Our Life as a Family of THREE!

The Schnozberries Taste Like Schnozberries...

2010-08-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

Blueberry picking in Alaska is simply wonderful! My little family spent a fun day outside hiking, eating blueberries, picking blueberries, playing, eating blueberries, processing blueberries, eating blueberries, making a mess, eating blueberries...it was a spectacular weekend. For those of you who don't know about blueberry picking in Alaska, let me break down the wonderfulness of the event.

The fresh air, the Alaska Wilderness, and a baby on the back...

A blueberry smudged face giving kisses...

Playing around in the sunshine...

Napping outside...awww...

The Blueberry Bush...

The must-have Alaska Berry Picker...

It works quite nicely...

Look at all the yummy blueberries...

Emptying the loot...

Are we having fun yet...

Waking up from a nap...

Time with daddy...

Family time...

Digging into the berries...

Eating the yummy Blueberries...gotta love it

Over THREE gallons in THREE hours...what a haul...

Fun day on the mountain...

Cleaning the leaves and sticks from the berries...most of the leaves float...

The clean berries getting ready to freeze...

Smooshing the Blueberries...

Straining the Berries

Pure Blueberry Juice which will now be frozen for when we have time to make Jelly and Syrup...

Blueberry Pancakes...YUMMY

The Delish Blueberry Pies...

Does life get any better...

Too...many...blueberries...

Words Mean A Lot...

2010-08-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

I received an email today from someone at my office who recently read my blog. This email was amazing, it was full of inspiration, praise, and kindness. What was so amazing to me from this email was what she said about my daughter learning from unrelated everyday things I do that unknowingly have an effect on my daughter and who she grows up to be. This email puts to words some attributes I want my daughter to have that I never thought of. I want the best for Isabella. I want to share this email with you...not so you can read the "fluff" about myself, but so you can read about what Isabella could grow up with. This email really makes me think:

Hi Lady!!

Thank you SOOOOOOO MUCH for sending me the link to your blog!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!!!! She IS such a little doll. And Chanel, I want to tell you that I am SOOOOOO proud of you. You truly ARE a phenomenal woman! Some women never learn to be good to themselves, some do not learn until they are widows and in their 70's or 80's and some just become angry, bitter women. You are WISE beyond your years! Taking the time for you first, then your family, will enhance your life and your family's lives. Living your life with passion, enthusiasm, curiosity and self love allows you to live a life full of joy and integrity. By living in this manner, you will be a GREAT mentor and example to your daughter that will teach her not to be a self-sacrificing martyr but to pursue her dreams and aspirations, to set parameters, to conduct her life with self confidence and to find and appreciate the pleasures, even in the smallest things, i.e. bubble bath, private time, good book, massage, a day at the spa, etc. She will grow up with two happy parents in a well balanced relationship and she will not settle for or accept less. She will grow up with love and laughter and it will follow her through her life!!!! What could be better than that? I AM SO PROUD OF YOU !! You go girl, ALWAYS take the time to pamper yourself and try to never, ever lose Chanel's needs and wants. Your husband and your daughter will be the LUCKIEST people in the world!!! I guarantee it. You are one SMART, DYNAMIC woman.
Please always copy me in on your blogs.
Thank you.

I want those things for my little daughter. To have self confidence, to pursue her dreams and aspirations, to appreciate the pleasures in life. All of it I want her to grow up knowing. While I'm not entirely convinced that taking time for myself will pass on all of these attributes onto Isabella, the important thing is to start thinking about what will. So...thank you for the kind words.

Isabella...All about HER!

2010-08-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

Isabella turned ONE! That's right. Of course you have to have the oh so important one year old photo shoot! Who knows a one year old that can stand getting their picture taken for 2 1/2 hours, going through five outfit changes, eating probably a 1/2 a bag of mini marshmallows (you have to love bribes!), and having a great personality throughout the whole thing...that's right...ISABELLA! That's my girl. A morning a with Auntie Heather, Isabella and Myself. Jumping up and down like a total nerd for 2 1/2 hours trying to keep a one year olds attention is tough work. Thank goodness Auntie was there to help! One to keep placing her back on her mark, and one to keep her attention, and don't forget about one very attentive, patient great photographer. The end result was WONDERFUL! Thank You Jolene McDowell Photography!

Happy Birthday Baby...I LOVE YOU!!!

It's All About MEEEEE!

2010-08-03T15:58:00.001-08:00

I just counted. It has been exactly nine months since my last post. Nine months to the day. Wowza, what a nine months it has been. Of course, there is Marc, my wonderful husband of almost nine years. There is my beautiful daughter who is the most wonderful thing in this world. My daughter who just turned one year old by the way. There is the story of what we have been doing for the last nine months. And then there is me. This blog post will be about me today. Just me. MEEEEEE. Soon I will get back to my cute little girl, and my perfect husband. But not today. Today I am going to lay some things straight.

The week of Isabella's first birthday, I came to a realization that over the course of one year, I have slowly lost myself. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my life, and I LOVE my family. But the past year has been about my daughter, and somewhere in working full time, balancing family, friends, work, home...I slipped away. It occurred to me that throughout the year I stopped doing things I liked to do. I always had an excuse of being too busy, or too tired, or time to cook dinner, or time to bath the baby, or time to clean the house. I haven't taken time for myself. I am selfishly looking back and can count on one hand the number of times I have done something for just me.

The decision had been made. No more putting me on the back burner. I am passing on some of my responsibility once in awhile. It will be good for my hubby. Baby and daddy time might be just what the doctor ordered for them.

So, here is my vow to myself. I will get back to the things I like to do. Yes, that means I will blog again. I love blogging. I will get out of the darn house by myself once in awhile. I promise to make sure I demand family time. (Yes, that means daddy will have to be present). I will demand just adult time with my husband. I will take bubble baths. I will start getting oustside and enjoying the summer with my daughter - the house can go messy for a day. I will make daddy put the baby down for bed sometimes. I will read - I love reading. I will enjoy my wonderful family, the beautiful place I live, and LIFE!

Let me be clear...no one person is blame for this but myself. I should have spoke up a lot louder a lot sooner. I think I didn't mind so much before. Well, maybe I minded, I just hadn't realized how much time had passed. It wasn't until the huge milestone of one year old hit that I started thinking about it, and it bothered me. It really did.

It won't ALL be about me. Of course, it will mostly be about my sweet precious little girl. (Who did I mention is one)? However, I will make sure to keep myself in the mix too.

Thanks for reading. Here are a few pictures to wet your appetite on what is to come. I will try and catch you up on the past nine months. Stay tuned for the Life of the Pratt's in Alaska!

We're having so much fun...

2009-11-03T07:18:00.007-09:00

For those of you who haven't heard, poor, poor Isabella is SOOOO sick. She has had a fever since Saturday night/Sunday morning. Fever up, fever down, fever up, fever down...and so on and so on! Poor little girl. We took her to the doctor yesterday, and there is nothing they can find. We are just supposed to "watch" her. Well, me being the paranoid mother I am, I think I am going to call them AGAIN today, and see what they say. A phone call NEVER hurts...especially when it comes to my cute little girl.

My poor sick little girl...look at that lip...could she get any more pitiful?

Birthdays as you get older are just plain ordinary days. We did go downtown for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants...the Glacier Brewhouse with our friends Sherman & Mary. Super fun.

Me and my girl...

Our cute little family...

The whole gang out for my b-day...

Then, Saturday morning I met up with my friend Jessica and her daughter (Isabella's BFF) Eden at Starbucks for some girl time and coffee. Oh my heck...she made Bella the cutest blankie EVER! We LOVE it.

Look how cute these 2 girls are together! Lovin' them some Starbucks!

(And look at Bella's cute blankie!)

So, for Halloween we decided to take Isabella out trick-or-treating to our friends houses up here in Anchorage...just to "show her off"...hehehe. Unfortunately, that is when she started getting sick, so she wasn't much of a trooper. And we missed getting a family Halloween picture together...but we got a couple not together.

I was a "Queen Bee", Bella was a "Bumble Bee", and Marc was a can of RAID - Kills bugs dead!

Our cute little Bumble Bee...

Queen Bee and Baby Bumble Bee...

Queen Bee and RAID...Kills Bugs Dead!

Two weeks ago we had a family outing to the zoo - so fun. Cold, but fun!

Mommy and baby at the Zoo...

Check out these cute boots Auntie Heather got her...I LOVE them!

Can you find the bundled up baby?

She's Getting Bigger...

2009-10-17T19:31:00.004-08:00

Isabella gets bigger everyday! I LOVE IT! When I say she is getting bigger...I really mean bigger. Check out her chubby legs! I am trying to turn her into a little butterball! What a chunker!

Have I mentioned that we LOVE everything this little cutie does? She is more lovable every second. Check her out in the tub! Wouldn't you melt everytime you had these blue eyes looking back at you?

Here is Daddy and Bella outside at the gun show. How sweet! I love it when they cuddle and I catch those moments!

We have slowly been working on decorating Bella's bedroom. (I know...I am soooo behind!) But the lettering on the wall is finally up, and it turned out so dang cute!

