Grandbabies!!

Here are my precious little grandbabies. Princess Mackenzie-3 years ols, James III-20 months old, Teslin-9 weeks old and Skylar-7 weeks old.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!
Jim and I moved to Poulsbo, Washington to be close to Julie, Drew, Mackenzie and baby Teslin. We are delighted and blessed to be here close to the grandbabies and hope that more family will move to be closer to all of us. :)

James, CJ, James III and Skylar (the newest member of the family) are doing well in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Jonathan and Jami are still in New York City living a much too stressful life for me, but they are way younger than me. :) Jordan is hopefully going to finish school in Alaska this coming May!!

This has been an eventful year for us. Jim and I rented a huge log fishing lodge this past winter in Soldotna where we lived 4 days a week. The other 3 days were spent in Anchorage at a condo we rented and Jordan stayed with us while he attended University of Alaska. Our 3 hour one way drives each weekend were mostly very eventful. I was praying most of the time with my eyes wide open helping the Lord guide Jim as he drove in whiteout conditions or icy roads! :) Jim worked at the Tesoro refinery the four days a week and I did substitute teacher aide/tutor jobs for kindergarten through high school. I also enjoyed sewing and visiting with friends at a sewing group in Soldotna while there. My cousin, Barbara and her husband live in Soldotna so she and I got together quite often to visit and sew. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for, especially for the safety of traveling the dangerous highway twice each week.

We took a few trips to Phoenix to be with Jim's mother. She was very close to death a few times but amazingly pulled through each time!! We feel real blessed that Melanie and her family took such wonderful loving care of Mel. Mel peacefully passed away on October 31st just 3 days shy of turning 93 years old. Obviously, no one can take her place but God sent us two beautiful grandaughters in October to bless us. God is so good.

Jim retired from Tesoro the end of August so that we could move down to the Seattle area. It has been an adjustment for both of us and I think it will take some time for us to get used to our new life down here.


You can scroll through the months of posts to see photos of our growing family.

We have had a lot of company of family and friends since we moved here, please feel free to come and spend time with us or just stay with us and take in all that the Seattle area has to offer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Jim and Joanne

Shopping in Seattle

Ok, on this "biggest shopping day of the year", I stayed home! Actually, I was sick so I stayed home and did internet shopping. My have to say that in the past I have had so many fun shopping days after Thanksgiving. My best memory happened about 3 years ago. The whole family was together in a vacation home that we rented in Edmonds. We got up early and headed out in the 15 passenger van for the shopping experience. We thanked God that James knew how to maneuver this vehicle while in crowded parking lots! In a nutshell---we had a blast together! (and after it was all said and done--I ended up splurging on a pair of turquoise high heels, I have my daughter in laws to blame for them--but, I have used them for many occasions!)
So with this all in mind and since I didn't get to shop today, I decided that I would share the shopping experience I had with my sister Shirlee about a month ago in the Seattle area--enjoy! (I only wish that I had a photo journal of this experience) :)

On Tuesday morning Jim dropped me off at the ferry on Bainbridge Island and I headed off to Seattle to meet my sister Shirlee who is visiting from Alaska. She met me at the ferry dock and we took off in a very nice suv taxi to shop at the South Center shopping mall. We had such a fun time running from one store to another. After a few hours we got a number of heavy bags to carry so we took a coffee break and Shirlee said that she would need a suitcase for all of her goodies. So she took off down the mall and I thought that , Hey, I could probably use one also. So I yelled out to her, "Get two for one!" Anyway, I just made a big scene and she didn't hear what I had to say. She came back with this fabulous case on wheels that just scoots along with no effort. She packed that thing and we continued with our shopping experience!

While we were in a small shop one of the workers told us that if we spent more than $300.00 in receipts at the mall we could get a $20.00 card for a meal at one of the restaurants at the mall. Well, we were all over that. So we go to the concierge desk and get the cards and asked him if he would get us a cab after we ate. He encouraged us to take a bus downtown. We thought of all the money we were going to save by taking the bus!!!!!

We trucked the wonderful suitcase on wheels and my bags across the parking lot to the Bahama Breeze restaurant and had a fabulous dinner! Then we trucked the goodies back to the mall for last minute purchases before we had to truck back across the parking lot to the bus stop. It was dark by this time and we stood at the bus stop for a good 15 minutes and weren't too happy with the company we were in so we discussed the possibility that we weren't at the right bus stop. So we ran up the hill with our heavy loads and across the street to another bus stop and waited for a good 15 more minutes!!! We scrambled onto the bus lugging our loads and paid our dues and tried not to knock anyone out with our bags while finding a choice seat---which happened to be where the bus bends while taking turns!!!

This was quite the experience being on the bus but little did we know how much better it would be when we got downtown!!!!! The buses go underground downtown. (I had mentioned to Jim about a year ago that I thought that the buses must go underground because we didn't see many at all on the streets) The bus stops looked very nice down there but knowing that I was underground started to freak me out. After about 5 stops I just about lost it--I was ready to jump out at any stop and just get above ground but luckily our stop came and we scrambled out the best we could with our loads and after 2 flights on the escalator we saw sky! WHEW! NEVER again----not the shopping mind you but taking the bus at night downtown!!!

