Not Much Happening...

Sorry Sis. Tammi my blog isn't going to be interesting either. Nothing happening here except coooooold. It's supposedly warmed up but it feels so damp. They say we're suppose to get snow but we haven't seen any since Halloween. I would say I "wish" we would get some but Brother Nowling has to drive in it...so I can't "wish" for it, but it would make it pretty again. Although I don't know why it should matter to me anyway as all I see is darkness. It's pitch black when I go to work at 8:30 and when I come home at 5:30. I'm not by a window but when I walk by and think to look out; it seems like it's always dark out so I'm not sure what time it starts getting light.
The weekend should be interesting seeing as that's when the light/darkness shall be noticed by me. Speaking of this weekend Jenna, Joleesa and I (maybe Jessa too, I don't know) will be going shopping after we pick Joleesa up from work at 11 am. Then that evening Brother Nowling and I have a date. A real date. He has asked me to a dinner theatre with prime rib and then the play Scrooge. It seems one of the guys he works with is in the play. The Morman Church is putting it on. Brother Nowling felt like it was a neutral way of getting the door open to us without having to compromise and walk through their church doors as it's at the performing arts theatre. He usually doesn't like plays but he said he's actually looking forward to it. And me, I LOVE PLAYS and he will rarely go with me. So anyway I'm really looking forward to it.

By the way, please pray for Sister Texter (Sis. Grant's mother). We didn't have church last night as she was taken to the hospital by ambulance just before church time. Almost the whole church went to the hospital. Her blood pressure was extremely high, her chest and arm were hurting and she was feeling nauseaus. She did spend the night for observation and then some tests today. She was feeling putting good today and was suppose to go home. I don't know what the results were so please remember her in your prayers.

Well Sister Tammi hopefully my ramblings has entertained you or at least helped kill a few more boring minutes. I'll let you know how the play is.

The Kid In Me...

Christmas brings out the kid me, so that's why the Winnie Pooh scene. Jenna's done it again...although the picture is bigger than we wanted, she had a difficult time finding one that would work. Micah I want you to know I saved your template because I will definately be going back to it. When trying to decide on a template I was trying to find something pretty; after all someone my age should have something that reflects that she's an adult...but the kid in me won out. I have always loved Pooh...and Eeyore, Tiger and Piglet too! My watch has Pooh on it. I have clothing with the different characters on it. I don't think I'll ever out grow Pooh! Thankfully Joleesa also liked Pooh. Maybe not to the extreme that I do and she is outgrowing him although her stuffed Pooh still goes a lot of places with her. She gave me an excuse to buy Pooh~sticking out bottom lip in a pout~but not any more. I also think teddy bears are adorable. At one time we had a Christmas tree that had only bears on it. My mom even found a string of bear lights (that I still have but didn't put up). The only thing that wasn't a bear was the angel on top; that is until Brother Nowling had complained it didn't seem like it was his tree at all so I put a hook on an empty diet coke can and hung it. I had bears through out the house and had quite the collection of stuffed bears that I parted with a great number of when we left Menomonie. I have out grown the bears as I really have no desire to have bears displayed in my house...I want beauty and class now.

But the Kid in me holds on to Pooh. Loves guessing the gifts as Christmas time (even if I'm at someone elses house~lowers head in embarrassment) but I don't get under the tree and shake them like I use to (even at friends houses)and I take my time trying to find the "perfect gift" for my family and friends.

I love Christmas. The "silent night" scenes, the music, the lights, the gifts, carolling. Don't let yourself get to busy to enjoy Christmas. If you're too busy, let something go! Enjoy the peace, joy and hope that Christmas represents.

Decorating For Christmas

Tradition has been that we decorate for Christmas the evening of Thanksgiving. As you've already read, we didn't do it as we didn't have a tree. We weren't sure what we were going to do for tree; that is go real or artificial. The real trees wouldn't be really fresh (and I really hate needles everywhere), but an artificial can get costly and we'd have to find a place to store it. Well once again GOD IS GOOD,He resolved the dilemma for us. Brother Tim Osborne said Wednesday night that his neighbor had just given him an artificial tree and he was wanting to know if we wanted it. I was concerned about size as we just don't have much room already and I like to enjoy the Christmas tree and wouldn't be able to if the tree crowded us even more. He said he'd bring it over and we could decide. IT IS A GORGEOUS artificial tree (bigger than I had planned-probably about 7'). I was thinking I'd have to go with a 4 1/2' tree. But it's fine. Friday night, we(Joleesa was the only one that loved me enough to help me--love you Jody, Jessa and Jenna)the computer desk into the kitchen. I figured when we sit at the table I could pull the table out and we'd be ok. Then we took the rocker chair and made room for it in our bedroom. All and all it opened up lots more space in the living room and everyone seems to like the computer in the kitchen and it forced us to rearrange our bedroom so now Brother Nowling has a little corner of the house that is his for studying (I just need to get a magazine rack for him to put his books in so they're not sitting on MY dresser...ugh; I just clean and it's piled with his study books).