Well, I finally took down the bassinet in our bedroom...it is onto Bella sleeping in her crib in her own room each night...how sad. Marc and I had both agreed from the beginning that she would only sleep in our room for about 2 months. She is almost 3 months old now...so, time to move on up! I hope it will work. One of two things will happen. First - it could work out perfectly, and she will sleep in there all the time (she has slept in there only 3 or 4 times - I can't help myself!). Or second - she will end up sleeping in my bed EACH night. We'll see.

I promised I would catch her giggling on video. Finally...success! Check out this cutest video EVER! We were getting her ready for bed, and she just had the giggles. I was so lucky to catch this on video, because I can literally count on one hand the number of times I have actually heard her giggle. This one was the most ever...woop woop! Check out my little cutie! It is really so embarrassing what I go through to try to get her to giggle. So please, ignore the nerdy mama in the video...hehehe.

Spoiled...

2009-10-10T07:42:00.003-08:00

So, I am one of those moms who LOVE to spoil their little girls! Isabella had a cute pink and brown swing. A new swing, a perfectly good swing. However, after using a different swing at our friends Jess & Charlie's house...I had a new obsession. Isabella needed the kind of swing they had! A new swing! A super cool swing! A swing that goes side to side & front and back! A swing with a moving mobile! A swing with a mirror in the mobile for her to look at and and giggle at! Isabella wanted this new swing! She had to have it! She told me so...(can you see how far I am reaching here?). Her other swing was so last season...yeah right! After convincing Marc we needed a new one, he said okay! (Actually, Marc is as obsessed with spoiling Isabella as I am, it didn't take much convincing.) He saw how much she liked the swing and Jess & Charlie's. So, Isabella is moving up in the world. What a spoiled little girl. How am I ever going to learn to say no to her...she isn't even asking for anything yet, and I still can't say no!

Here is Bella in her perfectly good swing (donated to her wonderful daycare- they had a swing break down just this last week...see, I did something good with it!)

Bella in her new "fancy" swing! Check this baby out!!!

(Yes...she is wearing camo pants & shoes...you are correct!)

Cute little pumpkin pie!

Look who's talking...

Here is Jess and I trying to make Bella Smile. This video cracks me up, because it shows the lengths you go to trying to make your baby smile!

(Jess has a cute little girl - Eden - who is six days older than Bella)

Life with a baby...

2009-10-04T09:55:00.005-08:00

I cannot believe it has been nearly 2 months since my last update! Life with a baby sure makes things different. My dad asked me just yesterday if I have found that other things in life become less important once you have a baby. The answer dad, is YES. Not only yes, but HECK YES! I want to spend every waking hour with sweet, sweet Isabella. Then the times she is sleeping, I would rather watch her, or clean, or relax myself. That doesn't leave much time in life for things like blogging. I seriously don't know how you other mothers do it. I have to find a balance in my life...and I will. It will just take time.

It is amazing to me how my personal life and needs have basically become non-existent...and I don't mind. It is all about Bella now, and the time that Marc & I spend spoiling her...yes she is spoiled!!!

She is now 11 weeks old! Man time flies. We have the sweetest, most perfect baby ever! She is changing so much every day, it is so exciting. She smiles, and just this week she started to giggle!! It is the cutest thing you have ever heard, I swear! You still really have to drag those giggles out of her, but I am sure they will start coming more on there own! I can't wait. What a little doll Bella is!

So, as you can tell, Marc and I are obsessed. We are in seventh heaven, and loving every minute of it! It is so surprising how immediately, and how deeply you love your babies! And this coming from two people who weren't sure when, and if they wanted kids. We should have done it years ago...yeap, I said it! We are so blessed. And Bella, this little doll, is so loved by us, and her family, and our friends!

The last 11 weeks have been busy, crazy, and wonderful altogether. We had a visit from my parents which was wonderful. We spent time with her grandma, and grandpa. My dad got to go fishing with Marc, and my mom and I shopped, and relaxed. Mom taught me a lot about babies, and Bella, and the visit was great. That visit was followed by a visit from my sister Chelsea, and my 5 month old niece Ella. Wow, did we go, go, go during that trip. Glacier viewing, train rides, trip to Seward, fishing, hiking, playing, shopping, cooking, and learning from one of the best moms I will ever know. I am so glad I got that time with her. Chelsea taught me more about being a mother than she will ever know. Marc, Bella & I have spent time with friends, friends, and more friends. We have just lived and loved our new life.

Now, I have taken way too many pictures, as is to be expected! So, here is a slideshow that shows what we have been up to the last 11 weeks. All the pictures lumped together. Maybe, if I can keep on my blogging in the future, the updates and pictures will be better organized. There is also a video of Bella smiling (taken about 3 weeks ago). I will catch her giggle soon and post that too!!!

Thanks for all your support! We love you and miss you all!

Introducing...Isabella Grace Pratt

2009-08-06T13:10:00.006-08:00

Isabella was brought to us on July 20th, 2009 at 5:54pm.

She weighed 7lb 9oz, 20 1/2 inches long.

She is just perfect!

Isabella is the love our our life! We can't put her down. We just hold her, and kiss her, and watch her, and love her. We have been in our own little bubble for the last little while, just getting to know her. I can't believe the love we already have for her. Looking back Marc and I both agree we should have had this little angel years ago!

Isabella has the sweetest little personality, and is just a good, calm, wonderful little girl!

So, we would like to introduce to you, the newest member of our Pratt Household...

Still No Baby...

2009-07-14T14:09:00.002-08:00

That's right...no baby girl...STILL! We had yet another appointment yesterday, and this little girl is still content just staying where she is at. She is showing no signs of wanting to make her grand debut. We are basically exactly where we were at 5 days ago. She has a little stage fright it seems.

So, here is the deal. This little stubborn baby girl has the rest of the week to change her mind. If she still has not come on her own by Sunday night, then they will induce me on Monday morning. We have the appointment all set up and ready to go, just in case.

I really, really did not want to have to be induced...for a number of reasons. I know that being induced is no big deal, but personally, I just wanted to be able to do this on my own. And being induced changes alot of what we wanted during labor. However, I am quite excited to have an ending date in sight. I am keeping Monday in my head as the date, and if she comes earlier...I will be that much more excited. I am just done with being disappointed every single day she is not here yet. So, new date, new plan...we will be just fine with this.

That means, unfortunatley, one more week of work. While I love my job, I loved the thought of being off for a bit. That also means one more week of Marc and I having some great time together, with it just being us, husband and wife, no baby, just us. I love the thought of that. We have been spending so much time together lately, it has been awesome! While alot of our time together hasn't even been doing anything spectacular, just being together has been great! Not much longer until it is three of us...that changes things.

So, one more week...Monday morning...and then baby. We can totally do this. Totally!

Too Much Baby Talk...So Something Different...

2009-07-07T14:52:00.003-08:00

I feel like I have been so grumpy & blah lately. It is all this stinking baby talk, and baby waiting! That is all I think about, all I talk about. I just want baby to come! Even though I have 5 more days! I need to somehow step back, out of baby la la land, and just remember what it is life is about. I need to remember how much I have to be happy about and grateful for…which is A LOT!

I have seen this list of 8 before…and have never participated…but why not today. So, I am going to list everything it calls for. 8 things I’m grateful for, 8 things I’m looking forward to, 8 things I did yesterday, and 8 things I wish I could do. (I have no clue where the number 8 came from…I just do what I’m told).

So, in the spirit of kicking the grumpy pregnant lady, baby obsessing, craziness out of my head for a little while…here are my lists of 8!

8 Things I’m Grateful For:

My husband…he is the BEST, most supportive, handy, perfect man ever!
The opportunity to live in the best place ever, and take advantage of all the opportunities here in Alaska.
To be able to have such a wonderful, problem-free pregnancy.
Having sisters…although we don’t talk all the time, I don’t know what I would do without them.
My newly remodeled house...I LOVE it!
My iPhone…I’m a nerd I know~! What would I do without that thing? It has my life on it!!! The best invention EVER!
Having such supportive friends in my life. The people we love and know are just amazing!!!
Family! There is nothing more important.

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

Labor…I know that sounds dumb…but at least I know this roller coaster ride is coming to an end!
Holding my new little girl in my arms.
Watching my husband become a daddy…a great one at that I’m sure!
Sharing parenthood with the most awesome man ever!
Maternity leave…yeah baby!
Drinking a glass of wine, or a gin & tonic, or a margarita, or a...well the list goes on. Just having an adult beverage again!
Doing actual physical labor…carrying heavy things, running, sweating, getting a nice hard workout!
Having all the cousins (the kids in the family) together someday…hopefully soon. We have so many new additions to our huge family!

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

Went to work.
Picked up dog poop…ewww.
Watered the lawn.
Went grocery shopping.
Swept & mopped the house…again…(can you say nesting??).
Watched a re-run of Gilmore Girls…I am a nerd.
Took a bubble bath.
Scheduled a pedicure for today!

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

Stay home with my soon to be little girl.
Live closer to family, yet stay in Alaska.
Grow a garden…or flowers…or ANYTHING! I do not have a green thumb!
Be a better friend to my already wonderful friends.
Be a better wife to the best man in my life!
Not be such a gossip sometimes…I know, I know!
Own my own business with my husband.
Be more independent!

What are your lists of 8???

