SNOVAKS

It's about time!

2011-02-28T14:21:00.005-09:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted some pics of our life!!! An out of state friend asked me for some Alaska pictures for her son's school report, and once I got looking in my computer, I was amazed at all of the great pics I have kept hiding! Here are a few boating favorites from the summer. We purchased a riverboat, and had a few trips on the Deshka River, Kenai River, and right across the street on Finger Lake. These pics are from the Deshka and Finger Lake. The Kenai trip was too stressful to bring out the camera- we were dipnetting!

My Town

2009-09-12T21:54:00.005-08:00

The Puget Sound, the ferries, the train, the beach, the woodsy wet GREEN woods, Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, the Mariners, the Pike Place Market, every touristy part of Seattle is a little part of me. I love the place. It will always be my home. My trips home have taught me to soak it all in. Not to miss anything when I'm there, family-wise and Seattle-wise! This summer we had one of the best trips ever, take a look!

Summer Continued

2009-09-12T21:02:00.002-08:00

More of our Homer adventure...we visited this wonderful hidden treasure of a spot up on the hillside of Homer, The Win Nature Center. It took a map to get us there, but it was way worth it! We had a chance to talk with two naturalists about the wildflowers of the area, and then we went on a partillay guided, partially self-guided 2 mile hike with wildflower identification charts. Abby and I were very pre-occupied finding and photgraphing every type of wildflower. We got over 20 kinds! The entire hiking trail was marked with interesting notations about moose tracks and trails, fire information, and just general info about the flora and fauna. Another great thing about the Win Nature Center is that they are connected with schools and other groups interested in tours, like Girl Scouts, etc. As we were leaving one of the naturalists was setting up a GPS scavenger hunt for a Girl Scout group coming in later that afternoon. I think it is neat to discover this kind of place to tuck in my memory as a resource for later. This one was a keeper! The most interesting fact I can recall is about the stinky smell of the beautiful chocolate lily pictured below. The smell is meant to smell like rotting moose carcass to attract the flies who can pollinate the lily. What an awesome and creative God we have!

This Sand-Hill Crane was wandering in a neighborhood we drove through

More Summer Fun

2009-09-12T09:49:00.003-08:00

The Islands and Oceans center has such a wide variety of activities... we were there just in time for an open science lab focused on crustaceans. The kids made bookmarks, used microscopes, observed all kinds of crustaceans- dead and alive, and even experienced a touch tank. On hand were many summer interns who are working on their master's degrees in marine biology. It was so neat. We spent 5 hours looking at exhibits, taking the trail to the beach, watching films about scientists and how they research, attending the lab, and listening to a wildlife talk from a ranger. David took the camera for a while in the lab to record his favorites...

A starfish (or seastar as it is supposed to be called- we learned this) eating it's lunch.

Photo by David.

Steve on the beach.
Sea Otter poop. Another photo by David. This has been cleaned of course, but was a fascinating part of the lab. These are all mussel shells and crab parts... what do you think that sea otter had for dinner?

The Homer 4th of July Parade... wow... it was a candy-fest. I have never seen more candy distributed- the kids had more in their bags than 2 Halloweens combined. on bikes, all the fire trucks.

Summer Highlights

2009-09-11T19:54:00.005-08:00

Here's the beginning of our summer. I actually made a summer photo CD- the first CD I've ever burned ever!- and thought I should put a few of the memories on the blog. I did forget that I need to upload the photos in a different order, so the top should really be the bottom... These couple are from our 4th of July camping trip on the Homer Spit. We had a fabulous time camping in the sand and cooking over the fire. We spent hours looking for treasures, playing catch and chasing games, and visiting the Islands and Oceans center. More pics of this on the next posting...

This is of a fun hike up to Gold Cord Lake in Hatcher's Pass. The lake is crystal clear and FREEZING! The day was so warm, we all peeled off our shoes and rolled up our pants to cool off.
The training wheels still haven't come off permanently, but we're trying. And yes, it is the pinkest, sparkliest, girliest bike ever made. It even has attached to the handlebars a mini-bike for a Barbie doll to ride on. Only Abby...
A family bike ride with friends on the Gird to Bird trail along Turnagain Arm. 5 kids and 4 adults... lots of fun, and we only found out later at the ice cream store that bears were an issue...

This is the true David. Animal with a squirt gun. No mercy. No fear. Ruthless. Born sniper.

