Fellow Bloggers Help!!!

I was messing with my layout the other night trying to add a Christmas background. What have I done! When I go to customize instead of layout it says template and it won't let me add an outside template it looks all messed up and funky! Help I now have to live with this minima background that is so drab and boring! Help me please! I may just have to write an Ode to Blogspot!

Ode to the Chicken Pox

We thought we had you fooled!
two vaccines had she
On the way to the temple (6 hour drive in the middle of nowhere!)
"I itch, make it stop!" came the plee
Everytime she was touched
she would yell "THAT HURT MY POCK!"
the spots became more with
each minute on the clock
--True story!

OK, OK I am not a great poet! But, I am tired, we've had the chicken pox--42 in all! My poor little L! I am just hoping that M & M's vaccines hold up!!! Pray for me!

The Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Brad!

We hope you have a great day!

"On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true!" So sappy but I know you love it--Happy Birthday Honey!

We love you!

Halloween Yahoo!

Let the craziness begin! It always seems like when we reach Halloween that it's just a whirl-wind of work, fun, shopping and exhaustion until we find ourselves sitting on the couch all day Christmas day in PJ's and totally content not to even get dressed until noon the next day.

So let the craziness begin with Halloween!The Kids diligently carving their masterpieces

The Pumpkins--this is so Brad's kind of thing, you know the surgeon in him loves to cut and create. Here is our attempt without the pro. They actually did a great job!

The Ward Party with the Witch, Dorothy, Sarah Palin and Lego Man

Lego man, he totally concocted this costume all by himself.
Look at a generic Lego man--spitting image!

The cutest little witch I ever did see!

Dorothy--with rubby slippers and toto too!

We had a great holiday but we sure missed Brad--he LOVES Halloween!

Brad at His New Home

The first case--bullet removal!

Forward Surgical Team home

His address is:
Major Brad Matthews
2nd FST, ATTN: Medics
FOB Lagman
APO, AE 09355

He is in a very remote location so the mail takes quite awhile (almost 3-4 weeks). I know he would love to get anything from anyone! They have some down time to kill so I know he would love anything that could fill the time--books, movies etc. We miss him so much! We're happy he is there to help those who need him but, we are counting down the days to his return. He is still able to view our home email so you can also send him messages that way as well.

Thanks for your support!

Major News

Just wanted to let you know that Brad is now at Baghram AFB in Afghanistan, we finally got word on Sunday night. I was on pins and needles for a few days, not having heard from him. We are happy that he got there safely. He will be heading to his FOB later this week. He is having to schedule all of his own flights, sleeping on WWII cots, and the food is horrible--the luxurios life of an ARMY doc. --he's miserable. I will post photos as soon as I get them. Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!

When the Cats away the Mice will play

I took the girls on Saturday for haircuts. Daddy seems very attached to long hair and doesn't like to see them cut it. Liz has been begging to cut her hair short--and begging to do it for months. We made the appointment about 2 months ago with my friend Holly, for right after Brad left. When the day actually came they were so excited. I had been trying to give them something to look forward to and they were so thrilled. We cut off enough so she could donate it to an organization like locks of love for kids with cancer. Lizzie was so excited that someone else would get to wear her hair--that lucky kid!

Lizzie with her locks of love

Yes, winter has returned we got our first snow on Sunday--or course, they had to get out and play in it that morning. After church it was almost all gone. But, don't worry we got more today about 1-2 inches.

The girls in our winter wonderland

The biggest news of the week is that Michael earned his WEBELOS Badge. He has worked so hard to get it and had to do a lot of extra things outside of den meetings on his own. He is so determined and such a hard worker! Brad and I are so proud of him! Way to go Michael! He is set to receive his arrow of light next month. He just has to finish making a scrapbook of his art projects, then he is done. What a huge accomplishment.

Michael getting his Webelos Badge

We are just trying to stay very busy so we are happy! We would love to have visitors whenever anyone can make it our way--let us know.

Life Must Go On

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement! I almost turned off the comments last post, I was in such a funk, I didn't know if I even wanted encouragement, I wanted to feel sad and sorry for myself for a while. Somehow, each of your comments found me just when I needed to hear them! Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways--even through blogs! THANKS!!!

Well, the first few days weren't too bad! Yesterday, was not good however! It was a very difficult day. I am sure the kids are trying me, and testing the limits. It was HARD. We talked at FHE about what we can do to be happier and kinder people. I know I needed the pep talk just as much as each of them. I have to find more patience, and more understanding somehow.

Me yesterday!

Getting going and getting places on time has been so difficult (that has always been a challenge for me--but not usually with the kids). Maddie doesn't want to go to school. Michael keeps trying to squish Liz in the garage door. ARRRRGGGHH!!! Any suggestions? I keep thinking about something my Mom always says "when kids are the hardest to love they need the most love." I am sure that is true!