First Boating Trip of the Year...FINALLY

2009-07-05T17:56:00.007-08:00

We finally had a chance to take our boat out on the water this weekend. It was a short day trip out of Whittier, which is about 1 1/2 hours away from Anchorage. We didn't want to chance traveling too far away from Anchorage...just in case baby decides to come. It was a warm, beautiful day. Man I love having time to spend together...just hanging out, relaxing, and having fun! I LOVE SUMMER! It feels like we have already let so much of it pass us by. So, we took the boat out, did some fishing saw some wildlife, relaxed, and had a wonderful time! We saw killer whales, seals, sea otters, did some glacier viewing, pulled some shrimp, caught a few rock fish, and just enjoyed ourselves. It really was a great day!

Me & Travis enjoying the sights of BlackStone Glacier...

Travis, filling up the cooler with some glacier ice.
(We have a blender on board, and if we would have had the right liquids and I wasn't pregnant, it would have been MARGARITA time!!)

Marc & Travis showing off their tiny rock fish...they crack me up. I told Travis to get in the picture and he thought he would be silly.

(Don't they look like such a happy couple???)

Marc & Travis checking the shrimp pods. We didn't get too many, but it was like Christmas morning pulling them up...wondering what we would have!

A Day Just For US!!!

2009-06-28T20:48:00.009-08:00

Finally, Marc and I had a day to just be with each other. We have been so stressed lately with finishing the house, and getting ready for the baby, we just haven't had a fun, stress-free day in...months! Now that we are ready for baby...(are we EVER ready!!!!!)...and the house is basically done...(just a few MINOR items)...we thought we needed a day. So we took it. We took a drive up to Hatcher Pass and did a little hiking. Well, hiking that a pregnant lady in her ninth month can do. It was so much fun, and relaxing, and just what we needed. I haven't had so much fun in months! And the bonus to this hiking trip was first, the BUMPY car ride up the mountain to the trailhead, and second, the hiking...all meant to hopefully urge this little girl to come! (I know, I know, I have 2 more weeks!! But I am ready TODAY!!)

Marc also decided this morning that we needed a new camera...for the new little Pea-Pod. Which of course, I am totally fine with!!! So, on the way out of town we bought a new awesome camera...and it does video too!!! All for our new little bundle of joy (hehehehe, and us too).

So, in the afternoon we napped, watched a movie, and just relaxed! The day couldn't have been better spent!!

Here are some pics from our hike today!!!

Marc - using is binoculars to look for bears

It was a cloudy and rainy day, but still so much fun, and so beautiful.

That's right...nine months pregnant!!! I was slow, but we made it!

The pond that we hiked to...

Marc getting ready to help the pregnant lady cross the stream.

(I know it doesn't look like a stream here, but it is...and it took some convincing to get me to cross)

Hopefully we have some more fun relaxing days to come!

Baby Showers and the Waiting Game...

2009-06-25T14:57:00.010-08:00

I have to say Marc and I have the most wonderful people in our lives! We were so darn lucky and blessed to have had the two bestest baby showers thrown for us EVER!

Baby Shower number one was at the end of May and was put together by the wonderful Heather Miller and Angela McCoshum! They both worked so dang hard and put together the cutest, most chic shower I could have ever imagined. Everything was pink and brown, and just perfect. The shower was was held at a Bell's Nursery, a local Plant/Garden Nursery here in Anchorage. It was such a cute setting, and the perfect spot for a baby shower. My girlfriends were all so supportive, and we had a great time!

Heather & Mia setting up!

The cute food table...how cute and chic is this?

More of the food & decorations - I just loved them!

The AWESOME cake - made by Angela's mom. YUMMY!!! And too cute!!!

Opening Gifts - you girls were so wonderful!

Most of the group! What awesome girls!

Baby Shower number two was in mid-June and was held at my office. The wonderful girls from the office got together and through an adorable barn-yard themed co-ed baby shower. It was just perfect. This was the baby shower of the century. All the staff and Realtors came out in full force. It was huge! I couldn't ask for a more supportive company to work for. Marc and I were so surprised by the turnout...what a classy office I work for. Thanks to you guys and gals!

Decorations

More Decorations

More Decorations & Awesome Realtors

Time to eat!!!

Opening Gifts...and gifts...and more gifts! What an awesome office!

And more gifts!!!

Mommy & Daddy
(The sash says: MOMMY 2B Y'ALL!)

With our showers over and done with, I have to say...we are set. Marc and I have everything we need (hopefully - we have never done this before...so we might be surprised), and now we are ready and waiting for our little bundle of joy!

Now that our remodel is done - practically (still a few minor items to finish up)...there is not much to do but wait! Our house is wonderful! Marc has done a great job and pictures will be coming someday soon...promise. Baby is getting bigger, I am getting bigger, and I guess that is all we do at this point. I have to say that we have been so blessed throughout the pregnancy. We have had no scares, no problems, no concerns...it has been almost flawless...knock on wood. Now that the end so close...around 16 days...me and baby are getting more uncomfortable which I believe is to be expected. But aside from being the size of a house - thus making it hard to move around, and when I do move around it is more of a waddle - we are doing good.

For those of you who keep asking, we STILL have not decided upon a name for the little baby girl. We have a list...a list that we love, but we have not chosen one. I think we are going to wait and see the cute little pea-pod before we decide.

We are down to our once a week midwife appointments, and things are looking wonderful. We had one last quick ultrasound to make sure our pea-pods head was head down...and it is...and she is looking just perfect. Our midwife still believes that our baby is quite petite! Woop Woop! I just think that is adorable. She guessed at our appointment today that she was about 6 1/2 pounds. So, not too big, and not too small. Just perfect!

So, 16 more days to go...give or take a few! Marc was out of town for the last three days, and gets into town tonight. Now that he is here to stay, I am ready. Ready to meet her, and love her and spoil her to death. My wish would be that she comes sooner rather than later. Our house is ready, every nook and cranny organized and cleaned, the hospital bag & car seat are ready to go. Now we just need one thing...baby!

My New Neice! I'm an Auntie...AGAIN...

2009-05-21T11:20:00.003-08:00

It is official - I have yet another new niece. My 2nd to oldest sister Autumn and her husband John had their first baby...an adorable little girl! Born on Wednesday, May 13th. Her little girl was over 2 weeks early, but everything is just great, and they are home and loving her to pieces. I really wish I lived closer at times like this...I know I keep saying that!

Introducing...the sweetest little girl...Zoey Reece Hoover

Can you believe all that hair?

This sweet little girl weighed in at 5lbs 13oz.

Congrats to the new parents.

Now...my turn...8 weeks to go!

So Stinkin' Busy...

2009-05-06T08:03:00.002-08:00

I am just posting to say I have NOT fallen off the face of the earth. I have not forgotten about blogging, and the importance of keeping family and friends up to date on what is going on with the Pratt's in Alaska. We are just so stinkin' busy! I thought I would give a quick update as to what is up with us...

We are in our 30th week of the pregnancy. I have the hardest time fully understanding the weeks, months, trimesters...I really am a true blonde. In my mind - if we are in the 30th week, then I am in the count down and only have 10 weeks left. I continually confuse myself with this concept. Apparently, I need to go THROUGH the 40th week of pregnancy which means we only have 11 weeks left. So on Sunday, we enter the 31st week of pregnancy and therefore are...DUN DUN DUN...onto the 10 week countdown!!! Woohoo! I am feeling great, getting bigger, but having a blast.

The last trimester of pregnancy has been the most fun for sure...it has also been the most stressful - by far! I feel like up until this point, I didn't have much to do other than sit around and eat ding dongs...(just kidding - I literally can't remember the last time I had a ding dong). But you get the gist...not much to do but wait. Well, now that the count down is on, it is a marathon sprint to the end. May is jam packed with doctor appointments, birthing classes, a breast feeding class, maternity photos, baby showers, home remodel, baby fair's, shopping for baby furniture...so much to do and so little time.

So, we did have a breastfeeding class last night...HILARIOUS! While the class was very informative, Marc cracks me up. He did attend with me - if you can believe that. He did however change the name of the class to "titty class"...I think it made him feel better to attend a class not called breastfeeding. The instructor handed out these dolls so we could practice holding the baby correctly, while breastfeeding, etc (no men - we didn't have to unbutton any shirts). Well, she gave each man in the class a doll as well to practice on. This had to have been the funniest thing I have ever seen. Here we ladies are with these baby dolls pressed up against our fully clothed boobies, and the men were holding the dolls as far away from them as they could...not participating in any way shape or form. It cracked me up.

And speaking of cracking me up...after Marc heard all about "pumping" and "storing milk" in the class last night, he has come up with this plan that he thinks is just brilliant. He wants to start...wait for it...a breastfeeding farm. You know, like a dairy farm. He has decided, that he can start a home delivery service of breast milk. (I don't know what mom in her right mind would sign up to be "milked" for no reason...and I don't know who would actually want another moms milk) but in his mind...this is a money making genius plan. I am literally laughing my head off right now. You should have heard him talking about it on the way home from the class last night. He was even coming up with products other than milk - like butter. He would call it "Mamma's Butter"...oye vey...you gotta love him. He is so darn cute! How could you not love someone who gets so excited over funny little ideas.

