Another Beautiful Day in Alaska

It is almost a perfect day here in Alaska. The sun is out and there is a breeze. The skies are still hazy over the mountains due to the 70 or so fires. The air has been so heavy it has been difficult to breathe. But all and all still a gorgeous day.

Have a wonderful weekend with a Glorious Lord's day tomorrow.

Interesting analytics

June 7-July 7 (Cool but scary)

United States 706 (only 13 states haven't been to visit me)
2. Canada 9
3. South Korea 2
4. Malaysia 2
5. Italy 1
6. Romania 1
7. Spain 1
8. Australia 1
9. France 1
10. Indonesia 1
11. Japan 1
12. Brazil 1
13. United Kingdom 1
14. Israel 1

It looks like the out of the county ones came either during Jessa's wedding time or my 4th of July Valdez trip

Our Trip to Valdez = AWE!!!!

We had a glorious trip to Valdez. It seems like forever since the two of us have truly been alone to talk with no people, no computer and no tv to distract. We left at noon on Friday and were headed to Kenny Lake (outside of Copper Center) to a B&B. The drive there was beautiful and we stopped several times for pictures, bathroom breaks and souveniers(I got this carved bear holding salt & pepper shakers that is so cute). We got to the Copper Moose B&B at 5:15 pm (I had figured between 5 & 6 pm so perfect). The place was a gorgeous log cabin. C.D. the host took us downstairs to choose a room and then showed us around. It was a 3 story log home with the downstairs having 4 guest rooms and 2 bathrooms. The main floor the kitchen, living room, dining room and a bathroom. The loft was the where the owners bedroom, bath and office was. The carvings the decor, the deck, the view, the hosts, couldn't have been any better. Jody had worked the night before so after the long drive he wanted to sleep for a couple of hours. C.D. and Kathy offered for me to stay upstairs and visit with them. Then as they began to get their grandson some moose stew they insisted I have some. It was delicious. I visited with these two as if I had known them forever. We talked about the Lord even. Then their guests from Scotland came in and oh how I loved visiting with them. When I went to London, I was only 6 hour drive from them (that would've been so cool). Then I played bowling on the WII with Jude their grandson. Then some more guests arrived. I got Jody up and then several of us went on walk down a trail that led to a gultch that was beautiful. It was just a great day. Weather wise it would rain, be sunny, sprinkle, pour, and more sun. We actually got up to 80 degrees. God was so good.

This morning we got up at 7 am, showered, and went up for coffee, french toast, bacon and fruit. The food was great and what made it even neater was sitting with all the guests enjoying it. We left at 9 am and then headed to Valdez. Oh what a beautiful drive. The weather was perfect again. I stood in AWE at God. As we saw glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, canyons. Every corner was a different view. It was so glorious. We got to Valdez at about 11 am. Drove down Allison Point in hopes of seeing bears. We saw the ocean, ships, seals, a sea lion. Once again another glorious view. We then ate at this little shack called Old Towne after asking a young couple at a coffee shop that argured between them as to what place would have the best burgers, and the young man won and he was sooooo right. The best burger and the best halibut & chips. We then headed out at 1 pm to head home and got home at 6:15 pm. We stopped just a couple of times coming back so we made great time so that we can be ready for church tomorrow. Here's some pictures, though good, it really doesn't show how big and glorious the sights were. Everyone have a great time with the Lord tomorrow.


The Copper Moose B&B ~ I recommend it to anyone headed to Valdez



The view from the B&B


Our room

Allison Point and the Prince William Sound (part of the ocean). At one time we counted 12 seals out there feeding but my camera would snap fast enough for me to catch them when they came up.


Keystone Canyon


Worthington Glacier

Driving to Valdez over the 4th

I'm excited for just my husband and I to get away over night. We were going to fly to Kodiak (although he wasn't to anxious to FLY) but AK Airlines cancelled one of the flights on the 4th so we would just get there to only turn around and come back. Don't think so. Some day before we leave Alaska I want to see Kodiak.

So we went back to our original plan to drive to Valdez. The problem was he has to work Thursday night so he has to sleep in the morning. It's about a 6-8 hour drive depending on how much stopping you do. He said he'd still like to take a road trip so I got online to see what towns were part way there. We are actually going to stay at the Copper Moose B&B in Copper Center. I've never stayed at a B&B and I've really wanted to. The chain hotels were booked and Copper Center is about 2 hours from Valdez. We'll get up and a full spread breakfast with blueberry pancakes and all and head to Valdez (this part of the drive is the best so I've been told). We'll get Valdez probably in time to get lunch and make the 6-8 drive back to Anchorage as to get ready for church Sunday. People at work on one hand think we're insane but at the same time helped me to figure out how to make it all work.

I'm excited to spend some quality time with my husband, enjoy a road trip, get to stay at a B&B, and see another part of this gorgeous state that I can't get enough of.

I've been told by Mrs Stephens that I need to Blog!

The past two weeks I have been in recovery mode from moving, camp and the wedding. Creating a new "NORMAL" is what I've been doing in these two weeks. Being in a new house, having our oldest married, and some other changes.