Our Sand Castle cake. The kids picked this idea out of the Family Fun magazine. We made it for a dinner with some fun favorite friends. Such a fun project with a major sugar high afterward! Went to 3 stores looking for Rock Pebble candy...

Our slip and slide rides again! We got some great video of this particular afternoon. The favorite position for the slip and slide this summer was attaching the hose to the top of the swingset slide with the slip and slide at the bottom. Lots of momentum going on then! By mid-June I had to duck tape the corners of the crash-landing pool and the hose connection. My mom sent this up a few summers ago, and last summer was so wet I don't think we even got it out!

Our annual trek to the Butte. Another gorgeous day in the Matanuska Valley. No band-aids this year, amazing!

Boy Extravaganza! Camp Carlquist

2009-06-21T08:42:00.006-08:00

The Mosquito Knights! The theme of camp was Knights of Carlquist Court- so as you can see, most activities related to knighthood. Very fun!

Sword fighting on the playground duing free-time.

BB Guns, David's favorite.

The National Guard visited and let the Scouts try out the Hum-V.

Water Bombs and catapults!

Scooter Jousting.

Tying the Clover Hitch.

A friend sawing his shield.

Bows and arrows.

David and Steve spent last week at Camp Carlquist in Chugiak at Cub Scout Day Camp. I was fortunate enough to volunteer on Thursday (thanks Smiths, for having Abby over) and witness this incredible experience firsthand. Check out this list of activities: canoeing with NERF ball wars, Capture the Flag, catapults with water bombs, dodgeball, jousting on scooters, bb gun shooting, obstacle courses, skit performances, campfires and marchmallows, archery, knot tying, carpentry with saws, hiking, fire building, pocket knife safety, sword fights, crazy loud camp songs, hmmm... what am I missing... the list of jam-packed, super-organized, 100% boy acitivities goes on and on! This week at camp sold David and the rest of his den on staying overnight next year. He came home each night so tired and excited all at the same time... I am thrilled that my boy loves camp just as I did (well, and still do actually!).

Father's "Satur"Day

2009-06-20T20:43:00.002-08:00

Our day began early with a trip into Anchorage to watch Steve pursue his latest passion: road bike racing! We set out at 8 a.m. with our fingers crossed that it wouldn't be raining in Anchorage like it was in Palmer, the van packed with kid activities, movies, and snacks and met up with the Kroons to view the guys in action. The rain stopped, the guys raced, and the kids had a blast cheering on their dads and playing in the dirt! Rachel and I needed a latte to chat over, but as it was between bikers and 5 kids next to the road we didn't finish a sentence! Steve's gift of new bike shorts and jersey don't arrive at REI until Tuesday, I was bummed he didn't have them for the race. It was so fun to watch him work so hard! The course had a major long and steep hill up Old Rabbit Creek Road, and they had to climb it 10 times! Yikes! Steve clocked 19 something miles going all out today. I am way impressed. The guy is doing a fabulous job for just entering this competitive sport this year! Kep was amazing too- he came up from behind due to a technicality, and ended up passing most everyone! Way to Go, Steve and Kep!

We all celebrated over Happy Meals (thank goodness for Subway next door!), and then Steve and I took the kids to play mini-golf for the first time ever. So fun! David was a natural with at least two hole-in-ones over 17 holes! The course was Alaska themed, with many holes decorated and set up like different parts of our state. Well worth the $5 per person. To top it off, we visited REI and got a Moose's Tooth pizza to bring home. We have our fingers crossed that Steve will not be called in to fly tomorrow, and we can continue to celebrate what an amazing dad he is!

The 5 Tag

2009-04-05T07:32:00.002-08:00

5 things I was doing 5 years ago...
*Shopping for my baby girl's first Easter dress
*Teaching at WHS part time- slope style- a week on, a week off- that was crazy!
*Starting my seeds- although not many- I had two kids under two years old!
*Touring the toddler activities in the Valley
*Selling Pampered Chef- that didn't last long!

5 things on my "To Do" list today...
*Finish last minute shopping
*Finish packing for Hawaii- only 3 days left!
*Apply for a tax extension- I can't possibly get that done by Wednesday!
*Clean my house
*Attend a Mad Science birthday party with the kids

5 things I would do with $1,000,000...
*Pray, and then donate.
*Buy my husband his boat and truck today.
*Pay off the house and finish the upgrade projects we dream about.
*Invest and save for retirement and college for the kids.
*Wait with the rest- I wouldn't want to make a bad choice!

