Courageous Joy

That Ear Thing

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:54:00 +0000

Saturday afternoon I had a bout of vertigo that landed me on my bum. Monday, I had a little dizzy spell. Tuesday I was driving down the road and felt a "tickle" in my ear. I reached up and rubbed my ear and my fingers were wet with blood when I pulled them away.

No pain, no congestion, no head injury, no qtips in my ear or other foreign material, no hard nose blowing - just blood. Melia and I got home and Michael checked it out.

He couldn't tell what was going on. I had no pain. I was going to let it ride. However, family felt blood for no reason to be very odd. My doctor agreed and I was in their office bright and early Wednesday.

I affirmed all the above in answer to their questions. They said my ear drum is intact but there was still lots of fresh blood and so I needed to be seen by ENT. They said to prepare for a CT scan as I presented with some of the symptoms of ear cancer.

Ear cancer?

Have you ever heard of such a thing?

I spent the afternoon being highly offended I do mammograms and Cologuard religiously to prevent the big C and my EAR could have cancer??????

Today I saw the specialist. The only new symptom is I hear crackling nonstop in my left ear. She looked and said it is no longer fresh blood, that a blood clot is forming, I'm not to touch my ear or hit my head or jump on the trampoline, the crackling will remain as long as the clot remains. She said this could take 6 - 8 weeks. She did not mention ear cancer and said she saw no reason for a CT Scan. This was a relief.

She wants to see me again in July.

Getting older is ODD. One wakes up and their shoulder hurts, or they can't stand because of back pain, or their ear is bleeding. I don't know....nothing happened.

Spring is Officially Here

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Wed, 06 May 2026 04:43:00 +0000

~~Summer is here~~...OK Spring is officially here. The garden won't be planted until June 1st...but the temps are in the 50's (52*), the snow is all melted (green grass to come), Reuben Haus is opening this weekend (IYKYK), it was light at 10:30 last night and at 6:30 this morning, there's no snow in the forecast. It's spring.

We celebrated by buying Melia a new bike and ordering a bunch of photos for a photo collage she wants to create in her room. I found baby Melia photos online, grabbed photos we've taken since she's been here, and we are getting close to enough photos. I tried to convince her she should ride home (from Wasilla).

I had an unfortunate health thing on the way home and that cancelled our aquacise plans...but we switched gears quickly when Melia asked for s'mores. The first campfire of the season.

We got out the trampoline and started to unload the summer things from the trailer.

The chickens found the way out of the fence...and are enjoying the garden rather than the yard.

I held the ladder and Melia climbed it to attach the netting around the trampoline.

I jumped first until it was pointed out to me that a person with an ear situation probably shouldn't jump.

Show off!

Finally, the s'more of which she dreamed.

Michael wins for roasting the "perfect" marshmallow - but the season is early.

It finally feels like summer is really coming. It hasn't snowed since April 21st. The snow has receeded to reveal piles of moose poop. It's spring. It's 9:44 and as bright as it was at noon. Melia is working on a paint by number kit and Michael is reading. Stacia should be home from classes shortly. She sent this pre-finals vibes shot. If finals are in the discussion the summer is really truly on its way here....

Random April TIdbits 2026

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Fri, 01 May 2026 05:33:00 +0000

I am working hard to capture April's memories. I still have some specific posts to work on but here is the big wrap up I try to do each month. Glimpses of Gherkins near and far - 3 countries, 2 states and numerous households in this post. Enjoy.

Imagine our surprise when Luke sent photos from the PHILIPPINES! He had a friend visit, and they decided to jaunt over for a week.

Luke in tricycle built on motorcycle

Bre and Kids

There is certainly no danger of any of us thinking WE are living in the tropics. LOL Break-up, spring for the rest of the world, means lots of melting ice and snow. It's the busiest season of the year for Carrie. It tends to pool at the bottom of her driveway and overflow....Her Dad has promised a forever fix when he gets up here this summer. This time of year, I begin to entertain the snowbird lifestyle....just a bit. I think I'd miss the rhythm of the seasons.

