Fashion in Alaska Means Your Fur Hat is Dead!

Who's up for some deliciousness??

2012-01-01T23:49:00.002-09:00

Today I'd like to put a shout out for those of you who love yummyness and love to make it :) My very best friend and sister has a blog that she constantly posts wonderful recipes to. Here's the cool part, she makes these recipes herself!!! She is training to become a chef (though, I already think she has succeeded)... the recipes are easy, and made with ingredients that are easily found in your local grocery store. The photos of these dishes speak for themselves, trust me, you'll be drooling all over your keyboard! So, without further ado, here's her website: http://atouchofthisasplashofthat.blogspot.com/2011/12/balsamic-glazed-steak-with-gorgonzola.html?spref=fb

If you visit, please leave her some love, as I know how hard she works to not only create the dishes she shares, but also how devoted she is to getting them all out to you guys :)

P.S For those of you who read the last post: Looks like we're going to have a bouncing baby boy in May :) We couldn't be more excited! :)

Happy New Year!

-The Igloodwellerz

We're going to be a family of three!!!

2011-12-08T05:03:00.004-09:00

Hi folks.

Well, I'm happy to report that our family of two *humans* is going to be a family of three. We couldn't be any happier, the time is flying by. Our dog Lady is SO happy, and just loves to be close to me, our other dog, Bear, doesn't understand what's different, but he knows something is. The birds, I don't think either care, or know. It will be an interesting balance between birds and baby, but I'm confident that it will work. Daddy to be is ecstatic as well. I will leave you with a photo (an older one), as this is just a short post this time. Stay warm this winter, and happy holidays.
Our Little Turkey

A very happy mommy
Daddy to be

-The Igloodwellerz

Sing of spring: An Update and Goodbye to Winter

2011-04-07T22:56:00.001-08:00

Ahoy folks! Happy Spring! (For us here in Alaska, it's called break up... all the snow turns black and starts to melt, leaving us with slush. The other day I heard a commercial on the radio selling 'break-up boots', I had to laugh at that, because what they were describing is what you folks down in the states would call 'RAIN BOOTS'. Gotta love Alaska!
So, in the spirit of breakup, I thought I'd get together an update of the last winter months. I cannot wait for summer! All 90 days of it, 24 hours of sun, 80-90 degrees ABOVE zero... and most of all no snow!
So January... One of the coldest months of the year ... what were we up to? Meeting family! What a wonderful way to stay cozy, but still have fun. We were invited out to my mother in laws for a wonderful 'reunion' dinner. I got to meet more in-laws, and Jeremiah got to see family that he hasn't seen in a while.

The family with Aunt Donna who came to see us from Seattle. Also pictured here are three out of the five nephews we have, Mom and Dad In-law and the nephew’s parents, as well as the youngest son, Bill

The same group shot, but with Aunt Shelia who came to visit from Anchorage from a day. I had never met Shelia, but she was sweet, outgoing and really fun to hang out with!

My husband 'fixing' the transformer for a nephew (I honestly think he was playing with it... do guys ever really grow out of transformers or legos?) He is also wearing a hat that his grandfather who builds airplanes sent with Aunt Donna

Here is Aunt Donna with the her great nephews... aren't they fun? We love 'em bunches!

here are the three sisters, my mom in law (right), Aunt Shelia (middle) and Aunt Donna (left)
Lookin' good ladies

All the sisters with Joel (dad in law)
He's planning my demise in this picture (hehe) he loves me, though!
It is truly a blessing to get the family together and I am a firm believer of reunions!

A fun part of January was discovering our youngest conure, Ginger's new favorite hang out place.
she crawls right up my husbands shirt sleeve and then climbs the inside of his shirt pokes out the neck of his T-Shirt. Then, she hooks both claws on the collar to hold herself up... and she loves to stay there for hours. Just talkin' away as content as can be. Jeremiah doesn't find this so 'cute' but, hey at least she's not getting in to any parrot trouble!!

February came and it got even colder... you'd think this would be the perfect time to snuggle up and bake cookies, wouldn't you? But, I just couldn't let this beautiful and amazing photo opportunity pass me up!

Yep, we were out in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night freezing our butts off getting some great shots of the northern lights (aurora)... it's breath taking! Here are some more shots from that evening: (they were really dancing for us!)

This is why I wanted to become a photographer, to be able to capture the beauty of not only people, but Alaska as well.

Recently I've lost someone extremely special to me, someone who gave me a life to look up to and a person who was kind, beautiful, peaceful, had fun and was a wonderful wife. My great aunt Jackie, though I didn't have the best example of "parents" to look up to, she was one of the few people I could look up to and say "THAT'S who I want to be like when I grow up".... one of the things she loved most was quilting. As a way to grieve and keep her memories close to my heart I've started to quilt, already having made my first quilt,

I have embarked upon one for my husband.
A quilt is a gift that comes close to no other gift, it has the person's love, care and maybe even some blood (wear a thimble!) in it. It is not bought from the store but made from the heart. This goes for all handmade gifts, though a quilt is something that you can wrap up in, it's as close as having that person give you a hug, and on some tough days, it's just what you need. I am comforted by the thought that my great Aunt Jackie is in heaven (an angel) happily quilting away and spending time with her love, whom she has missed greatly since he went up to heaven in 2007.

March was a fun month. I celebrated FIVE YEARS of blissful marriage with my angel, my wonderful, perfect, caring, loving husband. Here's to our fifth anniversary Miah, and to reaching our 100th anniversary! You are truly an amazing husband, great man, and perfect soul mate. I know I say this twenty times a day, but, Jeremiah Joel: I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART AND SOUL! I am super happy to have spent these last five years (six that we've been together) married to the man of my dreams. Let's keep livin' life baby!
(portraits soon to come... life's been a bit hectic).

With age, comes the ability to not care what others think... and I've reached that age. And I'm havin' fun with it. (so is Galen). Happy belated St. Patty's Day! I hope that you had great friends, good beer, and awesome corned beef.

Can't forget about the World Ice Art Championships

this is my favorite! Amazing sculpture!!! (only half of it is pictured here...) side note: I wonder if I could trade them parrots? Theirs is a lot quieter haha!

My second favorite, look at the detail!

The whole sculpture

All of the sculptures have names, Jeremiah was convinced that this one was named “Procrastination” haha

Through the ice

Me, basking in the icy sun on the back of a frozen sea turtle

My husband chillin’ out on the turtle

We had a record snow fall of 18 inches in one night!! It was so bad, even the Alaskans didn’t want to move! School was cancelled, work cancelled, stores shut down.

Our friend’s truck that we watched while they were on vacation

And finally some fun parrot pictures… they’re clowns who are always up to something. You can’t bear but to crack a smile at their antics.

Ginger who is determined to keep hold of that cracker! It’s almost as big as she is!

My sweet, innocent Galen, who has decided that his new favorite hobby is climbing the curtains. He’s worse than a cat, I swear! Got to love these guys!

The dogs are doing well, just being dogs.

Other than that, we now look onward to summer. Bring on the Mosquitos!
Have a great day guys, and enjoy spring

- The Igloodwellerz

A Little Bit Of An Update…

2010-09-22T00:15:00.001-08:00

I’ve gotten some complaints from folks about not blogging, I’m right in line with ya’ll, there’s not enough time in the day lol. I apologize for not getting on here in a while. So, here’s an update…

We’ll start in March :

As you all know, we have a handsome little peach front conure named Galen, well in March hubby and I traveled to Ft. Greely to pick up our newest (and last non-human) addition: Jasper (we re-named “her” Ginger). She was three months old when we got her. Ginger is a Green Cheek Conure with a Cinnamon Mutation. She is precious! Here are some of her first photos

It was really fun to go through the baby baby stage with her. She’s so fuzzy and cute, but a bit nippy.

When we first got her, she couldn’t fly, she was scared of almost everything and just wanted to snuggle. NOW she’s flying (a little haphazardly), eating more, still snuggly and not quite as nippy. Here’s an updated photo of her, she’s 10 months old. (Her egg day is Nov. 11th 2010).

I LOVE how her colors have brightened.

You’re probably wondering how Galen is Reacting to this “new baby”… he tolerates her, they have air to air combat every once and a while. Not to mention that they torture each other as siblings would. No serious damage is done as of yet…

If the two conures are on the same thing, they are as far apart from one another as humanly possible. I do have to say that Ginger is MUCH quieter than Galen, though she has been picking up bad habits from Galen…what are siblings for?

Also in March, my husband and I celebrated Four Years of Marriage! I love my husband more than anything in the whole wide world and look forward to spending many many more years with him.

We spent our anniversary at the annual world ice art Championships:

The fourth picture is how’d I describe my life sometimes hehe. The last photo are the ice slides, Alaskan kids are not lazy! (though the adults who stand at the top and take pictures are totally guilty!)

Now onto April:

Please see Previous Blog post LMBO!

May:

May Brought the beginnings of summer. Jeremiah brought me to the gun range and I practiced shooting, which, I might add is an excellent source of de-stressing! The guys next to us had my attention as they brought an “old” tube TV to shoot up… my thought was “how cool is that?”

Santa Renamed his workshop, new logo and everything!

Or we have a lot of pot heads living in North Pole Alaska! (If you can’t see it clearly it’s Santa in a flying spaceship, the name is Screaming Weasel Gift Shop).

