We're Home

After a great day of Sunday services my hubby and I headed out at midnight to catch our 2:30 am flight to Seattle and then on to Orange County, Anaheim CA to see my college girl friends that I caught up with after 25 years through facebook. Let me just say, I've never been afraid to fly. I USE to love to fly but it's so hard on me physically that I don't care for anything more than a couple of hours. BUT the flight from Anchorage to Seattle was the most horrible ever. We ran in to turbulence towards the end of the flight. I was actually in the bathroom. It was a little bumpy when I when I got up. By the time I got in there...I was being thrown everywhere. I couldn't stand up. I tried to open the door and the flight attendant slammed it shut and told me to stay in there until she said. It probably was the safest place to be, but kind of eerie. After about 5 minutes they told me to hurry back to my seat. The flight from Seattle to Orange County was better but not much. We got in and it was pouring out. This is what it did all week but you know what we had a great time. Susan got us a beautiful room at the Marriott Fairfield Inn (Disneyland hotel fell through the last minute). The Marriott is across from Disneyland and in the midst of downtown Disney. It had one of the most comfortable beds ever. Susan dropped us off leaving us her friends car. We slept for a couple of hours and then the rain stopped and I went for a walk. Susan and her husband picked us up at 6 pm and we went to out to dinner at a Korean BBQ (Susan is Korean so perfect). I was leery as I'm not one for different food. But I LOVED it! There wasn't any of it that I didn't like. It's where you take the raw food back to your table and grill it right at your table. I wish I could remember what any of it was called but I don't. We will definitely be looking to see if there is a Korean BBQ here in Anchorage.

We got to shop downtown Disney. Store after store of Disney paraphernalia but other stores and restaurants too. My favorite was the Anne Geddes store. They had her dolls, her books, her maternity clothes, and baby clothes. After putting 3 books back I came out with some of the darlingest cards and that was it. I was a good girl.

Remember it's still pouring down rain...as we head to Newport Beach to the next hotel Susan set up for us. It was at the Newport Channel Inn. We took the Coast Hwy as be able to see the view. The view we saw was palm trees bending in the wind. All different kinds of palm trees. It was so windy and rainy so hard...when we got to the Inn; it was quaint, nothing fancy but very comfortable. We decided to stay in and relax versus getting drenched (as I forgot to say, we got soaked on Tuesday). We asked at the Inn where we could order some pizza. We ordered from a place that I can't pronounce Big Cheese Pizza and it was great pizza. Then we got to meet Susan's beautiful daughter Elizabeth as she brought us some more gift certificates, this time for Marie Callandear's restaurant. We noticed it stopped raining so we took a drive in the DARK to Balboa Island. The winds were still strong as we found palm tree branches on the roads. We saw the huge waves on the ocean beaches but couldn't go down to them due to them being closed cuz of the storms. We went back to the Inn for the night.

Thursday we had breakfast at Scappy's Cafe and then headed to Susan's house. An awesome historical, Victorian house. It is absolutely gorgeous. Her yard, all of it. It has toilets that you have to pull a chain to flush. Pretty cool. Two sets of stairs going upstairs one steeper then the other but both steep. Cool but I wouldn't want to climb them all the time. The master bedroom has a sitting room off it with a fire place, sofa etc. The house is full of glass bookcases (built in) and her husband collect antique books such as Emerson, and old books on the reformation. I just loved it. We visited with Susan for a couple of hours then went to Marie Callandars for lunch, picked her darling two sons and daughters from school and came back and visited some more. Then her and I decided to do quick stroll down Orange Circle, which is Antique land as I want a Victorian Teapot but no success. We came back to wait for Mary. When Mary got there the four of us (Susan's husband had to work) headed to an upscale Chinese restaurant PF Chang (another set of gift cards) which was in the Garden Walk of Anaheim. This is basically an outdoor, open air mall. Different and cool. Now I see the crazy Susan and Mary coming out. We had such a great visit. Jody just added his quirkiness, keeping it fun. He learned how to use chopsticks (Susan and Mary are great teachers) and was rubbing it in that he succeeded before me. He also was bragging about being a gentleman and opening the car door for me (Susan has an Odyssey van that she pushes a button and the doors slide open ~ smile). These two ladies were bridesmaids in our wedding, so they weren't strangers to Jody or Jody to them. It was so good to be with my dear friends again. Yes, years have aged us as has life but Susan put it best "time didn't cause much distance of the heart". I'm grateful for the short time we had with them and I'm just praying that they'll be able to come to Alaska some day before we leave here (no we're not leaving any day soon that we're aware of, but we never know what God has in mind).