Score for Bachan! Bella's new clothes fit perfectly, and she loves the stitch backpack.

Trudy has a big girl bed in the girls' room - April 6th.

Krista continues to recover from knee surgery

Spring flowers are seen on April 10th - this year the moose didn't eat them.

Jared and Noah took a trip to Seward. Noah took some good photos!

LOVE his personality!

There is a group called Atlas that sends doctors into assisted living and nursing homes. We have been using them, but have been less than pleased. In under a year Dad has had 4 providers. They are great providers, but they don't stay long. Also, I never knew when the appointments were taking place, Dad doesn't remember what they say, and I found him on a new med I didn't know about. When Atlas lost their last provider and Dad's care renewal was needed to be evaluated, we found a local doc. We have settled into a routine of me making his appointments just before or after a meal and combining it with a meal out.

We appreciate the work Victims For Justice does for our community. Josiah had a ribbon at the remembrance ceremony. We didn't drive in this time. We just weren't up to facing another remembrance ceremony this month.

Krista @ American Day - I think - in Okinawa.

This is Melia's ~~mugshot~~ passport photo. I include it to show we have dreams to travel!!!! and this is her morning resting face. This is the face that greets me every morning when she has to begin school at 11:00 a.m. ::snort:: I sure miss the days when you could smile in official photos!

Krista relaxing on a beach in Okinawa! She was working on a paint kit we gave her.

A boy and his cat.

Benny has started a much-needed business - clearing yards of animal poop. As the snow melts...

Ellie, taking care of business.

Allie - living her best life. Actually, she's been HARD at work this month on a feature film project, which is like a giant month-long final exam.

Ashton & Allie

I've become my mom....I have a computer that does random things requiring trips to the local Geek Repair shop. I know to save a bit locker key now. Having to take my laptop in to get help in making it work has made me feel older than anything else that has happened to date. ::snort::

Bella had a friend party - here are a couple of glimpses.

Well - Amazon has gotten quicker and their customer service is much easier to reach. I contacted them about the way the tea arrives...I told them I still had tea, but that the bags split or get pokes in shipping and there's at least two kinds of tea in the bottom of the box. They refunded me the entire order AND told me not to send the tea back. I was impressed. I asked for them to refund one bag, as there IS drinkable tea here.

Another fun photo from Luke's underwater adventures in Okinawa.

This one may deserve a separate post - but there aren't a lot of words to share. Carrie got this tribute tattoo. It's perfect.

Annie celebrates spring!

Cory is starting a new adventure that will culminate in a Master of Divinity!

Hmmm....I don't have photos from Jamin but I have seen videos and viewed his videos. He's enjoying the beaches, exploring paddle boarding in FL and working hard.

We're planning a summer trip to visit dear friends!!!! Tickets are booked and a BnB reserved.

AND ALLIES TICKET HOME FOR SUMMER IS BOOKED!!!!!

Still, some snow...but oh, so pretty.

Grand Friday

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:50:00 +0000

We desire to know and be active in our adult Gherkins lives and the lives of their kids. We want our grands to remember time with us and to build relationships with us. We discovered life moves fast and we needed to be intentional to spend time with CoRielle's children. All the kids really, but we don't naturally see their kids weekly at church etc. We all hit on the idea of us watching their kids every Friday afternoon for a couple of hours. This allows Cory and Arielle some down time to connect, hike etc without the extra activity four young kids bring.

Benny and Danny have been working on memorization pieces in their homeschool. Today, CoRielle wanted them to recite them to us. I love to see individual personalities emerge. Danny LOVES the stage. He wanted to go first, jumped up and recited a poem about the wind complete with big smiles.

Benny doesn't like public speaking at all - even when the public is just his parents, grands and Melia. I understand. Cory was so gentle and encouraging to him and he did a great job overcoming his reluctance and sharing with us about trees.