June:

Brought lawns that needed to be mowed! Besides that, we had a surprise visit from Aunt Donna (Mom in laws sister)

lucky guy!

Jeremiah got the green thump and planted a garden!

YUM…

July:

This is going to be a BIG month! For starters, Mel,

Jeremiahs Grandfather on his dad’s side celebrated 99 years!!! How awesome is that??? He was born before Alaska was a state… it was referred to as The Territory of Alaska. I am SO excited to celebrate his 100th year next year! He is still lively, smart, and alert! I might add that he is a character, but one that is really really easy to love. So congratulations to Mel of Fairbanks, Alaska for celebrating 99 years

of life.

Okay, I got a little ahead of myself there, but, before we celebrated Mel’s 99th birthday, Jeremiah and I *gasp* took a vacation to Valdez, Alaska. Jeremiah’s Parents have a charter there and “live” there during the summer. Next to Kenai I LOVE this coastal town.

This was the visibility coming up the ramp from the harbor…

OMG, this woman, how? why? Never mind, I don’t think I want to know the answer to that question…

This was a swan in Thompsons pass about forty minutes from Valdez (it was six am in the morning). We were trying to kill time so as to not wake the in-laws at too ungodly of an hour.

This is Oscar (what generation, we’re not sure). Oscar is the local otter turned celebrity who lives in the harbor, sleeps in the rental canoes in the harbor and entertains tourists (including me) for hours! He was literally seven feet from me, no glass no nothing! I could hear the crunching from the muscle he was snaking on and see his teeth, it was the coolest thing EVER!

Captain Westerlund (aka Dad in law)

Lastly:

I got five of the seven awards given to our district… though, I had just gotten out of the hospital, so I was gone with the wind due to the pain killers they gave me.

August came and went, fall officially started, it was hard to say goodbye to summer… but I’m thankful for the cooler temperatures.

September:

Jeremiah led us to a great place to pick berries, blue berries, crow berries and cranberries. Let me tell you, this comes second ONLY to picking black berries in west port California (there was no aunt waiting for us back at the house to make our freshly picked black berries into a black berry cobbler).

And most currently:

We were messing around in the backyard:

You’re all caught up! Haha, I do miss blogging, so I will do my best to be on here more than once every six months….

Enjoy the fall:)

-THE IGLOODWELLERZ

Big Kids Gotta Have Fun Too

2010-04-19T21:24:00.010-08:00

The sun is out and the snow is gone! What could be better? And you know us, we're famous for those Spontaneous picnics/cook outs. We have officially kicked off summer. Miah and I (no kiddos) headed out to Chena Lakes for a BBQ. The funny thing was; the sun was out, it was nice and warm, the mosquitos were even out in numbers, but Chena lake was still all iced over, go figure LOL. Here the pictures enjoy!

Blue skies, such a simple thing... but nonetheless one of life's simple pleasures

The Frozen lake

I had an "AHA" moment in the grocery store, would if we cooked the baked beans IN the can they come in? Experiment time! Conclusion: Works! (Takes awhile though)

Our UNwelcome friends! (aka: the unofficial state bird of Alaska)

J. U. M. P.
(Or fall with style...)
The swings were the only way for us to keep the skeeters at bay.... and it was fun too, when was the last time you were on a swing?
Up....up...and...awaaaaaay!

This summer is a promising one, so I'll keep that dust from collecting in here... have a great spring guys:) Catch ya later:)

Love,
The Igloodwellerz

Mysteries of the Auora Borealis

2010-04-06T23:29:00.003-08:00

Hey:) Something neat for you all. Not too much going on... just working and trying to survive.

Jeremiah said "do you think we'll go a whole winter without seeing the northern lights this year?" earlier today... I shrugged and went about my day not thinking much about it. What do you know mother nature had to have been listening... we got home at 11pm to a beautiful display of the northern lights, even in the city with all of the lights. Due to the fact that I have been quite ill, Jeremiah snuck out and took these for me. (what a lucky wife! )

Here are some folklore and superstitions behind the lights.

The Aurora Borealis has naturally been subject to many myths and superstitious beliefs through history.

It features prominently in norse mythology, as well as in old inuit folklore and Chinese and Japanese beliefs.

The Old Testament mentions the northern lights, and so do scholars such as Aristotle, Galileo, Goethe, Halley and Descartes in their work.

In the really old times

In Norse Mythology northern lights were believed to be the reflections of the shields of the Valkyries racing across the sky on their way to their resting place, Valhalla.

War and Destruction

Further down the continent, the Aurora Borealis was associated with even more bloodshed. The few times northern lights can be seen in the south of Europe, it is normally red. This very rare and terrifying sight made people see it as an omen of war and bloodshed to come.

In fact, weeks before the French revolution broke out dramatic red northern lights were seen in Scotland and England, and people reported of having heard and seen massive armies fighting across the skies.

Northern Lights as a Sign of Good Luck

Many beliefs around the northern lights see the phenomena as a good omen.

Fish and Fuitful Crops

For example, in the old days, many Scandinavians believed the Aurora was the reflection of huge schools of herring in the sea. And that fishermen would enjoy good catches of fish.

The Swedes used to believe a winter with much northern lights gave good crops the next year. Some Eskimos in Canada also believed the lights were the gods of harvest and hunting, and therefore took extra care not to offend the northern lights. Whatever that implies.

Northern Lights and Sex

The Aurora Borealis have also been linked to fertility and childbirth, and in Chinese and Japanese cultures it is still believed that a child conceived under the northern lights will be blessed with good fortunes.

In old Icelandic folklore it was also believed that northern lights would ease the pain of childbirth. At the same time though, they believed that pregnant women looking at the Aurora would have cross eyed children.

Northern Lights as a Sign of Bad Luck

In addition to the fear of cross eyed children, and being and omen of war and destruction, the northern lights have many other less happy myths relating to it.

Clap your Hands

The most widely known ´no-no´in the North is to avoid waving, singing or whistling at the northern lights.

(however, I learned today that if you whistle at them they are supposed to dance for you, the neighborhood, I'm sure didn't appreciate Jeremiah and I cat calling to the northern lights at 11pm

People used to believe that the spirits would come down and take you away. And although most don´t really believe this nowadays, you very rarely come across anyone who would do it still. Should it happen to you – the way to fend off the spirits is to clap your hands.

Urine and Dog Poo?

Many Sami people would keep their families and children indoors during the display, or if they were outside they would cover up and try to hide from the rays.

Some Alaskan Inuits were similarly scared, but had a more ´practical´approach. They would hide their children, and sometimes try to throw dog excrement and urine up in the air to make the lights go away.

(Source: http://www.iglobetrotter.com/norway/northern-lights/northern-lights-myths)

Have a good night all, I'm still trying to recover

-The Igloodwellerz

Winter Games

2010-02-03T21:28:00.013-09:00

Well, I figured it was time for an update, yes... we're still alive over here... and yes, we're still being our silly selves.

As you know in the interior it can get down to -40 during the winter, so when -5 hit, Jeremiah and I took advantage of the heat wave and hit the trails, cross country ski trails that is. Jeremiah skied for 12 years, and also taught the little ones how to ski.

Jeremiah was patient with me and I'm sure stifled a few giggles as I fell on my butt several times! Here's some proof that we don't hibernate ALL winter long:)

This is Jeremiah's Elementary school- they incorporate skiing into the kiddos curriculum...
More importantly- this is where all the practice trails are located.

The Jeremiah in his natural environment!

I Mastered the Bunny Loop!!!! LOL:P

And He's Off! ( He literally sprints on those things...)

What A Guy!

Two, Happy, Exhausted Igloodwellerz!

That wasn't the end of that day, we had an improtant task, we had to replace all those calories that we burned! ;P And what better way to do that than baking. I have to let you know that I am officially a Westerlund Wife! I got my Kitchen Aid Mixer this year from My Mom and Dad Inlaw for Christmas... Along with replacing those calories, I had to break it in:)

I ♥ My Kitchen Aid

Now the Ancient question:

Which Came First?

The Egg... Or The Galen?

Well, that's it guys... ( could you take anymore of my lame jokes anyhow?)

Goodnight from

THE IGLOODWELLERZ

Hooked Bill Halloween Helper

2009-10-19T23:23:00.001-08:00

Hey! Happy early Halloween. The festivities are slowly taking place on our end, tonight, we carried on that looong tradition of carving pumpkins. And our helper (Galen) did such a great job of making sure we didn’t miss anything! He loves to dig the pumpkin seeds out of the goo (didn’t like the goo so much though). We started with a design that I had picked, pretty simple (the eyes were carved backwards, oops) But, it’s still a great pumpkin. Here are the photos I managed to get in between the messy hands and fishing Galen out of the pumpkin. I love the way that Galen (In this first pic, seems to be saying, “I am king of the pumpkin lol)

(this is the pattern we were shooting for….)

(Hmmm, Galen inspects to make sure all is going as planned, and does a taste test)

This next photo made me giggle, the only word that came to mind was “FOCUS!” lol….

Only Jeremiah could come up with this genius idea… men!

And here was the final result… I know it’s a sad pumpkin, but I’m not artsy (as most of you know…) Yes, I did help carve a fair part of my pumpkin…

Well, have a great night! I’m off to bed. More on our Halloween preparation later:)

From the Igloodwellerz

Here we go…..

2009-10-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

An update! Now I know you’ve all been hanging on the edge of your seats awaiting our next update! So without further ado…( please hold your applause) lol…. nah, hey again! I have a nice BIG looong update for you folks.

