Los Anchorage

William got home from hunting for a bear and decided we should go into the big city for a bit of fun. Of course, we were so excited. So, we pricelined a hotel. And when our low bid was accepted we decided it was meant to be.
Our hotel has been great--swimming pool, nice room, breakfast (with the waffle maker), closer to Target than our apartment. All good!
I have already decided that we will have to do this again in the middle of winter for a fun break. We ran into 3 different families from Soldotna at breakfast (so, I am guessing that's what a lot of people round our town do for a little break).
William let me go to Target all alone last night for an hour while the kids watched Ratatouille on tv. Then, we went swimming when I got back. Super fun!!

Julia is learning to spell everything. It is so sweet. Today we are working on the words 'Bobby and Gran Gran'. Right now, William is teaching her how to spell 'Santa'. She is starting to understand phonics. I think we owe a lot of it to the fridge letter thing Jodi and Steven got her when she was little. It is great for sounding out letter sounds!

Well, we're off to the sporting goods stores and maybe to REI and the Army Navy store to look for some winter gear. People tell me that good winter boots with removeable liners are important and snow pants that are good quality are also pretty important for the little ones.

Missing you all! Come see us, we'll lend you some winter gear.

Julie and Julia

Well, I feel as though this week has flown by. We were blessed to find a deal on our all favorite craigslist on a second vehicle for the family. So, I am no longer bounding out of bed and racing William to work and back which has been REALLY nice. I have been able to get a lot more laundry and housework done. We also got some salmon sent home Fedex. The way a lot of tourists get their fish home cheaper though is to check a fish box as one of their checked baggage. So, pack light and leave with some fresh frozen fish.
A real treat this week was a girl night I organized with my new friends Kristen and Angela to go to dinner and a movie. The three of us were really excited. Kristen is about to have a scheduled C section on Tuesday and has a 2 yr old at home. Angela has a little 2 yr old as well. So, we three were ecstatic about a night out of the ordinary. We ate mexican where Kristen spoke Spanish to our waitress since she's spent some in Ecuador. It felt a bit odd being in Kenai Alaska listening to a spanish conversation. Our dinner was Yummy. Then, off to see Julie and Julia which was a perfect GNO(girls night out) movie.
And of course, I had to look online today for a copy of Julia Child's 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking'. It is amazing what a movie buzz has done for an original copy of her book. One original 1960's copy was going on ebay for $885 the last time I checked. I think I will keep looking for it at garage sales or get the new version on Amazon for $20. The way she described the use of butter in cooking made me really hungry for cooking. So, today I made some homeade potato soup. It took all day and it was a labor of love. The chicken noodle soup I made earlier this week didn't feel as loved as these potatoes--it was more of a way to use up the chicken. Okay, enough already!
We miss you all and feel the fall approaching. It is rainy and chilly this week. Moose season starts the 20th--so I will need moose widow support emails...the man is obsessed. He watches the game and fish videos like a 2yr old watches Barney.




This is a birthday party we were invited to last weekend. Standing to the right of William is Dr Lines a fellow dentist in his clinic.



The children all got kiddy binoculars and went on a nature hike down to a lake.
They had to identify trees and berries along the way.
At one point the moms began to get afraid a bear may be around so everyone raised the pitches of their voice and told all the children to be as loud as they can. Of course they loved that command!



Spotting something.




Julia has from the first day we arrived begged to go on this ride. Well, a couple of weeks ago she swindled her Bobby into sending her $5 so she had the money to ride it. And of course we took the camera along. She was so brave a enjoyed it even though her little knees were literally shaking when she came down.
She is a determined little joy and we wouldn't want her any other way.

Happy Birthday Steven

Oh, yes... you knew you were next! I really debated it but thought how much you would enjoy being a whole blog post. LOL.
We're thinking of you and wish you all the best for the years ahead!

Julia and John wish they could be there to eat some cake with you.

Happy Birthday Margaret Louise !!

Margaret we're thinking of you and hope you have a great day!!!




Just when I think craigslist can't get any better...