We hiked up the street about a block to Shirlee's hotel and I got a cab that took me DOWN to the ferry for a lovely trip across the water to Bainbridge Island where Jim picked me and my packages up!! I was so happy that I had been working out for a few days!!

There is nothing like a shopping day with my sister Shirlee!! I think both our husbands would agree to that!! :)

PS. OK, for serious shopping you need to wear the correct shoes! I wore my Sanitas which saved the day! Shirlee on the other hand wore the cutest flats that are just that! She did very well until about 3:00 but she persevered with more shopping because that was the main reason we were at the mall!! I am amazed that she was able to climb up the hill to the right bus stop after all the running around that we did. You know the song, "These Boots are Made for Walking"?---well, anyway, she might want to consider wearing boots for the next serious shopping trip!!! :)

One life for two

This has been a very "busy" (I don't really want to use that word but I can't think of an appropriate word for what I want to convey-maybe it will come to me later) fall for our family.



We move from Alaska in September. Jim and I drive down the highway to the Seattle area to live close to our daughter and her growing family. We no sooner get our shipment of housing goods and we are off to Phoenix to spend time with Jim's mother. We spend a little over a week with her and we rent a vehicle to take stuff up to Washington state with us. It was a lovely and long drive. A few days later our granddaughter Teslin was born. We were just getting used to having another grandbaby around then granddaughter, Skylar was born in Florida eleven days after Teslin. They are sort of cousin "twins". :) Skylar was supposed to be born October 31st! God picked October 31st to take Mel, Jim's mother, to heaven. She lived a full life and died 3 days shy of turning 91 years old. Her legacy will go on thru her growing family! God blessed her with a long life. She accomplished many things including travel abroad to many countries, She was a blessing to all who met her.



So our family lost one dear family member but was blessed by the arrival of two. God has such a wonderful way of keeping families going and growing. He is the one who came up with the original "family plan".

Jim and I are still in Arizona because Jim ended up with pheumonia. We are hoping to get back up to the Seattle area in a couple of days-the 17th of November, just in time for visiting family members and visiting friends.

family updates

Mackenzie loves to write lists so one day she was writing one and asking me what I needed on the list. She was writing things down and before I knew it, she said that she had drawn a picture of herself. I was totally surprised at what she had drawn. So I needed to share it. I think she was confused and put her grandpa Jim's hairdo on herself. :) I love the toes!

Baby Skylar is born!!

I posted these photos in a small display mainly because when I tried to post the days after Skylar's birth I was getting fuzzy photos and I didn't like them. So this am when I did the post I figured I would try the small photos. (obviously I was ticked off by this problem) You can click on them for a larger photo and hopefully, you will get a clear picture. Enjoy!
Here is big brother, James III. This photo was taken the day before the big event. He was so thrilled to see so many pumpkins in one place!Baby Skylar was born on October 19th. She was safely delivered at an unplanned home delivery. Dad tried to persuade Mom to get to the hospital at the last minute but that didn't happen! It all happened so very fast and we are so thankful that all are doing well. Skylar is a little angel baby.

Teslin Mae arrives!!

Beautiful Teslin Mae arrived on October 8th. She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz. As you can see, her big sister Mackenzie things she is pretty cool. All are doing well and grandma and grandpa are soooo delighted to be able to be around to enjoy special moments with the family.

Still traveling

Well, of course I had to share these photos of Mackenzie. She loves shoes--I think she takes after her grandma JoJo! My sister, Bonnie gave her money to buy shoes for her 3rd birthday and Mackenzie chose the tap shoes. She is learning how to tap using "youtube". Last week while we all were at the dinner table, Mackenzie's dad asked her a question and she told him that she couldn't answer the question because she was invisible. The things she comes up with are way to funny. As you can see from one photo, she used the guitar as a violin and sang along with the tune playing, La Cucaracha, using her own words of course but kept on tune!
Jim and are in Phoenix for the week. I thought we would come to very comfy temps but believe it or not it is gradually getting hotter this week--up to 105 on Tuesday when we leave. Hey, I'm not complaining, I get to get out of here to a more moderate climate. We are here spending time with Jim's mom. Her end of life is approaching but she is comfortable and is cared for very well. We sang, "Jesus Loves Me" with her last night and she amazingly was able to sing along. Not for the whole song but she did very well considering the fact that she is hooked up to oxygen all of the time. She was also able to help Jim with John 3:16. :)

A Quiet Book

I made a quiet book this past winter for my grandbaby boy. I sent it to him for his first birthday. The challenging part of this project was in finding the right fabric for each page but it was a fun project.

Who is this again?

Mackenzie loves her shoes!! Here she is posing with her new bed that she loves!
Here we are at a fun time at the Pikes Place market.

Posing with Baby James!

Miss Mackenzie

Mackenzie couldn't wait for her 3rd birthday party to begin!! She and her guests had a FUN time, her mom and I did also. With it being so hot outside, we were lucky that she decided to wear her tutu at least.

