January Weather

So the Chinook came through Anchorage this week. About 8 days ago, we had temperatures in the -30's. Then, almost overnight we jumped up to the +30s and all our snow began to melt. We also got a lot of rain, turning all the snow-packed roads into skating rinks! Anchorage School District closed school for the first time in the 5 years we've been here. Followed by the Chinook came 3 days of 80mph+ winds. Our neighbor's tree blew down...it was GOD that it didn't hit our house. We did have to replace a few shingles on the roof though. It's nice to have the warmer weather...I'm sure it'll get cold again before we get the REAL Breakup...It is only January afterall...

The neighbor's tree snapped off....

...and took out his fence.

Geoff and Jeremy checking out the roof.

Replacing the shingles.

Midtown Anchorage from my roof!!

The Battle of the Jack's

24 and LOST are both back this month...the Jacks are back!!!!!!!!!

Christmas II

I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed we were to be able to see our families for Christmas. And considering it was Snowpocalypse while we were there, it can't be denied that God's hand was upon us.

After flying into Seattle, we picked up our rental car and drove to Portland where we spent a few days with Matt and Janae. We met our niece Elliana for the first time and Carol threw Jeremy a surprise birthday (32nd!!) party! It was wonderful to see everyone.

On the 23rd we drove to Seattle where we spent the next 5 days with the Miller family at Becky and Stewart's. Sam also flew down from Anchorage; I think it's been 8 years since the entire Miller family, including spouses has been together for Christmas. It was SUCH a blessing and we had a lot of fun!!

All together...God is SO good!!

Christmas I

It's going to take me several posts to cover Christmas, so I'll start with this: I saw JESUS! Ok, not really...but I did see Jim Caviezel (who played Jesus in "The Passion" if I may state the obvious)!!

Once at baggage claim and again at Hertz at SeaTac in Seattle! The first time I wasn't sure it was him. But then I saw him again at Hertz and I made eye contact with him and smiled...and he smiled back, although very hesitantly and in a "It's 10:30 at night, please don't crazy-fan-freak out on me." kind of way. So I didn't say anything to him or attempt to be photographed with him...not that I would have had the guts anyway!!! And yes, he is as good looking in person as he is in pictures.

Sledding!!!!

A group of us went sledding last night at Service Highschool. I have a bruise on my hind end the size of a tennis ball and underneath a bump the size of a golf ball. But it was a blast and totally worth it. I got some GREAT shots!!

Tifiny, Jenni, Jenn, and I about to bomb down the hill!

Jeremy hitting a dip he didn't know was there!!

Mark getting air!!

Jeremy again...the angle surprised him!!

Tony finally agreed to take the same jump!!