Off to Anchorage . . .

to see the Lion King, eat Wendys, see the city and shop. I am pretty excited about this, under all the fear of flying. I am trying to be a big girl, but it is tuff. Darn panic keeps creeping up on me. I am certain that I can say I am so not ready to fly alone yet. I am going to need lots of therapy before that happens. Love you, talk to you soon - MJ

Booby Cookies

Yeah, you read that right booby cookies. Our Brit made cookies for us and dropped them off at Coastal. I forgot to tell Bob that she was dropping them off, so he was worried about eating them. It didn't take him too long to figure out who had made them and then the fun began, or so I heard.

When he got home and I opened the container I noticed that they looked a bit like boobies. I brought this up to Bob and he giggled. Apparently that was the "fun" at work. So we had a little of our own with the booby cookies! Bonus = they are delicious! MJ

Lazy man drinks from a glass

I warned him that if he kept this up he was going to spill his pop. As he gave me "sassy" his pop ran out the straw and onto the carpet. Apparently he had created a "suction" as he put it. MJ

Eleven years and still cute

Our 11 year Anniversary

It feels good to wake up next to the person you love. We have shared so many wonderful memories together. The other night Bob, Steven and I were talking and Bob and Steven didn't remember that Steven was in our wedding. They pulled out our wedding album and we looked at pictures. It was fun. It was also a little funny, we were laughing about being together longer than Steven has been alive.
I am thrilled to be going on a date with my husband tonight. We were laughing about it this morning when I told Bob that I was so excited to go on a date with him - he said have we ever really dated? He's probably right. Tonight we are going to see Hells Belles - an all girl tribute band to AC/DC. They are from Seattle. They have been here for a couple nights. Last night they preformed at one of our high schools as a fundraiser for the girls' basketball teams there.
I don't think Terry ever reads these but I wanted him to know that I think he is the sweetest to remember our anniversary and leave us a message - what boy does that? We miss you too Terry! MJ

A little bit of Labor Day Weekend

It's a bit of working and relaxing this weekend. Yesterday was a glorious day, it reminded me so much of being on the Great Lakes in September. It was warm, sunny and the breeze was strong, but so warm. Bob and I actually went for a walk at 9 pm and it was still so warm out. We walked down to Sandy Beach and looked up at the stars. It's been so long since it was dark out at night, that I forgot what they looked like - so beautiful. I was thinking on our walk how blessed we are to be here. MJ

Saturday

Well, today has been very productive:

1- I found my planner this morning at the Dog. Ang, you were right, it was just some place goofy. I am so glad that I kept talking myself out of a new one.
2- Tristan and I went Christmas shopping and I believe that I am done - woohoo!
3- Now I am home with Bob.

Life is good - MJ

Labor Day Weekend Begins

I sometimes close my eyes and take in a deep breath remembering what the smell of September if like in MI. If you don't know this, fall is my favorite time of year and it doesn't exist in JNU. Sure we transition on the calendar, but there's not the separation of seasons like in MI. The crisp, cool air in the morning, the multitude of yellows, oranges and reds that adorn the ground as they fall from trees, the smell of pumpkin and spice that fills the air. When the days become cool enough that you pull on that first pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. I do miss this time of year. Enjoy! MJ

Good Morning, Good Morning!

Well, here I am again, although I must admit that I am getting a be tired, literally, of waking up at 4:45 am. Sure, it's nice to get to school at six, read the paper have a couple cups of coffee, check email, eat a little snack and blog, but I'm gettin' kind of sleepy! I am looking forward to this weekend when I am able to sleep in until 6:30 am.
Yesterday was another good day at school. This years' theme, if you will, is "Connect". We have a new Superintendent and his vision is for the entire community of Juneau to "connect" with it's youth. I like it, it's pretty powerful stuff. My hope is that it will expand into Juneau "connecting" with all of it's residents, thus building a stronger community. He came here in June and said that he feels Juneau to be a very welcoming, caring community, I don't disagree, but we all still have areas of work.
On a downside this week I seem to have misplaced my planner, not that I haven't left it places before, but it has been about a week now and it has not found it's way back to me. It does have my contact information in the front, so I am still hoping to find it, since it has nothing of value in it to anyone other than me. Not having it caused me to go into work last night when I wasn't scheduled and then I worked for 2 hours! Won't let that happen again. MJ

Two days in a row!