We’ll start back in the summer, I was slammed at work…, so there wasn’t much of a summer, which made me sad:( We only get 90 days of it… you blink and it’s –60 with snow and ice everywhere! However, what little we were able to do we had a lot of fun with.

Solstice is a big deal here, I mean a big huge deal here in Alaska! It’s almost as bad as Christmas… maybe worse in some cases. This is the longest day of the year! Hubby and I drove out to the middle of nowhere looking at the sights, and scenery (of course with camera in hand!)

I loved the “sun set” (it was after 2 am!). The first two photo is the view looking over Fairbanks… and what a view!

On another note, Jeremiah’s brother Bill is another year older (don’t you hate it when that happens?) So, we took him out to Silver Gulch about 10 miles out of town, it’s a local brewery with delicious food!

The glasses were more than 1/2 empty after the guys got through with them. So, here’s one to another year Bill!

Next up was Jacob, Laura and Ben’s visit. Jacob is Jeremiah’s older brother, he and his wife Laura have a 2 year old son, who has stolen our hearts and planted a smile on our faces! What a cutie (not that I’m biased or anything). He kept using my shoe as a phone… goof!

He loved playing dress up with Grandma and Grandpa’s hats and shoes. The construction hat that he is wearing is his fathers from when he worked for Aleyeska Pipeline! Too cute! Let me tell you, that boy has some style! And an adorable personality to go along with it!

The other big happening here in Alaska is the fair! *gasp* yes, we have a fair! And I met Chad carpenter! *giggle*, I was at a loss for words (surprising isn’t it?)… he’s my favorite cartoonist, the one that I have a link to at the top of the page (the whistling wolf). I even got a picture of him…. hehe. I’m a dork, this fact is known. And Jeremiah got his Gyros (none better than the fair, really, he doesn’t like any other.) We went through the FFA section, and found some Alaskan Rabbits, those things would most likely be tiny without all of that fur! The photo of the goat leaning out of his pen, and the guy bent over in front of him makes me laugh, ohhh the captions that could transpire from that photo!

I have more news, but that will have to wait for another post. In the mean time, we miss you folks! Take care, and have a great night.

-Igloodwellerz

Advice for the campers

2009-07-12T22:22:00.002-08:00

Hello!

Just an update, no photos... just plain boring text this time. Today is my hubby's birthday, he's twenty some (I'll give you a hint, it comes after 27 and no, it's not 29, it's before that lol). He wanted a nice quiet birthday camping. So we loaded the two mutts up, and headed out to Chena Lakes (this is our fav. spot in the Summer). Where we got the idea that it would be a nice quit trip with the dogs, I have no clue. We got there set up and went for a bike ride. Who would have guessed that we'd be in the middle of nowhere when my tummy lurched? Yeah, the odds! Into the woods we went, found a tree and a yellow jackets nest, we found the latter a little on the late side. Yep. Advice, never sit on a yellow jackets nest, not fun. However, I only got bit on the back of the leg, killed three, and we went on to have a very fun and always adventurous camping trip.

To My Jeremiah:

I love you, and I hope that you had a wonderful birthday. You're the perfect example of how getting older is only a mind set... stay young my angel. Did I mention that I love you already? Cuz I do:)

my jerbear!

As always, have a wonderful evening, and a great summer (fall is aproaching quickly!)

-Igloodwellerz

Galen’s Pretty…

2009-07-04T00:37:00.003-08:00

I HAVE to share this with you guys. As most of you know, I love and adore my peach front conure, Galen. However tonight he almost became one of the grilled chicken pieces in the “un-think” KFC box…

My loving sweet bird, like most parrots loves to chew and destroy things; especially shiny things. like my wedding ring more specifically the diamond

And after the little bugger stole it, he flew off with it in his beak under his tongue! He thought it was great fun flying from one end of the room to the other with my diamond tucked away safely in his beak while mom and dad were not quite as quick on his tail! But we got the diamond back, and thankfully the ring is under warranty!

And this is the look I got!

Any hoodles, well, you guys have a happy 4th of July!

-Igloodwellerz

If it weren't Alaska, I don't know what they'd think....

2009-02-25T00:22:00.001-09:00

Hello? Anyone? I hear voices, OH, there you are under all that dust! Here, let me un- bury you first, there! Well, I'm sorry to have left you all hanging, to be honest, I've been working me hind end off at work.... but no excuses!

I thought that I'd start off by sharing a funny story (one of those again, I know... but bear with me, it makes me feel better when I torture you guys with these:P) So driving in Alaska, let me start in the morning:

Get up an hour early, start the car a half hour before you leave (longer if it's below zero, which it wasn't this morning).

Let it warm up, dash out the door with your hair still in a towel ( wouldn't want it to freeze... at least that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

Drive down the hilly (is that even a word?) road three miles, keeping an eye out for moose and that darn dog that's always trying to chase the cars by running out in front of them... start slowing down about a half mile before the end of the road to avoid sliding.

Get to stop sign, California stop and turn onto the highway... press gas, peel out, slowly get up to 10 miles, push gas a little harder, start to slide (wiffle), steer into it, regain control, use the next 2 miles to get up to 65 mph

Get into town (40 minutes later), pray that the lights are green when you get to them, or red long before, it's scary sliding when trying to stop...

Now, fast forward to the evening, everything's pretty much the same, but we're driving just out side of town, when a moose decides to cross the road, you're in a pack of cars, do you freak out? Nope, you just swerve gently and keep going, without missing a beat not even changing your speed (which is over by 10 mph)....I mean the moose HAD to wait until the only pack of cars within a mile radius was right there before it crossed..... maybe it needed the extra light, I don't know....but anywhere, else, there would probably be people in ditches, or in the other lane, but here? Nah, it's cool, just a simple little swirve.... *sigh*

So, I guess you actually want to know what we've been up to? Okay.....

Well, not much, Christmas was quiet, but nice (work was hectic to say the least)... my co worker and I dressed up in elf costumes... yes elf costumes....

I don't think that the pass port people would accept this do you?

Something about looking normal, OH I know what's wrong with it, I'm smiling....

Jeremiah "ice skating" it was like -20, and where were we? Outside at night, being goofy duh!

-60, when water disappears before it hits the ground (there's no place like Hawaii)

Well, I've been a little lame about taking pictures lately, but the ice art (carvings) have started so, I'll have a really really cool post real soon, take care and happy spring (hope the snow and cold have taken the hint and gone away....)

From:

Norhern Lights

2008-11-07T09:25:00.003-09:00

Hi guys! I know that you might think that I'm sick (seeing that I've actually posted within a week:D). That being said, I just HAD to share this with you. At 10:30 pm with a whopping tempature of -9, can you guess where we were? Freezing our butts off trying to get a photograph of the gorgeous Aurora. This was one of my dreams come to. I've always wished my eyes were a camera.... there is such beauty everywhere! And last night was no exception. I have to mention, that this is was a team effort, but most of the credit goes to Jeremiah. So, without further ado...

(Click on the picture to get a bigger version, SO worth it)

When the Ghouls, Ghosts and Alaskans come out...

2008-11-02T01:29:00.000-08:00

Hiya! Well, I almost couldn't find my own blog, it was covered in so much dust so, I figured it was time for an update. I hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween. Jeremiah and I kidnapped the nephews and took them trick-or-treating. Speaking of which, I thought that I would share some Alaskan Halloween culture with you.

In "the states" or the "lower 48":

1)You walk from door to door...

2)The younger ones are followed closely by either mom or dad (on foot)

3) When thinking up a costume, the possibilities are endless

4)It's pretty warm out...

In Alaska:

1) You DRIVE from door to door...

2)The younger ones are usually followed closely by either mom or dad on foot, the one who is not on foot, is following in the car, keeping the heater going full blast so everyone can thaw out.

3) When thinking up a costume you have to calculate in that it's -5 out... how many layers can I fit under, or on top of it? Most of the little ones, all have the same costumes... warm fluffy coats, hats and gloves!

4) It's -5, there's snow on the ground! (And if there isn't than it's classified as a "heat wave")

Here are some pictures from our Halloween night:

Jeremiah keeps close watch as Zach and Ian walk back to the warm car after getting their loot

The police were out in full force, keeping all the trick-or-treaters safe Halloween night, by handing out glow sticks to the kids. I am so glad that our police forces are out in the community, it really lets the kids see them in a positive light.

We had a "devil" of a good time :) Hehe.

Jeremiah was a "grim reaper"... it was cute, watching him follow the kids around with the lantern...:)

AHHHH, I've been slimed!!!!

Zach (the ninja), Ian (The Commando )

The kids got TONS of loot!

I've got to share a funny story with you. Jeremiah and I told the nephews, that they could only have three pieces of candy each, after that, they had to wait until they could ask their parents. Zach is the oldest ( 8 years old), and Ian the the second oldest (6 years old), (Sorin, is the youngest who is two years old, but he stayed with mom and dad). After the kids had eaten a few pieces, we asked them how many they had each had, Zach said he had two... we then asked Ian how many he had eaten he replied "a few...", "how many's a few, Ian?" we asked, he said "a few...", his brother, Zach informed us that "Ian doesn't know how to count, he's only in Kindergarten". HAHAHAHA! We couldn't help but laugh, it was too cute!

Other news, I have joined the Fairbanks Community Band, and we had our first concert tonight.