We got Mackenzie this high chair for her "Baby James" doll. She was so delighted to get it. We were at a lake this evening and she got chilled so she had on this jacket. It was slightly cooler at under 100 degrees today!
Mackenzie has been enjoying the heatwave by wearing the "bare" essentials. :) At least she had on the tutu that I made especially for her.

She loves to shop!

My fisherman son

Jordan is lying down on the job! The halibut measured 90 inches. YUMMMMMMM! Jordan did commercial halibut fishing for about 6 weeks this summer on my brother Kenny's boat, the Shonna Jacole.

Basket weaving

Here are a couple of photos of my first attempts at basket weaving. I attended the Aleut Culture Camp and learned the Attu style of basket weaving. This basket is tiny and it is tedious work. I have come to a great appreciation of my ancestors workmanship at this skill. It is amazing, the work that they had done, especially the weaving of mats-totally unbelievable. I started this basket a week ago and haven't had much time to work on it.
I had been busy with teaching a 2nd grade boys class at Vacation Bible School. There was an average of 700 kids each night in attendance! It was a sight to behold with high volume and activity levels!!! I had a class of 12 boys and it was such a great experience. I had 3 EXCELLENT helpers!!! I think the boys had a lot of fun. I must say that just before the VBS started I got a little scared, wondering what I was going to do with a bunch of 2nd grade boys but we all had a great time. The secret is being prepared with non stop activity. A lot of prayer went into it also, which I believe was the most important aspect of the successfulness of the week. I thank the Lord for blessing me with the helpers, students, and results.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July. My hubby and I and my brother spent the 4th of July together. We had a very nice breakfast at the Noisy Goose restaurant in Palmer then we went up to the Independence Mine up at Hatcher Pass. We hiked up to an alpine lake. I had not hiked in a long time and this hike up the side of the mountain wasn't too long. Actually, going up wasn't as bad as going down. I must admit though, that I was glad to get to the top but very apprehensive about going down. It was steep and we had to climb some huge rocks. I just got freaked out about the whole thing. After it was all said and done, I feel like I conquered this fear that I had.
After our hike we went into Wasilla to find a place to eat an early dinner. Well, we found a place that fit the bill and had a wonderful meal out on the deck where we watched the boats, jet skis, and people playing in the water. It was very enjoyable. The most fun thing though, was the snow machine that we heard heading to the water on the gravel boat ramp!!! It raced toward the water and flew over the top of the water for about 5 minutes as he successfully ran around and came aground with no problem.

Birthday celebration

My sister in law, Marlene, turned 5o (that's what the birth certificate says but we all think she looks 29) on the 3rd of July, so I got a "fireworks" party together! I had to put SOME black in the mix so I found these black silk flowers and leaves to decorate these sugar cookies.

start of quilt

I'm in the process of piecing together a quilt for my daughter and her husband. It's going to be their anniversary present this August. I think I will probably get it done.
Living in a condo and having no outside duties I will have the time to work on it. I will, of course, spent ample time outdoors. I have a couple of outdoor walks that I enjoy, mostly during the evening.

James III's First birthday party

The happy family, expecting a baby girl in October!!

One happy little guy--YEAH, he knows where his head is!!!

YUMMY!

Day at the Beach

What a beautiful day to be at the beach with the family. Jim wasn't feeling very well but good enough to pretend that he was a javelin thrower. :) Julie is looking pregnant, 4 more months to go. Drew did all the cooking-yummy chicken kabobs and corn on the cob!

Mackenzie May 09

Mackenzie watching the mixer mix the dough for the pita bread we made together.
Look at her tippy toes!

Mackenzie and me on her "magic carpet"!!

Our shopping trip to Target.

Two baby girls!!

I have to announce with joy and happiness: Jim and I will be the proud grandparents of two baby girls in October. Julie and Drew are expecting Oct 5 and James and CJ are expecting Oct 30. So it will almost like having twins in the family!!
We are now in Poulsbo, WA. (in the Seattle area) with the family and having a blast with Mackenzie. She cracked us up today when we took her to the park. She spoke into a speaker and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to say." Too funny. She will be 3 in August. It is much cooler here than the 100+ temps in AZ. Both places are so beautiful.

Jim climbing the sycamore tree

Jim and I are in Anthem, Arizona until next week sometime. Today we went for a drive up north of here and went to see Montezuma's castle. It is very interesting. I took photos of it but some how they didn't get onto my computer like most of the photos did. Well, I saw this sycamore tree and was fascinated by it. I told Jim to climb it for a photo op. I was reminded of Zacheous climbing the tree to see Jesus. All of the trees at this park looked like they would be easy to climb, so I can see Zacheous getting to a height easy enough and quick enough to be able to see Jesus. Well, enough of that, I will try and post the photos I got of the castle tomorrow.

Grand kids

Here are my two darling grandbabies. Julie and Drew took Mackenzie to the tulip festival on Mother's Day. Baby James must be hungry. :)