Do you see this? Posting two days in a row, it's been a long time.

Bob has to be to work at 6 am this week, so I just have him drop me off along the way. I have time to read the paper, post and still start work an hour early! I have much to catch you up on, but I can't just yet. I give my mom grief about sending me a group email when important changes happen in her life, so I won't just "blog-it" yet. What I can tell you is that school has gotten off to a fantastic start! It is so rewarding to be back.
Bob has been feeling a bit sicky this week and is pretty bummed since the weather had turned beautiful again. The sun is shining and yesterday when I went dwntwn to the Dog at 4:30 it was 69 out - woohoo! Gotta love that.
Hopefully I will be back again tomorrow and make it three days in a row - MJ

Yes, yes I would like a mocha this morning!!!

I would Yvonne, I would - but JSD has blocked facebook and I can't reply to your comment! Ugh - oh well, maybe you'll "feel" my desire to have a mocha this am and I'll buy, I'll buy. MJ

Back to School

Welcome to fall and back to school time . . .

We have have an incrediable summer. The weather has been perfect, we have enjoyed Steven's company and showing him around Juneau, we have hiked, traveled to Skagway and just enjoyed being together. Hopefully with fall and my commitment to Bob to slow-down, there will be more time to blog. MJ

First Day of School

What a meal . . .

Tonight's menu by Chef Bob:

Jack Daniels Seasoned Steaks (mine was Philip Mignog, Steven and Bob's were T-Bone)
Baked Potato
Green Beans - Fancy
Texas Toast
and once we recover . . .
Mint Brownies with Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

and the above is why I am finally purchasing a gym membership! I love my man - MJ

Updating

I did actually do a bit of posting today. There is still much more to do, but it is a start. Sorry for you having to look back - who knows when that will end . . . MJ

Pt. Bridget to Blue Mussel Cabin

This was a great cabin to hike to. The trail is so easy and your not spent when you get to the cabin. It was overcast the first day, but no rain and when we woke the next morning it was gorous out. Bob and Steven spent lots of time fishing, Bob caught a nice size fish that we had for dinner. Steven did a little exploring on his own and a little with Uncle Bob, noises in the woods scare boys too! Pt. Bridget Trail is one of our favorites and Blue Mussel is at the top of our cabin list thus far. MJ

Getting ready to hike Pt Bridget

Pt Bridget is a favorite trail of ours - the end reward is so spectaculor. This trip we are hiking out to Blue Mussell Cabin for the night. It's cloudy out, and a bit chilly, but the rain has stopped and we are heading out soon. As I am getting ready this morning a few thoughts come to mind:
- Who doesn' like Smartwool socks? They are a bit pricey, but so worth it.
- It is always important to have a full belly before hitting the trail. This morning it is pancakes
and sausage and hold onto your socks, I am cooking! I know, it's not rocket science, but it's
still me.
- Steven visiting has been good for us in so many ways. One of them is that we are getting out
and enjoying the beautiful cabins that AK State Parks offers. It has been wonderful.
- If you haven't been here yet, you should come. Bob and I love to show this place off. It has so
much to offer if you love God's canvas.
- Getting ready for little trips like this is bittersweet - I am reminded of all the joys of camping
with family and friends - it is so hard to be way from all of you. Our hearts are so full of love
for each and everyone.
- I am grateful to my mom that is rarely ever let us sleep in. I enjoy my mornings. The
peacefulness of it and how productive I can be. She is a wise women.
- My Camelback still taste like iodine - I think it's time for a new one and this one can just be
for "those kind" of hikes!
- I am looking forward to spending time with the "The Time Traveler's Wife".
Time to print our confirmation and head out. MJ

And now it's August!

Preparing Mom's "New" Camera for Delivery

Joelle has been kind enough to deliver mom's "new" camera since she will be in MI. It is packed up and we added a few pics so she could see our smiling faces. When I looked at the pictures we took I realized that we are adorable and I needed copies for us. MJ

Happy Birthday to me . . .