I need a live turkey.

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Date: 2009-08-07, 9:39PM AKDT
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Unfortunately my dog just killed my neighbors pet turkey and I would like to replace it. Any leads on a tame turkey that would get along with four chickens would be greatly appreciated. Email to above or call 344-9679. Wasilla/Palmer area or closer to Anchorage would be as far as I'd have time to go. Thanks


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Late Night Drive

Mt redoubt in the distance.



Wild fireweed in full bloom everywhere.





Here moosey moosey...




Caribou ...Julia said rudolf just doesn't have his red nose on yet since it's not snowy and foggy outside yet.

Bunny anyone?

Bunnies - $5 (soldotna / kasilof)

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Date: 2009-08-06, 3:49PM AKDT


Black or Gray Bunnies available now. These bunnies are handled daily and make great pets. Price is negotiable and bunnies prefer nice vegetarian (non bunny eating) homes.

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Okay, Craigslist has some of the funniest ads don't they...I especially like the fact that they are looking to sell to people that don't eat their bunnies for dinner :)
Well, Julia and John want a bunny and they want one so that the bunny can eat their carrots instead of them...
We went driving around scouting for moose last night and it was a beautiful drive in daylight of the middle of the night. Mt Redoubt was clearly visible with a bit of smoke poofing out the top and the wildlife were plentiful (must have been that full moon). We saw tons of caribou and moose.
Yard saling this morning we got a few big yellow dump trucks for John, some vintage childrens books, another food saver($3). They say there's about a month left of yard sales and then poof the snow comes and the town shuts down. Unless you have good snow suits and some snow mobiles. It is very odd for me to envision this place without the hussle of the summer since it is all we have known so far. Atleast in the dead of winter, I will be able to remind myself that summer will come again!
Thinking of you all
and
Happy Anniversary Jodi and Steven!! Miss ya!

mt mckinley

This week we made a little trip up to mt Mckinley to see Cindi and fam that are on a cruise tour in Alaska. We stayed at the Princess lodge and it was really beautiful. Both John and Julia were little hams the entire time, entertaining everyone within their range.




We kept thinking we were seeing McKinley in the distance, but it really just remained hidden behind the clouds.




Julia was really excited to meet the princesses
at the princess lodge.




We had a really nice visit and even got to stop at Target on the way home --yee haw!
I know it sounds strange, but that is exciting when the closest Target is 3.5 hrs away. Oh, and ... we passed Winnie during the trip...I guess Red had taken her for a visit to Denali park...so cool.

William just found out that Moose hunting season is 20 days away and so tonight he is out with his new friend , Smokey, scouting for moose. Ummm, yes, I think these names are pretty Alaskan (Red, Smokey) wonder what William's handle will be in a few years??

Keep in touch,
the Arnetts

getting clearer

Soon, we will be making muffins from our own berries. I can't wait. Time to pick is towards the end of August here.



Rainy days...



He likes to pedal like the Flintstones because it is faster for now.



Such a sweetie. Wearing a dress from g.Debbie to dad's board meeting Monday night. We were introduced as a family at the recent hospital board meeting at CPGH. Luckily the children took good naps and were well behaved at the meeting. Julia introduced herself as a ballerina :) and did a little dance for everyone. Never a dull moment.




Trying to catch the end of the rainbow...wearing her red slippers and him carrying his "Bob D Builder Hat".

They're feeling a bit rosier. So, we're off to the library--storytime.
ps.storytime was great again. I will start posting the books Miss Mary is reading because her choices are terrific for little ones.

Sickies

We've got a houseful of snotty noses. WAh wah. They are in pretty good spirits which helps. Will update when we're all clear :)
Take care

Come see us

Well, unfortunately William has declined the votes to make the princess bed! So, I tried to find some twin over full bunk beds that are a bit less complicated. The one above is for sale at Costco in Anchorage and I love the color the wood is stained. He says this is more appropriate for him to build. So, we'll see. As those winter months creep upon us and there are less fish to catch Julia might have a bunk bed like this one in the works.