As far as the remodel...we are coming along...for sure. I hope to have the entry way and the hallway and the babies room fully painted by Saturday. We are probably 3/4 of the way done with the painting in the entry way and hallway, and the babies room won't take long to paint at all. Marc finished painting the ceilings too - so much brighter!!! Then, once we have all the painting done, we can put flooring & trim in the babies room. Next...we will move all of our stuff from our room, to the babies room, and pull carpet in our room, texture, paint, put in new floor & trim, and then move everything back into our room. Then I can finally start decorating the babies room! And then finally, flooring & trim in the hallway & entryway, new banister on the stairs, new doors...and TAH DAH...we will be done. It sounds like so much, but we are working so hard to get it done. Maybe 3 weeks...cross your fingers. Right now we eat, sleep and breath remodel. I go to work at 7:00am, get off at 4:00pm, and get to working on the house immediately after. Then to bed around 10:00ish, and we start all over the next day. Then on the weekends, that is all we do...house, house, house. We will get there. The only thing that stops us is appointments, or classes. I keep thinking the harder I work now to get it all done, the sooner I can relax! I really can't wait to have this all done!!

Until next time...

Our Newest Niece...

2009-04-01T21:13:00.004-08:00

Well, we have a new niece! My older sister Chelsea, and her husband Lanee welcomed their 3rd little girl into this world. She is adorable. So, as of March 31st, 2009 we became Auntie & Uncle again for the 12th time. Soon to be 13 though - My other older sister Autumn is due in May with her first little daughter. We have so many girls coming right in a row...what are we to do!!! Now, just my oldest sister Kellee needs to get on board with a baby...(come on Kellee - you know you are ready for child #4.)

I so wish I lived closer to family at times like this.

Introducing... Ella Corrine Adamson

Cambree & Tyler meeting their new little sister

Proud Grandpa & Cambree loving on new little Ella

First family photo of 5...

How cute they are~

25 Weeks Pregnant - Already...

2009-04-01T20:50:00.004-08:00

25 Weeks Pregnant - I can't believe it! I never understood before why pregnant people talk in weeks versus months. It completely makes sense now...so much happens each and every week. The baby girl moves more each week, is bigger, and in turn is making me bigger.

We had our monthly checkup with our midwife last Wednesday...and we are right on track. Baby girl's heart beat is perfect, everything is just where it should be. I can't believe that we only have about 15 more weeks to go. That is so coming so quick. I can't wait.

Here are updated belly pictures...enjoy!

25 Weeks 3 Days

No More Bucket...

2009-03-03T10:43:00.007-09:00

Our bathroom is done!!! It has actually been done for about a week now...it has just taken me awhile to get these pictures posted. It is so exciting! Marc did a wonderful job, and the bathroom turned out so much better than I could have ever hoped. I have such a handy-dandy husband. It took longer than expected...but what remodel job doesn't? He worked his butt off for almost 2 weeks straight. Of course, Marc only had 4 days off work, and after that it was every evening. He never even got a break. He ate, slept, and breathed the bathroom. Yeah!!! So, now we still have quite a list of upstairs remodeling to come in the next few weeks. Which means...DUN DUN DUN...my house is still in construction zone. But, if it all turns out as wonderful as the bathroom, I am not going to complain...at least to much!

Now, onto pulling carpet, trim, moving around cold-air returns, texturizing the walls, painting the walls (INCLUDING THE LITTLE PEA-PODS ROOM!!!!), new trim, new carpet, new doors. As you can see...there is a huge never-ending list. But it will get there! I'll keep you all posted along the way. Here are pics from our new bathroom!! (I am obviously not a professional photographer...so I do apologize. I think Marc might be highly disappointed in my pictures I am posting of his bathroom...it is so much better than anything this photos can show you!)

My wonderful Custom Vanity...

The shower and Marc's perfect tile job...

The new "Cadet 3" Toilet...with the man's reading material on top.
(I had no clue choosing a toilet was such an important decision. Boy did I learn a lot. From the flushing capacity, to the height, round or elongated...there is so many important decisions I never new about!)

Alrighty...now onto the next project!!! Stay tuned! :)

Our Cute Baby Girl & Her Daddy...

2009-02-27T07:57:00.005-09:00

Here are the pictures from our 20 week ultrasound yesterday. While the 3D pictures look a little weird...she is still so tiny and cute. She currently is about as big as a cantelope and weighs about 12 oz. The midwife was asking how much both Marc and I weighed when we were born...and of course we had no clue. She said she was wondering because that can sometimes be a factor of how big or small your baby is at birth. She said that our baby girl isn't big...she is quite "petite". How cute is that?

While we were out to eat yesterday, Marc was so cute. He looked me in the eyes and said..."You know, I am so glad that we are having a little girl! Think of how much fun I have with my adorable little nieces. While I have just as much fun with my nephews...there is something about those cute little girls." Is that the cutest thing you have ever heard? He is going to be the best daddy in the world!

Then, we were both getting ready for work this morning, and I asked him what he was doing...he seemed to be just hanging out. He said..."I am just waiting for my little Pea-Pod". I looked at him confused, and asked him what me meant. He replied..."You know, our little girl...our little Pea-Pod...I am just waiting for her to come". It was so sweat. I don't know where he got the name Pea-Pod...but it was adorable. I can't wait for him to be a daddy. He is going to be wonderful.

Anyway...here are the ultrasound pics...enjoy!

Face profile with hand by her head...

Another face profile...

Body profile...

It's a GIRL!!!

2009-02-26T19:22:00.002-09:00

Well, it is a girl...and we couldn't be happier. It feels like we have been waiting so long to finally have an answer to the never ending question. Is it a boy or a girl? Another cute little girl in our family is just what we need. Marc is used to being being the only male in the house with me, the two girl dogs, the girl cat, and now a new little baby girl.

That means we can finally start on the baby girls room, and shopping for little girl accessories. Marc's sister Jenny told me today that Real Tree Camo has a whole little girl line. That will be perfect for Marc.

Here is the belly picture for 20 Weeks and 5 Days. We are over half way done now, and I am feeling great!

Construction Zone...

2009-02-13T17:04:00.006-09:00

You have to LOVE remodeling...yeah right. As exciting as it is to think of the final finished product...the process is horrible. I hate my house in construction zone. It is dirty, dusty, muddy, wet, sloppy, stinky...you name it, that is my house right now.

That being said...I have to mention how super, awesomely wonderful my husband is. I have the best, most handy husband in this entire world. He is doing the entire remodel all on his own...with the help of a few friends. I know he has to dread these projects...which is why our personal remodels are always done last (that and they spend money, not make money)...but we have no more time to waste now that baby is on the way. While he does dread it, he is working his butt off this weekend. We are on a marathon long weekend of gutting and remodeling the entire bathroom. Since we only have one bathroom (that's right...I am going to be pottying in a bucket) we have to make this bathroom remodel SUPER quick. So he and his buddies are working away.

Oh how I love how handy my husband is. So, first the bathroom, then the baby room, then new carpet, next new trim, new doors, and lastly new upstairs windows. I guess you could say we are getting an entirely new upstairs. But the bathroom will be the biggest project. And my handy husband is working his butt off!

Here are some shots so you can see what I am living through right now. (Yesterday we had no running water, so at least I have that again)

The staging/work area is babies soon to be room.

Tile Saw.

Our neighbor Marcus helping out in the gutted bathroom.

Our crappy carpet...which has gotten 100% worse the last 2 days.

Thank goodness carpet is next on the list.

And last but not least...my toilet during the night!

During the day I have been using the neighbors toilet.

The boys are lucky enough to use good old nature as their restroom...no bucket for them.

Baby Belly...

2009-02-04T17:17:00.004-09:00

So many of you have been asking for pictures of my belly...so here you go. While it seems HUGE to me, so many people here in Alaska say they can't even see it. Yeah Right! Either there is a baby bump there, or they really thought I had a big muffin-top belly every day of my life. So, if you can't see my baby belly...just pretend...because it is HUGE to me (although I know it will get bigger Chelsea...MUCH bigger!) We are getting there...slowly!

Today we are at 17 Weeks and 3 Days.

Baby Face...

2009-01-27T09:16:00.006-09:00

So, we were having a nice fun day at our good friends Joe & Heather's house a few weeks ago. Well, Joe, out of the blue asks me..."Do you ever worry that you will have an ugly baby?". It is a completely honest question...but...HECK NO! That thought had never even entered my mind. Now, ever since that day...I worry, and wonder, and think, and worry some more that I will have an ugly baby! (I know that this topic sounds so shallow of me...okay, so I am a little shallow!) Thanks Joe! I want a cute baby! I want an adorable baby! I don't want the baby from Seinfeld that nobody can stand to look at...you know the episode right? There is no term to describe this baby...so they simply say the baby is "breathtaking"...and NOT in a good way! I DON'T want that baby.

Well, today I found the answer to my problems. A website where you enter in a photo of yourself, and your partner and...out comes a photo of your little baby to be. I thought this would be a great idea. I wanted to have the fear of an ugly baby washed away...because heck...we all know our baby is going to be so darn adorable!

Well...I am sorry Marc, so sorry! It turns out...my fear was there for a very real reason...again I say...THANKS JOE!