An update on the Major--Brad is still at CRC at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He has been issued all sorts of ARMY goodies, he just has to figure out how to pack them all into 4 bags--this will require divine intervention he says. He will be heading to Kuwait Friday, then on to Qalat a mere 7400 miles. He will be supporting the 101st Airborne Division. Of course, his type A personality is having a hard time with the inefficiency and mundane tasks at CRC. But, he has met up with some old friends ie Dirk Slade from Medical School, and then friends from residency and some from here. The address I have for him seems sort of sketchy--you know lots of letters and random numbers--so when I get confirmation I'll pass that along to you all. I know he would love to hear from you!

We appreciate and are grateful for your thoughts and prayers!

Crying Like a Baby

I just dropped Brad off at the airport. I was unhappy when he told me, earlier in the week, that his flight was at 1 am. But today I am so glad it was. We decided that we would have the kids say goodbye here at the house and let Brad tuck them into bed. Brad and I left the house at 12 and the "ortho family" met us at the airport to say goodbye. It was so nice of them to come--they are such a great crew! Then Brad and I had to say goodbye. It was HARD! Of course, I bawled and made a scene--good thing the Fairbanks airport is tiny! It was so hard to walk away. I stood there and watched him go through security, I just couldn't walk away. The poor lady at the parking pay booth, I bawled like a baby to her and she had to keep reassuring me. But, her guardian angels are now looking out for my sweetie, so were good! Then I bawled all the way home, and cried like I have probably not done for 18 years! The lady at the front gate didn't even tell me to have a great night--that never happens--clearly my night was not going so well! Anyway, I am glad I got all that crying out of my system. Tomorrow Lizzie's class has a field trip and I am going on that, so I needed to get it out. I think I will sleep much better tonight, I am totally spent!

The Day Has Come

Daddy and the kids!

Brad will be leaving tomorrow. I have rewritten this post about 12 different times, I don't know what to say or how to say it--because this stinks! I will post more soon.

Fall Photo Op.

The fall leaves have just amazed us this year. We had to get out and get some pictures with them before they are gone. The forecast says snow on Saturday. ARRRRGGGHHH!

What a Difference a Year Makes!

I can't believe it's been a year since my pulmonary embolism. I have been reflecting on this last year and I am so grateful for it!

The day I came home from the hospital--Happy Birthday to me!

This is how I spent a good portion of the six months following the PE--
on the couch totally wiped-out!

Funny how a near death experience can change you, huh! Here are somethings I have learned this year:

1. The only thing that truly matters is family & friends! I cannot ever tell my sweet Mom, Dad and sisters how much it means to me that they dropped everything going on in their lives to help me. I hope they know I will do the same for them if they ever need it!!!! It still brings tears to my eyes how my sisters jumped in and cared for and loved my kids as if they were their own. THANKS!!!! Words cannot express!

Laura stepping in as Mommy

Tami tucking the kinds into bed

2. What a blessing the Priesthood is! I am so grateful to my husband and my father for petitioning the Father in my behalf. My Daddy can always make it okay! I am so grateful for the good life my Dad has lived and his wonderful example to me and my kids. What a blessing it is to have a husband who is worthy to hold the priesthood--I am grateful for his love and understanding.

3. I can do hard things! I am so grateful to have learned that the Lord will test me and give me even more than I think I can handle. He will also provide a way that I can overcome and have more strength then I ever thought was possible. I am grateful to have learned that lesson.

4. There are angels everywhere you go! I am grateful for good people the Lord has placed along my path to make life bearable. I will never forget the man on the other side of the drape in the ER. I was having severe back pain, a month or so after the PE and they had found a lot of fluid in my abdomen and needed to know where it was coming from--I was terrified that I had internal bleeding and was crying, scared and alone. He had just been in a motorcycle accident and had a few injuries and yet he kept reassuring me through the drape saying "my friend, it's okay, God can make a way, even when it seems impossible." It all turned out okay and I was not bleeding, but that was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment and it brought me peace and comfort. I am grateful for all the friends that called, stopped by and helped in any way they could. THANKS!!! I will pay it forward.

5. Concentrate on the big stuff. I was focusing on a lot of little things that seem so inconsequential now. I am working on really focusing on the big things that really matter and making those things important and meaningful to my little family.

6. I don't say thanks enough! So THANKS!!! to Brad for putting up with my quirky little ways and to my kids--I am proud to be your mother and grateful for the things you teach me, THANKS! Thanks to good parents who paved a nice smooth way for me, for loving me and giving me every opportunity that came my way and forcing me to do things when it was hard for you but you knew it was best, THANKS!!! Thanks to the great friends who have brought joy and love into my life I have been richly blessed and I am a better person for knowing all of you!