5 places I've lived....
*Seattle, Washington
*Bellingham, Washington
*Skagway, Alaska
*Sanford, Florida (it's the former celery capitol of the USA, you know!)
*Palmer, Alaska

5 jobs I've had...
*waitress (retirement home and Macaroni Grill)
*garden shop/ nursery worker
*YMCA before/ afterschool care provider
*copy machine technician
*teacher (I'm on year 14!)

5 things I'd like to be doing in 5 years...
*I'd like to have run a 1/2 marathon every one of those 5 years (with Stacy!).
*Still teaching at a school where Abby attends (David will be in middle school!).
*Gracefully and prayerfully parenting my pre-teens.
*Planning a fabulous vacation to Australia, or somewhere equally as interesting.
*Downhill skiing regularly with Steve and the kids.

5 people to tag...
Well, Stacy tagged almost everyone on my blog list, so Rachel K. and Mandy, you are it! I look forward to reading the others on Stacy's list!

David is the Pinewood Derby Champion!!!

2009-03-26T21:18:00.003-08:00

Our Tiger Cub Scout has won the Tiger Cub Division of the Pinewood Derby for Pack 360! Woo Hoo! Could it be the cool car design with the black paint and gold shimmery stripe? Could it be that he sanded it and carved it with his new pocket knife? Could it be that he prayed every night for a week that he would win? Could it be that Steve researched ancient Pinewood Derby secrets on the internet? I don't know, but the combination worked! David came home with a whopper of a trophy, and an even bigger smile! His car had to be confiscated until the final race-off at the Scout-a-rama next month- we wouldn't want to send it home with a chance for modifications.... In the photos, David's car is painted black with a gold stripe running down the middle of the car. Go, David, Go!

Iditarod Fun

2009-03-22T16:33:00.004-08:00

A close up of Lance Mackey's dogs.

A photo of the winning team: it's Lance Mackey, 2009 Iditarod winner! Way to go, Lance!

A team in action! For all of you in the lower 48, this race is thriling to watch! The dogs are so happy and you get to be right there!

Climbing trees between mushers. Tree climbing is David's latest favorite outdoor activity.

David petting the "display" dogs at the Campbell Creek Science Center. This was the best place to view the race- no fences, woods to play in, and hot chocolate and bathrooms in the science center building. The kids loved the trivia games and Iditarod history dislays there too. David won an Iditarod trail marker, and Abby won a poster.

Abby waiting for a high five from musher 27 (not sure who it is). She was tossed a dog booty for her dedication to cheering on the mushers and giving high fives!

Playing on the train. (While I waited in line for the dog sled rides!) What a beautiful day!

Fur Rondy Snow Sculptures in Anchorage, followed by hot chocolate. We skipped the carnival rides, and went for a dog sled ride instead to keep with our Iditarod theme!

The dog sled ride around the Park Strip was so fun. David was in tears when he found out he couldn't be the musher. The smile gives it away, he had a great ride afterall!

Abby has a dream come true! When she was little, she wanted to ride in a kangaroo's pouch, this is as close as she'll get in Alaska!

Family Skiing

2009-03-22T14:47:00.004-08:00

Skiing together on Valentine's Day weekend- what a sweet date! We kept a steady speed for a couple of hours (if you have kids, you can relate to how rare this is!), we saw a porcupine up close, and we both had a major wipe-out! Tons of fun! Thanks for keeping the kids, Grandma Debby and Roland! We topped it off with dinner and a movie at the Bear's Tooth.

A beautiful afternoon on the Gold Mint Trail in Hatcher's Pass. The best part of skiing is always the hot chocolate break! :-) The kids have gotten really good on their skis, and they love it! A pocketful of M&Ms, and toe warmers in the boots- I think we're up to 2.5 miles now! We even found a snow fort on the trail!

The first ski of the year was in the yard back in November. It was obvious then that Abby needed to wear David's skis, and he needed an upgrade. They grow so fast! They love to make trails through the woods and obstacle courses in the yard to challenge one another with. David is a daredevil, and Abby is slow and steady. We're so proud of our skiiers!

8th picture, I only have 1 folder!!!

2009-02-04T10:31:00.003-09:00

Here are the 8th pictures in my new and old camera folders...
The first one is David's first bath at home in the kitchen sink in May of 2002. The other is the new camera folder, and it's David taking the picture of Abby. We bought a new camera with our garage sale money last June, and the kids were very entertained y playing photographer. They took over 100 pictures the first afternoon! (yes, I do know how to delete photos on my camers, I just figured that out this fall when the memory card was full! See my confession below to know why it took so long!)