So, cover your eyes, look away, whatever it is you must do...but below lies pictures of our new "breathtaking" baby. Before I display the pictures I wanted to mention that I did this photo test over and over again...trying to come up with a cute baby...and of my many, many attempts...they were all about the same...I am so sorry baby! Here are some of the outcomes.

Baby Boy #1...

Baby Girl #1

Baby Boy #2

Baby Girl #2

Baby Boy #3

Baby Girl #3 (Is this a girl or a boy???)

Well, there you go. I am not sure where the red hair came from. All I can hope is this online baby making machine is not accurate...please, please, oh please!

Please, let us know what you think about our "breathtaking" babies to be!!!

Baby Due Date Update...

2009-01-23T08:49:00.003-09:00

So a quick baby update for those of you keeping track. We had a doctors appointment yesterday, and baby is coming along just wonderfully. We were able to hear the heartbeat again, which is so fun. You could hear baby moving around in my belly...it is amazing that baby moves so much, yet I can't feel a thing.

One great thing that we found out yesterday is that baby is further along than anyone originally thought. Which means, baby has a brand new due date...JULY 12th, 2009!!!. That means as of today I am 15 weeks and 5 days along!!! I love being moved up...it feels like I am being moved to the front of the line! Way to go baby!

While this is AWESOME news for me, Marc is a little less than thrilled. Not because he loves being around his pregnant wife's cheery personality, and wants it to last longer :), but because baby was already cutting into fishing season, and now baby is REALLY cutting into to fishing!

Marc has a fly-out fishing trip to the Nushigak River at the end of June, beginning of July. I kept telling him he was pushing it...well now he is really pushing it. He has a plan though...a sat phone, a friend with an airplane, and me with a list of phone numbers to call in case I go into labor. Now, I just have to laugh at this, and for those of you who know Marc and his trips you are probably laughing too. Marc is the KING of getting weathered in during fly-out trips. He is constantly getting stuck somewhere because of weather, and not getting in until days (or even a week) later. However, somehow, in his mind, he thinks this "plan" of his is going to work.

I don't think he is taking into account that your last week of pregnancy is supposed to be the worst, most uncomfortable, scary week of the whole thing. So, I am trying to explain this to him...but it hasn't sunk in yet :).

Well, that's it for now. We love you and miss you all!!

Let's Talk About Baby...

2009-01-13T15:53:00.003-09:00

We had our first real ultrasound today...YEAH! It was so exciting. Marc was running late and almost missed our most appointment...I was literally freaking out...and the ultrasound technician refused to wait for him. Luckily...he made it just in time to see the important stuff...baby!

It was so fun to see little baby swimming around and kicking and hiding. Oh my gosh...I know I sound like I am just gushing away...but it was AWESOME!!! Baby was quite shy today, and kept trying to hide from us, so we didn't get any face pictures, but it was still fun. Baby was twisting and swimming so much...Marc is convinced we have the next Michael Phelps growing in my belly! Marc was so cute...it was just so exciting for both of us.

It looks like baby is measuring at 14 weeks instead of the 13 weeks we thought...but we'll discuss that with our midwife next week.

Here are some pics of baby!!!

Face Profile...

Baby facing down...3D Image of baby all snuggled up...

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2009-01-08T08:18:00.004-09:00

It's cold! Actually, cold wouldn't be the word I would use to explain the extreme freezing temperatures we are living through. Miserable, unbearable, horrible, would more describe my unhappiness with the weather. Yesterday it was -36...that's right...not a typo! You walk outside at it takes your breath away. We take the dogs for a walk and they end up limping home it is so cold. So, we all bunker in the house at night, because leaving the house for any other reason than work just isn't happening. So here we are, all snuggled up at home staying nice and toasty warm and...DUN DUN DUN!!!

As if the cold weather isn't enough, our furnace goes out. Why, of all times, does our furnace go out during the longest cold streak in years? Is it Karma? So, Marc fixes it, and it goes out again...and Marc fixes it...and it goes out again...fixed....broken...fixed...broken...over and over! So every morning for a week we wake to a FREEZING HOUSE! And every evening for a week we come home from work to a FREEZING HOUSE. Thank goodness we didn't get frozen pipes is all I can say.

Why don't we just call someone to fix the furnace...bright idea...but we aren't that bright. Do you know how much a heating company will charge to come after hours...which is the only time we are smart enough to think about calling a heating company? And, if I have a handy husband...well, why pay a heating company to come and fix something he can fix himself. Well, my husband couldn't fix it...not this time. So we lived through this...for a week! Every morning before we got out of bed, we had the same discussion. I would nudge Marc and say..."Honey, the furnace is out again". He would grunt. I would nudge him again and say..."No REALLY honey, it is out again...my nose is FREEZING". Then Marc would stir and say..."Oh no, it isn't out, I think we really fixed it this time" Finally I would do the manipulation tactic of..."Alright then, I'll go light the pilot myself...you just sleep in." That does it every time. He would jump up in the freezing cold house, and light the furnace. It would just be getting up to temperature by the time we would leave for work.

So, finally, our good friend Sherman came and bailed us out last night. He was my savior. He fixed the furnace...really fixed it this time. (I hope!). It hasn't gone out since yesterday evening before he came...which is a record. Thank you Sherman...YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Cross your fingers it stays fixed!

Thanksgiving in Seldovia, AK...

2008-12-01T10:58:00.022-09:00

We left at 5:00am on Thanksgiving morning and took a 4 hour drive and a 30 minute boat ride to spend Thanksgiving with our good friends Joe, Heather & Mia in Seldovia. We had a blast. Marc and Joe worked all day cooking and preparing dinner while Mia, Heather and Myself played Wii. It was so much fun. We played Tiger Woods Golf , Wii Fit, Boxing, Tennis...and by then end of the night we were as sore and tired as could be! It was a blast!

On Thanksgiving night Joe made us all get off the couch and take a walk in the snow. It was great fun. What a wonderful way to end Thanksgiving day. We walked, laughed and talked. What more could you ask for.

Heather & Joe

Marc & Mia

Chani & Marc

On Sunday...more Wii...more of us girls whooping Marc's butt at almost all of the games. We worked so hard at wiping his name clear off the record board...we did a pretty good job at it too. Then Sunday afternoon, we took another walk...this time on the beach looking for sand dollars.

Joe, Chani & Mia

Chani

Mia, Joe & Chani looking for Sand Dollars...we came up empty!

So, throughout this trip, Marc was constantly giving Mia a hard time. He kept wanting to race her...short distances...quick sprints. Well, Mia is a distance runner...a marathon runner. She actually just returned from running the New York Marathon (Go Mia!). Marc talked Mia into racing 2 times...and Marc won...both times. Well, as you can guess, Marc's ego was pretty high at that point. Mia talked Marc into running at her game...distance. They decided on 2.5 miles and bet a measly 10 dollars. (I honestly don't know what Marc was thinking...he hasn't run in like 2 whole years - but it was fun to egg him on). Needless to say...they raced...Mia TOTALLY won - no comparison...Marc made it to the end...and he could not walk right for the next 4 days. Poor guy. At least he finished the race. G0 Marc!

Here is Marc with a pretty good side stitch...notice the jeans and the rubber boots!

Here is Mia Cheering him along...after she had already been done for awhile.

So in the harbor of Seldovia is this old navy ship that has been there for years...never moved...never used. Marc, Joe, Mia and I decided to take a walk on the wild side and sneak a peak inside. It was old, stinky, and dark. But it was fun!

It turned out to be a wonderful well remembered Thanksgiving weekend...we hope yours was just as wonderful. Love you and miss you all!!

And Baby Makes Three...

2008-11-16T10:39:00.002-09:00

Well, the news is out. We are pregnant! I have heard from so many people that it is about time. We are going on our eighth year of marriage...a baby should come sooner or later right? Well, it is time. It was very unplanned, and unexpected, but we are nonetheless very excited.

We are 6 weeks along, and our due date is July 12th. A summer baby which is great! (Except for the interruption on Marc's fishing season.) We are very happy, and will keep you all posted along the way.

Crazy Halloween 2008...

2008-11-06T19:27:00.006-09:00

We always have too much fun on Halloween each year, and this year was no different. Rick had a rockin' party at his house, and everyone showed up decked out for Halloween. There were some doozies this year. Keep in mind this is an adults only party so...some costumes might not be appropriate for children...we had fun, drank, danced, and partied the night away. I was some sort of dead or hurt construction worker (keep in mind I was the only girl not dressed in skimpy-showy clothes...I like to set my own standards), and Marc was Ron Jeremy...the most famous porn star of the century.

There were so many pictures taken that night, I just couldn't choose a few. So here is an album to catch your eye...enjoy, because we sure did!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Ricky-Pooh's Birthday...

2008-11-06T18:55:00.007-09:00

Our good friend Rick's birthday was at the end of October. We had dinner downtown at Sullivan's, we drank too much, danced too much, and altogether had too much fun. This post is for Rick...mainly because he HATES blogger's! Happy Birthday Rick...we had a blast!

At the bar waiting for our table, drinking martini's...

Rick...Opening his Batman panties we bought him for his birthday...

Marc & I partying it up at F Street Bar...our local watering establishment...

Making our way to the next bar stop...