Okay, okay, this is getting way to sappy!
I just don't think I tell you enough so,
THANKS!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I laughed so hard the first time I saw it I almost peed my pants. But, wow, that's totally how I felt this year.

If you live in Alaska during the summer and the sun is shinning you've got to be outside playing even if it's 1 am! We take full advantage of the sunlight and soak it in at all hours of the day and night. It's nice to not have any sort of schedule and enjoy staying up late and playing all night long, however, I must admit I felt a little like the Staples Dad this year! I love the order school brings. I love knowing there's a schedule for each day and a plan to do some sleeping. Order and peace has once again been restored to the Matthews' universe with the introduction of a new school year. YEAH!!!!

OKAY it's not all good. My baby started Kindergarten.

In front of the school after her assessment day. A long day,
I locked my keys in the car (enough said.)

Yes, I shed a few tears, luckily my friend Tara saw me and side tracked me in conversation. I have 4 1/2 hours of freedom everyday--can you believe it? Any suggestions--what should I do? Just kidding. I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off the last few days--trying to help a lady I visit teach, helping with the missionary zone conf. lunch and watching my BF's kids while she parties in Hawaii, not to mention soccer games, gymnastics, sharing times and oh yeah, getting ready for the infamous Primary Program. Good thing I am always happier when I am busy.

Back to the kids! They are all pleased as punch with school thus far. They came home fighting the first day saying "My teachers the best", "No, my teachers the best". I am so glad they are all happy and love learning.

So here's to order, organization and the most wonderful time of the year!

14 YEARS BABY!

Can you believe it! It's been 14 years! Brad & I celebrated our Anniversary at Alyeska--a gorgeous ski resort in Girdwood 40 minutes southeast of Anchorage.

The, we took no one with us, so we have to take our own photo, photo. Waaaahoooo!

The Hotel Resort

The Three Sister Glaciers from the Top of the Tram

The Double Black Diamond in Summer
Alyeska has the most and steepest double black diamonds in the country.

The Chugach National Park
Alaska's Rain Forest
The Iditarod dog race runs from Girdwood up to the north slope each year,
we were able to find the trail.

Just Relaxing on the Back Porch

Black Bears that kept running out in the road while we were driving to and from the Hotel

It was such a nice weekend! We were able to relax and just enjoy being with each other with not a care in the world, it was wonderful! I must say, looking back at the photos, we look so relaxed and happy! The massage totally helps with the relaxed and happy thing!

Here's to many more years!

Denali

I decided that we had to get used to doing somethings on our own now since September 20th is looming over us. So, for our first grand adventure my BF and I decided to go to Denali--with the kids. We both wanted to go in to Wonder Lake--a 12 hour bus ride round trip. No small feat for 5 kids. Really they did a great job. I only wanted to throw one of my children out the window, then she fell asleep and all was well!

Denali National Park in center

We started off the day by driving 2 hours from our home to Denali. When we arrived we boarded the bus to Wonder Lake. Within 5 minutes Michael was the first to spot an animal. The ranger said they are very shy and are only seen about once a week but, Michael found a gray wolf.


We got to see all sorts of wonderful animals and saw 4 of the big 5 people come to Denali to see. And, yes I did take all of these photos from the bus--we were that close! AAAHHHH!

Grizzly Cub (yes that's poop)

Momma Grizzly --check out those claws!

Polychrome Bus stop

The Polychrome rest stop was where our bus broke down. Not a good thing on a 12 hour bus ride. We waited about 1 1/2 hours for a new bus. We were determined to get to Wonder Lake! This was a great place to break down, there were a lot of hiking trails and tons of ground squirrels. Michael spent the entire time chasing down squirrels and now we have 40 photos of his new friend--Buddy.

Buddy

A caribou my Dad would be proud of!

It was the best day of the season to see Denali/Mt. McKinley. We've had such a rainy cold summer, it's been overcast and rainy almost every day. When we saw that it was going to be a nice day we had to go! It's rare to get a nice clear shot of Denali. Ta Da--the mountain in all her glory.

Denali/Mt. McKinley

Yes, that's the tallest Mt. in North America at 20,320 ft.

Wonder Lake

We traveled all this way to see Denali and all she could focus on were the rocks and sticks at the lake.

We arrived home at about 2 am after a day full of adventure and fun! It was a long day especially with the 2 hours there and back. I am so glad we did it--it was a once in a lifetime experience! It was so much fun to sit next to people who had come from all over the world to see these amazing things. I feel so blessed! A special thanks to my BF and her kids--we had a great time! We're so happy we got to go on this wonderful adventure with you all!