So Thanksgiving was quiet which is always a good thing. Just the normal dinner at the in-laws which made for a hell of a commute as we wandered next door ;). Friday we engaged in semi-combat shopping in Anchorage, on the road at 3:52am in order to get to Best Buy by 5am. Yes folks, my husband is truly insane. You would never know it though by these bright eyed and bushy tailed smiles as we got ready to leave the house that morning (however the hairy eyeball I received from my husband as he was eating breakfast that morning might be another story ;) We went to many stores and were lucky enough to only run into small lines as well as none of the crazy people that seemed to go shopping down in the states (no, no shootouts or trampling here folks) We took Jamie's friend Nathan with us as well and although they moaned and groaned as I dragged them into Bed, Bath and Beyond to finish up shopping for Christmas decor for the house, the seemed to enjoy some of the normal craziness that always seems to happen in one way or another when they are together. (FYI: The pictures didn't turn out in the order I anticipated for this post but Im sure you all get the picture and I know at some point I will get it figured out.) After shopping and lunch we all went to go see The Nutcracker which was quite nice. I have always wanted to go and this was the first year I actually remembered anything about it in enough time to buy tickets before it was too late. Now all the Christmas shopping is complete, Christmas decorations up, and cards are written and waiting to be out in the mail. Jamie left for Utah on Sunday morning and I won't see him until we meet in Phoenix to start out Christmas vacation. One week in Arizona visiting my sister and nephews and a week in Vegas for New Year spending time with each other and family, going to shows and just relaxing in everything that Vegas has to offer. I feel so blessed to have two whole weeks with him this time before he goes back to work in January and am DEFINITELY counting down the days and hoping they pass quickly!! It is still never easy to have him come and go but I think I am getting more used to the transition that it takes and I enjoy and fully appreciate every moment that I get to spend with him.
Last week I turned in my application for the opening at the elementary school and am hoping to be called in for an interview soon. So at this point we are just playing the "wait and see" game and I don't know how long that will take but it is something I am keeping in the back of my mind at all times. We have had quite a bit more snow and I think I will be ready to leave it by the time Christmas rolls around.
Not a lot to report since I just posted last week but I figured the pictures would bring a smile and maybe a laugh to those who have enjoyed keeping up our life up here. I anticipate some more changes in the upcoming year as we will soon be exploring our fertility (as soon as I can make the necessary phone calls and appointments) and whether or not we will be able to conceive children naturally or at all. We continue to pray and be hopeful and are thankful for those who have chosen to respect our wishes not to approach this issue with us but to keep us in their thoughts. Obviously it is a touchy subject and we appreciate the discretion and the lack of questioning. Those who are close to us will be the first to know what is going on as soon as we do. But it is a big upcoming issue in our lives. We have also been informed that his ex has finally started the adoption paperwork for her current husband to hopefully adopt Max so we no longer have to pay child support. As she has a HUGE history of mind games and other wickedness I will not believe this is true until I see signed paperwork, which I continue to hope and pray will be in the mail and in our possession in a matter of months. It has been something we have wrestled with over the years and will be a huge weight off of everyone's shoulders at this point once all is said and done.
Life's evolution here in the great white north continues to grow and evolve quietly and slowly. As these evolutions continue I also continue to feel more at home here. Friendships and relationships blossom, faith is continuously tested, and a home continues to be built and maintained. I am looking forward to 2009 and everything it has to offer.