Back to the tree...the tree has both long a short needles. I've never seen anything like it. It's really full, and though you can tell its fake, it's really pretty. Saturday evening as we (all three of the girls did decorate it)were decorating we found ourselves saying "what about this decoration or that one", only for me to remember I left it behind because of the need to "downsize". So I don't have as much decorations as we're use to, but it's enough. I love our stocking and piano area. Years ago my mother-in-law purchase this scroll-like decoration that says "peace on earth" and some green pine w/pointsetta lights. For years I have made an arrangement on the piano with it and this year it looks as good as ever. Above the area where our piano sits is a cut out square so you can look into the kitchen. We had a swag hanging there, I took down the swag and Joleesa hung the stockings. It's almost as good as fireplace (yeah right). I do like it though. It is pretty and quaint at the same time.

I had one more dilemma, our washer/dryer is in our kitchen with a shower curtain to close it off from the room. Well the shower curtain really clashed with the Christmas decor and Joleesa asked if we could find a Christmas one. So Brother Nowling and I went out before church this morning (we needed our Starbucks and some groceries anyway)and looked at Fred Meyer but there weren't any. We didn't have time for Walmart and I actually did alot of shopping yesterday and didn't feel like doing Walmart again. Anyway...it dawned on me, I could turn my table cloth (that I wasn't using cuz it was too big for this table)that matched my placemats that I had out into a curtain. I don't own a sewing machine anymore but by using a table cloth versus just material, the edges are already finished and all I had to do was make some holes for the hooks. Ta da...I now have a matching curtain that adds to the Christmas festivity.

I am sitting in the living right now with the lap top. Brother Nowling snoring on beside me on the love seat, Brother Tim snoring on the couch and girls being slugs in their rooms. I'm loving the lights twinkling, fading and chasing each other amongst the oranaments, tinsel and white garland (the white garland is definitely a new experience for me but we left our garland behind and either garland's not used much or is used a lot as we went to several stores and either couldn't find any or didn't have much to choose from. So we decided to try white; though it's different, I'm actually embracing it). The pointsetta lights giving a glow on the "Peace on Earth" sign, and another accomplishment, my rainlight actually working. I had not gotten any mineral oil for my rain lamp and although it's been hanging; I haven't had it on since we moved it and this morning we actually got some mineral oil and it made the move beautifully. Then in the window we have a Season Greeting sign that's changing from one Christmas color to another. It's great actually. There is one thing missing and that's Christmas music. I would put it on my lap top with earphones but the sound card has gone out on our lap top and I don't want to disturb the sleep!

I so do love the Christmas season.

God is Good!

Though for most of you this day is almost over, I didn't want to wish the opportunity to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
I started my day waking up at 5 am and not able to get back to sleep...I laid there with my thinking of so many things but my parents were in the forefront. I've been wanting to call them but the time difference has been a problem. I was still awake at 7 am so I got up and called them. It was a good visit. It's been a couple of years since we've been together at Thanksgiving but for some reason just knowing it's next to impossible to be together made me really miss them. After taling for about 20 minutes I climbed into bed (as it was still dark and stays dark until about 8:30 am). I think I might have dozed but not sleep so I got up and started our turkey. Then we all worked together to clean and rearrange the house to get ready for our Christmas tree and our Christmas decorating. We then had a great dinner, cleaned up and as some of the girls and Brother Nowling nap I'm listening to the Gaither Christmas in Africa (I love their music)and I guess what Sis. Smith and Sister Tammy...I CHRISTMAS SHOPPED ON-LINE! Not bad, didn't have to leave the comfort of the couch, no crowd, and I had great music going. But I enjoy Christmas shopping. Brother Nowling hates it shopping so I usually wind up going by myself. But even then I enjoy it. And I love the Christmas departments. Even if I don't buy, I love looking.

Well I'm going to go get the homemade pumpkin pie that Sister Texter gave us, scoop on the whip cream and watch White Christmas (maybe). By the way, the Christmas decorating didn't get done...our energy fizzeled out and we weren't able to get our tree. We'll probably do it Saturday night. We're still trying to decide whether to go artificial or real!!!