(Marc, Wingnut, Shannon, Ricky-Pooh & Jenn)

Rick & his girlfriend Shannon ending the night on the dance floor...

We sure had a blast!

Mouth Diarrhea...

2008-10-21T08:36:00.005-08:00

I have this problem...it's called Mouth Diarrhea. Now, I don't think this is an honest sickness, or disease...yet...but it should be. I really, truly, need help with this problem. When I get really excited, or worked up, or emotional about something...out comes the flood of unwanted dialogue. It comes gushing, and flooding and running out, just like...well, diarrhea. If there was only a pill I could take for this...maybe even some Kaopectate. Unfortunately, no medicinal fix will help ward of my dreaded mouth diarrhea.

Case in point:
Whenever Marc is out of town I am home alone...alone, alone, alone. Which is completely fine. But it makes me think...seriously think. And then my mind wanders, and wanders, and wanders. You can see where this is going right? So, while my mind is wandering...small issues, concerns, thoughts, and ideas that have no basis, or importance all of the sudden become monumental in my mind. The more I think about them, the bigger the issues, or ideas, or concerns become. (I should not be letting you inside my head...not a good idea...never let out all of your idiosyncrasies all at once right?) So, I have these big ideas, concerns, thoughts, issues...whatever they may be...(you don't get ALL the dirty details...I do have SOME privacy)...and I have to find a way to discuss them with my dear husband. With all this time on my hands while he is away I can reflect on how best to discuss with him, or break him the news about my newest thoughts.

So, my husband returns home last night from a week long goose hunting work trip in Cold Bay. Now, I'm a smart lady. I know when your husband comes home from a long trip, the last thing he wants to hear right off the bat is you blabbering on about thoughts or concerns that have no basis at this point in time. Especially at midnight, when he just walked in the door lugging totes, and coolers, and gun cases, and bird samples, and frozen geese. I say again...THIS IS NOT THE TIME. So, I need to give him time & space to relax, maybe give him something to eat. I know I should wait until...maybe tomorrow, or the next day. He doesn't need to be bothered with any of this right now.

And just then, without warning, it comes pushing its way out. NOT NOW...NOW IS NOT THE TIME! But I can't help it. When it is here, it is here...it is...MOUTH DIARRHEA. (So much for me being a smart girl huh?). So, within five minutes of my husband being home, I am squirting mouth diarrhea all over him. He doesn't deserve it, and has done nothing wrong. Two minutes ago, we were in bliss, and I was so happy to have him home. Now, he's covered...in mouth diarrhea. At this point, my emotions are flooding...like the diarrhea...I am yelling and crying, and screaming at him. (I am seriously not placing myself in a good light right now.) When I have mouth diarrhea, there is no holding back emotions...and you can kiss me discussing things as an adult goodbye. What a happy welcome home for my dear husband. Why, why, why did the mouth diarrhea have to come at that moment. I couldn't hold it in, I just couldn't...I had been thinking about things for a week, letting them build and build and build...why do I do that? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Needless to say, a very sleepless night followed. A night of me crying and discussing, and talking, and yelling, and fighting...not at all like an adult. Not at all like I planned. Not at all like a wife should. Welcome home honey!

So, if any of you have the cure-all to the dreaded mouth diarrhea...I am in serious need. Not only for me, but for my husbands sanity, and the sake of a happy marriage.

Hunting for Bear...

2008-10-10T14:12:00.003-08:00

The first week of October, our friends Scott and Mike came up from Idaho to visit and do some bear hunting with Marc. We always love to see them and look forward to each of their trips. This was Scott's 4th trip to visit, and this was Mikes' 2nd trip. We love how dedicated they both are to these yearly visits. (On a side note - those of you who have yet to visit us...take some pointers from Scott & Mike.)

So, every time Marc goes hunting or fishing I can't wait to see the pictures from his trips. I always send him with a camera begging for photos, but he is always coming home empty handed. This trip, he didn't bring a camera with him, and I was graced with hundreds of photos upon his return...(apparently sending him with the camera isn't the trick). The trick in getting pictures from Marc is to steal the photos from his friend’s camera before they leave. (I'm a genius...I know.)

Now, I don't know much about the trip other than all three of them got a black bear. Marc and Scott shot theirs the very first day...at the exact same time. Apparently Scott's bear took quite a tumble down the mountain. Mike shot his bear on the third day. The hiking was brutal, it snowed, it was cold, and it was successful. What more could you ask for.Here are some awesome pictures from their trip. Way to go boys...you make me proud!

It's Octobuuurrr...

2008-10-10T08:11:00.016-08:00

If you haven't heard me complaining about our short summer and horrible weather already...don't worry, you'll get your chance. Brace yourself...here it comes...and I speak only the truth about this. Our weather up north this year sure has been pitiful. Truthfully, you live in Alaska for the 3 real, true months of summer. The sunshine, the 70 degree temperature, the daylight, the outdoors, the activities, the weather...it is all bliss. Then we set in for another tough 9 months of not so wonderful, blissfully beautiful weather. We get rain, snow, cold, wind, dark, dark, and more dark. Those approximatley 3 great months of weather is not just what we live here for...it is what helps us live through the winter...to survive. However, our short few months of wonderful weather never came through for us this year. We had cold, and rain, and more cold, and more rain, and clouds, and more clouds...you name it...we had it. So my complaint is this. Last year was a cold hard winter, then we are hit with a bad weathered summer...starting another long winter with no break of sunshine is the pitts...it really is. Okay, so we had sunshine...we did...but not much. I believe it was one of the coldest summers on record for Alaska.

Here are some pictures of the beginning of fall...while beautiful...still cold.

And then the snow came this week...

I know that it will melt. I know it isn't here to stay. But I also know it won't warm up. It will snow again, and again, and again. It won't be summer again this year. That window has past. So I welcome you winter. Come on in!

Changing Themes...

2008-09-27T21:28:00.016-08:00

I realize that I change themes as often as I change...well...my underwear - which is almost daily...:) (I blame it on O.C.D.) I am so glad I have an understanding husband who puts up with my ever-changing moods along with my ever-changing obsessions. Last week I couldn't get enough of the upcoming election. This week I am so dang glad Grey's Anatomy is back on; I can't seem to talk about anything else. At least my husband and I understand it is one of my charming quirks, and we have come to terms with it.

So the election and my volunteer work. I got to volunteer...for about two weeks. I had the chance to do a variety of jobs. I called and did surveys both nationally and in statewide...(not quite my cup of tea). I also got to be the official sales lady...pushing McCain/Palin apparel and merchandise. I had the opportunity to run the front area at the office...greeting customers, answering the phone, along with sitting there and looking pretty. I however, never got my chance to work under the sexy men of the secret service...my overall goal. It was fun, it was rewarding, I learned alot, and now I am so done with that. I met alot of very nice people, all whom were volunteering their time and energy...I totally and completely commend them. While they were so nice...most of them were so...political. While I was, and still am very excited about Sarah Palin and the upcoming election, I just don't know enough about politics to be, shall we say, a right winged political weirdo. (I do mean that in the nicest possible way). In the end I was asked to join all of these local Republican Groups. Such as: Young Republicans of Alaska, and Republican Women's Group of Alaska. Again I say...I am not that political. One of the requirements for joining these groups is you should be a registered republican...which I am not...which I feel proved to be a problem. I'm sure I could...if I still chose...continue volunteering at the McCain/Palin headquarters. However, I got my fill of the political scene, and I am onto my next obsession...Grey's Anatomy. Yeah for Thursday Nights!!! I am sure you are all so glad you will no longer have to put up with me and my crazy political obsessions. I will be back to normal posting (as normal as it gets for us).

Getting Involved...

2008-09-18T09:32:00.032-08:00

Alright, well I am sure you all can't wait until I stop blogging about Sarah Palin the Republican VP candidate...one day soon...I promise! For now though, Marc and I are having fun and getting involved. On Saturday Marc and I attended the Sarah Palin Rally in downtown Anchorage. It was well worth the long lines and waiting.

We woke up at 6:00am to be downtown, find parking, and get in line by 7:00am. The line was around the block, and so we stood...waiting...waiting...in the rain...at 7:00...in the morning...on a Saturday...Geeze we are DEDICATED! The doors finally opened at about 7:45 and we went through security...searching bags, purses, coats, through metal detectors. The funniest part is Marc was wearing a camo coat he had worn duck hunting the week before. As we got closer to the entrance, he started checking his pockets to make sure he was clean...and what does he have???...shotgun shells...not really an item you want to greet the secret service with. Needless to say, he ditched those quickly! (Hahaha, he is hilarious).

Here is the limo parked in front of the building...

Okay, so we make it inside through security and more and more waiting is what is in store for us. Apparently, Sarah Palin doesn't take the stage until 9:45...again, I say, we are DEDICATED! The crowd was excited, we received free signs to hold up and waive (you have the love the free stuff...isn't that one of the best reasons for attending?). While we were at it we purchased yard signs for our house - Yeah Sarah Palin & John McCain -!

Here we are waiting for the rally to start...

