Skiing!

I don't know what is up with our weather here in this part of the world but it is wreaking havoc on my plans for my girls to become skiing aficionados. We've barely gotten out this year- the rain, snow, ice combination is notsogood for skiing.

We had a few gorgeous days last week that were perfect skiing conditions, so I grabbed the girls &  their skis and we headed out to the tundra.

They can really move this year!

Baby K isn't quite old enough to ski so she gets a ride from her Mama.

We were not without a few falls and a tangle of skiis.

But we are not crying and screaming like we did last year- so this is progress.

With a view like this I hope the weather starts cooperating and we can kick our skiing into high gear!

Clouse Projects

The Clouses were busy over our holiday break~ not just the Alaska Clouses but the La Junta Clouses too. Papa Paul and GB came up to visit and to help Jon get our entryway completed.  Jon and Paul busted their you-know-whats every day for a week straight to get our entryway wired, insulated, sheet rocked, taped, painted and the flooring in. What a very, very busy 10 days.

GB helped (did most of it) me paint my kitchen (again) a beautiful butter yellow (for the last time, I promise). She did the high and I tried to do most of the low spots. Matthew was home and he helped a bit too.

It is amazing how this color really brightens up the entire kitchen. I'm in love with the light and space it gives us.

The entryway was quite the project and it won't soon be forgotten. But it was so worth it!

The space we now have in our kitchen is so wonderful- with room for all our gear in this new space! Now the girls all have their own special spots to hang up their hats, coats, boots, sweatshirts....etc.  GB had the vision, and Papa Paul the talent to build it all.

Looking into our entryway from the house, there is a shoe rack and hooks for Jon's clothes on the right.

Thank you so much to both of you for coming up here and working so hard to get all of this done. We are so lucky to have you to help us get these projects done, which otherwise would probably just not happen.

Happy Birthday!

My little nephew turns 2 today. How time flies! He is a bundle of cuteness and energy, and when he is around there is not a dull moment. 

The lucky little guy gets to spend his second birthday in Anchorage at Bouncin' Bears surrounded by his dad, sister, cousins, auntie and friends. He's lucky but I wish he was with us!

Merry Christmas & Happy 2013!

Wow, its been a busy few weeks.

With the holiday season came baking, caroling, wrapping, parties, church and so much more! Yikes!

Paul and Bonnie are here visiting from Colorado for about 10 days. Jon and Paul have been busy wiring the entryway, putting in insulation and then sheetrock. Phew!

Bonnie and I have been tackling the 3 young Clouse gals and slowly but surely painting my kitchen (I know, again).  Her more than me- she's a robot I tell you! I think the last coat goes on tomorrow- so far it is gorgeous and really brightens up my kitchen.

We have been trying to get the kids out as much as possible, but the weather has not been cooperating. We have been having the strangest weather ever! Rain, snow, ice (repeat), ugh. It was -44 degrees in Alamosa (where Jon's brother's family live) and 34 degrees in Dillingham today!

I love these kids with rosy cheeks. Baby K sure loves going for rides in her sled, hopefully our snow won't all melt away and we can get out there some more!