We were thankful for the time away, as always though, it's good to be home. We left behind wind, rain, palm trees, flowers and green grass BUT we were welcomed by sunshine to our winter wonderland.

New Post

Quite the unique title huh. Well it's because not a lot happening these days. I did fly over to Bethel on Saturday as to take the rest of Sutton's supplies to them. I don't what it is about Southerners but 1 thank you is enough. I without a doubt know they were very appreciative as they thanked me over and over, and over, and over, and over again. They just don't understand it's because they're my "neighbor" that I did it. Seriously, it was my pleasure. There was a guy in the security line that I was insane for flying over on the noon flight and coming back on the 9 pm flight, although I think we was finding it hard to believe that I was leaving Anchorage from Bethel. He was kind of strange. I don't mind flying when it's a short flight like to Bethel. It's only an hour. Not what Brother or Sister wouldn't take an hour drive to help out someone in need knowing they'll enjoy the opportunity of being with them as well. My hour drive was just through the air instead of on the ground. I'm blessed to be able to fly for free and I really was blessed to have that time with them. Top that off with the pleasure of seeing my "nephew" Braden again. I love that little man. He is just adorable. He truly has helped me get use to the idea of being a grandma. I wanted to put him in my suitcase and bring him home as I had two empty ones for him to choose between; but I got the "eye" from mommy when I mentioned that and decided to behave myself. I always enjoy a chance to play games with Isaiah so it was a great visit, minus the flight attendant welcoming us to the flight heading to Hawaii and then proceeding to say, I mean Bethel where the temperature is 1 degree and windy. The sun was shining brightly but the wind was bitterly cold. Give me Anchorage, the 20+ degrees, blue skies and no wind. But I traded it for the fellowship of some Bethel Saints.

In other news I am experiencing my daughters pregnancies at opposite ends of the spectrum. Joleesa's love/hate experience of the somersaults, kick boxing, etc of her little girl and counting down the day she arrives. While Jessa is experiencing the excitement of hearing the heartbeat but facing morning sickness coupled with migraines. I have to frequently take a deep breath and say this the next chapter of my life unfolding and say WOW!!!

Work has picked unbelievably. It's like I've lived through a week in just two days but that's not a bad thing.

Next week Brother Nowling and I going to sneak away to sunny California in celebration of his birthday that is this Friday and my December birthday that we didn't get to go anywhere. We're visiting my college girl friends Mary and Susan Song. They were in our wedding and then I was in Mary's wedding about 4 years later and we lost track of them but found them through facebook. I am so excited to see them again. They have actually managed to get us a couple of free hotel rooms. One being at the Disneyland Hotel (which is a gorgeous hotel) and another at Cottage Inn hotel that Mary's daughter's boyfriend manages. They also got a free gift certificate for dinner. So we'll be in Anaheim, Newport Beach and then we hope to take a day trip over to Catalina Island. The timing for this is great. We need to get away to some sun, spend some time together and do it all before the grand babies and Megan and Micah's baby comes. So Joleesa's little girl has got to behave herself and be nice to mommy well were away and definitely wait until we come back before even pretending to want to make her debut and then when we get back life as we know it will be a thing of the past. But I'm as ready as I'll ever be for the lives God has awaiting for us.

Happy New Year!

No original title I know, I'm following the crowd.

Yesterday was a great day. I got off work at 2 pm and called the Suttons telling them if it would make things easier for them, I'd watch Braden well they did all their shopping. They hesitated at first and wanted to call me back. I am so glad they took me up on it. It made my day and night. I love that little boy. He's my little man and he's such a cute little man and so good. Sorry mom and dad he felt so much love from us he didn't miss you at all ;o) Seriously, the only time he cried was when he was hungry and then had a bit of gas. Later in the evening I rocked him to sleep. As he was sleeping in my arms, I started to doze off and I was afraid I'd drop him. He woke up when I laid him on the floor so I went and laid down with him on the love seat and he slept on (and I took a little nap) until my arm was hurting so bad from being in the same position for too long. Micah and Megan came over to share the last of the old year and bring in the new year and when they came in Micah offered to take him. He picked him the little guy slept on. He continued to sleep on as he was later passed to Megan. We woke him up when his mommy came home. As Brother Bobby and Micah went to finish up the shopping Sister Annette, Jenna, Megan and I played I Buy. Annette got her hopes up that she would win...it was short lived when I went out in the 5th round sticking everyone. We all weren't totally in the game (you know one of those games where you keep having to ask who's turn it was). At about 8 minutes to midnight the guys got back and somewhere in there Dallas and Joleesa came and we counted down to 2010. The icing on a great day was fire works. I was wanting to go see the fireworks downtown but considering the temperture and the crowds didn't even suggest it. We have 4 big bay windows and then a patio door throughout the living room and dining room. We looked up after midnight and saw fire works going off all around us. It was a clear night and you could see the mountains behind the fireworks. The ooohs and ahhhs inside the warmth of my very own home made a perfect beginning for 2010. It was after 2 am before Annette and I went to bed. Sorry sister, it felt so good to visit.