Okay, time to confess... I have one gigantic folder for all of my pictures. Not being the tech-type, I avoid playing with the computer, my camera, my ipod, my cell phone- pretty much anything that I don't already know how to do! I'm learning how much easier my life would be if I'd take advantage of all of the organizational features and special tricks in each of these items. My teaching partner, Amber, is always giving me new hints to use at school, and well, I still use post-it notes and write on a calendar and in the lesson plan book instead of utilizing the quick, 1-stop tools that she figures out! I used to scoff at my parents for not beng able to program that very first VCR back in the Dark Ages, well look at me now... :-)

The Sound of Music

2008-12-28T19:47:00.003-09:00

Did you watch this classic on TV tonite? We happened to flip it on right at the "Do Re Mi" through Salzburg, and I couldn't help myself but to blog my first memeory of this wonderful movie. (It is my all time favorite!) I was about 6 years old, and had some version of the stomach flu. My mom let me stay up late to watch this movie while I sipped 7-Up and she ironed. I remember having to run to the bathroom right at the wedding part! I was devastated! The next day my mom asked me about the movie, and she was amazed that I remembered the entire thing- love at first sight! She pulled out the record album soundtrack, and from there I began my repetoire (sp?) of Sound of Music favorites. I still know all of the words- and now Abby does too! Are you a Sound of Music fan? What's your favorite song? Did you dance around the couches in your living room as a girl pretending they were the gazebo? :-)

Half-Marathon Complete!

2008-11-18T18:51:00.003-09:00

After walk-jogging at the Wasilla Sports Complex last winter, jog-running at the Alcantra Trails this summer, and actually running the streets of Wasilla and Palmer this fall, Stacy and I finally finished the Long Beach Half Marathon on October 12! Woo Hoo! We had a so much fun running with 18,000 people, celebrated our muscles and their soreness, and got to hang out in the sunshine with girlfriends for 3 days! Both of us plan to repeat the same race next year, only with a new and improved race time! :-)

Friends in the picture: (pictures soon- tech. difficulty!)
Seattle Pam with Baby Cate
Becky
Allison
Tina
me
Stacy

Eleven Years of "I Do..."

2008-11-13T17:14:00.004-09:00

Our 11th anniversary came this past September 27. For the first time ever, we flew to Seattle without kids and lived it up! We spent the first night in the swanky Woodmark Hotel on Carillon Point in Kirkland, and woke up the next morning to beautiful Seattle weather. Off to the Mariners game we went with Steve's brother, Grant and his wife, Natalie. The baseball tickets were our Christmas gift from N and G - thank you! I still am not sure which was more anticipated by Steve- the Mariners game or a weekend away with his wife! :-) We ended our day with shopping at one of my favorite spots, University Village, and a fun sushi-on-the-conveyor-belt dinners. After a night with N and G, we had brunch and jetted back home! Refreshing, relaxing, and such a reminder of life before kids! Eleven years is a relatively short marriage in the big picture, Steve tells me. I'm grateful for every minute with my true love, Steve Novak!

Girdwood

2008-09-17T11:27:00.005-08:00

So much fun with our friends over Labor Day Weekend!

*We drove to Girdwood in a boys' van and a girls' van, along with a Starbucks stop. :-)

*We saw tons of Beluga whales playing around in Cook Inlet.

*We found a fun playground to let off some pent-up riding in the van energy.

*We had a yummy dinner at Chair Five Pizza.

*We swam and played in the pool.

*We slept, yes all 10 of us, in a hotel room at Alyeska.

*We had breakfast at The Bake Shop.

*We hiked the Winner Creek Trail and rode the hand tram.

*We panned for gold in the rain at Crow Creek Mine. (Plan this one into next summer's family outings- wow- lots of fun- could be an all day adventure!)

*We drove home with soaked-happy-exhausted kids sacked out in the back seat!

Thanks for a great weekend, Bacons!

Alaska State Fair

2008-09-03T15:34:00.006-08:00

We made the annual trek to the fair this past August. Steve and the kids brought Grandma Debby (Steve's mom) along for the rides (Steve and Abby got stuck on the Ferris Wheel for a few minutes), and I met them afterschool at the Lumberjack show. After lots of fair snacks and booth visiting, we enjoyed the petting zoo and hula hoop pitstop. We also won $2 at the Rat Race, watched the stunt dogs, and saw lots of 4-H animals and vegetables. Abby and David both won stuffed animals, and chose a HUGE lollipop as their treat.