We had technical issues with the video... the Christmas concert, we should have everything figured out.

Alaska's Flag

Flourish for Wind Band

Olympic Fanfare and Theme

Theme from Schindler's List

Raider's March

House of Horrors (I really liked this one!)

Novena

Haven Dance

Valdres

Pirates of the Caribbean

These were the songs that we played.

Here are some pictures from our fall performance:

"Where's the rest of my section?" (I'm a true band geek!)

The flutes, had to point our instrument down when we played, it was a bit crowded on that stage....

*smile*

That's all folks!:)

From The:

Wiiii!!!!

2008-09-27T22:10:00.001-08:00

Hiya folks! Howz it goin'? Well I'm back with an update.... we have joined the rest of America, and invested in the Wii. Those of you who don't think it's worth it, let me tell you, it's an absolute blast!!! (Never mind the fact that both Jeremiah and I are kids trapped in a grown up's body, but what is life if you can't have fun and enjoy it!)

Jeremiah tries out the "Wii Fit" (which is awesome!)

Who mii? (LOL.. couldn't resist that one!)

My attempt at the yoga on Wii Fit (I soon found out how NOT coordinated I am)

Bear didn't get why "dad" was down on his level and kept sniffing Jeremiah and licking his face, which made him fall over! lol

Galen watching his crazy human flock jumping around in the middle of the living room. (I can't imagine what he was thinking!)

Here "Mii" (we) are!

Mii- A customizable Avatar, or character to represent your saved games for the Wii system.

Well, I think that's it for now... hope everyone is having a wonderful and beautiful fall.

From:

Pain for Beauty

2008-08-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of being invited to go hiking with the Shaws up to Russian River Falls. OMG, It totally surpasses gorgeous!!!!The pain part was the fact that is was over 5 miles, with planters feet, yeah ouch! (Now, ask me if it was worth it.... heck yeah!) So, instead of yammering on, I'll let the pictures tell the story (with a few small blurps here and there from yours truly)

He finally gives me a flower and it's microscopic! lol

A wife, mommy, great friend and photographer (all rolled into one!)
(only in Alaska)
The Russian River Falls
And for those fishermen out there....! Watch close and you may see dinner leap out of the falls... (courtesy of Becky Shaw)
Unfortunately the only fish that we caught that day... were on camera! (Turn down your sound, the water was really loud... and you have to watch real close, there are some really neat shots! The video is about 2 minutes long)

Katie taking a siesta with her daddy by the falls
There was a pool with salmon, resting, I imagine (I know I'd be if I had to leap up all those falls!) kind of where the water looks calmer you can see all those black "long" looking things, Salmon!

Combat Fishin'
(for those who have no clue what combat fishing is... it's when you have maybe five or so feet on either side of you to fish....and then whole bank is lined with folks as far as the eye can see!)
Miss Kaya
Katie's first time fishing, and boy, does she have some fish stories, she caught one every two minutes!!!
Bubba
The guys getting the pole ready
(Keith opted to be Jeremiah's fishing coach that day.... and what a team they made, Jeremiah would cast, Keith would get the pole and try and get the line back from whatever it was tangled with!)

Our two wild beasts... you know I don't know how intelligent it was to go hiking where there have been quite a few bear sightings with a dog named bear...hehe

Lady... of the ferns!
Katie and Mommy fishin' (which she was OH SO EXCITED ABOUT) her daddy's taught her well!

Jeremiah fishing
Becky, Katie and I snuck away to find a better view of the falls.... and we most certainly did
Katie catching a ride, I think all of us were secretly wishing we were in her place, but I have to say, she was quite the trooper walking a long way for her size!
Not too worn out for a group shot or a smile! :D

Another shot from Becky Shaw
An Alaskan "weed"

I think we all felt this way when we got back to the car... Keith and Jeremiah barbecued some hot dogs.... I on the other hand, wanted to saw my feet off with a dull butter knife, but the rest of me was in awe at the perfect beauty that God has placed before us!

Hope you enjoyed catch you folks later!

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

Strange things are done under the midnight sun... but this is just...!?!

2008-07-30T01:20:00.005-08:00

This is a few blocks away from our condo....
And yes, it is a purple Christmas tree, with fishing lures hung on it, and a dip net on top... in July

can you imagine the conversation leading up to this?
It probably occurred after a few cases of beer, or lack of....

Only in Alaska, folks...
Only in Alaska

Organized Chaos

2008-07-07T06:26:00.012-08:00

Hey All! How's your summer going? Ours is dripping on by,,, I swear, I looked at Google weather, and it said "clear with sun...", so what does our lovely little piece of the peninsula do? RAIN! And then Google says "Cloudy with Rain", can you guess? YEP, it was clear and sunny the whole darn day! I tell you, this place is screwy! LOL, but, enough about our depressing weather... and on to what we have been up to these days.

I recently got back from Idaho... I was a Matron of Honor at Mr. and (now) Mrs. Oneil's wedding. It was absolutely gorgeous! I'm pretty sure I cried more at her wedding, then at mine... Here are just a sample of the hundreds (literally) of pictures I took:

Getting ready

Every bride is late to her wedding

Before the walk down the isle

During the ceremony

The kiss

Group picture

The cake

The bride and I (Alyse, I am so happy for you two, you are both wonderful, again, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day)

Ladies and Gentleman The O' Neil's

Hang on, I've got to go dry my eyes LOL ;)
I really enjoyed going back to Idaho and seeing family and spending time with everyone! Though, driving my aunt's stick was a little adventure on it's own. My Aunt let me borrow her car, which is a Kia (cute little thing), with a stick. I was feeling pretty confident, because I had to drive around in our S-10 chevy truck for the last month (the jeep is broken down, again!). So, I start the engine, and pull out, everything is fine, about half way to my best friend's mom's house, it starts to smell hot, and whine, I kept pulling over and stopping. I was completley freaked, on the verge of tears. Easy solution, use my cell to call my aunt.... but of course, nothing can be THAT easy.... my cell was dead! Great, good and wonderful! So, I drove really slowly (I got passed, on a double line, in the middle of nowhere country road!) finally got the the Anderson's home. I knocked (now these guys have not seen me in like 8 years!)... I knocked on the door, and Alyse's dad answers, I said something like " HI, you must be Alyse's dad, I'm her friend from Alaska, Amber, it's good to see you, can you help me, I'm borrowing my aunt's car, and it's doing something weird, I've had it for like 5 minutes, and she's gonna kill me"... after a couple of minutes he comes out with this smile on his face, and says "did you put the E brake on?"... Uhhh, no!?! SO, I call my aunt, and what does she start to do... laugh at me! not a chuckle, giggle, but full on laughing at me! In the midst of this, I hear something that resembles "wait til I tell you uncle!".... yep, I'm home! However, I have come up with an excuse, I asked 2 Alaskans why we don't really use the E brake up here? They said it was because most of the time it freezes to your wheels.... there you go! I'm not as goofy as I thought I was.....okay, yes I am, and I fully deserved what I got :D I love you Aunt Debbie:) Thankfully, she didn't kill me ( I'll just never live it down!).

NOW, for the adventure coming home.

The flight from Idaho to San Francisco was smoothe. I was extremely excited to have my five hour lay-over.... my Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob were meeting me at the airport. When I got there I learned something (I actually learned a lot of things while in California)....that when they say San Francisco Intrenational Airport.... they don't really mean that the air port is really IN San Francisco, they mean, near San Francisco, you need to drive an hour to get to the actual San Francisco.... As a result, we ended up going to San Jose to visit my grandfather. We got to his house, and he was totally excited to see me... and I couldn't have been happier to be able to be blessed with being able to see my grandpa and Cuz Chris. It was a real nice visit. They got me back to the air port in time to get through security. If you know anything about San Francisco airport, you know that their security has a knack for taking FOREVER... yep, no exception this time! I finally got through and got settled at my gate, so I figured I'd give Miah a call... only, I couldn't find my cell phone. So I asked a couple if I could use their phone to call my aunt and have her bring it to her.... I swear, they looked at me bug eyed like I'd just asked them for a million dollars!!!!!!! Then, after studdering, they said "well.................... I guess this is an emergency...." I called my aunt, and we set up to meet where I got dropped off.... in my mind, I went to the place that I had been picked up (I was a tiny bit on the frazzled side). Looooong story short, I missed my flight, no thanks to the airport or the people in it!!!! So, after tracking down my aunt... I stood in line to see if I could hop on another flight, all the while cursing this whole experience under my breath! (Little did I know, this was the tip of the ice burg). When I got up to the counter, little miss sunshine was waiting for me! Now, I've missed my flight, I'm exhausted... I just want to get home!!!! So, yeah, I'm a little short.... apparently she wasn't in the best mood either.... and proceeded to charge me 150.00 to get on the "next available flight"... which was the same flight 24 hrs. later. May I remind you, that I had no clothes, no toiletries, nada! However, I did have my grandpa's house, I have my very own room there, and despite everything that happened that day, it was wonderful to have a room with a comfy bed to curl up in. The next day was fun, as I got to not only visit with grandpa some more, I also got to see Aunt Lorie, Ann and Cate. However, I don't know how I managed to get stuck in California on a nice 98 degrees above zero....I'm from Alaska people! 70 degrees is hot to me!!! When you're walking and your feet are going squeak squeak squeak from the sweat rubbing on my flip flops as I walk, something is wrong, terribly, terribly wrong! Aunt Lorie saved the day, and let me cool off in her pool:) So, special thanks to Aunt Lorie, Ann and Cate for saving the Alaskan from melting. So back to the airport, early this time. I had 40 bucks on me... was in a jean skirt, and tank top and flip flops (I got a wonderfully painful blister on the bottom of the big and second toe as a sovenier), but by golly I was NOT going to miss my flight.... I got to my gate, just in time, to see that the gate had changed... to the complete last gate, like 30-50 gates away, let me tell you... those moving sidewalks, were GOD sent at that moment... when I got there, I bought some food, and stupidly some water.... for one sandwhich, two SMALL bags of chips (one for later on the flight), and a waterbottle... the bigger size.... yep, 20 dollars later....So, I'm sitting at my gate... and it gets moved again, only a few down. And then delayed about 2 and a half hours... so I'm freezing by now.... and go in search of the whole airport to find a twenty dollar sweatshirt... (got to tour the whole airport). We were all hopeful by now that there would be no delays, when I heard my name called over the intercome... I went up to the desk, and I don't have a seat, well isn't this just dandy! The only one that is available is an isle seat... I'm afraid of flying, and at least in a window seat I can LOOK out the window to see why the plane is turning and such. I could not believe it! After everything I had been through with this wonderful, easy airport and its staff! So I board the plane, and asked the stewardess if there were any window seats available, I was informed that the only window seat was seat 17... and it cost 59.00 to get that seat..... good lord! Again, long story short, the flight was horrid, I still got no sleep, and when we landed I had tons of fun trying to locate my suitcase at 4 am in the morning... apparently, there were so many suitcases that mine was "hard to find".... but all in all, I think this was a blessing in disguise, as I got a chance to see my grandfather and family. OH, and if you're wondering what carrier caused me SO much trouble? One word UNITIED!