Update on our date... We did go fishing and it was tons of fun. I didn't catch my own salmon, but when William snagged one he let me reel her in.
One of the most beautiful parts was watching the seagulls chase a bald eagle on and off for about 30 minutes. It was a beautiful evening and the setting standing hip deep in the Kenai river amongst all that nature was very refreshing!



Since I haven't been very good about remembering my camera lately, I pulled some stock photos off google of things you can easily see in our neck of the woods.
It is really a pretty place to be and we feel blessed to be able to experience it.



This is something we see daily and what we look out for on the roads instead of deer. It is one of those places where you can't feel guilty if you have a huge SUV, you feel more like you are trying to protect your family in case you have a run in with a big moose.

Well, we'd love to have visitors...so start planning a trip and we'll grill you up some salmon (and hopefully soon halibut and moose burgers)

Bunk Bed

Julia wants a bunk bed and if you know William there's no way he's going to buy one, so I found a few ideas for ones he can make for her. I think they are sooooooo cute. He said "there's NO WAY he's making one that elaborate". I thought it was worth the try. But aren't they cool??

Atleast maybe I can pick the color of the wood stain and I think I have figured out fabric for the bedding. I thought I could mix up different Michael Miller themes like his Dick and jane collection and dots. The reason for something not too girly is because at this juncture Julia likes sharing a room with her brother -- so I've been trying to think of unisex ideas?? Or maybe a moose/bear campy theme?

We are getting our first babysitter tonight. William wants me to try my hand at this fishing thing with no distraction. I said "can't we just go see the new Harry Potter?"
I know what a bad sport...I will do my best to focus on the catch instead!
Well the children and I are off to playgroup. Have a beautiful day--it is cold here today--brrrrrrrrrr!
the chilly bumps

Craigslist free section.

This is the funniest listing I have ever seen on craigslist:




110+ 1 quart yogurt containers. A few lids too.

They're great for all sorts of things. We just haven't figured out what yet!

All or nothing.




...The best part was the picture they had of all the yogurt containers...they had really put some time into offering these to someone for free.

We may have to get them to keep salmon eggs in for the upcoming silver salmon fishing time. For the moment it is still red salmon running through the Kenai river.
Julia managed to go back to VBS today even though she was scared off by a Roman Guard yesterday. I convinced her that he was only a teenage boy dressed up acting and I stayed with her the whole time today. John enjoyed going today as well since he got to tagalong. We then went to play at the McDonald's playland since the weather is a bit rainy and cool this week.
I have neglected to carry my camera with me much lately, but I will do a better job of it soon. We are literally so busy just taxi-ing William to work and back that the days fly by!
Thinking of you all
The Rushing River Tuesdays

Sleepy Sunday

Preserving for hard times....okay we're there and it's been tasting pretty good. The last time we put a brown sugar soy and terriaki marinade on--yum!




John's new bargin trike.




Julia's little 5c toys from a yard sale--the Wizard obsesseion continues.


We have been enjoying a peaceful rainy day. It has just been drizzling and there's a bit of a chill in the air. Hope winter isn't already starting!
We made it to church this morning and I met a hygienist in the area who will keep my informed if she hears of anyone needed one once I get my Alaska License.
This afternoon we vacumn sealed some salmon and I went to pick up a radio flyer trike i found for John on craigslist. The little ones rode it around the livingroom since it was rainy--joys of having no furniture!
Then we all took naps and just woke up.

Yesterday we went to Nancy (the office manager at Willie's work) and Steve's home for a little welcome to the area party for William.
It was so much fun and one of the ladies brought face paints for the kids. And even a few adults got in on that action (okay--I left with Hello Kitty on my cheek).
It was nice to feel welcomed and surrounded by nice folks.

Now that we're up I am sure William is about to head to the river for his limit. And to answewr Lili's question. We are going to store it away for the long long winter and eat on it til next summer. I put a post out on freecycle for a pressure cooker--so maybe we can can some of it soon as well to make dips and croquettes, etc.
One day we want to get a smoker so we can smoke some too.