Looking back at camp...we had a 12 car caravan going 3 hours to Sterling AK for camp. We had all 5 of my family cars being used as to cover all the visitors that flew in. We took our time allowing photography ops along the way as we had so many visitors from the lower 48 and this is a beautiful drive. We usually get to the campground about 5 pm, have supper and then start service about 7:30 pm. I believe we got into camp about 6ish. While the guys were unloading the vehicles of the food and luggage, Brother Nowling and I went and checked out rooms as the dorms had beds all switched around. We were able to put all the older couples in individual rooms with king beds. My mother-in-law who is 83 years old was there and it was her first time ever at camp, so I was glad we were able to give her her own room with a king size bed. She slept well. The challenge with these beds was that I had brought bedding for double, king and twin beds. I had no king size bedding. But between sleeping bags and flat sheets we made it work. Upstairs on both girls and boys sides there was one room that now had a double bed and bunk beds so that helped with the ones that had little kids. Spaghetti dinner was well on to completion when we got back to the dining hall. I believe service started at 8 pm. As tired as everyone was from having company, state convention and traveling, everyone got right into the service. It was great having Sister Amy Anders there to do the worship. Though Sister Griffins messages was short it spoke and the Spirit moved and the altar was full.

Monday was full with devotion, classes, games and service. The Griffins taught relationships class (splitting up the boys and girls). It was great fun listening to what the gals and guys learned. That night's service was awesome as Sister Griffin preached on taking back the arrow. Lives were definitely changed that night, but war was also waged at the altar.

Tuesday was the combined relationship class and it was a lot of fun, laughs and truth. Then we had the banquet with a theme of Battle for souls. Jenna did a great job of creating "hell" with flames and lots of glitter (that several helped to decorate) and then we had the road that led to a big cross with every one's name written in "blood". All the tables were done in red or white table clothes with candles and then cross key chains made of nails as place settings. CeCe Winans song "Waging War" was played while Brother Anders (dressed in black) took his place in hell and Brother Griffin wrapped in white sheet protected the saints. Satan would come out and try to get one of the saints and Christ would push him way. Little Brother Anders and big Brother Griffin, it was moving to me. Then we went into the service. After worship Sister Griffin had the ministry pray for the children. In no time the Holy Ghost took over and we had a POWERFUL altar service. She then preached a short message on the Holy Ghost and then we moved down to the lake for our baptismal service at 11 pm with the sun still shining bright but the water quite chilly. Brother Anders and Brother Griffin did the baptising. It too was awesome. The water was so cold at first but they said they truly felt the Lord warm it up for them. (By the way, we had some really warm weather and some chilly weather. I believe it got into the 80's one day; so everyone got a taste of what summer in Alaska is like). The young people still wanted their bonfire so we did a small one about 11:45 pm for about 45 minutes and we were blessed to have a moose walk by the lake behind the bonfire. How cool is that.

Camp ended on Wednesday morning after devotions, breakfast and cleaning up. We had a total of 41 campers/staff. I can never thank the Anders and the Griffins enough for all their work. Brother Anders taught, helped with the music, allowed the Lord to use him during the altar work and participated in all activities. Sister Anders worked so very hard beside Sister Connie Peter in the kitchen (and ladies I promise paper plates next year) plus helped me put the crosses together (which was more difficult then I thought they would be). Amy and/or Bev was there with the music whenever it was needed. Brother and Sister Anders, I don't know if you'll ever read this (but hopefully Amy will) my deep gratitude goes out to you for what you gave to our camp. You were precious and a blessing beyond measure to everyone but I am forever grateful for the help it gave me and the lives you touched.

Brother and Sister Griffin our very precious. They gave themselves in so many ways to the camp. I don't think anyone will ever forget your classes. Your sensitivity to the needs of the people and the Spirit was a blessing. We worked you every way we could, although Brother Griffin and Brother Nowling really became fond of Fred Meyers...I can never thank you enough, but my heavenly Father will reward you greatly. And Victoria, you are a beautiful, precious young lady for the Lord. I hope your first camp was a good experience for you.

To everyone that came and gave camp was about all of us and allowing God to do a work in us. We came expecting and jumped right in from the very first moment and we were rewarded greatly because of it. Hang on to what you received. Continue to grow and GIVE and SHARE God's goodness with others and we'll see many things happen.

Though camp already seems like so long ago. And though I had thought that once I got to camp I would be able to relax and that didn't happen; it was time that I wouldn't have traded any moment for anything. It reminded me once again why I love the camping program. Those days at camp, we are secluded from the world. We deal with the effect that world has already had on us without having to deal with jobs, school, etc. I love camp and I pray that God will continue to give me strength to work it until I die.

My next post; I'll outline the days after camp and Jessa's wedding.

Sorry I haven't blogged details

I feel like I need a month to catch up on sleep and just out and out relaxing. Even my boss left telling me to get some rest tonight.

I promise I will share details soon. This weekend is going to be just a time to have no real plans. I'll pack up the wedding things (flowers, shoes, etc) and all for Jessa as they're sitting in the living room. Then put away some laundry but beyond that NO work for me.

Tonight we're watching classic movies. I haven't watched tv or movie for weeks. It feels good.

God is good. Have a great weekend.

More pictures

I still don't have the brain power to lay out the wedding events. But here are some more pictures. They are from various cameras and have not been cropped or anything as you will see for yourself. Hopefully they'll help you share the day with us though. Jessa and Levi these are for you as I know you're both anxious to see pictures.

Forgive the random posting. Oh and yes Brother Ray, Jessa was very tired but she also had contacts in that she just started wearing again about a week earlier.