K, I'm off my soap box (for the relief of you folks!) You guys have a great night/day and I'll talk to you really soon:)

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

Waking up from Hibernation

2008-05-28T07:55:00.062-08:00

Hiya folks! How have you been doing? Summer has finally decided to come our way (I don't know what took it so long!?!).... there are three ways to tell...
1) Just driving to the supermarket is a challenge, as there is a twenty minute delay due to ROAD CONSTRUCTION...

2) It's actually warm enough to RAIN

3) Fred Meyers starts selling their coolers for 175 dollars a pop, and you can hardly get from one end of the isle to the other due to the ungodly amount of tourists. "Ooooh, look kids, a real Alaskan experience.... FRED MEYERS!!!"

Did I mention the Loooooooooooooooooooong line of travel trailers and RV's that plague the fast lane? And when you try to pass, well, THEN they realize that they must be going a little on the slow side, and speed up.... yeah... it's summer alright! LOL...

BUT, it is nice to have some sun shine around here... the lack of ice and snow is a nice bonus too. So the last couple of weekends have been filled with camping excursions, hikes and BBQs. After all, what is summer for? We've only got three months of this stuff (that's 90 days... as the radio stations proudly report here) so we've got to live it up!

Before I get to that, got some BIG news... Jeremiah graduated!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I am so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so proud of him! He worked his butt off... Here are a few pictures from his graduation ceremony! And he got almost straight A's in the program! (okay, so he got a B, but still, he did awesome)

The Scholar....

The Graduate

Before the ceremony....
The stage (we got there a little too early...)

Showing off his diploma (well, the case anyhow... he won't get the real one for a couple of weeks)
I love my graduate!
Heading off to celebrate

And now....
For our summer adventures so far....
First off, we took Katie and headed to the fire station to learn about the firemen, fire trucks, and what to do if there is a fire...

We met Fireman Pete, who showed us around... then we met the rest of the team

After that, we learned what to do when there is a fire, Fireman Pete showed
Katie how to stay low and get out of her room if there is a fire
Of course, summer wouldn't be official without, camping and outside fun
The guys made it out to Deep Creek for some camping...
Fishing opened up at midnight Friday, and can you guess where the guys were? YEP, you guessed it, hiking out with fishing poles in hand at 11pm. What goofs! Although, I heard that they had quite an adventure, although the fish seemed to evade them this time they saw a porcupine...

Katy has figured out how the perfect way to master eating a hot dog
Our home away from home
Becky and Katie Boogy down
Becky and I pose fior a Kodak moment

We of course had a camp fire... with s'mores.... (which get tastier and tastier every time)
I received an e-mail through myspace from Felicia who has recently been stationed at the Army base in Fairbanks, in this e-mail she asked me "Okay so how long do you think it will take for me to go insane because of living in a town were it is Christmas all year long?" Well, Felicia, here's your answer.... shouldn't be too long at this rate...
(Keith sports his snoopy Christmas PJ's )

And of course, we brought the zoo down with us... Kaiya spent most of the time playing
squeak toy to any strangers that got near her family, it was pretty funny! Lady got herself tangled pretty badly and Bubba was being as cuddly as always. Ofcourse, there was a my little michesvious Bear!

We also learned that Bear likes to dance... really, he's Dancing with the Stars next biggest thing!
Awww, love birds...
Miss Katy being cute (is she ever not?)
Now THIS is the Alaskan way to eat corn...

Our latest adventure was to the park, and what fun there was to be had! We took the path on down to the river and back, and then hung on the playground (never too old to slide!)

The Alaskan Shaws... well at least for a little while longer
Hubby savoring the sun....
I just couldn't resist this picture....

Keith also was savoring the sun

Becky pushing Katie on the swing (which she has a blast on!)
As she is swinging she will say "what's up fuzzy?" and then start cracking up...
Jeremiah tries to keep hold of the beasts! (Ours anyhow... they're a little excitable!)

Tire swing fun....
Katie "hanging" around hehe!
OH, Bear's decided that he's just too good for Dancing with the stars, and that the circus might be more his type....

Well guys, this pretty much sums up the havoc on our end, I'll be back soon with an update. Take care!

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

two down, and a whole life time to go...

2008-03-09T00:51:00.016-09:00

Hello! How are you? We're doing really well, having survived 2 years of marriage... with our sense of humor and adventure intact... we trekked on down to Homer... and you won't believe what we saw... but I'll save that for later. Here are the photos from our adventure, enjoy

This is how our anniversary started

Talk about heaven...

And I quote,
"Mine, mine mine mine"
-Finding Nemo

This is my "happy" face...

We went to the "Land's End" restaurant.. advice to the folks whoever eat there, order off the bar menu... the prime rib sandwich is so WORTH the 13.95...

After dinner, we took a nice stroll for beach combing

Two words:
"Super Mutt"

And the highlight?

They landed like 20 feet away and directly inline with our window!!! AND THEN LOOKED STRAIGHT AT US... can it get any better??? This is what it is truly about!!!

A perfect end to a perfect day...

(sorry about the graininess... this is how my camera took this picture.....)

So there you have it...
I hope that our love for each other will continue to grow...
That our smiles will continue to brighten
And that our laughter will never cease....

From:

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

P.S
Stay tuned for part two... we have anniversary portraits...

Simply put...paradise

2008-02-29T19:47:00.022-09:00

For every time that I say I hate Alaska, it's times like today, that I realize that I could never really truly leave this place! Simply put... paradise!

We took Lady and Bear out to our favorite spot, Clam Gulch, and I have to say that we are quite proud of both of them, as they stayed near us and were both off the leash at the same time! it was a balmy day out, at a sweltering 30 degrees above zero. I couldn't seem to put my camera down...

The beach, it was a lot of fun trying to get from ice berg to berg without falling (to the amusement of on lookers, I sure) on our faces... special thanks goes to yak tracks.

But, when has the possibility of serious injury ever stumped adventure?

It's the closest thing to an igloo we could find..

Miah trying to climb the big rocks that are normally out in the water a bit.... climb Miah, CLIMB, quick, before the tide comes back in!!!

We even found evidence of an avalanche!!!! Okay, so it was a "mini" avalanche

THIS is what we climbed, well kind of slid/ tripped down in order to get to the beach...

Jeremiah slides to the next"hand grip"... sadly for him, I had the yak tracks..

Lady, in her prime... if I had to pick a picture that would describe lady, this one fits her to the "T"
"FREEDOM"

Jeremiah works with her... off the leash!!!

We are very very proud of her!

We were a little "iffy" on letting BOTH Bear and Lady off the leash at the same time,
but they both knocked our socks off and stayed close by!
(not to mention, they had a great time chasing and playing with each other!

Lady, slowing down a bit... but still livin' it up!

Lady and Bear tearin' the beach up with a good old fashioned game of
chase!

Lady found something interesting... treasure? dead fish?

NOW I'm tired!!!

And that was the end of that adveture, for the day.... but who knows what we'll be up to next...
Catch you next time (we hope) have a great day, and Happy St. Patty's Day...( don't eat anything too green!:)

From the

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

I don't just have pets, I have lovable agreeable stand up comics

2008-02-19T03:22:00.027-09:00

Welcome back! Well... we have both been trying to recover from the bug that's been going around and I am definitely glad that it is on it's way out! So, in celebration of being able to breath out of both nostril again, we decided to have a little fun. As a result, I am still the undefeated champion of scrabble... it was sadly harder for us trying to play scrabble with no spelling source on hand... and it took ages! Hehe... though I have to give some credit to Miah for CZAR, he ALMOST beat me!!!

Our Lady Mutt doin' what she does best...

JAWS!!!