Finally, we are graced with the entrance of Sarah Palin. Just being in the same room hearing her talk was inspirational! Honestly, I thought Marc would just stand there and be so unhappy I had made him come downtown early on a Saturday to a Rally...Ugh. However, Marc totally and completely surprised me! He was more into the Rally than I was...(and if any of you have seen us Larson Girls get excited at a concert, or actually, get excited about anything...we instantly become a force to be reckoned with.) I was more interested in Marc than the Rally itself. He cheered, he screamed, he chanted right along with the best of them...SARAH, SARAH, SARAH...DRILL NOW, DRILL NOW, DRILL NOW...USA, USA, USA...McCAIN - PALIN...McCAIN - PALIN...Okay, you get the drift. Well, Marc was right there chanting and cheering for our States Governor. I was so proud of him!

Marc showing his spirit for Alaska and the good old U. S. of A...

Sarah Palin and the speech...

And the rally ends...it was great to be a part of it!
Confetti marking the end of the rally...

This is the first time I have really been excited and interested politics. Honestly, I have never really cared before. My exact words during the George Bush Election..."I am voting for George Bush because he is better looking." What an IDIOT I was in my deciding factor. Could I have sounded any more blonde? The past few years my interest has grown and grown, and now, I am so completely and totally obsessed with the 2008 Presidential Election. Marc thinks I have gone nuts. Every time he comes home I am watching Fox News or CNN... (This coming from someone whose idea of news was the E Entertainment...Celebrity News...oh boy that is so blonde, ditzy, and stereotypical of me!)

It is so interesting what a personal connection will do to heighten your interest in any area. I want to get involved and be apart of it. I am now on the volunteer list at the McCain/Palin headquarters here in town, and I am so excited to get involved and get started. Volunteer options have already come along, however, my working full time has not fit the schedule of any available yet...but I am on the list, and the opportunities are still coming. I just have to wait for one that fits my work schedule. I can't wait!

I am even throwing a Vice Presidential Debate Party at my house on October 2nd. Friends are going to come over, drink, eat, discuss, and watch our Governor duke it out with Joe Biden...we are ready and waiting to watch her cream him!
YEAH SARAH!!

A Good Laugh...

2008-09-15T08:26:00.001-08:00

Republican VP Canidate...ALASKA STATE GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN!!!

2008-09-04T08:03:00.007-08:00

For those of you who have not yet met Republican Vice President Candidate Sarah Palin, you sure got a chance last night during her speech at the Republican Convention. She was AMAZING! Now you all know why the people of Alaska are so darn proud of our Governor. For those of you who missed it I had to make the video a part of my blog. I really wanted to show a clip of the best parts of her speech...but it could not be done...the entire speech is worth watching. I have already watched it like half a dozen times. Here it is below broken down into four separate videos.

Way to go Sarah!

Video #1

Video #2

Video #3

Video #4

Alaska's Governor VP Candidate...Go Sarah

2008-08-29T18:00:00.005-08:00

Yeah, the Governor of the Great State of Alaska was named as Vice President Candidate this morning. Go Sarah!!!

Ocean Time...

2008-08-21T19:46:00.006-08:00

So, do you know those trips where you have such a fun time, you can only describe it as "magical" as nerdy as that sounds? Well, our trip to Seward two weekends ago was just that...pure magic. We took our boat out for some weekend fun and fishing and it was perfect. We anchored up in coves during the night to sleep, we fished, we relaxed...it was bliss. I LOVE THE NEW BOAT. If I knew we would have this much fun with it, I would have let Marc talk me into upgrading to a bigger boat sooner. (The only down fall was the "honey bucket" we had to use for the "unmentionables" down below...ewww. Marcus, I will never look at you in the same light.)

For two nights it was Marc, Marcus and myself. There was no set schedule, we did as we pleased, we fished, sang along to the 80's CDs, napped, drank, fished more, napped more, drank more...it was wonderful. We didn't catch many fish those first days, but it sure was fun. Actually, we didn't rightly care that we hadn't caught too much. We were just having fun relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.

Then there came Saturday...and Kevin showed up! Kevin is one of our dear friends...and all he wanted to do was fish - fish - fish! He broke the relaxing streak, made us work, travel, spend gas, lose weights, bate, snag bottom, fish -fish - fish. Now, in the beginning of Kevin's visit, I was a little thrown off guard...I mean...I was there to RELAX...what about my NAP...it was 10:00am, and wasn't it time for a Margarita yet??? While I was thrown off guard to begin with, Kevin became the king of fishing. He got us on all the fish, and we went home with quite the load! Thanks Kev for your help! We would have gone home nearly empty handed if it wouldn't have been for you.

So the trip was blast...enjoy the pictures below. As you will see we did alot of fishing, napping, and drinking. It was the perfect trip ever! Until next time...

Dipnetting the Kenai River...

2008-08-20T21:28:00.011-08:00

I had my first experience Dipnetting on the Kenai River this year. For those of you who aren't aware, Dipnetting is fishing by netting them. It is subsistence fishing for residents of Alaska. Marc & I and our good friends Kevin & Angela and their kids had a fun camping/fishing/dinetting trip. It was a good time and we got SOOOO many fish. Actually 265 pounds of Red Salmon. Yummy. That is so much fish I can't even believe it. We are sending a good large shipment of the fish to our close friend Joyce in Missouri whom we miss dearly. (Joyce we love you and miss you so much. We think about you all the time and can't wait to see you again someday soon.) Anyway, I had to post some pictures of our fishing trip even though we didn't have a chance to take too many pictures.

Marc netting the salmon...

Chani having a blast in the rain and the cold...

THE GUT PILE...EWWW!

So, at the end of the trip, I was breaking down camp, and the tent and I had an argument...in the end the tent totally won. Check out my first shiner...this photo is actually not at my black eyes worst...it got much much darker, but I don't have photos of that...

Family Time Fun

2008-08-20T20:52:00.005-08:00

Marc and I had a wonderful trip to Utah. It was hot, it was fun, there was family, there were nieces and nephews...LOTS OF THEM...it was perfect! As you know, we went down to Northern Utah in July for some much needed family time. Marc hasn't gone home to Utah in years...it was wonderful for him to get to see everyone, and the nieces and nephews he has missed, and some he hadn't even met yet. (You know, I don't think we can officially call Utah "home" anymore since Alaska is TOTALLY our home now...but you know what I mean). I wish Marc had more time to spend with his parents, but as usual I stole him away the whole time. I'm going to work on this for the next trip...

I had so many photos I wanted to share, it would take forever to upload each of them. So below is a photo album of some of the pictures from our trip. We had swim time, family time, outdoors time, sledding time, demolition derby time, and just plain fun time. Enjoy the photos!

Time for Blogging...

2008-08-20T20:36:00.006-08:00

As always my blogging posts come WAY after the events that I am blogging about. So Marc is on the Nushigak River moose hunting...(wasn't he on the Nushigak River salmon fishing last time I posted? That shows you how much my husband is away and the only time I seem to have free time.) Anyway, so Marc is away, and this gives me some much needed time to blog on all that has been going on in our lives. I have so many fun pictures to share; I can't wait to post them for you all. Our friends always make fun of me since I started this blog, because when we are together all they here me say is..."Let's get a picture of this for my blog!" I am such a nerd I know, but I love the nerdinesss in me! So I guess let's get started on what's up with the Pratt's in Alaska!!!

Summertime Life...

2008-06-26T14:44:00.023-08:00

Okay, Okay...I know I have been extremely delayed in keeping up on our blog. So much has happened now that summer is here (even though it doesn't feel like summer yet). I love summer...even if the weather isn't perfect...there is so much to do, it feels like we never sleep.

Marc & I were lucky enough to have some friends from Utah come up for a few days in the beginning of June to do some Alaskan Fishing. Although the fishing turned out slow, it was nice to see Scott and Mike...and we dearly miss Matt and wish he could have made it.

Seldovia Bay June 4th

In the beginning of June I was given a wonderful opportunity to travel to Southeast Alaska and do training sessions for all of the RE/MAX offices around that area. It was a whirlwind trip that was fun, exhausting, and educational all at the same time. I flew to Ketchikan where we had the day to do the tourist thing and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. The next morning it was onto teaching, then a little boating, then of course the night life. The following day we flew to Sitka where we jumped right into the teaching, then of course boating, next being a total tourist, and ending off with exploring the night life again. The following day we flew to Juneau and it happened all over again. When I arrived home the next day needless to say I was exhausted. It was so much fun, a great learning experience, there wasn't much sleep to be had...and I would do it again in a heartbeat! My boss was wonderful to have the confidence in me to do all of the training...it was just great! Next on our agenda...Fairbanks and Homer here we come!

Hiking in Ketchikan in the Tonga's National Rain Forest

Boating in Ketchikan

So, you might have heard we sold our 21ft Trophy Bayliner last month and have been on a never-ending search for the new perfect boat. Finally...we struck gold. We would like to introduce you to the newest addition to our family...our 24ft Trophy Bayliner. We haven't had the chance to take her out on the water yet besides test-driving, but the maiden voyage is this 4th of July weekend. She is so pretty and my favorite part is all the amenities. Now, for those of you who choose to take the long journey and visit us in Alaska; fishing will be made much easier, cheaper and much more fun...YIPPEE! Our two great friends Marcus and Travis have joined in the boat partnership with us which made the cost all that much better. And for those of you who know us and our friends so well, you will agree that the name of the boat fits us just perfectly too: "Shaken' Knot Stirred" - doesn't that name just ensure you are not able to take the boat out without a bottle of gin and a shaker? Boating here I come!!! Maybe I can even talk them into taking it up to Big Lake or Nancy Lake this summer to do a little tubing and water skiing...we'll see.