This morning I got up to take Bobby to return the van. Came back and Brother Nowling and I both took our vehicles to take them and ALL their stuff to the airport. Those two have been in a whirlwind with making this move. Their spirit is so at peace as they KNOW they are in the perfect will of God. From a voice of experience, that is one of the best places to be. Because they were over the limit for their luggage, I was given an excuse to fly over to Bethel next Saturday. I'll just take the morning flight over and the last flight back, but it's my pleasure to assist them and be with them and my little man. Maybe I'll do alright as a grandmommy after all (and I also think I found what I want my grand kids to call me, if there mom's and dad's are ok with it seeing as I haven't even mentioned it to them yet).

This afternoon I was a sluggard. I napped off and on and then was going to go to Tim Osborne's wedding rehearsal with Brother Nowling (who's a groomsmen ~ that seems weird and cool at the same time), Jenna who's the photographer and Levi who's doing the video recording but Jessa wasn't feeling well today and had been home all day, so I asked if Levi would drop her off I would stay home. I was afraid I'd have a hard time keeping my mouth shut and try to help when my may not be wanted if I went to the rehearsal so perfect plan. So I got to spend quality time with my oldest daughter, which I rarely get. She had a migraine and throwing up and the baby really doesn't like meat so she asked if I had the stuff to make homemade macaroni and cheese. I had just been thinking about how that sounded good...so macaroni and cheese with my oldest daughter. Another perfect part to the new year.

Off and on throughout the date I was thinking about what is my main desire/prayer for 2010. One word came back to me again as it was towards the latter part of 2009...WISDOM. If I could have only one request for 2010 it would be wisdom for ALL the things that 2010 will bring. He's never failed me yet and I know if I will allow Him to, He will give me HIS wisdom when I need it.

So I end as I began Happy New Year, my dear friends and family!

Merry Christmas from the Nowlings

I'm guilty of not getting Christmas cards out and thus no Nowling letter reviewing 2009. 2009 was a year of much excitement.


God has blessed us all with good jobs in a time when people have been laid off God has taken care of us. Jody and Jessa continue to work at Alaska Airlines. Jenna is still a definite valuable employee at The Hotel Captain Cook (5 star Alaskan hotel), I'm still at The Anchorage Daily News and in May Joleesa came to work at the paper in the classified department.


In January Jody went to Colorado as the evangelist for their men's retreat. He preached at several of the churches in that area. He truly enjoyed the fellowship of the precious brothers and sisters in that region.

In April I had the chance of a life time in going to England on a mission trip. It was an experience filled with many memories and new friends. On the trip almost the whole team got sick and whatever we had it passed through the churches that we visited but fortunately our brothers and sisters still love us. The Lord bless wonderfully and hopefully they are reaping some results from the teams work.

Upon my return we went full swing into getting ready for camp with Griffins as our evangelist and the Anders as our guest AND the excitement of Jessa's wedding. It was such a pleasure to have Brother Tim, Sister Sharon, and Victoria in our home. We shared so much together and then to have them be a part of this big day. Sharon played the piano and sang and Victoria was one of the flower girls for Jessa's wedding. What a beautiful wedding it was. I know as girls we dream of our wedding at a very young age. I don't know if this was all that Jessa dreamed of but it was a beautiful and LOVE prevailed both in the form of the love between Jessa and Levi AND the love of the Lord. We were privileged to have not only the Griffins and the Anders with us but I am so thankful that my mother-in-law, my dad, my brother Kelly, and my nephew B.J. were all able to share in this special day. Along with sharing this special day, they were able to share Alaska with us. My dad is going blind and I'm so glad he had enough eye sight to enjoy the beauty of Alaska.

Shortly after Jessa and Levi's wedding we received an announcement that Joleesa is pregnant. This is always a life changing experience but for Joleesa, God is making her into HIS young lady. The baby's daddy, Dallas is still very much in her life. He's a good young man but doesn't know Christ as his personal Saviour so we covet your prayers for him and for Joleesa's future. We'll be welcoming a new granddaughter on March 13th (but I think she'll come early). It has been quite the experience watching our little girl becoming a mother.


