Alaska in February and Fur Rendevous 2008

As I watch the blazing orange sunset behind the trees I am reminded of God's power. Truly He has made all things beautiful. We have spent our weekend in the outdoors more since the weather has warmed. The Chinook winds have warmed the temperature and we are down to very little snow but much ice. The back roads are plenty slick as well as our driveway.

Thunderbird Falls was gorgeous and as you can see the water was gushing through the thick ice. So beautiful. The hike up was sort of slick but I just held onto Bernie's arm to take him down with me(he actually had better tread on his boots than mine.)

The picture of the tree whittled down was chewed on by a beaver down by Otter Lake. Saturday was gorgeous outside and we went for a drive to see what animals were waiting to get their picture taken. Bullwinkle and Buzzwinkle did not disappoint us. One was out eating trees and the other was sort of resting in the brush.

Sunday we went down to Fourth Avenue to watch the first ever "Run of the Reindeer". There were sooooo many people spectating that it was difficult to see at first. The runners (hundreds of them) were dressed up in costume to run the three blocks with the reindeer. The reindeer actually ran along beside them. Some of our friends from church were in the running and we had fun watching them.

Happy Birthday Bernie!

WELCOME HOME SSGT KALE

After leaving in late August Bernie is finally home. He was in Qatar loading the planes. Unfortunately, my camera malfunctioned and none of the pictures came out from the welcome home gathering at the airport. There were about 14 people from Kulis who were returning home from Qatar and greeted by their family and friends.

Happy Birthday Bernie

Is he good-looking or lookin good? You decide. It seems like the older you get people say that you are lookin good. Must be after that 50 yr. age mark. Happy Birthday Bernie and many more. We had a schnitzel dinner and ice-cream cake for him with our moms present, friends Gary and Lynda Elmore, and also a wonderful present of younger Bernie home from Qatar just the day before.

We're all excited and anticipating the wedding which is coming soon. The last picture is of Bernie opening up his Christmas gifts.

Here are some pictures from the Christmas Holiday in which we spent 10 wonderful days together with children and grandchildren. There were 13 of us and we enjoyed every moment of it. It was so important to be flexible and cheerful which everyone successfully accomplished. Meals and transportation were always being worked out.

The guys did different events from the ladies and everyone had a great time. From the men shooting skeet and snowmachining and the ladies going to the spa and visiting friends and relatives and playing with the kids. We said goodbye on New Year's Eve and both families got home safely. Thank you Lord for your provision and your hand of protection in our lives daily.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I really liked the January 1, 2008 devotion for the day from Daily Bread. In a nutshell it said this, that in 1722 ,Jonathan Edwards drew up a list of 70 resolutions dedicating himself to live in harmony with God and with others. Five of the resolutions were *To do whatever is most to God's glory.

*To do my duty, for the good of makind in general.

*Never to do anything which I should be afraid to do even if it were the last hour of my life.

*To study the Scriptures steadily, constantly, and frequently.

*To ask myself at the end of every day, week, month, and year if I could possibly have done better.

*Until I die, not to act as if I were my own, but entirely and altogether God's.

In six months, we will all be together again for Bernie and Angie's wedding on June 14th. We will have our entire family photo taken then. We are so looking forward to it. Oh by the way...Gretchen and Phil are expecting their second baby on August 22, 2008. They surprised us with the news one week before Christmas!

Happy 80th Birthday Mom aka Grandma or Oma

What a grand lady God has given us. Mom turned 80 years young on December 4, 2007. We had quite a celebration which actually started in July/August. With an unforgettable trip to Greece and then Vienna. We had quite a celebration in Vienna where Uncle Peter gave a wonderful speech auf Deutsch honoring this exceptional lady.

Here in Eagle River, we had started with a coffee/tea gathering with a wonderful German friend followed by a large gathering of family for Greek food and then dessert. Happy Birthday Mom! We love you.

Happy 28th Birthday Gretchen

Happy 28th Birthday to Gretchen Kimberly who was born at 4:11 pm weighing in at 8 lbs 9 1/2 ounces and 20.5 inches long on November 26, 1979 in Palmer, Alaska. Call or e-mail her and wish her a Happy Birthday. Gretchen is a blessing to us sent from God above!!

We had a batter-fried halibut dinner for her after church and then some family came over for ice-cream cake and visiting.

The first picture is of Gretchen and Phil on Baby Dedication Day at church. Finn was looking mighty cute up on the platform with his parents. I believe he was the cutest baby up there.

Thanksgiving 2007

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Psalms 103:1-3

Thanksgiving was full of wonderful food, family, (including three new babies!) and coversation.
Thanks to Ramona and Gary who hosted this large gathering and always do. We sure did enjoy ourselves. I want to give a "shout out" to Rosalee who was the photographer for the time we were there using my camera. She did a great job. Also a "Happy Birthday" to Kale who turned 8 years old on Thanksgiving Day. Now they have another brother Aiden who was born at 9 lbs 9 oz and is beautiful who completes their family.

Tiny Basketball Coach and the" Fall Fun Fling"

Here are a few photos from Angie's first game. The team didn't actually show so they scrimmaged against the boys who won. It was a good way to get the jitters out of their system for the first game though. Tuesday they play again so we'll keep you posted. We think it's kind of funny how the coach is shorter than some of the players.

Friday night was the night for the Fall Fun Fling at church. You can see Fred and Wilma and the cutest little Bamm Bamm ever. He was so full of energy. The guy sporting his Austrian hat and authentic leather vest is none other than Bernie Kale. He even yodeled for a few friends. We worked the hula hoop booth and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. There was a great turnout and always so much fun to see the children and their parents enjoying themselves. Carsten did have fun (these pictures don't show it) but thought he would like to have been Buzz Lightyear, Batman, or perhaps Spiderman. I think he wanted to change costumes all night. Maybe he thought he could exchange with someone and be a Super Hero. He is a hero Bob the Builder.

Autumn in Idaho

It's so beautiful here in Idaho with sunny, mild weather. We have been on the go since I arrived. The zoo was first, then Natalie came in on Tuesday with Greta. We then went to the apple orchard and picked an easy 50 plus pounds of Red Delicious apples. Matt Thompson came over for schnitzel dinner Wednesday evening and kept us laughing the whole time.

Construction has been ongoing since the beginning and so speedy I can hardly believe it. The framers said this was their first job this month since construction has slowed way down. The roof is now on and the posts will be set today from the landscapers for the patio in the backyard.

Emme has been quite enamored with Greta and loves to hold her. Levi is taking steps right and left and almost there walking by himself. Today we are going to the mall and prepare for the party on Saturday. Time is flying by and I'm loving every moment of this vacation.

"Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give thee the desires of thy heart".