I think this is one of the best pictures of Bear... he's getting pretty big now, he's up to 60 pounds! And he's only seven months!!!!

And then there's the tougne!!! It's like those old cartoons... it just kind of hangs there it never ceases to crack us up!!!
Want to know why we don't have T.V.? Cause we have animals, in other words, cheap entertainment... So I wanted a picture with both of them together, more than ten feet apart... so Jeremiah went and got a cookie to bribe them with... it's sufice to say that it worked too well, if that cookie did so much as move a millimeter, they were both on it... I swear I have two bobble heads not mutts! So, here is the best picture I could get of the two of them!
Now I know that you guys are thinking that someone is missing here... we had fun with that clown of a conure too.... he just was too curious about the mason jar, and caught with his beak in the "cookie jar"
Bear looking cute gnawing away on his bone
Lady is "all ears"
Jeremiah making Bread bowls for the first time
The bread bowls turned out really well and were very tasty, and I made a yummy soup to go with them.
Lady and Bear wonder what's smells so tasty as they peek around the corner into the kitchen
Well, it's been pretty snowy and cold here in Alaska... but it's been warming up (we like above zero...)
but the dogs have done a good job of keeping us warm...

A few weeks ago we got to go with Miss katie and Becky for katie's first time skating...

And let me tell you, despite that she's an Alaskan, she definitely has a streak of Californian in her!

We all know where she gets it from though... (hint: look close at mom...)

No Jeremiah, try as you might, you aren't Californian...
Well, that's all folks (for now...) anyhoodles (hehe, I learned a new word...) Have a great weekend and keep warm from the:

A change of Sceanery

2008-02-15T08:05:00.003-09:00

SOOOO, I have come to the conclusion that my husband ROCKS!!!! He worked for over an hour on getting the background image the way it is! Gotta love Photoshop Elements for the header! (that one was me) I am VERY excited! This new format will make way for some gorgeous Alaskan photos!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!
Well, anyhow, I will take some pics for you guys and get back on track with posting tonight! Take care and have a WONDERFUL friday:)

From the:

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

Aidan Bradford Oneil.... is here!

2008-01-17T14:26:00.001-09:00

I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A VERY WARM WELCOME TO AIDAN BRADFORD ONEIL!!! HE WAS 7 LBS 4OZ! AND MOMMA WORKED REALLY HARD AND AFTER 23 HOURS OF LABOR A HEALTHY HAPPY SNUGGLE BUG WAS BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD!!!! MOM, DAD AND BABY ARE DOING WELL AND ARE HOME. CONGRATULATIONS TO A VERY PROUD AND LOVING MOMMY AND DADDY... ALYSE AND DAN!!!!

Yabadbadooo!!!

2007-11-04T03:17:00.001-09:00

Good morning! It's nice to see you again, I know that I haven't been very good about posting lately... sorry 'bout that. I will try and get you up to speed. How was your Halloween? We had fun! Which, I guess is the objective. They say that there is usually snow on the ground by or before Halloween, I am proud to say that we had a snow less hallows Eve... Jeremiah's first semester this year is coming to a close! YAY!!! However, I must admit that I may have counted my eggs too soon, we are most likely going to stay here in Kenai for a few (at the very least) more years, having made this our home... we don't want to have to pack everything up and start over! Well, on to the pictures, shall we? :)

We had a gorgeous fall, the colors were so vivid

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

This year we decided, since we were in a spot for trick or treaters, we would decorate for Halloween, the result?
Jeremiah looks very intimidating with that hammer! I guess it's a guy thing!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Us? Of course!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

I think she headed out a little too early with a little too much to drink! LOL!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Now how do I avoid smashing my finger with this thing?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Ta- Da!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

And we also inherited a puppy, Jeremiah and I have sadly lost the lizard, so we figured, that we're going to stick with the animals that we know we can take care of... Our new puppy is named Bear, he is part husky and part German Shepard... he's three months old and extremely obedient... for a puppy. We have had fun getting to know him. Lady was at first not too sure about him, but they are working it out...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Icky, doggy slobber!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Awww, this is one of my favorite pictures, All of them passed out!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Bear has such biiig paws, that he literally falls over them!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We decided to head off to anchorage to get a bigger cage for Galen (he's needed more room for quite some time). The pass was a little icy, but we got through it...

So, it was a little early for Halloween....but

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Evidence that we just got lucky on the not getting snow part!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We stopped in the pass to stretch our legs and let bear play in the snow

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Okay, so we played too....

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Amber, did try to you parallel park again?

Then it was back on the road again, I can't wait to get on the road again!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Our survival... Miah and I were so tired, this is how Miah stayed awake! Hehe

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Okay, so this is going to sound crazy, but, whenever I make a kissing sound when I'm holding bear he licks my lips, just once... like he's giving me a kiss back, silly pup!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

This was oddly pretty, you can see the snow creeping down the hill

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The ocean from our side of the world!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

When we got home, a few days later, we were greeted with a few inches of snow... what fun!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Personally, I think it needs some devil horns at the top....

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Here's a snowball just for you... figured I'd share!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Unfortunately with winter, there comes the dreaded BUG!!! And that's exactly what caught Jeremiah, the doc. put him on a clear liquid diet... and told him to get some nasal spray. While were at three bears (small town cosco equivalent) we picked up a bigger kennel for Bear. We got home and put it together. Jeremiah had bought the cheapest nasal spray that he could find. So whilst he was dying from the thick stream of liquid that he sprayed into his nasal cavatie and throat. I figured I'd crawl into the kennel and try and get Bear comfortable with it, I didn't think Miah was paying attention, that is until I saw a hand reach over and slam the kennel door shut, and look what that hubby of mine did!!!!

Lady thinks there's something wrong with this picture and investigates!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Since it was halloween we figured it was about time to get those pumpkins carved!
Jeremiah works hard on his Goblin!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Jeremiah's pumpkin

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

I wonder if I can I still here the ocean?? OR is that just the air rushing out of my head? LOL

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

My pumpkin

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Later that day, we got into our costumes and headed out to humiliate ourselves, what strange looks we got from the people at the grocery store!!! Our co workers thought it was cute though!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

And What do you know, a cute little bunny hopped on up to our front porch, with her mommy and daddy bunny!! LOL, Keith and Becky and Katie stopped by for a second...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Well that is all for now, don't have too much fun! See you soon, take care

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Fire, the wheel and NEW RAM!!!

2007-10-09T14:58:00.001-08:00

WHOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I got new RAM in my computer, so NOW it won't take a century to load and a decade to decide to shut the calculator app down! So, hopefully you will be hearing from me more often! I hope you guys are doing well, thank you Very much for taking the time to read my blog, it is always appreciated! Take care (hopefully you will be hearing from me later tonight with a better update!) Alright, Talk to ya'll later.

Hasta La Vista amigos!

From the

IGLOODWELLERZ:)

Cob Web Removal!

2007-09-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Sorry it has been a while, things have been hectic to say the least here! A little birdie told me that there were cob webs starting to form in here... JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN (hehe)... Not much to catch up on... Jeremiah is trying to make it through his classes! (So am I). We are both trying to make it through each day at work. Lady is now 4 years old... she's calming down a lot. Jeremiah is trying to teach her to roll over, but all she does is roll onto her side and stick her feet a little higher and then look at us to say, "ta-dah, treat?".

WINTER IS COMING... It's the end of the world!!! Yesterday was the first frost... and they're already predicting snow in Fairbanks!!!!! Why me? To make matters worse a certain Californian
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting was headed to the beach last night to do a bon fire! We might as well pull our ice fishing poles out at this point!!!!!!! I guess the bright side of this is that we can finally add the addition on to our igloo...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

It will need a little decorating! Hee hee!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Funny story: Jeremiah and I were sitting on the couch and just to mess with him I said his name a little louder than usual... well about two seconds after I said it, my voice echoed. Jeremiah and I looked over at Galen's cage and started cracking up, so now he perfects it about twenty times a day... he also called Lady the other day. WHAT!? is another one of his favorites!!! Enjoy a few pics of the animals...

Is it me, or does the word "spoiled"seem to go well with this photo?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Galen discovers peanut butter...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Is the pen cap really that tasty, bird?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The reason this is so blury is because Galen found the camera strap absolutely entertaining!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

WHAT!?! bonding time (my baby, he's so loved he doesn't even know it!!!)

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Kisses? Sweet heart!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

It's my 400 dollar interactive hair piece, it also doubles as and interactive hole puncher, interactive alarm clock and interactive garbage disposal!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

And we STILL haven't gotten over the camera strap!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

My hubby surprised me with a beautiful boquet of Gerbera daisies (my fav.)

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

I'd also llke to take a second to brag that
Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com
I am absolutely jubilent.... we can't wait to welcome and meet you Aiden... And we can't wait to see the proud parents to be (Alyse, you have a huge hug coming your way)...
Also, Congratulations to Joe and Jamie Kreasky who are going to be blessed with a baby girl! Kally Wheeler and husband to be congratulations. They will wed. on December 29... may they be blessed with luck and easy wedding planning!

Welp. that's all folks... Thank you for stopping in, I always appreciate you looking at our blog. Have a safe tuesday. Good afternoon from:

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

Home ward bound!

2007-08-14T01:14:00.000-08:00

This is it, I promise! The next morning, we got up around 7:30 am shook the cob webs out and packed up. After a wonderful breakfast we said goodbye to everyone and headed out!