The new boat celebration!

Meet the NEW Boat Owners...

Marc...Captain

Me...doing my job keeping the legacy of the "Shaken' Knot Stirred"

Travis...he works for Blackwater in Afghanistan -so fishing and boating will be his favorite pastime while in Anchorage every third month.

Marcus...obviously this is late in the night of the new boat celebration.

June has proven to be a busy month for both of us, and I believe that July will be just as busy. Marc has been out on the Nushagak River King Salmon Fishing since Sunday, June 22nd, and he returns to town on Tuesday, July 1st. I have been keeping my eye on the weather there...and it looks like it has been pretty poopie. Cloudy, rainy, windy, and just not fun...but maybe the not so great weather is keeping the ever dreaded mosquito's away. He is home for 2 days and then we head on down to Seldovia for the 4th of July weekend for some fun, fishing, and relaxing! Following that trip the next Wednesday we head down to Utah...that's right - I said WE!!! For those of you who haven't heard yet, we are finally getting Marc to take a trip home!!! How long has it been...4 years maybe...I'm not sure, as I have lost count. So...get ready for it...this trip means the ENTIRE Larson clan will be home together. This hasn't happened since Marc & I got married 7 years ago - Ohhh - wow that is a long time. It will be so nice to spend time together as a family, see our nieces and nephews whom we miss dearly, and spend some much needed time with both of our families. One of the things I am most excited for...besides family...is the SUN AND THE HEAT. I am in need of some fun in the sun and I can't wait. I will be highly disappointed if the temperature reaches below 90 degrees. I know I sound crazy, but I miss the scorching heat. Utah here we come!!!

Okay, so I think you are all caught up for now. Of course I will post with reports of Marc’s fishing trip, of our trip to Seldovia, and our trip to Utah...we will have so much to say.We miss you and love you all...until next time...

Where Does The Time Go...

2008-04-30T20:11:00.012-08:00

Do you ever try and figure out what you actually do to fill your 24 hours in every single day? We know we are busy, and we always feel like there is so much going on in our lives. However, when we are asked the question..."What have you been up to lately?"...our minds draw a blank. The same thing happens when we decide to sit-down and update our blog. At this time, all we see is a big black void...notta...zippo...absolutely nothing interesting comes to mind. But yet, we know I have spent the last month of our lives busy. What is worth mentioning though? That being said...here is our attempt to fill everyone in on the lives of Marc & Chani in Alaska.

Spring is coming...we can just feel it! We made a halfhearted attempt to rake our lawn this week, but the effort was all a waste. First, because there are mounds of snow still covering half of the lawn. Second, looking outside this morning we see a down pouring of white, which can only mean it is snowing...yet again! AHHHHH! How many inches of snow do you think we received today...TWENTY-TWO INCHES!!!! At the end of April...you have got to be kidding me! We are getting excited for the change in season though, as we know it is so close.

We have made the final decision to upgrade to a bigger house. Halleluiah! We are so excited to start the home searching process again. Before we get to far along though, we need to finish all of the little projects around our house to prepare it rent or sale...depending on which route we choose to go. This means remodeled bathroom, new paint, new carpet, update some appliances, and clean, clean clean. This is something we really enjoy doing...the projects. Usually Marc’s clients come first on handyman work, which always leaves our houses little projects incomplete. So, getting those finished is going to take time, but will be fun through the process.

Chani was able to take a last minute trip home to Northern Utah in late March, and it was so good to see everyone. A week with family sure did her some good. She was there over Easter, and had almost forgotten how much more fun holidays are with close family.

Here are some pictures of what happened since I last updated...

Marc & Chani on St. Patrick's Day

Autumn and Cambree dying Easter Eggs

Chelsea, Autumn and Chani being goofy while Easter Egg Hunting

Tyler after her bath in the "bubble tub"

Chani and Princess Cambree in her Princess Dress with her new Princess Hat

Jace, Cambree, Tyler and Chani!

Dad (Grandpa), Mom (Grandma), and Tyler

Autumn & John rubbing Baby Follicles!!

This is our FAVORITE commercial. No matter how many times we watch it, it never gets old. There is something so wonderful about it...and plus, it includes some of our favorite shows. We LOVE the Discovery Channel...WE LOVE THE WHOLE WORLD!!!

Well, that is all we have for now. Sorry it has taken so long for us to check in. We will update you again soon. We love you and miss you all!!

All Fun...

2008-02-24T08:08:00.012-09:00

Gettin' Our Groove On!!

We have had a fun, busy and exciting few past weeks. On February 10th we got all dressed up for Chani's companies annual awards banquet. It is always fun to have an excuse to dress fancy (and of course see Marc in a suit!!) We had a very fun night and danced the night away, stumbling home in the early morning hours. (Marc & Chani just having fun)

Baby Dennis!!
On February 12th, at 11:21 in the evening, after 17 hours of labor, our very dear friends Kevin and Angela gave birth to the most perfect baby boy in the entire world.
~Dennis Braydan McCoshum~
We are so proud to call him our Godson.
(Mommy & Baby Dennis) (Cute Little Baby Dennis)

Let's Rondy!!!
So the Fur Rondy is in town starting this week, and we are ready to get out and try it all. Today it is the first annual "Running of the Reindeer" on 4th Avenue downtown. While we are not going to be participating, we can't wait to be full on spectators. There are Ice Sculptures downtown that are lit up around an ice skating rink. Marc and I took some time on Friday night to take in the sights, and do a little romantic dancing in the middle of the ice rink to some Frank Sinatra.

(Marc playing around on the ice rink)

Adios!!

That's it for today. We'll catch you all up later! Until next time...We Love Ya!!!

Sunday Fun...

2008-02-04T18:47:00.001-09:00

Super Bowl Sunday comes around only once a year, so we might as well enjoy ourselves...right? Well, we had quite a fun time on Sunday, spending time with close friends. Good food, good drinks, and great memories. Here are some pictures from our fun, crazy day.
Here Marc & I are during Pre-Game...just sitting back, waiting for kick-off!
GO GIANTS!!!

Chani, Kelli & Rick just being goofy. (I loved Rick's pilot shades)

I'm a little speechless as to what is going on in the above picture. Words really can't say, but I thought it was a hilarious photo...just hanging out, playing around with good friends.
This is Marc, Kelli, Wingnut & Chris.

After the super bowl, we were having so much fun we didn't want the day to end. What is funner than bowling with friends? We had a blast as the pictures below show.

Marc and Kelli showing off their stuff!!

Kelli and Chani ending off the night. I was a horrible bowler, but we sure had fun.
We hope everyone's Super Bowl Sunday was as enjoyable and fun as ours.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2008-01-19T20:40:00.000-09:00

Well, here we are smack in the middle of winter and wishing for warmer climate. The daylight is sparse, but believe it or not we are gaining 4 minutes or so of sunlight a day! I thought what better project to occupy my time during a cold winter evening than starting a blog? (Chelsea, this is all your fault... :) What a great way to try and connect our lives with everyone we love.

Actually, having time to start projects like this blog is a dream come true. I am still working at RE/MAX and loving every bit of it. I graduated from University of Phoenix with my bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the end of October...Go Me!! I am so happy to have some actual free time now. I was worried that graduation would be a little anti-climatic because I opted not to travel to Phoenix and walk with my class. However, Marc came through in a real big way. He had a surprise birthday/graduation get together at one of my favorite restaurants downtown. We had such a great time, and the best part...my brand new Chanel purse Marc gave to me for a graduation gift. I have always wanted one, and never in a million years dreamed of actually owning one. I guess all of that hard school work really paid off. I have to be honest; I was a little scared wondering what I would do with my evenings since they wouldn't be filled with the never ending term papers. I fell right into the routine though. I was mostly looking forward to Marc and I spending some actual quality time together, which still proves to be tough some weeks.

Marc is managing 5 projects for the USDA, all of which keep him really busy. When he is not working his day job, he has a thriving handyman business doing projects around town on the evenings and weekends. He is continually handed more jobs than he can handle. The winter is a good time for us to spend time together though, because Marc doesn't have too many fishing or hunting trips...Hey, we all have our priorities.

This time of year there are always activities around town to occupy our not already filled time. Marc and I share of love of the Alaska Ace's Hockey games which we try to attend as frequently as possible. We love throwing Wii parties...Tiger Woods PGA Tour '08 is our fav! We are becoming quite the professional golfers...even though I have actually never really golfed in real life...I think I might have to start though. Coming up is the "Fur Rondy" which is an annual mid-February Festival that has all sorts of events including a 5K run that we have both enjoyed in the past years, there is a winter carnival, Outhouse Racing, ice bowling, and a ton more to look forward to. After the Fur Rondy comes the Iditarod in mid-March, which is always a fun celebration.

I obviously need to work on taking more pictures and this blog will keep me motivated to actually do so!!! Next post I promise to have actual up to date pics.

We love you all!!!