First Day of School

2008-09-03T15:12:00.003-08:00

David, our first-grader!!! Wow! He has the same teacher, Mrs. Haralson, and is now an "older" in the K-1 classroom. He is adjusting well to his longer school day, and loves playing at recess with his buddies from last year!

Abby started preschool this morning. She'll go two mornings a week. After a shy start, she had a great time- and even told me at lunch that next time she's ready to come to preschool all by herself!

Remembering this Sunday 2007

2008-08-24T20:37:00.003-08:00

One year ago today I sat in church with my mom for the very last time. Today was a very emotional worship service for me... to say the least. This weekend was the weekend my mom flew up last year to spend some time with us, to enjoy the fair with us, to see David off to kindergarten, and to say good-bye. I've been reminiscing all week about my experience at this time last year. Today in church though, I just had such a feeling of empathy for my mom's experience on this Sunday last year. She really wanted to go to church, although I had thought she wouldn't want to for several reasons. She had been so sick in the night, and she was so tired and weak. She couldn't stand for the singing, and when the worship team led us in "Amazing Grace," I sat down with my mom and held her hand as she wept. And I wept. And I'm weeping right now... Today I finally was able to wonder how what my mom must have felt as the words to the hymn and the workings in her heart affected her. The joy of what was to come, but the fear of the unknown, or even her life flashing before her- what were her feelings? She was so private about her faith. I am assured that she is experiencing that "Amazing Grace" without looking back. I feel so blessed to have had a connection with my mom through our faith, and to have been included in her closure this Sunday in 2007.

These are some memorable pictures of this weekend in 2007. I have enlarged each of these photos, and now have them hanging in our stairwell. I love seeing her smile, and recalling the warmth of her visit last year. We were honored to have her. I love you, Mom.

Cordova

2008-07-06T15:04:00.003-08:00

Our big trip with my dad was a day trip to Cordova on Prince William Sound. This town is only accessible by plane or boat, and is mostly a fishing community. My dad, who is quite interested in history, wanted to see the Million Dollar Bridge that his maternal grandfather helped build in the early 1900s. We flew ERA to Cordova yesterday morning, and drove a rental car 35 miles to the bridge.

We also visited Child's Glacier, which calves ice regularly. We all hollered at the top of our lungs, "ICEBERG!!!" over and over again, and whether we caused it or not, the kids believed they knocked down a big chunk of ice into the water. Lots of fun!

The remainder of the day was a tour through the town- gift shops, museum, fishing docks, and the beach. My dad had stopped here while fishing in 1961, and was reminiscing with some of the locals about how the town used to look. We ended the evening with a dinner in the sunshine on the deck of a nice restaurant overlooking the harbor.

Our wildlife tally for the day was: 3 swans, more than 10 beaver houses, 2 moose, a squirrel, 2 mice, many seals, an otter, a halibut carcass, and more minnows than we could count.

Hey Brother, you won't believe this one!

2008-07-06T14:57:00.003-08:00

Check out my dad!!! :-) What a good sport! We have had a fun week with my dad visiting. He is napping on our couch right now, after an action-packed few days. Thanks for the trampoline, Dad- we LOVE it! I can't wait til the kids go to bed- then it's my turn!!!

T Ball Superstar

2008-07-06T14:54:00.002-08:00

David gave t-ball a try this summer! He made a great first baseman, and could really slug the ball! Way to go, David!

Hiking the Butte with Friends

2008-07-06T14:47:00.002-08:00

We tried once, and it rained buckets... this is our successful hike of the Butte with our friends Caleb, Luke, Baby Eli, and Amber (my friend and job-share partner). These mommas were proud to brave a hike with 5 kids aged 6 and under up the slippery Butte in Palmer on Memorial Day. We had a blast directing foot traffic, dodging paintballs, doling out motivational snacks, and administering first aid. A great way to spend a summer day! :-) You can see the Matanuska Glacier and River in the views below the kids.

Hello Summer!

2008-07-06T14:44:00.002-08:00

Bring on the sun! This was our first lunch in the backyard! Woo Hoo! David didn't want his legs to get sun-burned after such a long winter...