Hope everyone had a great day.

Cold....

OK it is a little early to be this cold! We have attempted to see various parts of Alaska but it is so cold that we haven't been able to really enjoy it. We went to Portage Glacier and Aleyeska Saturday. It was a beautiful winter wonderland but the wind made it toooooo cold to be out there to long.

Not a lot happening here. Usually by this time we would have started our Christmas shopping. We've talked about it...but I have only got a couple of things. Usually the evening of Thanksgiving we decorate for Christmas, but I don't know if we can get a real Christmas tree that early. Then trying to figure where we'll put it is going to be a challenge in our small place. I am anxious to get decorating as it will add some life to our place.

Then the Christmas shopping...it'll be different as the "ususal" stores aren't here for me to shop at.

So besides cold weather, thoughts of Thanksgiving turkey, thinking of Christmas decorating and gifts, work and church nothing new here.

The Holy Ghost did the ministering Sunday Night

I need to start out by saying Sunday morning there was a heavy spirit in our midst. Brother Nowling preached "Peace Be Still" reminding us if we keep Him with us He'll calm us or the storm. But to remember it takes wind to move the sailboat so if the winds are calm we have to pull out the oars and start working. Think about it!

Sunday night was Sister Jessa's missionary service. She told me she wanted worship songs. Explicitly worship songs. She was wanting to do them acapalla because she wanted to worship but decided to play anyway. The Holy Ghost was bowing us before Him as we lifted Him up. EVERYONE was worshipping. Jessa was at the piano and I knew she wanted to let go and worship so before I turned it to her I asked the ladies to stand and pray...pray they did, all heaven opened and there wasn't a soul that wasn't being ministered to and it wasn't by any man or woman, but by the Spirit, Itself. It was wonderful.

Brother Kevin Brown was here with the girls basketball team that he coaches and his voice added in worship was glorious.

Have I said lately GOD IS GOOD!

Please pray for Brother Texter (Sis Grant's father), he's having problems with his kidneys.

GUESS WHAT!

You'll never guess what I'm doing right...I'm using Jenna's new Mac. I haven't quite figured out why she was so willing to let me use...unless she thought I couldn't figure it out; but I've obviously proved her wrong--tee hee.

Not a whole lot new happening here. Brother Nowling and I went to Eagle River in search of a Book and Bible Store. Yes--how sad is that, we had to leave the big city to go to a small town as to find a book and Bible store. It was a good sized one that had a room of "used" books as well as has it's own coffee shop. From there we came back to Anchorage to the native hospital visit a 12 year boy from a village outside of Bethel that was shot. Brother Nowling and Larry went to visit them Friday (Brother Sutton had called him about it)and she had mentioned she left in such a hurry she forgot to grab her Bible; hence why we wanted a Book and Bible store. She picked her up and inexpensive but pretty white Bible and put it from The Church of God Anchorage/Bethel. When we got there, there was no one in the room but their things were there so we put the Bible on her things along with Brother Nowling's business card. Please remember this family in your prayers.

After we got done we decided to finally take a drive up to Hillside (up the mountain). It is gorgeous! The houses are mansions, the sun was setting over the mountain and the inlet and I really wished I had a camera. It was breath taking and as it settled lower and the lights of the sitting came on. This is the most beautiful place I've ever lived. I am ever in awe of the beauty of this area. I can't believe they're not just pictures...this is where we live. I want to take one of these beautiful pictures and turn it into a puzzle for my mother-in-law.

The best thing about it all, is there is so much more to see!

WOW! sniff, sniff, I Love It!

OK Micah you out did yourself. If I would've told you what I wanted, this is it. Last night when I picked Joleesa up at 9 pm I picked Micah up. As the girls wanted to spend a little time with him before he left for Bethel and Jessa and Josh were both sleeping. I told him he'd have to spend the night because I wasn't going back out in the cold to take him home(and I knew it wouldn't be a problem). Anyway, I've been after Jenna to change my background but she's been busy with other things and she THINKS I couldn't LEARN to do it myself if someone showed me (maybe not, depends on how much I want to think). So I handed Micah my lap top and said surprise me. Micah was the one that did my very first blog. I didn't give him any hints. I think he may have stayed up the night working on it as Brother Nowling got up in the middle of the night to open our door (as it was sooo hot with the furnace going) and he heard someone and called out and Micah answered. These young people sure get their nights and days mixed up...oh that sounds like I'm talking about a new born baby ~tee hee.

