Sugar Bet

2 weeks ago my older sister sent a group text to our Mom and the sisters.  It said she was done with sugar and needed to make a drastic change. It involved a support team & wanted to know who was in. Our Mom and 3 sister (out of 5) were in! I had eaten 2 bags of peanut M&M's that day before the text.

Shh don't tell anyone.

With that support I was for sure in! It has been two weeks and zero sugar for me. One sister has fallen off the wagon & does not want to get back on. Another sister eats sugar free ice-cream and says it has really made her aware of what she is putting in her mouth. My Mom had a bite of cake the other day. I am refraining from my favorite candy that is abundant during this holiday.

 In my gut I am in this for the long haul. The more I study about ingredients I am turned off. Those who have ever eaten at my dinner table know I am already conscience of what is served. Years ago I could not have imagined how far this could go, but I think it is time to go to the next level. Please do not have pity on my children. They will thank me later, I hope.

sniffles

So I have a cold. I think Lily has it too.  Runny nose, sneezing and pressure in my head.  Not good when it comes to school.  I feel like napping or staying in bed and watching a movie. Neither are an option.  So my studies are a little behind. This is where I see the need to study something I am interested in. I am writing 2 papers about high fructose corn syrup. HFCS is one of those things I feel is not good for us to consume but really want the facts. I am learning to read science journals and look for truths.

On a completely different topic I wonder how in the world a person can use a Dell laptop? At school I see people using them. The power plug alone is a brick. How does the computer and plug fit in your bag with other items? Is the reason you bought it because it is the cheapest on the market and that is what you could afford? Do you really like it? I ask not to be rude but I really want to know. What is it that you like about it?

Back to school work now (not on a Dell).

Study Time

Now that I am going to school I have to find more time in the day. I have always been one who needs my sleep. 8-9 hours is what my body demands daily. When it is late at night I can not make myself stay awake. With my new schedule I have been trying to get up earlier. Last week I was successful at getting up at 4:30. So I am trying to do it again this week. Today I slept in until 5:00. I did not think this was ever possible until we have some guests visit who woke up everyday at 4:30. It has been amazing that I can get up when it is still dark and now getting cold. Grateful for in floor heating. Now I have to write a 5 page paper before the kids need to get up. Wish me luck!

Halloween Tradition

It has been a few years since we have made sugar cookies for Halloween. This is something we did since Harrison was a toddler.  So excited when a Skagway friend asked if we wanted to make and decorate this weekend. Thanks Cierra! I was happy to be able to make Harrison cookies that are gluten and dairy free! He got the Star Wars batch. It was fun for all to decorate. Looks like the tradition is back! With the sugar bet I am doing with my Mom & sisters, I did not have any.

Country living

We chose to live just outside of town for several reasons. Last night I woke up twice to two different reminders why we live here. Yes, it is mostly because we love that the kids can run around and be play. But last night the first time I woke up I heard elk calls and the second time I heard coyotes howling. Last week the elk were in our yard. This is different than the bears in Alaska but still cool. The one disadvantage to our location is the drive. We may have to move into town next year. The families schedule just keeps getting busier = more trips to town.

Sick Boy

This week Harrison was developing a nasty cough. The kind that is in your lungs. Since the boy already does not have strong lungs when he gets sick it settles there. I pumped with lots of good stuff yesterday including 2 naps. He is much better today. Hope it goes away completely. Now I have school work to catch up on.

We're Back (from nowhere)

It has been way too long. We have been in Flagstaff for almost a year now. We have had new adventures and challenges that need to be shared. Quick updates.

Andy: Working at NAU & going back to school in their masters program. Just finished a 50 mile trail race against horses.

Loya: Freshman at NAU full time all while keeping up with running a house and 3 busy kids.

Harrison: 4th grade. Loves to read! Still has stomach problems, more tests to come. Is a runner like his Dad. Want to share the gospel with everyone. Loves Cub Scouts.

Lily: 2nd grade. Reading is her favorite too. Loves to color and organize. Into doing her own hair. Mixed feeling about that. She wishes she could play soccer everyday.

Isaac: 2nd grade. In the same class as Lily. He is ALL boy. Loves to collect and create. He is our "sweet pickle". He can not wit until he is 8! Wants to go back to Alaska. Still asking for a dog.

We are as busy as ever. Look forward to updating!