! And, up here in the hills where it's usually warmer, it was still -40! We were really excited to see that everyone had survived the night and we didn't have any popsicle scouts!

Ian has been home since mid-July and is returning to BYU-Idaho on Monday, Jan 5. It's been nice to have him home and we'll sure miss him but he's really excited to be getting back to Idaho.

Delaney and Brad moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana where Brad is playing for the Ft Wayne Komets...hockey! Their little boy, Daegon is growing so fast and is so danged cute! We miss them too...so much!

Scott and Kluane welcomed their third child...the first grand-daughter in October. I got to go down for a week visit to meet Cambrie and have some time with the boys (Kaiden and Connor) and of course Scott and Kluane. I wish I could visit more often because I miss them too...so much!

The girls are all doing well! Mallory is half way through her first year in high school. She started off the new year on the West Valley Swim team and made it all the way to state championships! Nattie is in the 10th grade and doing great with school, Abigail is in the 5th grade (and also a swimmer) and Annie is in 4th grade. All four girls will begin piano lessons this coming week and are very excited!

That's our excitement! I need to write more often so these posts aren't so long!!

An October update

2008-10-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well...it's obviously taking me a little longer to catch on to this blogging thing and keep the site updated! But, here's a quick update!

School is back in session! Winter is here! And, we're as busy as ever! We now have two in high school...Mallory and Nattie. Mallory is in her first year on the swim team at West Valley and we're down to a month left before State Championships. She's doing pretty good and has been dropping time and placing at almost every meet. Everyone else is working hard and doing well.

Ian is home until his winter session begins at BYU-Idaho...then he'll be off to hitting the books! We've had fun having him home. He keeps busy working at National and usually has several hours of overtime each paycheck. He's saving up for school!

Scott and Kluane are expecting the arrival of their little girl within the next two weeks! The boys are going to be great big brothers! I'm flying down to spend time and help out on November 5th and can hardly wait to see everyone!

Delaney and Brad made the big move to Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Brad is already in training for the hockey season. Go to: www.komets.com and check out the team he's playing with! Daegon is growing like crazy! Delaney and Daegon will be coming north for a two week visit on November 19th and we're really excited!

Jezzie and Tika continue to be the best family pets ever! They love each other and you can tell they love their humans! We love them too!

That's all our excitement for the past couple of months! I'll try to do better in keeping up with this blog! I know I need to add more pics! That's my next job!

Summer 2008 Vacation

2008-08-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

Summer 2008 Vacation

2008-08-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

Summer 2008 Vacation

2008-08-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hello from Idaho Falls

2008-07-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Well...the four girls, two dogs and I left Alaska Wed., June 11, 2008 for another one of our road trips. We traveled through Canada and made it to Idaho Falls on Monday, June 16th. It was un uneventful trip in that we didn't have any problems but it's always a beautiful drive through Canada. We rested in ID for two nights before continuing on to our final furthest destination...Las Vegas, NV. Brad, Delaney and Daegon had moved there the month before and we not only wanted to see them, because we really missed them, but we also had a car full of their stuff they left behind in AK. We made it safely there only to die from the heat the entire time were there. The only saving grace was visiting friend Keri and her pool! What made the heat so unbearable was the fact that the AC broke the next day at Brad and Delaney's...so, when it's 110 degrees outside...it seems hotter inside! Anyway, we survived because again, friends brought over a little window unit and placed it in Brad and Delaney's bedroom. So, Brad go to know his in-laws really well as we all slept in their bedroom...their family, the four girls and I, and our two dogs! It was still good to be there and very sad to leave, but our week ended all too soon and we were on to our next adventure. We traveled a day to arrive in Provo to stay with Uncle Boyd. We got there late on Thursday June 16th...exhausted. We had one nights rest before heading to Heber for a one night family reunion. We boarded the two dogs in Midway the next day and were on our way. What a beautiful camp ground! It's actually owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it's designated for Girls Camp, but with space availability, families can use the facilities. It was so fun! That first night we met together for dinner and family chat around the bonfire with smores. The next day, we all visited the challenge courses and I'm very happy to say that I completed the ropes course which involved climbing a pole to scale a tight rope and then zip down the zip line. Half way up the pole I really wanted to quit, but I was encouraged not to give up and I did it!! Anyway, the mini reunion was fun and it was really good to visit with family we rarely get to see. After a week in Provo and more visiting and the arrival of Carinne, Mallory's bestest friend in the world, we headed back to Idaho to spend the last leg of our family trip with Scott and Kluane and family. So, we're here now, Ian is up at school at BYU-Idaho, Mallory and Carinne are up at BYU also for Especially for Youth, and we're just relaxing and enjoying our time here...especially my time with my grand-baby boys! We'll be heading back on the road to AK around the 18th or 20th of July.