Wow, my blog name is NEVER THE LESS, NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE and this background depicts what His will was for us. ALASKA. Thank you Micah. The cold we've been experiencing, the large city (traffic and one way streets), the small duplex vs a house with a full basement, the lack of food that we're use, and higher prices some times cause me to whine, or "murmur". But God is good. His will is perfect. The people here in Alaska and His creation all around us is worth it. And Joleesa this is home and someday we'll feel as comfortable and safe here as we did in Menomonie. All in due time.

Feeling Old!!!

This weekend I finally went shopping for a winter coat as my Columbia coat doesn't fit any more (so Jenna get's it...she won't buy it because she really doesn't like purple~shakes head). Josh and Joleesa were with me and I made the mistake (I think it was a mistake) in asking how different ones looked. Their comment on the first two was "it looks like something my grandma would wear". Ooookay! I'm not that old so let's try another one...this is all after going to about 5 stores by myself. Anyway I did find one that according to the girls is "so me" ~smile.

Then we went ice skating. I love doing that kind of stuff but I haven't for...as the kids asked how many years and I said ummmm maybe 30-35, I really felt old. I was determined to try but not be foolish and kill myself so my precious little girl cared enough to always be there helping me. Between Micah and Tim I got to "say" I skated (they mostly just pulled me around). I told Joleesa I absolutely was going to make it with both feet moving. I did it to, but then I was done. Oh by the way, I only fell twice, right at first once by myself and once with Tim. When Tim tried to help me up, I was laughing so hard he was having a difficult time. I'm sure Jenna will be posting pictures of our afternoon on the ice. Though I felt kind of foolish...it felt good and I enjoyed myself and I appreciate our young people for not minding having me around.

Ergonomics

My boss volunteered my station for the Ergonomics team and they were thrilled. It wa team of interns and a couple of stations from each department was part of the trainging. I apparently was a challenge. The desk was built in that location; not your average desk. Too high for the normal chair. The computer keyboard had a tray that pulls out, tilts, and has a mouse tray. When I first started my neck and shoulders hurt terrably using the mouse tray. I was sitting too far away, too low, etc. Anyway after an hour of watching me work and measuring me. The tray was brought back, moved over and tilted the opposite direction. The mouse tray was moved down and over. My chair was moved down, the monitor moved closer and over. File cabinet brought in to get accordian files off the floor and do away with portable moving file, files were moved from behind the monitor (I was reaching a lot). The most strange part, the area where I do my paper work was raised with an 8" platform and I'm to stand at it. My chair had been raised so high that I found myself standing frequently anyway because I had to step on my tip toes to get into my chair and have a foot stool under my feet because they didn't touch the floor. So we'll see. It definitly forced me to get organized as I've just not had the time to prior. My station has gotten raised eyebrows, laughs and heads shaking but I promised I'd try it. My neck and shoulders hurt a little bit; I think they need to bring my monitor up a little. I think the ergo team is still around tomorrow so they can check out why my shoulders and neck hurt. I really was afraid to have anything changed because I wasn't having problems any more.

God has helped me so many times on the job. I have made major errors that could've cost the company big bucks but every single time...I was saved. I have felt the hand of God when things have got really hectic and I have felt overwhelmed.

Next week Sister Texter (Sister Grant's mother) is going to meet me for lunch. I am soooo looking forward to time with her. I really want to spend some time with Sister Grant too.

Well I've rambled enough. God bless

One more sign that I've become an Alaskan

I now have studded tires. Yup! I'm feeling more and more like an Alaskan. Not a bad thing. I'm little by little feeling at home. Then at the same time there's time it hits me, I'm really in Alaska. This is not a vacation. This IS home. Alaska home! I still can't believe it at times.

Hey a cool thing happened at work yesterday. My boss called for me to come into his office for about 10 minutes. I get in there and his boss is in there and they asked for me to close the door. They let me know they filled the vacant spot (pending the drug test results) and then proceeded to thank me profusely for all that I stepped into and how well I handled it. Then a knock comes at the door and it's my bosses, bosses boss. He asks if he might interrupt for a moment and he turns to me and says he is so glad I've joined ADN, that they couldn't have had a better fit for that desk (the national desk). I then took advantage to, no not ask for more money, but ask for overtime as I need it and then asked for help with a stack of clients needing affadavits. I received a all inclusive yes for overtime whenever I felt it was necessary and that stack off papers needing affadavits is no longer on my desk. It was pretty "sweet" to say the least.

Have I said God is good!