as per your request

Here are the Christmas pictures. I have hesitated posting them because I am a little embarrassed by our Christmas gluttony. I guess we were making up for the hotel Christmas we had last year. Not that it wasn't lovely and full of spoils, it was just so weird.

I was having "gifters remorse" as I was laying out the packages that had been stock piling in the garage pantry since September. I actually had been keeping track of what I bought, but it looked so innocent on paper. In 3-D form, sprawled out on my living room floor, however was another story.

All I kept thinking about was did we really remember the true meaning of Christmas?

As I justified every purchase, I remembered that we had shopped our pantry for 2 food drives, searched for the perfect cosmetics to be delivered to a deserving 17 year old who's name I drew off a tree at Wal-mart, dragged the kids to Nativity displays and a Messiah sing along and a lot of the presents were actually paid for by money sent from the various grandparents, and others sent from uncles, aunts and cousins.

After fretting over the materialism of both myself and my kids for the better part of a week, I read this post last night, shortly before dinner. It lead me to ask the question of my own kids, "What if we didn't have money this year and there was nothing under the tree?"

Carter, who is growing up so fast every day that I feel like I am on the express train to graduation and a goodbye at the doors to the MTC, said, "It'd be OK, Mom. We have a lot of nice stuff all ready."

And Ethan, my sensitive soul who is losing that mischievous little boy quality for a more sedated, calmer version of himself, said, "Yeah, its good as long as we have a house to live in."

Olivia assured me that Santa would come bring us presents anyway









Here we are having Christmas Eve dinner with the Teeples. These guys are a great family and we love doing stuff with them. Christmas afternoon they hosted us, and our other friends, the DeKays and Kellers. We are so blessed to have such great friends! Thanks guys!








Ethan got his MP3 player. He loves to listen to the Twilight soundtracks, Amazing Grace with bagpipes and the Mormon Tabernacle choir, and Lady Gaga's Just Dance. Quite an eclectic mix, if I do say so myself.

Olivia fell in love with the American Girl doll catalog earlier this year. And she kept wanting "the girl with the llama." That was the 2009 doll of the year, Chrissa. Good thing Santa came through...just look at that face!


Ethan is discovering the TV behind the tree that Santa left.

Don't tell my other kids, but I think Ethan is my cutest on Christmas morning. His face is so expressive.
Me and my new hat. I am into hats this year.

So is Ethan. Again, look at that face!

Carter and the XBox game that he wanted. To go with the XBox Santa got a good deal on. Turns out there are 2 XBox 360's and we got the one that needed a separate external hard drive to play the original XBox games. And with no stores open Christmas day, it was worse than not having batteries for Tickle Me Elmo.

Santa surprised JaDee by fitting all of his presents into one box. He got some new backpacking gear to make his pack lighter and his sleeping on the ground more comfortable. everything in the box weighed less than 5 pounds. And that was a new mess kit, sleep and and a down jacket.


JaDee got me Nie Nie's All is Well necklace. I had completely forgotten that I showed it to him months ago. It was the perfect token for our first year in Alaska. For some people music is what moves them. I too, love music, but it has always been the power of words that give me solace. I have loved the peace that reading these words around my neck throughout the day, has given me.

For all IS well.

730 to go...or exactly one year ago today...

It has been exactly one year. One year since we touched down in a land frozen and dark, not knowing a soul. One year ago with 10 suitcases, 2 cats (one of them howling) and a dog (he was peeing in the men's room of the airport) where I almost lost it. [Click here here or here for details of that journey.]

So how is life in Alaska? Are you going to stay?

Those are the 2 questions I am asked the most. By new friends here, by my mother every other phone call, by relatives to my mother/father/sister/in-laws and out-laws.

A year ago I was counting down the days (1095) for our 3 years to be up in this forsaken, brutal land. I was desperately homesick, lonely and in the chaos of re-establishing ourselves and our possessions it was all I could do to hang on to that one ray of hope: I could go home.

Then I got to go home in April by myself. On the return of that trip when I touched down in a slightly warmer, brighter land, I had the soft whispering in my heart as the landing gear pounded the tarmac, that I was home. My dearest ones were here and I belong with them.

I can do this, I thought. I can love it here.

And love it we have. That is the answer to how we are.

As for the answer to are we staying here...

The jury is still out.

We are enjoying the now.

One year ago today part I

Just for fun, as I to not puke every time I remember what I was doing this time last year (as the one year anniversary of living in Alaska approaches next month) I decided to re post a few of them. Here is November 17 and because it made me laugh, a link to November 16, What you have to do when you are moving to Alaska during the Holidays. U

Unfortunately, many things on that list have stayed the same. Moving has nothing to do with it.


Here you are...one year ago today...

Monday, November 17, 2008

I am so glad I'm not them ...Thankful #17

Or you could read I am so glad I am me.

So my neighbor has a daughter who sells the cutest shoes, boutique style, for little girls. For those of you familiar with Olivia's squeaky shoes this is where I get them. Anyway, I got a call saying Heidi would be at her mom's house selling her cute shoes today. Of course I go because Olivia loves shoes as much as I do (I have to tell you about the sweet North Face boots my sister picked up for me at like $80 off).

