12 days

ooooooooooook, the last two weeks since my last post have been really exciting! First, I have twelve days until we leave for Portland. My family had a going away dinner for me and it was so good to see the outpouring of love. However hard it may be to leave I am blessed to take my family's love with me.

Second, Chris sent me to Alaska for a week and boy oh boy was it BEAUTIFUL! 

On the way to Alaska, I had a layover in Seattle. This is a picture I took from the airplane as we flew over Seattle. 

Seattle is about three hours from Portland so Chris came up to see me at the airport. Needless to say an hour was NOT enough but it was so good to spend time with him. 

While in Seattle he got to visit with his Mom and Rockey. They went to this lovely beach.

I can't remember what it is called. I'll have to ask him. lol

Here are a few of my favorites from my trip to Alaska.

This is a neat picture of some water drops we found while hiking on the tundra. Judy (Kelci's mom) is so knowledgeable. She knew all kinds of stuff about Alaska... the tundra.... cooking.... pretty much everything. lol It was a blessing to spend time with Judy and Dennis. 

The really crazy thing is this is on the side of the road on the way to Turnagain pass. We were driving down the road and I made Kelci pull over. It is truly the handiwork of God!

This picture was also on the side of the highway. Its called Hope Junction. It was such a lovely little break on the way to Seward, Alaska. 

And while I was there I got to see Kelci! What a blessing! It was so nice to get to visit with Kelci before the BIG MOVE! I think if I wasn't moving in 12 days I could have stayed longer. It was absolutely gorgeous.  

I have so much to do in so little time. All of my stuff is packed and gone so I am focusing my energy on spending time with loved ones before I leave. I will keep taking pictures and update as I go. Please be praying for me, my family, and the trip! It is right around the corner.

With love,

Sarah

26 more days

As of this very moment it is only 26 more days until I leave for Portland! Until recently I have been getting pretty weary about how much time was left and to some degree I still am, however, when I realized that I only have 26 more days to spend with the family I am immediately overcome with many emotions. I am absolutely desperate to see my husband but I know I will miss my dear family more than I can imagine. 

Christopher is doing so well. Work has been busy and he is loving being so active. Chris has also been trying to make smarter choices. This is the route he recently biked with his men's church small group. I am so proud of him!

I want to update everyone on my weight loss too! As of this morning I have lost 11 pounds!! I have really been working on making better choices, smaller portions, and being more active. Now I am eleven steps into my journey! Tomorrow I am starting the couch to 5K app with my Dad and aunt. I am really glad to have companions on my journey and I LOVE when its my family!!

This is an example of a beautiful meal Stephanie mad for us. This is halibut over brown rice with squash. Yummo!

In preparation for Oregon I have also started to work with my uncooperative curly/wavy hair. With the amount of moisture in Portland, I have a feeling that flat-ironing my hair will be a waste of time So here is what I have been working on. We will see how it goes when I do this in Oregon. lol

This last week a friend of mine left town and I housesat for her. Part of house sitting included watering a rather large lawn. In my daily waterings I encountered some very cute little friends. 

I'm not sure if its clear but this teeny tiny bird in the middle of the picture had fallen out of its nest. After three days of fighting the heat it finally flew away!

This teeny little tree frog hopped out of one of the flowerbeds. lol

and this teeny little lizard followed me around a flowerbed. It was super cute and a little scary. lol

I have some REALLY exciting news!! Chris has surprised me with a trip to Alaska. I leave on Tuesday  and will get back the following Wednesday! I am flying  into Anchorage and will be staying with my best friend Kelci and her family. Chris is unable to go with me, which is super sad but...... I have a layover in Seattle and Chris is coming to see me! This is my favorite part so far! lol I can't wait to post pictures from my trip when I get back.

Finally, I tried a strawberry peach sangria tonight at dinner. It was so yummy and I will be a searching for a recipe as soon as I get back from ALASKA! 

With Love,

Sarah