Alaska in December 2009

I serve in the Family History Center with a woman that lived near Fairbanks, AK, for over twenty years. When she heard that I was going to Alaska in December, she said "What for?" The reason is shown below -- a cute little thing like Sage would get anyone there let alone her grandpa. I had a great time and am grateful for the opportunity. Sage is a mild little girl that, as would be expected, is complementing her family just fine.

Lindsay and Steven are great hosts and I appreciated the kindness that they showed to me during my visit. They took the time to show me around and I completely enjoyed myself. Lindsay had obtained (another word for purchased but I don't know at what discount so I will just use "obtained") a manger scene dress up set. You can see "Mary" below with her baby. Brynn is a very good big sister and frequently wants to hold or at least visit with her sister. That means getting about two inches in front of Sage's face and talking to her "cute sister".

We went to Eagle River's evening celebration of Santa's arrival. He came in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer (the real thing!). The city had choirs, hot chocolate, hot peanuts, hot popcorn (the "hot" theme helped keep people around for the festivities). Brynn and friends got to visit with Santa. Steve took me on base. It is big -- like Hill AFB in Ogden. I got to see his office and meet those he works with and hear their praises for him. It made this Dad proud. It was fun seeing F-22s, F-15s, C-17s, moose (oh yes, on the far side of the base near the lakes when Steven has fished). Elemendorf isn't just any old AFB, it is a special place and fits very nicely in the Alaska experience. We had fun sledding on their front lawn -- the jump at the end was an experience for a person's tailbone (you can see Lindsay looking forward to it in the photo).

Steven and Lindsay are well integrated in their ward. They are busy with callings and helping others. I was impressed with the members and their desire to have everyone feel welcome. Steve gave Sage Renee a nice blessing. I am thankful for how our family honors their covenants.

After experiencing two winters in Norway, it wasn't a shock to see the sun sitting on the horizon at 1:30 p.m. as we came out of the base commissary (see photo). Because of the mountain to the south of their home, they don't get direct sunlight at this time of the year. It is pitch black at 9 a.m. It is light from around 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and getting shorter for two more weeks.

One day Steve and I took a ride to Wasilla and Willow to the north. Bonnie (my sister) and her family formerly lived at the LDS church camp in Willow so it was fun to see that area. I am sure it is beautiful in the summer with its numberous lakes. Steve said it is home to a wonderful fishery with its rivers and lakes. We were going to drop by and see Sara Palin in Wasilla but she was in Salt Lake City that day at a book signing.

We spend a day on the Kenai peninsula. It is the home to wonderful salmon fishing but we were by ourselves on that day. I think snow, ice around the exposed rocks, and 20F had something to do with it. We enjoyed ourselves anyway. Steve used his excellent fishing talents to hook a rainbow and two salmon. The silver salmon he landed was a beautiful fish and I look forward to that time when I will have the opportunity to land some of my own.

I didn't do any fishing but I had a good time with my camera. The bald eagles were busy flying the waterway. It is a great country. The mountains were beautiful, the air clean, and the company I kept was excellent. Thanks for the memories.

West Valley & South Jordan

What comes first to you when you think of Thanksgiving? We had an enjoyable time at the Gillettes for year and I feel it was captured in my two photos. Linda's (or Louise's or ...) rolls have a soft spot in my heart and always space in my stomach. The sun caught the glow just right and I thank those that prepared a great meal.

Thanksgiving is about being grateful for our wonderful families, gospel truths, our country, etc. We are so fortunate to have good relationships with our families and I thank each one of you for being so good to be around. Jeff continued his absolute dominance in Connect Four. I have a version loaded on my iPod so maybe with some practice .... nah, I don't want to burst his bubble.

We completely enjoy each visit to Jeff & Janae's home. The children love to hear stories from Grandma Peterson so they take advantage of every opportunity -- this one at 7:31 a.m.

From a professional standpoint, I guess Kristen could provide answers on personality development. I have been fascinated with how early a person's personality begins to be exhibited. As I was taking photos of Megan, she was having a great time on her rocking horse then the next minute she was giving me "the look". It is a joy to participate in life. I remarked to Louise that each day is a gift. Each one comes with a different wrapper. Each one is useful.

Christmas is coming and the joy and anticipation is fun to watch. Louise, of course, provided the antlers and the kids were eager to she how they fit. They obviously suit Claire just fine. And yes, Louise provided the gingerbread boy puzzle.

We had one more activity this last Saturday at the Stephenson's. We made reindeer sandwiches for lunch. The base is peanut butter, the eyes are 1/2 marsh mellow with a chocolate chip, the nose a grape, and the "hay" carrot sticks and string cheese.

Obviously not too much to write about

What do you think of our new remodel? We found it very convenient at about 2:00 a.m.! No really, it was the beginning of our bathroom remodel for our two main floor bathrooms. All we were doing was replace the carpet with tile (good move) then get new towels and once I am done with the new laminate flooring I will finish the base boards.

The master bathroom tile is white that has faint blue swirls with a grey grout.

I (Martin) removed the carpet, pad, and 10,000 staples and got it ready for the fellow that installed the tile. The main bathroom tile is light brown that ties quite well with the existing colors. Louise did a nice job selecting towels and rug for this room.