CoRielle left at this point. Michael and Benny discussed the poem. Michael has a thing about trees having grown up in the Red Woods. He also knows what a great skill it is to get comfortable sharing a message. They were cute together. Mike asked what several lines meant and Benny explained. Mike shared some of his love of trees with Benny.

I purchased some dye for Easter Eggs, and we never got around to it. I was determined to use this craft kid. The kids paint cute little markers which I will eventually use in the garden - after the snow melts.

Playing With Josi

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:13:00 +0000

It's a JOSI day!

Melia woke up to drive to Eagle River with me, went back to sleep, woke up for Japanese and WENT BACK TO SLEEP. Willow is not o.k. with this behavior!

Josi is so fun to play with now!

How can she sleep when I'm here?????

Meet Milo - Josi's cat.

Easter 2026

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:50:00 +0000

We went to ACF Saturday service which allowed us to go to Easter Sunday service with Cory, Arielle, Dad and Stacia. Arielle and the kids were home sick. My, how our family is shrinking and growing at the same time. LOL

Stacia, Me, Melia, Michael

We had a family gathering over here this afternoon for those who could make it: BreZak, Carrie and Girls, Jared and Noah, and Nolan. It was a lot of fun. We celebrated Bella's 10th birthday and zoomed Allie in (Note Jared's phone). We all SWEAR a picture was taken of Allie's phone face up by Bella's as she blew out candles, but the photo hasn't turned up.

Melia was able to talk with Auntie Cheryl and several of her cousins. We laughed that *I* made the Guava Cake (Melia's Granma's recipe, in photo) and *she* made the Apple Pie for Easter. There's a cultural exchange at its best. Yes, we still have snow on Easter.

We did have an egg hunt. Melia set it up with most of them inside, though that didn't stop kids from looking outside. Bachan did help the youngest searchers just a bit. We let Noah and Trudy have a 5 min head start.

Sweet Cousins.

Noah and Josi

Bella with gifts

Stacia - a Junior in College!

Noah & Jared

Easter is a Great Time to be Baptized

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:25:00 +0000

Melia talked about being baptized the first day she moved into our home. We talked and watched and waited to be sure she wanted to take this step and that she didn't feel a pressure to do it because, you know, we're Christians and a pastor family. In the end Melia knows Jesus said to believe and be baptized and she wanted to obey.

We signed up with ACF and they called to interview her - that sounds much more antiseptic than the conversation actually was - they called to hear her Jesus story. They asked if she'd consider some words to describe her life before Jesus and with Jesus to share at the service.

We set about finding a day she could take this step. The first month we asked her to wait so her sisters and previous guardians could possibly attend. The second month BreZak's kids were getting baptized, and they'd already rescheduled once. The March date we planned on was cancelled due to church Easter Plans which brings us to Easter 2026 - 3 months after Melia joined our family. Stacia, Bre and kids, Arielle, Jared, Larissa and Noah, Carrie and girls, Akemi, April and Eric and Ingrid and family were in attendance. We shared the video link with Aunt Cheryl in New York.

Stacia, Michael, Melia

Mike wouldn't miss the chance to baptize Melia

We cheered loud!

This is not the beginning of Melia's Jesus story; He has had his eye and hand on her throughout her life. This is certainly not the END of Melia's Jesus story; He will walk with her the rest of her life. This is a big milestone as she publicly declares who He has become to her and that she has decided to walk with Him.

This was a great way to begin our Easter weekend. Easter is a GREAT time to be baptized.

Willy Wonka

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:50:00 +0000

Shew...these weeks FEEL so busy...though I'm not sure they ARE as busy as they feel.

I was happy to take the girls to the Valley Performing Arts Center final play of the season at the end of this busy week. We were able to buy one extra ticket right beside the tickets I originally purchased at the start of the season.