Happy Graduation

2008-07-06T14:36:00.003-08:00

Congratulations to our youth group kids! I know we didn't catch you all on film, but we are so proud of all of you! "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Birthday, David!

2008-07-06T14:23:00.003-08:00

We celebrated as a family on May 6th. Our birthday boy's menu for dinner was Dino Chicken nuggets, all the colors of peppers, and blue jello. David chose carrot cake (but had never tasted it!)- "the one with the little orange frosting carrots, Mom." He was so happy to have a Star Wars Lego theme! His party was the first one ever to be "boys only." He had 5 friends come over afterschool on Friday to have a Lego Star Wars themed party and pizza for dinner. Lots of fun!

Alaska Zoo Run

2008-07-06T14:11:00.003-08:00

The kids participated in the Alaska Zoo Fun Run back in May- lots of fun running with the wolves and Musk Ox (they stayed in their habitats, of course!). Abby and I ran together- she got a little nervous going alone (as you can see in the photo taken right before the start of the race!). David met us at the finish line! Fun and tshirts for all! We're thinking of making this an annual event for the kids- a great way to encourage exercise and see the zoo together!

Chocolate Moose for Breakfast

2008-05-08T16:51:00.003-08:00

We had a guest for breakfast last week! The first moose we've seen in the yard all year. He or she ate the new buds from a fallen pussy-willow tree in our sideyard. The soggy ground was perfect for the moose to leave deep hoofprints in our lawn. It left a trail from the backyard to the road. The coolest part was opening the hall window to hear it chew, and watch it kneel down and crawl to get the good stuff. This was an important reminder to be safe in our Alaskan backyard!

Musk Ox Farm

2008-05-08T16:34:00.002-08:00

David's K-1 class took a field trip to the Musk Ox Farm last week. Lots of fun and learning! The musk ox is related to the sheep- not the buffalo! The females live much longer than the males- their head-butting habit shortens their lifespan! The long brown hair of the musk ox is not the quiviut (sp?) that is gathered for knitting- the brown shaggy hair protects from cold and MOSQUITOES! In another week, I'll be wishing for some of that!

And yes, it was my son that raised his hand to ask, "When can we leave this place and go to the park?" :-) We finished up the trip at the A-Moosement Park in Palmer.

More ERA

2008-05-04T21:11:00.002-08:00

A couple more pics. The blur in the scenery pic is the propeller. This is an unknown to me mountain in the Alaska Range.

Visiting Steve at ERA

2008-05-04T20:48:00.004-08:00

A beautiful Saturday not too long ago, we hurried into Anchorage to join Captain Novak and his First Officer on a flight to Kenai. We have not flown with Steve as the pilot ever! It was sooo fun! Steve flies the Beechcraft 1900 now, a 19 passenger airplane. He was promoted to Captain last November, and he was the proudest, smiliest Captain I have ever seen watching his family come on board! He had a headset ready for the kids in the front seat, plugged in and on the same frequency as his headset. They couldn't talk to him, but they could hear him. We got to board early and tour the new plane, then it was off to Kenai- a 13 minute flight! The scenery was gorgeous- out over Cook Inlet, and over the tundra, then onto the Kenai Peninsula. We saw the rivers we fish on, and the beach covered in ice. We met the friendly ERA crew in Kenai, then returned to Anchorage. The kids enjoyed the flight so much. They got to sit with Steve in the cockpit on the ground, steer, push the buttons, and ask a million questions. Steve's mom, Debby, joined us. She noted that this was her second chance to fly with a Captain Novak- Steve's dad had also been an airline Captain (although his planes were a lot bigger- someday, Steven!). This brought a walk down memory lane, and reminder to Steven of how proud his dad would be of him. We are so proud of him too. Changing careers is not easy. He has stuck with it, excelled at it, and loves it. He is counting his Captain hours each day- getting ready to fly something bigger and faster!

Prom? Yes, we attended 2 this year!

2008-05-04T20:39:00.002-08:00

Our Youth Group kids are SENIORS! Wowza! We have been hanging out with them since they were eighth graders- it's amazing to see them now- the braces are gone, they drive themselves places, and look how grown-up they are! We had so much fun watching their big nights. This isn't all of the kids, but the few we could gather for photos! Graduations happen in the next two weeks- we'll be snapping more pics then! In June we get to spend a long weekend in Alyeska with these awesome kids, and then it's good-bye to Youth Group for now. We are so grateful for the opportunity we've had to grow along with these kids- we've been blessed by them more than they will ever know.

