The Jetta Is Not Going Anywhere

The snow has been falling now for three days. I knew there was no way Ryan was gong to get the Jetta in the driveway after work if we didn't do something quick. The battery is dead on the 4-wheeler. We couldn't find the snow shovel that is somewhere in the backyard underneath the 12 fresh inches of snow. So we head to Palmer to get a new shovel so we can plow a spot for Ryan to park and clear the berm left by the plows. Ryan was able to make it in just fine. In a frantic effort to get the driveway plowed Ryan jump started the 4-wheeler. There is no way the Jetta will get out of this driveway in the morning, especially after the snow plows come by and leave their berm and it is STILL snowing. He gets the 4-wheeler started and the plow mounted and makes 2 swipes up and down the driveway and the battery dies. "Well you might just have to drive the Expedition to work tomorrow, or maybe you will be lucky and can drive out." I said. Morning comes and of course it was STILL snowing. Ryan heads outside to go to work and within a few minutes is back in the house "I'm stuck!". He an Tyler work it loose. Not once but twice. They dig and dig then come ask for my help. They were stuck in the berm by the road. I drive and they push. But of course I can't keep the tires straight. We work it loose next thing I know I have driven the tire off the side of the driveway. Ryan gives up, gets in the Expedition and maneuvers around the Jetta and leaves for work. I bet he brings home a battery today.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Everyday the ritual is pretty much the same. After the school kids are all off to school Conner and Aubrey sit down and play and watch the very entertaining childrens shows on Noggin. I sit down on the computer to do my work for Wendys. Yesterday, however, was an unusually exciting day. The two little ones were in awe of all the all the snow that had been coming down for a couple of days. The dog had gone out multiple times to play around in the snow and they were quite entertained by it. Then the last time I heard the door to the deck close there wa complete silence. No giggling at the dog. No running around. So of course I have to go check it out. Those two yahoos had dressed themselves to go outside and play with Zoey. You can not see it in the picture, but they were actually wearing their summer crocs. Which I found funny becaue they had to go loking for the crocs and their boots were right by the door. Conner for some odd reason thought shorts were ok for winter. They said they were not cold and I have to bribe them to come in.

Honest Aubrey

The other night we made pizza for dinner. We had a ton of left overs. Cami was asked to get the tin foil and put wrap up the pizza and put in in the fridge. Well Cami comes back with an empty box. "It's all gone." I hear Aubrey say "It's not gone. I know where it is." She takes dad up to Tylers room where she shows him the pile of crinkled up tin foil on the floor. Dad hauled it downstairs laughing at honest little Aubrey. I am sure she had a blast doing this.

Orientation Day at New Job

Today I went to orientation at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. I was hired on as an "as-needed" phlebotomist. I am having mixed feelings about the whole thing. First of all, I have not done this sort of work for over 10 years. Second, I have no idea what to expect. Will I work mostly days, nights,afternoons? Will I work many hours a week, or just a few(that is my preference)? And last and absolutely not least, my children are already under a lot of stress with school and the things they are invovled with.
Tyler has early morning seminary and Jazz Band then wrestling after school and weekends. Braden has Jazz Band and wrestling starts for him soon. They both are in the Boy Scouts . Shaelyn wants to play basketball. Cami plays basketball and is in the school play and Choir before school once a week. Conner needs constant attention and Aubrey likes her mommy cuddle time. Then there is the house work. I will have 2 jobs and in January Ryan starts Nursing school and will also keep working full time. Something is going to have to give and it will be the kids who suffer.
I pray every day for assistance in making the right decision. I find myself in tears often thinking about this. I am torn. I know that there is a possibility that Ryan will have to cut his hours back dramatically come January. My first job is wanting me to be available more hours a day, which will help, but the new job has the chance of messing that up.
I really truly believe in the importance of moms staying home with their children. I feel that kids who have mom at home grow up with less emotional stress. I am the first to preach this which going to work then makes me feel like a hypocrit. I wish I could push a rewind button and do the last 2 years over again. Or better yet a pause button so I can pray and ponder a little longer on these huge life changing decisions.
I hope and pray for strength for my family as I know the next few months are going to be tough on them.

High School Wrestling Season

Tyler has started his first season of High School wrestling and is really doing well. His first tournament was at East High in Anchorage. He wrestled at wt. 145 lbs and did ok but quickly realized he is a very small 145 lb so he spent the following week eating healthy and working out hard so he could cut 5 lbs for the Lancer Smith Memorial Tournament at Palmer High. He made wt. at 138.5lbs well under the cap of 140. He did much better at this weight. He made it to the quarter finals as a Freshman.This tournament was combined JV and Varsity. He is now 7-4 and a little disappointed but pumped up for duals on Oct. 30 at Palmer High and tournament at Colony High on the 31st.
Ryan and I decided to get involved with the Wrestling Booster Club this year. We really had fun taking a part in the preparations for the Lancer Smith Memorial Tournament. We gathered a few sponsors, printed raffle tickets and spent both days at the tournament helping at the mat tables with bout sheets and score boards. We are so happy to have been able to help.
Through this tournament I was able to meet many wrestlers and get to know some of the bad sides of the teams attitudes and sportsmanship. I am so proud to be a parent of a Palmer High School wrestler. I never once heard a cuss word or saw poor sportsmanship from them. They all should be proud to have such a great wrestling coach. Coach Ewart teaches more than wrestling moves. He teaches morals and integrity. This team is full of great kids because of him. Keep up the good work and good luck at next weeks matches.

I Love Where I Live

Tonight Ryan and I left on a 4- wheeler ride that turned into an awesome yet eerie encounter. The fall colors were out. The skies were overcast with a few sprinkles of rain. There was a cool, crisp feeling in the air. I absolutely love fall. We got off the 4-wheelers to do some walking and wouldn't you know, Ryan almost walked right into a bear den. My heart was racing but we walked by the door anyways. We saw bear tracks, fish bones and lots of fresh fish thrown around the sides of the river. Very scarey, for me, not Ryan. Ryan is fearless, of course it is moose hunting season so he had his rifle with him and was in hot pursuit of this bear. We could hear it snort and growl but never did see it. Thank goodness.