We said goodbye to the cozy trailer as well as king Jack who was lounging on the only queen sized bed!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Now where are we going?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We stopped at interesting sites along the way:

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

yes, there is still snow and yes, it is the middle of August!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Thompson Pass

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We stopped for a good long while at Worthington Glacier, you can practically walk right up to it! It was beyond gorgeous!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Glacier fed river

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

A closer view of Worthington Glacier

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

This is the life!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Can it get any better than this?
They have reclining benches right by the glacier, and the sky was bright blue that day!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

A water fall cascades down from high up on the mountain by Worthington Glacier.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Could these be the aliens that we've been waiting for? The other intelligent life form?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Are we there yet?!?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We made it home at approximately 8:30 pm to find our zoo safe and work waiting...
We had a BLAST and hope to visit Valdez and family again soon!

Thank you for taking the time to read these, we hope you enjoyed the pictures, have a great week. Good night from:

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

2007-08-14T01:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! We're almost done (again, you might want to read the two posts before this one as this is the third of our trip to Valdez).
The last day before we headed home was spent on land. Carol (mom in law) showed us around Valdez (don't blink, ya might miss all one mile of it!). She also took us to some fun places.

First she showed us the "pirate" log. It was a piece of drift wood that got caught in the public dock, and if you look real close, you can see that if you put a bandana, hat and eye patch on it just might resemble a pirate:)

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Mom and son
Awww!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Next, she took us to a nick nak store, jam packed with everything you could imagine and more!

Carol and Jack (her red and blue heeler) have a heart to heart discussion about barking!
At least he semi listens, lady just seems to bark more!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Lady and Jeremiah taking it easy

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Home sweet home (for a couple of days anyways!)

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

"YOU ARE HERE!"

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
Fed, stuffed and dead!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Good eatins, if you ever get a chance to go to Valdez, eat here, their fillet mignon "melts in your mouth not on your fork!"

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

This was our last night in Valdez, the next morning we headed home, and THAT was an adventure all in it's self!

Anchors Away My Friend!!!

2007-08-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

Hey! (If you haven't already read the last post, you might want to... as this is the continuation of our trip in Valdez).

After a good night's rest and a wonderful homemade breakfast (courtesy of the greatest mom in law in the world) we headed out to the harbor for my first ride on a boat aboard my father in law's boat, the Terrapin (Terrapin means "turtle"). He takes people out to camp on islands, picks up/drops off kayakers as well as dropping off supplies. It was so cool just to be that close the harbor! My father in law, Joel and brother in law Bill (1st mate) were making a run out to Elamar in the Titicklit (forgive my spelling, that is how it sounds) narrows, about three and half hours out from the Valdez harbor. We were invited to go along.

Bill, leads us down the dock ramp to get to the harbor it's self.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The cabin of the boat.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Valdez harbor

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Lady didn't know what in the heck to think about the water...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

All the guys helped to push off from the dock and we were on our way!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Jeremiah gets a re-fresher course in how to tie the boat to the dock

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

And we're off!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The wake we were making was pretty neat to see. At 25 "ish" knots we were making good time!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Jeremiah used to play the role of navigator on the boat, and it was no different this time...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

If you look closely, you can see the people (the dots) out there in their kayaks...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The Terrapin is a landing craft this means that the boat can be driven until they hit land and a ramp is put down to allow for easy boarding and de-boarding.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

When we arrived to Ellemar to drop the couple that were going out there off, we ran into eel grass due to low tide. As we were trying to approach land, Captain Westerlund asked his first mate (brother in law bill) how far he could use the motor to approach the shore and bill replied "it depends on how much of this stuff [eel grass] you want in the props!"

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Captain Westerlund at the Helm of his boat The Terrapin

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Why must you torture me so? What did I ever do to you?
Lady wasn't too sure about this whole boat idea!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

For lunch we stopped out at Raven Croft Lodge, (about 3 hours out from the harbor). This lodge is only accessible by water or air, easiest by water. We met Laura and Nate. We also had the pleasure of meeting Cody. Cody is a small terrier looking dog with a personality bigger than he is! When we pulled up to their shore, we were boarded by the inspector who searched our boat throughly before Cody gave the okay! He led the way to the main building where lunch was waiting. Lady was ready to burst, so after releaving herself , getting a drink of water from the fresh stream...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We headed inside for some sea worthy stories and note worthy corn chowder soup!
Laura gave Joel a grocery list to bring back to her in the morning...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Laura and her helper Nate sit back to enjoy a laugh or two before we headed off again

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Before we left Bill had Laura show us one of Cody's tricks. She called him, pointed her hand at him in a gun shape and yelled "bang you're dead", cody fell over onto his side and then slowly rolled over completely on his back and stayed there, all fours straight up in the air! It was absolutely hilarious!

Apparently the tide had decided to come back in while we were enjoying lunch... so bill had to go back out and push the boat so he cound drive closer!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Ain't she a beauty?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We headed out for Halibut (and whatever else bites!) fishing, I got to learn how!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Joel caught a silver salmon and jeremiah caught a rock fish (it's eyes exploded from being brought up 200 feet so fast!)

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The Captain and Lady taking a quick snooze on the way back to the harbor

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Jeremiah got the chance to drive the boat!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

After around nine hours on the boat we finally made it back to the harbor, although it was A LOT of fun, it was good to get back to land!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

When we got back to our home base, aka the trailer, we had hot home made twice baked sweet and sour pork waiting, yummy! The next day we were going to stay land bound and have some fun around the town.

To the far end of the planet (I mean Valdez...)

2007-08-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

Hi, long time no see, what have you guys been up to? I am sorry that I have been slacking as far as posting goes... our work schedule has been hectic!I wanted to post our trip to Valdez...

On the road again, I can't wait to get on the road again!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The scenery was gorgeous, I spent most of the trip hanging out the car window snapping pictures like crazy... enjoy....

By 5:30 pm we arrived in Glen Allen (only 150 miles to Valdez) for a bathroom break and to stretch our legs..

- Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Our pup Lady couldn't get enough of the new smells...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

They had an old fashioned fish wheel on display outside of the gas station/store

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

This reminds me of something out of the Hobbit!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

As we drove through Thompson Pass, we had almost zero visibility due to fog... this was when it was getting a lot better!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Horse Tail Falls... almost to valdez!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We finally arrived in Valdez around 9:00 pm.
After a delicious meal at Totem Inn, we hit the sack! (not that!!! I mean for sleep, jeez!) hehe
The next morning, we got the chance to play stow aways on the Terrapin

2007-08-03T03:12:00.000-08:00

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

I'll post pictures of our trip to Valdez in a couple of days... have a great weekend!
Goodnight from the Igloo Dwellerz:)

IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME.....

2007-08-02T01:29:00.000-08:00

You know those ideas that seem like such a good idea and then you find out the hard way that it wasn't such a good idea when it's too late???

We took Lady (the dog) over to the school to play. They have totally fenced (we thought) in tennis courts that we were going to let her off the leash and run around in... We got her in there and let go of the leash but kept it attached. She walked around a bit and then noticing that she was free started running, it was all good, until she found the fence door that was laying on the ground... now, our mutt is not dumb, she took one look at us as if to say "catch me if you can, suckers!"... and she was gone. Jeremiah took off after her (the leash was still trailing a couple feet behind her)... I followed (I am REALLY OUT OF SHAPE!), then turned around to go back to the jeep. She ran completely across the high school football field and the elementary school yard and parking lot. She ran across the street. I drove around to the other side of the schools and started looking for both the dog and husband, eventually I found them and caught Lady... Jeremiah had run a little over a mile.... apparently she thought this was GREAT fun and kept jeremiah in sight, but never let him get too close to catch her. They visited everyone's yard (she even drank out of some neighbors fountain) both front and back at seven AM... To say that we had an adventure today would be an understatement... WE HAD A MARATHON!!!

crocs, knitting and slacking oh my!!!

2007-07-27T02:37:00.000-08:00

Hi, again! how are you??? I hope your answer is good! Everyone is surviving, we are still waiting for the sunshine... The rain has slowed down, but the clouds are still here! We are hoping to head to Valdez to visit the In-laws in a couple of weeks.

Guess what? I finally learned how to knit!!! I am soooo excited...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

You know those god awful "crocs" that everyone are wearing??? I didn't get the fashion statement, they aren't "cute" OR useful in wet or cold weather, and the colors, UGH. And yet, today I realized why there is a pair in most households, they're COMFORTABLE!!! Yes, as of 11am this morning, I Amber Noel Louise Westerlund now have my very own pair of crocs. I still don't understand the whole crazy color thing, though!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Bare foot is still more comfortable to me!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Me blogging!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Other than that, things have been pretty quiet around here, I have to actually work now, so

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting
good night from: The Igloo Dwellerz

fish on!

2007-07-27T01:42:00.000-08:00

Hey, what's goin' on? Just the same old same old here... The weather is getting better, maybe in the next few days we'll have sunshine! (Or maybe that's just wishful thinking). Jeremiah will be going back to school at the end of August (his last year, YAY!). I am still working at the hotel...

Jeremiah and I went fishing (okay, I just sat there with the camera and laughed at him). The first place we went to (callihan park) we were told to not bother by a fisherman with a boat. the fish were more up-stream and it was packed there. Here are the pictures, enjoy!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

I WANNA FISH!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Finally we ended up under the Soldotna bridge, with the rest of the community...