Think little miss J will go to VBS this week. She's excited.
Well, thinking of you all--
the sleepy Sundays

Bye Bye Winnie

That's right. We parted ways today. Her new owners name is 'Red'. A nice retired man from New Mexico, that comes here to fish in the summers. He needed a motorhome to stay in during his visits each year instead of renting one like he has been this summer.
Ole Winnie got us such a long way thanks to my dad and William's hard work getting her prepared for the journey.
This week is sheer madness in the Kenai peninsula. The red salmon have arrived and so have all the folks from the rest of the state. The streets are bumper to bumper and Fred Myer is coated in Rv's.
William has caught his limit each day. So our home is overflowing with salmon. My new friend Kristen spotted a food saver at a garage sale for us today. So now that we bought the most expensive part (the bags) we can fire it up and see how well it preserves.
Of course I did my share of garage saling today as well...Found John his first pair of Carhart pants for a quarter, a set of Christmas dishes/bowls/mugs for $2, two little decorative turkeys for thanksgiving...okay, I am nesting.
Last night we borrowed Allison and Phil's Suburban to go into Anchorage and pick up our new dining room table I found on craigslist. William was a very good sport about it even though he was missing valuable fishing time. It is a bit of a risk to drive 3 hours to pick up something like that, but we were pleasantly at peace when we saw the table. Our first lil piece of furniture--and it makes it feel more like a home.
The only other thing we have purchased here other than the Subaru is a new vacumn cleaner. I was so excited until the brush bar stopped working in the first 10 minutes. Luckily Lowes was happy to exchange it for me. They had already price matched with another store and taken an extra 10% off when I bought it and so i was glad they didn't give me any hassles when I brought said lemon back.
Oh, I know this a boring post. I am avoiding making 3 peanut butter pies and some cookies for a get together honoring Williams arrival tomorrow afternoon. Not so much making them it's locating the Kitchen Aid.
Well, I will go since you are all asleep from this. Thinking of you!!!-Lou

Faith

Our first time clamming about a week ago.



We drove south about an hour and went to really pretty stretch of beach when the tides were out.



My favorite thing at Dondies in Des Arc was always clam strips and the apple coleslaw stuff..I had visions of clam strips in my head...



We had so much fun! We didn't get enough before the tide came back in so no clam strips for me that day. We then drove on down to Homer AK and had lunch at a little spot on the sea.

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There's always time to do the will of God.
Spiritual highs are usually followed by spiritual setbacks.
God's presence doesn't guarantee immediate success.
We must get ready to hear God.
God never asks us to do something without giving us the way.
When we feel distant from God, we are the ones who have moved.
We have no light. We reflect God.
One person can't do everything, but one person can do something.
Even when we fail, God is with us.
A lighthouse doesn't have a horn; it shines.
We are constantly faced with opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible obstacles.
God graciously provides for us.
As we obey Him, we experience His presence, peace, and provision.
Settling for the "good" robs of us God's best.
Security and happiness is achieved by complete obedience to God.
God has a plan and a place for me.
We need to be zealous by having a vibrant relationship with God.
When you know God, you can't help but praise Him. When you praise Him, you love Him even more.

***Oh my, today I had my first really blue evening since we got here. You know the kind that just hits you out of left field and makes you sob uncontrollably about a sadness hidden deep within. Just the realization that we are so far away from everyone and even farther away from my mom than I was before just came to me like an epiphany that I was obviously trying to sweep under a rug that I no longer own.(shouldn't have sold it in our yard sale!)
And then after the pain subsided, and I took a steamy hot bath, took 4 advil, checked my email and then decided to check my friends blogs...I found the above writing on Laurel's blog about what she is so glad to have learned and at BSF last year. It is so amazing how God speaks to us. He just totally puts me back in my place and makes me thankful for all the good He has provided.
So, tonight I can rest and put aside my impatience and my sadness because I am reminded who is in control. It is a beautiful BEAUTIFUL peace that is found in Christ alone!