Princess Tea Party

2008-05-04T20:24:00.002-08:00

Abby planned a "Princess Tea Party," including 3 friends, dolls, fancy snacks, and a craft. She came up with the itinerary, the guest list, and the menu. Abby learned at her birthday party that she doesn't have fun with too many friends at a time. She chose a couple friends that she hardly sees anymore since kindergarten has started: Reese and Claire, and of course her bud, Mayah. She wanted strawberries and fancy cupcakes, and also peanut-butter and jelly tea party sandwiches. Each girl was to bring a dressed up doll, and come wearing a fancy dress. The craft was to make a princess party hat, and a matching one for each girl's doll. Abby had so much fun making her invitations, decorating the house, helping with the cupcakes, and setting the table with real tea cups and fancy silverware. She buzzed around the house for days beforehand! Her party was a smashing success, and she can't wait to plan another!

Easter

2008-04-22T22:29:00.005-08:00

Easter is a very meaningful holiday for our family. My favorite memory each year is to hear the kids tell the Easter Story with the Resurrection Eggs- a dozen eggs each with a chronological symbol of the story of Christ's death and resurrection. David asked Jesus into his heart at age 3 while retelling the story with the Resurrection Eggs. The past couple of years we've tried to take time each day during the Holy Week to stop and talk about what was happening that very week so long ago in Jerusalem as Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, shared the Last Supper with his closest friends, and then hung on the cross. David and Abby really pondered this year about each event. Abby really wanted to hear about how much Jesus' body was broken- what did his back look like after the whipping, and what the holes in His hands and feet were like. David imagined a super-powered angel pushing the stone away from the tomb on Easter morning, and both liked to think what they would have done had they been there. We took communion together as a family on Good Friday, and it was amazing to see how much the kids could piece together the symbolism of the bread and the cup. I feel so blessed to share faith with Steve and our children, to place a focus in our house on trying to grow closer to God, and to witness the growing of two young Christians. My own faith felt so big and such a part of me at an early age, I am so grateful my kids eagerly talk, ask questions, and want to learn about Jesus. I can't wait to see what God has in store for David and Abby!

Dying eggs

The Mother-Daughter Easter Tea at church

We took Steve's mom, Debby, with us. It was the highlight of Abby's spring- she had her little purse packed with white gloves, lipstick, the whole 9 yards. We sang "Im a Little Teapot," ate tea party treats, visited with friends, and learned how much God loves us . Abby even went on stage with Mayah (right) to dance and put motions to a song she didn't even know!

We hosted 3 families for Easter dinner and a really big egg hunt!

Kids from left to right: Abby, Claire, David, Evan, Mayah (front), Hannah S., Thomas, Ella, and Hannah J.

Robin's Egg lipstick! Steve has a serious weakness for Robin's Eggs- it's a good thing I couldn't find them at Costco!

Green Day

2008-04-22T22:08:00.004-08:00

March 19

St. Patrick's Day was uneventful at our house- we covered our bases with green! On this March 19, Abby decided it was Green Day. We were home together all day waiting for our cable hook-up- which meant I needed to get into the crawl space ("the big hole" as we call it) to get a path cleared for the cable guy- while I was down there, I found a tub of toys the kids hadn't played with in a while- musical instruments, dolls, etc.- so I brought it up as entertainment for Abby. She found a couple of green sheer scarves and designed herself a dress, to which she added a green dress from her "too small" drawer, a green felt hat meant for pets (my crazy mom bought the kids each one last year for St. Patty's day), her green shamrock knee highs from the dirty clothes basket, all of the green hair pretties we have, and green eye shadow. I hope I'm not missing anything green. She then asked for a green picnic lunch in the living room (the cable guy is here by now- I'm sure quietly cracking up at this silly goose). We dined on green milk, grapes, cucumber slices, and crackers with cheese (not green cheese!). This day made me wish my mom could have been here to share our picnic- this is the kind of thing I remember as a kid- dressing up, my mom playing along, making me special lunches in the basement or outside in the playhouse- she would have loved this! And to think, it was all Abby's idea!

March 19 is also my Auntie Carolyn's birthday! Happy Birthday! This photo was taken on Alki Beach in Seattle this past January. We had a special day with Auntie Carolyn - lunch at the Luna Park Cafe, watching sea lions, playing on the beach in West Seattle, and shopping at Trader Joe's. The elastic in Abby's pants broke while we were at the beach- it was hilarious- her pants kept falling down- and I mean down to her ankles! Oh we laughed!