I believe it was in August we had the privilege of having Keven Lewis from Pueblo, Co hold a weekend revival for us. Keven is like family to us as we pastored him and his brother and sisters when they were teenagers. He was a great blessing to us and once again it was fun to share Alaska with him. Hopefully some day his wife and children will be able to come for a visit as well.

Jenna has been had a year with a camera forever in her hands as she found herself being able to put her passion for photography into use. Weddings, baby bumps, family, friends and Alaska memories have been caught through the skills of Jenna's eye for photography. I am so proud of how she is using this God given skill. Also, Jenna recently accepted God's calling on her life not be a teacher like she had thought, but acknowledged and accepted that God has called her to preach.

Then December brought another exciting announcement. Levi and Jessa are expecting their first child! Can it get any better!!!!

A wedding, and two grandchildren in the year that Jody and I turned 50 made for a year of all years. 50 is a 1/2 century, the year of Jubilee and we are so blessed to have our children near and serving God and growing. We covet your prayers for 2010 and the babies that will be entering the world as well as the lives that have been changed.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of our dear family and friends across the world.

Totally Exhausted

I should be wrapping gifts, Christmas shopping or making out my Christmas cards but I'm too exhausted. Friday night and Saturday morning and afternoon was spent shopping for Christmas. Christmas gifts, youth Christmas party and our Christmas dinner. Then the youth Christmas party in which I spent big bucks on a gingerbread house (which I thought was 3 houses but it was 3 ways of decorating)for everyone to decorate. We decorated ornaments first. Which was fun but took longer than we thought it would Then we started the gingerbread house, we didn't have enough time to wait for it to set up (I know I should have read the directions before, ugh). So as we tried to put it together we were getting frustrated and by now we're tired and some had petered out on us. So then we went ahead and did our Chinese gift exchange (for the record, I like secret Santa 10x better), went back to the gingerbread house only to decide it's going to have to set over night. I have no idea when we'll get back to it. I'm afraid it was money wasted.

Then Sunday morning got up and made the jello, headed to the church, came back from church where Jody, Jenna and Joleesa were awesome really stepped in and helped even under my stressing. Jody worked until 5:30 am too, so he had very little sleep. Getting the food ready wasn't the problem, it was figuring how to keep it warm and transported to the church (next year it's going be at our place even if it means setting up a table in the living room). We got it done and I had 2 crock pots, a rice cooker to keep the potatoes warm, jello and Waldorf salad in ice cream bucket and Tupperware. I brought my nice glass dishes with and transferred them. We had so much stuff and I was hurting so bad already and Jody was already exhausted, Joleesa and Jenna were limited on how much they could carry but the Lord knew and He sent Matt to load the cars and then Tim and his uncle were waiting to set up the church. We kept telling them they weren't suppose to do anything this was for them, but they insisted and I am so grateful as I was getting to the end of my strength. I planned to decorate the tables like gifts with white table cloths, red ribbon down the middle and across one end with a big red bow. I wasn't sure how it would look but it looked really cool. Then I had gotten striped candy cane like pillar candles on mirrors to go across the ribbon. A little extra was the mint peppermint Andes candy that I was going to put in a dish but decide to scatter along the ribbon too. Finish that with red plates and napkins, clear cups and silverware. The finish product turned out better than I thought. The three guys were great at decorating the tables. I had told Tim's Uncle Tom how to fold the napkins and put the plastic silverware out and he said he could handle. He got it all done and I was looking at it and he had the knife and forks in the wrong place. I was standing looking at it (I think I may have been on the cell phone) and I was trying to decide whether to say anything to him when he asked if he did it right. I said not quite and I switched them. He laughed and made some comment about how he had no idea and I told him I was trying to decide whether to say anything. He was awesome. After having to send Matt for more punch and Jody for butter as I forgot my crystal dish that I had washed and put fresh butter in on the counter, ugh, we were finally able to eat. Ham potatoes, green beans, strawberry applesauce jello, Waldorf salad, honey wheat buns, pickles, olives and cherry delight for dessert. Then good old Uncle Tom and Tim start picking up (after having come around with the coffee pot). I had found information on the various general Christmas traditions and had each one read the tradition and then share a personal tradition (there are some interesting traditions out there)mingled between were Christmas Carole's. The Peter boys sang "We Three Kings" where I'm sure the floor vibrated by their awesome bass voices. Joleesa and I sang "Silent Night", as well as congregation Carole's. A 94 year old lady who's been coming lately played the piano while we all cleaned up. The guys loaded the cars, Matt and Nathan helped unload and we went to bed with a mess in our house, our bodies worn out, physically exhausted but our spirits great as we think of how good God is because He has blessed us with such precious people. We had 14 people. We had six missing and we pray God will bless them with a blessed Christmas and we hope they all know how much we love them. By 9:30 pm I think we all were in bed. I know I was.