There were people all over...

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

DEVOTED!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Side Story: The gentleman (pictured above) was to our right, he was sport fishing, and seemed to be snagging them even when he didn't want to...! The guy on our left was doing pretty well as well, us? NOT ONE BITE!!! Come to find out the Westerlund's have a "curse" with catching fish! There went dinner!:)

Sockeye salmon that someone else had snagged!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Jeremiah fishing:

Fish tie the best knots
Jeremiah got his line tangled with the guy to our right, and the guy still snagged a fish!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

It was a nice day and we had fun despite our bad luck with fishing.

On our way back from Anchorage a few weeks ago, I noticed that our pup had fallen asleep on our pillow, it was soooooooooo cute:

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Something else that made me smile is Galen (our conure). I have decided to do something about my weight and have bought an exercise ball, I was using it in the bird's room. Well, I was laying on it so that my head was upside down and pointed at Galen's cage, he didn't seem to understand, so after watching me for a bit he climbed to the top of the cage and then hung completely upside down still watching me, silly bird!!!

That's all folks, thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!
Goodnight from the

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com

Harold Parnell

2007-07-18T03:58:00.000-08:00

I would like to take a moment to remember My Great Uncle Harold Parnell. Uncle Harold was a great man, he was kind, generous and always more than willing to help. He had accomplished many great things, including, going to war and be stationed in Hawaii during World War 2, owning many different businesses, raising a son, building his home, and holding the position of Mayor for Eatonville. One of the things I remember most about Uncle Harold is that he always had a joke ready to make you smile. Uncle Harold is survived by his wife Jackie Parnell and his son, Rick Parnell and daughter-in-law Lynn Parnell, as well as his brother in-law "Van" and many other family and friends.

Uncle Harold, May you rest in Peace.

One hell of a bad morning

2007-07-18T03:41:00.000-08:00

Hi!! What's goin' on??? Not a lot here.... Just workin' and sleepin'... Adam, we miss you, it's quiet at our house (minus the dog and birds).

One of the advantages to being on night shift is that you get to hear about all of the weird stuff that goes on in the middle of the night, and if you're lucky you get pictures either with your camera or from a guest. Last night was one of those such nights. We had a gentleman by the name of Mike Brost inform us that a truck turning a corner at an intersection was going too fast and his truck carrying 40,000 pounds of salmon tipped over... Here are the pictures that Mr. Brost gave us... thank you, sir!!!

Something smells kinda fishy!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

You know what I'd do in this situation... QUIT and RUN LIKE HELL!!! before they had a chance to fire me!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The yummy clean up begins, hey, don't drive through there with your vent on!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Have a good night, and be thankful you're not that guy... good night from the Igloo Dwellerz

adam has oficially been corrupted, but he survived!!!

2007-07-15T12:51:00.001-08:00

I am happy to announce that both Adam and the moose survived Adam's Alaskan experience:) Now as far as sanity goes... well, none of us had ours intact anyways... Here are some pictures from Adam's visit... Enjoy:)

When we got to the Air Port to pick Adam up, we ran into a slight problem, NO PARKING!!! So where did we end up?? On the roof! Not cool!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Adam models a pirate hat... so much more to say about this photo, but I do value my life!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Wife won, what?? Was that out loud?? Jeremiah FINALLY got a hair cut!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video
Hosting
I finally got to go to my first bar, I know it's sad, so what if it was three in the afternoon!!!
How many drinks does it take to get Amber "Fuzzy" (that one's for you Alyse)? One!!! That's really sad!!!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Adam enjoys his Beer

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Hangin' with the "little man"

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Hee, hee, heeeeeeeeeee, okay, at this point the fuzziness is REALLY kicking in!! Is this just funny to me???

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We finally picked up our dog from being groomed, and it was hilarious, they Fufooed her!!!! Poor pup!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

It says "please do not stick your fingers in the cage", nonetheless, Adam's finger's were spared and he made a friend!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The next day was Jeremiah's birthday... we decided to just have a party at home and watch movies. Enjoy the pictures!

I made both the guys help shred chicken for enchiladas!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Just bein' goofy! The dog got tortured that day!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Me setting the timer for the tasty cheese dip.... it's true, never trust a skinny chef!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

What do you do with extra streamers???

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

That's it, humans!!! Feel my wrath!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Consider this place decorated!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Do I want to know???

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

My bean dip and enchiladas, don't they look tasty???

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

You think this is bad, just wait till he's 50!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Funny story:

Jeremiah wanted an ice cream cake this year... while I was at Fred Meyers, I thought I would be funny and buy those trick candles for the cake... only one problem, they were the size of normal birthday candles... I thought nothing of it until I was serving the cake, it was glowing like an atomic explosion!!! Apparently these normal sized trick candles burn hot and fast, long story short, they melted down almost instantly (now we have colored wax all over the cake), and they melted the caked, so what does jeremiah do, pulls out his leather man and starts pulling them out that way! oops,, at least our house is still in tact!

The next day, we headed out to Homer

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Me and Adam in Homer

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Fox glove, they actually think of this stuff as a weed!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The Harbor

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Calamari, WHY???

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

I thought only cute and cuddly things were supposed to be tasty,!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

hee heeeee!!!! If it is hard to read it says "Sh*t creek paddle company"

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Yes, these are real, and yes they are common here!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Adam on the beach, I thought this was a neat picture!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Jeremiah tries to skip a rock!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Nap time, that log was actually pretty comfortable!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

SMOOCHES!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

More SMOOCHES:)

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Sailors memorial

And I quote Finding Nemo: "Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine"

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Our last stop was the Homer Brewing Company

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Where the magic happens

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The guys taste testing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Miah and Adam in front of the Homer brewery Company
"both VERY happy campers"

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

We had a great time with Adam and he will be missed!

That is all for now, We wish you a very safe and fun weekend... don't be a stranger
goodnight from the IGLOO DWEllERZ!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

priceless

2007-07-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Dinner- $2.60

Gun to kill wife with- $450.00

Embarrasing photo of my husband that I've guarded with my life for this moment:

PRICELESS!!!

2007-07-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome! How was your fourth... I hope all your limbs are still attached and your home is in one piece:) Jeremiah and I stayed at home and made hamburgers and then I headed off to work.

It has been mucky and gray here, so we have been mostly at home or work. Galen finally said "hello", his first words. Rube hasn't gotten used to him, so we tend to keep the two separated. We have learned that Galen loves apples, carrots, Tortillas and seems to have a fond curiosity for tomatoes.

Jeremiah and I will be heading to Anchorage to pick our friend Adam who is coming to visit for a few days... up from the airport. We can't decide how to corrupt him first, we could always hand him a stick and tell him where to find the moose he'll be hunting for dinner, or we could just go to the movies:) But where would the fun be in that??

Well, just wanted to check in, I hope that the weather over in your neck of the woods is better than ours. Have a great morning from:

The Igloo Dwellerz:)

2007-07-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

Get More at COMMENTYOU.com

Civilization!!!

2007-07-02T23:47:00.001-08:00

Howdy!!! Haven't seen you in a while, where ya been??? We went to Anchorage this "weekend". It was good to get out. We left on Sunday at 5pm and got there at 8:30pm. We had to make a slight detour to our bosses house to pick up our checks. I have to vent for a moment... HOTELS IN ANCHORAGE ARE ABSOLUTELY THROUGH THE ROOF. I called Motel 6 in Anchorage to get a rate and they said that the cheapest in town was 160 a night!!! We packed the tent, unfortunately mother nature had other plans because it started to rain and was cloudy ( I was NOT going to sleep in the rain). So after getting our Denny's fix (the simple things you miss in life!!!) we found a little Inn called the Road Way Inn for only 109 a night (I know, still outrageous, but it was that or a tent in the now pouring rain). The room wasn't half bad, the mattress kind of sucked, but we were thankful for a bed. The night before I was stuck sleeping a very unrestful seven and a half hours in a Chevy s-10!! ( Jeremiah thought this was hilarious and snapped a few photos, I think he was more proud of the nest he built... and the fact that he thought he could get one up on me!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

The next day, we went to visit Annubis... He didn't respond so well to us, so all of us decided that it would be best for him to find another home... Though he is gorgeous and full of character. We went back to the hotel and got some sleep ( a bed, finally!!! Yes!!!). Despite the fact that Annubis didn't work out, we came home with a new friend... Galen (Irish for: Small but lively). He/she is two months old and a sweet heart, though it can BITE!!! Rube isn't so sure of it, he's funny. I put their cages next to each other and Rube crouched down really low spread his wings about half way, fluffed up all his feathers and hissed. When I took him out, he cloung to me as to say "my mom, not yours" to his competition... Galen's favorite treat are apples right now, but he was also munching on a carrot. It is also learning to talk, Galen is still working on it, but you can tell it's trying to get the sound right!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting

Lady is very curious, she can't understand why we won't let her have this strange thing!!! She sits by it's cage and stares at it with perked ears. Amazingly this bird is a lot quieter than Anubis (He had a whole house to fill), but he/she isn't exactly the quietest thing in the world, especially when you're in close quarters for three hours straight. Minus the whole noise thing, he'/she is a good little traveler!!!

Other news, Uncle Harold continues to be doing well, Grandpa is up there visiting. I think he will be up there for the fourth of July, so that will be fun... Adam is coming up to visit next week. That's all, so have a great day and enjoy your week!!! Goodnight from the

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com