Catching up on March...

2008-04-22T21:52:00.002-08:00

I did download the March photos in March, it's just taken me awile to get the blog updated! Goodness! If it weren't for the photos, I wouldn't even remember March!

March 16

We celebrated the last day of Spring Break at the indoor water park in Anchorage, H2Oasis. What FUN! We arrived fairly early in the day when it was still empty, so we had the pick of activities. Abby and I tried the Master Blaster- although it scared her- so once was enough! David took her word for it, and stuck to the Lazy River, Pirate Ship Play Pool, and Wave Pool. Once the kids figured out that they could "swim" in the Lazy River with a life jacket on, that was it. We estimated the number of our trips on the Lazy River to be at least 20- no kidding! The kids were starving and exhausted! We ended our day with dinner at our favorite pizza restaurant, The Moose's Tooth. This is a definitely going to be an annual event for the Novaks!

David Lost a Tooth!

2008-03-14T09:21:00.005-08:00

David had been wiggling his lower left tooth for months it seemed- and finally last Saturday afternoon it came out! He was very non-chalant about the whole ordeal, "It just came out, Mommy." After a lost tooth mishap (it stuck to his pillowcase while he was deciding where to leave it for the tooth fairy), he safely placed his tooth under his pillow in a container from the dentist. The tooth fairy brought him a "Golden Quarter" (really a Sacajawea dollar).

What a milestone!

Back in Action

2008-03-12T22:23:00.003-08:00

Today was a first...

Miraculously, both of our children were out with friends at the same time, and the weather was as gorgeous as it gets in March in Alaska- blue sky, mid 30's and sunny.

Steve and I decided to go for a run together- spontaneously- and it felt like it did 10 years ago! WOW! We just took off, neither of us planned a thing- no kid activities, no snacks to pack, no strollers to push... incredible! We had so much fun reminiscing about our early married years when moments like this did not feel like a luxury... this definitely needs to be re-incorporated into our life!

My Little Helpers

2008-02-28T19:29:00.003-09:00

Steve has been working Saturday mornings in February (it takes some more seniority to get the weekends off!) so to keep ourselves busy and get the house clean, I've been offering the kids the opportunity to earn some money. It goes like this: after breakfast and a healthy dose of cartoons, we meet at the table and discuss what jobs the kids think need to get done around the house, then I write each job on a post-it note with a money value attached (25-50 cents), and the kids choose one to start with and get busy. When they finish a job, they stick the post-it note to their bedroom door so I can pay them accordingly. I've had help sweeping the snow off of the porch, putting outdoor toys away, vaccuuming rugs, sweeping the kitchen, sorting the recycling, and unloading the dishwasher- all for about $4.00 a week! David is saving up for LEGO Star Wars for our new computer, and Abby is saving for a Cabbage Patch doll.

This is such a fun part of our Saturday now. I have to keep a teaching mindset as we work because some of the chores are new or very challenging for them. Abby isn't quite ready to handle the vaccuum cleaner around the corners of the coffee table, but she chooses that chore each time- so we just do that part together. David is so capable- he amazed me the first time he swept the snow off of the porch- not only did he use the garage door opener in the van to get the garage open and put the broom away after he finished, but he took his boots off in the garage so he wouldn't ruin the clean kitchen floor with wet boots! WOW! This is great practice for me not to expect perfection and criticize, but just praise them for jobs well done and let their own sense of responsibility and hard work kick in!

Ice Skating

2008-02-28T19:17:00.003-09:00

David has completed his first set of ice skating lessons, and now is in round two! These photos were taken on the first night, and the last night of lessons. He is a natural- although "wiggly" as he describes himself!

LOVE 2008

2008-02-23T23:23:00.006-09:00

The LOVE letters idea is certainly not mine, but this beautiful family is! We did our own LOVE letters in 2005, and the kids have asked over and over for a repeat. It's fun seeing how much we've all changed in 3 years! Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm really having trouble with the pictures- I have asked for some tech help- so check back tomorrow to see if they are up! Sorry! Anyone know how to get the word LOVE spelled correctly? I uploaded them that way...

Here's the first entry!

2008-02-18T15:15:00.001-09:00

I'm at school- taking a break from parent-teacher conferences and my on-line class. My thoughtful husband is on his way with a grande non-fat vanilla latte- how did I get so lucky?!