So I get there and I am a mess. I had been painting the newly finished laundry and family rooms all day and I was speckled from head to toe and smeared on my legs and shoes. No makeup and not even the No-Shower do of curly hair (yes 3 pregnancies have given me curly hair). I was frightening I'll admit it. There was a new feature to the shoe boutique and this was trendy handbags, Juicy sweatsuits and some way expensive jeans. This was not Heidi's gig. Her cute baby shoes were in the back and these tag-a-longs were set up for all to walk through. Even paint spattered me. I even had my safety glasses on my head still.

I don't even know how to start telling what happened next. It was like a Twilight Zone. I stepped up the stairs and said "Hi, I promise I am all dry I have been painting all day (duh) and had to hurry over for Heidi's shoes." Nothing. Silence. Just a few looks up and down at my obviously not worth their time appearance.

See these girls were ummm... lets say plastic. What was that movie that took place in a high school where the girls who were surgically enhanced were referred to as The Plastics? (Leave a comment if you know). Well these were those same girls only 20years later and stuffed with a few more recycled milk jugs (or tubs of chicken fat). Totally huge stacked boobies (silicone). Gigantic pouty perfect lips (collagen). Hair extensions, acrylic nails, false lashes, lifted booties and tucked in tummies, tattooed eyeliner so thick Tammy Fay Baker (rest in peace) would be rushing to the bathroom to apply more just to fit in. All this was clad in Juicy Couture (not the knock offs they were selling) velour lounge wear and Coach bags (again not the knock offs they were selling) poised perfectly on their arms with the faint sounds of custom ring tones from a blackberry acting as background music.

I thankfully found Heidi in this landfill and we chatted about Alaska, her vacation there, my move, her wanting to hear how it all turned out etc. Found darling shoes, squeakers and all, for Livs and went to check out The Plastics merchandise.

Now I am a shopper and not a fraid of a knock off ( I do own a "burberry" bag from the swanky Times Squares Hawkers. So covert that it even came out of a black plastic garbage bag in someone's trunk). I have even been known to have acrylic nails, hair extensions, and a very good Victoria's Secret bra that I have dubbed Cheaper than a Boob Job (Body by Victoria). But as I perused The Plastics' wares I got not a one "how may I help you?" or "what size do you wear?" or "look what we got just for this boutique." Nothing. I was invisible.

I guess because the only silicone I had on me was smeared across the leg of my jeans from caulking the bathroom 2 years ago...that stuff just does not wash off...I was not worthy of the knock offs, the flashy bags, the chunky beaded watch bands.

So me and my Fossil watch, 6 year old paint splattered Ralph Lauren jeans (authentic not even outlet) and Simple loafers, delegated to household chores, walked off.

So why did I name drop the brands I was sporting? Because if they had looked past the grime they would have seen some of the very labels they and the world hold in esteem. I like them because of function. Waterproof watch, sturdy shoes and jeans that didn't make my butt look big after Ethan was born. but now they are worn out, stained, and not worth a whole lot.

And what did I think on the way home? I am so glad I am me. I practically skipped I was so happy. So glad that I did not care or feel insecure, or even worse try to fit in. I am so glad that I know myself and feel comfortable in my own skin no matter what. And even if I was my normally put together self I still would not have received the time of day from The Plastics because I know I carry myself as someone who knows her values and what she is really worth.

picture full

Olivia with her dress I got for free at our Stake's clothing exchange and her Build a Bear, Zoe, the Zebra in her pink evening dress on the way to pre-school show and tell. Usually she tries to take her toilet paper "Flying Things." But to let her teachers know I buy my daughter real toys, and do not force her to play with trash, (like the grungy ribbon she brought the week before) I talked her into bringing Zoe.

I am getting better at Olivia's hair. I have been inspired by some little hair do blogs I keep stumbling across. One day we actually got it pretty cute and she wore a dress to pre-school so I snapped some pictures of my little girl growing up.

And our grand friends J and J with their 3 kids moved last week!! The witness protection program had to relocate them (j/k, but they do ask to remain anonymous on here) and we are SOOOO SAD!!! J was my shopping buddy, decorating buddy, and BFF in Alaska. I tell ya, if it wasn't for her, I totally would be living with my mother in law waiting for JaDee to get done with Alaska. And her kids were my boys BFFs as well. The games these guys came up with! Oh we are going to miss them.

Monopoly Marathons were a favorite all last winter with J's kids. We had one last hurrah hours before their plane took off. They have an interesting set of house rules that include auctioning off unclaimed property. Ethan seriously knows the whole board by heart. Next time you see him ask him the rent of Indiana with 1 house and I guarantee you, he knows what it is.

And the last time I put these decorations away was when we were getting ready to move.



I can't believe it was this time LAST YEAR that we were getting ready to turn our lives upside down. But all in all we are doing great here. We just miss you all so very much.