Oh how I do love my red velvet birthday cake. It is worth it to wait - it is so yummy delicious! Joelle was here and got to share in the fun - just one more thing to confirm to her that I am a bit strange. Happy birthday to me . . . MJ

July already

It's so hard to believe that we are on the backside of July. I can't believe how little I have blogged. Too much work. Bob keeps telling me I need to make myself take one day off of work per week, every week. Maybe that will be my New Years' resolution, it just kind of freaks me out to think about, but I guess that would give me time to blog. MJ

4th of July Parade

This was a trip! I swear that it lasted over two hours and we had Captain America and Batman - I know that you are jealous! MJ

New Rainboots

"***-Kickin'-Peacock-Cowboy-Rainboots"

Marley and Me

Stupid *** movie!!! And that's why I don't have a dog. MJ

Other blogs

You'll want to check out two other blogs for a bit: Steven's AK Adventure and Rosco.

Tuesday Morning

School is official out and the summer schedule has almost started. After today I will just be at the theater and the dog. It will be a set schedule, which will be nice. My plan is to get back into running. I don't really enjoy it all that much while I am doing it, but it makes me feels so good after. If I can just get into a routine and keep it once school starts. Monday and Tuesday I have been at a class, Droput Prevention, the strand that I am taking is Boys in Crisis. It was pretty interesting yesterday and gave me some new ideas to try in my classrooom. I do have so much to blog on this page and on Steven's. I hope to
get to them soon. We have all been busy getting adjusted and settling into our summer schedules.
The weather has cooled down. No rain yet, I am wondering what the record is for days without rain and if we are close to it yet. The clouds have rolled in and the temperature has dropped, but it is still pleasent. MJ

74

Oh it feels so good - it is to be hot and sunny all week. Maybe even hit the mid-eighties!!! Bob, Steven and I are planning meals so that when we pick Steven up from work we can head out to cookout.
This last week of school is going to be nuts. I almost have all the dance stuff put away today. Tomorrow we have the Reniassance Faire. Wednesday the dance pictures should be here. I will distibute them on Thursday at lunch. Friday we have Eighth Grade Promotion. School is dismissed at 2 pm. Then it's time to pack up the classroom and get out by 4 pm. After that "School's Out for Summer!!!" MJ

The Nephew has arrived

Steven arrived safely in Juneau. To follow his time her, check out the blog: Steven's AK Adventure. MJ

In the thick of it . . .

It is such a crazy, busy time - the theme of my life! This week the finishing touches are being put on the eighth grade dance, which is Friday. Then Steven arrives on Saturday. I also signed up to be a coach for FIRST Lego League (Lego's, come on, who could say no to that!) for next year and Student Government. We also are having a Renaissance Faire on June 2nd at school. Then of course just all of the end of the year fieldtrips, picnics and mild crisis. It keeps the days hopping! I am hanging up the whistle and no longer coaching bball. It was fun, but, well, a softball coach is probably a better fit for me. Without Tristan I've got no game!
I have decided that it has been good to have the dance to focus on or I would be crawling out of my skin with anticipation of Steven's arrival. I really can't believe that he is going to be here in 72 hours! MJ

May 12th already . . .

I can't even believe it. We are down to 4 weeks of school, Steven will be here in almost 2 weeks. The time is flying and I realized that it has been a while since I blogged. I guess that proves that it isn't always an adventure in Alaska!
Bob and I went and saw Star Trek last night. It was good. We chuckled at the new actors saying the old lines, but they did it well.
It's that time of year again where mine and Bob's schedules are all out of whack. I am super busy at work so I like to go in early and have some time to work on projects without interruptions. Bob on the other hand is now working 2 to 11 pm. You get the picture. I try to stay up until he gets home and he drives me to work in the morning so that I can be there early. Only a few more weeks and I will walk downtown to work.
Not much more going on here. We are hoping to get our flowers planted before Steven arrives, but it is still getting down to 33 - 35 at night, so we are holding off a bit longer. MJ