| It seems strange that we are finally here in Alaska. We've known we would end up here for the past 18 months, but after having Danny absent since February and our crazy summer, it just feels strange that our lives out of suitcases are about to end. Right now we are at a bed and breakfast right in Anchorage. It is a small furnished, 2 bedroom unit with a kitchen. Living in a tiny space reminds me of the hot summer filled days we enjoyed in Oklahoma, and for a short time the cramped quarters are fun and cozy...although I find myself constantly picking up and vaccuming. We will close on our house next Friday, and hopefully be all moved in by the following Monday (the 26th). I was able to see the inside of the house this weekend and I am so pleased with it. It's nestled on a mountain...and the natural tree growth surrounding the house is beautiful and the mountain views are breathtaking. The inside of the house is so quaint and cozy feeling, featuring 3 bedrooms and an office (which I will most likely use for a guest bedroom/nursery). There are 2 bedrooms upstairs (it's a split level home), and one will be the Master bedroom while the other will serve as a playroom for the girls. Already Danny and I are brainstorming paint colors and budgeting replacing the carpet with engineered wood flooring. I picked out a floor, which happens to be on sale at home depot right now, and then with Danny's military discount of 10% off we can replace the floors upstairs (living room, dining room, kitchen, and 2 bedrooms ~about 800 sq. feet) for about $2.70 per sq. foot. We may try to purchase the materials now because of the sale, but Danny will redo the floors when he returns from Afghanistan. So far we have found a church we like, Faith Christian Community, a non-denominational church right here in Anchorage. For the past 2 weeks I have attended a Bible study on Tuesday mornings at the church for moms. I don't yet know if I will be visiting family for the holidays while Danny is gone, but if I choose to stay here I would like to know some other ladies have have a church home base before Danny sets out. So far, so good. Autumn in Alaska is gloomy and mostly rainy. The colorful foliage has already changed, and many trees are already bare. I have been warned to expect snow by the end of the month, and already the mountain peaks are white. We have had only a few sunny days since my arrival here, and we have taken advantage of every moment, i.e. going to parks, visiting the zoo, and long evening walks. So we continue to keep busy and work at integrating ourselves into this new atmosphere. I still have to find new doctors for everyone and try to get the girls involved through different outlets. I have currently been researching dance classes for Mara. I have never seen a little girl move with the grace and rythmn she has, so I would like her to begin exploring that avenue. I also need to figure out how to get Mara back into Early Intervention for her lack of speech. I am anxious to get settled here, to get into our new home with our things and begin life here as a family. |