Thus tonight it's just relaxing as Jody cleaned the house and is now out with Jenna for her company Christmas party with steak and shrimp. Jenna asked if I wanted to go and I asked if she'd like it if her dad went and he was thrilled to. So he looked sharp in his black suit, red shirt with black, red and gray tie and her beautiful in black and deep purple dress on a night out with her dad.

Grandma x 2

I know I just posted but this was must. In my year of Jubiliee I am not going to be a grandma just one time over but I'll be a grandma x 2. Jessa and Levi are expecting in July. Joleesa and Jessa are only 4 months a part. God is good.

A Great Start to my 50th Year

There's a book out there called the Language of Love (or something like that). It talks about how different people are when it comes to the language of love. Whether they're one of words, of actions, gifts, etc. Not that long ago Jessa and I were discussing which language we speak. Everyone is so different. Some, words are enough. Others like to have something done for them and others like gifts. I'm a gift person. In saying that it makes me sound shallow but I hope that's not the case. I love taking the time to find the perfect gift (or card) for a person. I can shop for days for one person in hopes of finding that "special" gift for them. It doesn't mean it's something they've asked for either. It's something that I listen to them in and try to dig into their personality and find that "special UNIQUE" gift that they will love AND will truly surprise them. I like the same in return. It's not a matter of the cost, the size, etc. It's a matter of KNOWING me! My girls did great this year. First Jenna. She is one that gets gifts for people way in advance and can't stand to wait to give it to them so gives it right away. She bought mine several weeks ago but resisted and didn't give it to me until last night. I've said how for many years when I was in college and as young adult my mom (and mother-in-law) bought me things to decorate the house with. Then it stopped for various reasons but I've been saying I'd like some new things but can't justify it. She listened and bought me BEAUTIFUL salt/pepper shakers in a holder that are deep red with pointsettas (matches my dining room table settings) and elegant pine cone candle holders.

Joleesa comes in last night with my gift but won't let me open it. This morning when I pull it out of the bag, she's got the tissue paper rubber band around the gift so I couldn't even snoop (bummer). She tells me there's a card (she doesn't usually do cards). I open the card, and my little girl shares her heart to mother in such a way any mother would weep. Then I open the gift and it's a music box (like I've always wanted but never told them because I wanted them to WANT to give it to me) that says "MOTHER - My heart is filled with love & appreciation for your guidance, support & inspiration. The Lord bless you and keep you. Numbers 6:24" This could not have been a better gift for Joleesa to give in her whole life, but most importantly at this time of her life. Also she had a yellow coffee cup that says "There's no love like Grandmas". Not a big screaming of being a grandma but a quiet celebration of it.

Then I get to church and our young church sings Happy Birthday to me. And you have to realize, I usually lead the singing...everyone started singing, in their own key and to a certain extent their own version. It was like about 14 individual songs of happy birthday. It was awesome.

Then I get home, and Levi gives me Jessa's and his gift. Now since they've got married they've gotten about 20 beautiful quilts that I've coveted and begged for (I believe his aunt has made some of them). They gave me the one that matches our bedroom with burgundy and green. Jody is going to take the quilt my sister made us probably about 20+ years ago and get it mended and dry cleaned and then pack it away for safe keeping.

As far as what Jody got me, we don't buy for each other on our birthdays, we just are allowed to go out and get something we want. Although I didn't do it with the intent of it being my birthday, but I found the movie "Newsies" and so today we sat back and watched it.

Then I received a phone call from Minnesota...as I answered it I hear the whole Thompson family singing happy birthday to me. One by one they wished me a happy birthday. The best wish was from Dorn...he wanted to send me a cane (Dorn I'll get one and use it on you the next time I see you). Mitzi then shared with me how Dorn was sharing with his family his first memories of me. They were all precious. Thompsons if you're reading this...what you did will be one of my greatest memories.

Top all of this with all the birthday wishes from around the world (England friends too) on Facebook. It has been great.

I laid in bed this morning asking Jody if we could just skip today. As I can't believe I'm 50. That was my parents. Christ was going to come back before I ever reached this age. But it's here and 50 is the year of Jubilee and with becoming a grandma (that just still seems so weird)it truly will be that for me.

The day is still not over. But it sure has been a good one. I thank God for my dear family and friends at home, at church and around the world. I am truly blessed.