And my new favorite thing ever is this:


A Scentsy mini lite. When it comes to fall I love the smells. While damp leaves may smell good outside I want cinnamon, and cider and cloves inside. This totally does the job and my house won't burn down! For all of you in Perry Alyssa Braegger (Linda Bergeson's daughter) sells it. Highly recommended!

I hope you are not someone I visit teach because if you are seeing this now then you won't be surprised when I give you this for October's visit. I actually made these at Kaye's house this weekend.

And here is Olivia with a Flying Thing tied to an emery board. I think the Flying Thing in this picture is actually being a parrot with the "real" parrot she has in the other hand.

Alaska

Well folks, I have some good news for the little (OK GIGANTIC) state of Alaska! It is getting 5 new residents, 1 dog and 2 cats. Yes the Moncurs are moving to Alaska.

Here's how it all went down.

The Mighty Hunter works for the Army Corps of Engineers. And like many companies it is best to move for promotions and raises. However I love where I live and places like Indiana (sorry residents of our Midwest) did nothing for me to get excited about. So I told The Mighty Hunter that unless it was overseas or maybe Alaska (note to self: be careful what you say!) I was not uprooting my children for more experiences in ho hum America. We have great friends and family close by and don't tell anyone I ever admitted this, but, I actually started to like living in Utah (gasp)!

About a month ago JaDee called me up and said, "Hey, there is a job position in Alaska. Should I put in for it?" Now remember we only go for the adventurous jobs. There were countless jobs in Japan, Italy, Germany and even Alaska that he had put in for and nothing came out of it. I wasn't to worried and had come to terms with my phobia iof living in Utah. In fact, I was very content with my "meant to be in Utah" lot in life. So I said "Sure, honey. You do that." thinking that all the while I was safe.

Fast forward 10 days and The Mighty Hunter calls again to tell me he had an interesting phone call from HR in Alaska. He had made the "shortlist" for the job he applied for. "Oh!" I am surprised but still not worried.

Four days later the Stake presidency calls to release JaDee from the Bishopric.

2 days after that Emotional Day (See October 1 Post) he gets a call from AK again saying they want to fly him up for an interview. Immediatly.

Whoa. I am strting to get nervous now.

Now I am not as stupid as I sounded earlier in this post by believing i was guarenteed to be safe. JaDee is very good at what he does and he is a very likeable person too. He has had a standing job offer in Alabama (do I have to spell out why I won't move there). I know he always has a very good chance of getting any of the jobs he applies for. But I also know AK is very expensive and there is no way we can afford to move up there.

So I send The Mighty Hunter on a free trip to Alaska with a huge list topics to research. These included a realtor to tour the area. 3 towns to check out besides Anchorage as possible areas to live. Visit an elementary school. get reports on high schools. A complete list of a months worth of groceries to price at both Costco and local stores. Time your potential commute. find churches and flight information. How dark does it really get. Etc...

The interview goes great. he completes all his research including some of his own. For example, a complete resident hunting license for everything from salmon to duck to caribou and elk only costs $48 a year. there is also a river on the Air Force base with prime salmon fishing that you can catch (WITH A NET!) on your lunch break. You can shoot 50 ptarmigan a day and 20 chukkars (these are birds apparently that Mighty Hunter and Faithful Pooch can hunt together). He is stoked, to use a phrase from his bachelor days that he is thinking of re-living in the great white North.

Ahh but bachelor now comes with 3 kids and a wife already taking her daily dose of Lexapro. Months of cold and darkness are not that appealing especially when she sees the 1970s houses sporting red shag carpet and brown colored toilets are the only options in our speculated price range. Or we could by a lovely home on a rural dirt (read mud in spring) road next to the Uni-bomber in his converted school bus. Kid you not JaDee saw him.

I become the bad guy as I paint a rosy picture of me rocking myself in a corner with covers over my head as the children and dog run amok in the house. Soon I start babbling incoherently and begin to gain excessive amounts of weight as I eat my way into happiness on the Island of Chocolate Chip Cookies. Not a pretty picture I tell him. It will not work unless I get a promotion too.

In my position as CEO of Moncur Household United, I look after everyone's welfare. That includes my own. If the CEO goes AWOL (love all those acronyms) then our attempt at adventure becomes fodder for counselling sessions down the road. Bottom Line: I need to be able to double my mortgage and double my food budget to maintain my family's current standard of living.

The Mighty Hunter gets silent. He averts his eyes and sets his jaw. I have shattered a dream. I feel bad. Maybe we could learn to love shag carpet, a dirt (mud)road and I bet the Uni-bomber has great recipes for squirrel.

But no. I stand firm and stick to my conditions.

The message gets relayed to the job offerers in AK. I told JaDee to lay it all on me. Tell him I am a snot from upstate NY (I didn't tell him to lie for heavens sake) and refuse to live in a hovel in Alaska. The powers that be agree...with me.

To the shock and delight of The Mighty Hunter the offer comes through at the EXACT number I had come up with for our living enjoyment. They will also move us, buy our house if it doesn't sell, and give us return rights in case we hate it. I have every safety net in place that makes an adventure do-able for me, the not exactly adventurous type.

And so on or around December 15 we will be headed to the Great White North. I may even blog about it!