I'm glad Stacia and I went ahead and bought season tickets. There were a couple of times Stacia couldn't go, and one of the other girls was happy to go with me, there were many times we were able to purchase extra tickets for those who wanted to join us...all in all it's been positive. Melia enjoys the plays too, so we'll do this again next season.

Me, Melia and Stacia

The season finished with Willy Wonka @ the Glenn Massey Theater. They did a great job!

Three Months Today

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:42:00 +0000

The girls went out for what is most likely their last cross-country adventure of this winter. We may still get an Easter snowstorm...but the temps are in the 20's/30's and things are starting to melt during the day and freeze again at night. It makes for some amazing icicles, but icier than ideal trails. I can't tell you how much Stacia has enjoyed having a ready skiing partner in the house.

Several have asked how Stacia is doing with a younger sister in the house. Stacia is actually the first one who thought we should open our home to Melia (other than the ones who called to make the need known). Stacia has taken to her role of big sister like a duck to water. ::snort:: Melia seems to love having a big sister in the house.

After spending time with them recently, Bre, our eldest Gherkin, reminded Stacia of the daily prayers she prayed for a little sister. I remember explaining to Stacia we can ask God for anything, but He gets to decide how He will answer and it's not always yes. Sometimes it's no or wait. While Stacia prayed, I got pregnant one more time, and we thought God was answering her prayer...but I miscarried twins.

And so, the years continued on.... as we've done the math, we realize little girl Stacia was praying for her little sister every day during the time when newborn Melia was born and growing into a toddler.

Who knows how this all works? We don't. Its above our pay grade. I'm glad God sorts out all our prayers. As Stacia said, "How strange to think God may have been answering a prayer I forgot I prayed." God remembers.

In any event these two had a near immediate bond and they both are enjoying their new role as they grow into them.

Melia has been in our home three months today.

(Disclaimer: both girls have complete winter gear, snow pants, jackets, gloves, hats etc. They say they get too hot to wear it all when they are skiing. Their gloves are in their pockets at this point.)

Random Tidbits - March 2026

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:42:00 +0000

I didn't pull together extra shots from February but am going to try to attempt it again this month. These are either photos I took and didn't have time to blog or photos the kids have shared - mostly of grands. LOL

Luke and Krista are starting the month off strong with a visit to the Poop Museum. I wonder how this compares to the Suwan Toilet Museum some of the kids and I visited.

📷by KrUke

March 6th and more snow in the Valley

📷by Bre

March 8th - Noah arrives back in Alaska. Larissa reports he walked outside the door and said, "No, snow!" Texas has the sun but Alaska has Dad.

Love these smiles

Josi - another winning toddler smile

Cool Dude - 📷by Jared

Florida - 📷by Jamin

Josi's smile lights up the room - just like her Daddy's
📷by Carrie

Noah and Josi enjoying some cousin time!

📷by Carrie

Cute 5 oz mini-"Stanleys" for the little girls to use.

God is so very good! We join BreZaak in celebrating 19 years of sobriety for Izaak. Look at the blessings the years have brought him. We love you, Izaak.

Tudy, Annie, Izaak, Bella, Gideon, Josiah - photo by Bre

These kids love a good reading challenge and Iditaread provided that in March.

Annie, Josiah, Bre, Gideon

Jamin's Outdoor Florida Studio

Arielle and Bre have worked out a deal whereby Arielle takes the older kids to the Nerf Games and Bre gives the young ones a fun time at her house.

Annie went on the offensive

Annie, Benny, Gideon and Bella

Noah reading about the Presidency

Snow outside the window - no garden in sight

Luke explores flying

This is a special place for all of us. We snuck up the trail and watched the night Josiah proposed to Carrie and Liv right on this spot. We celebrated with Root Bear Floats back at the start of the trail. Such good memories.

Josi and Carrie

Josi loves her yogurt!

That Week in March

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 22:56:00 +0000

We try to live life open handed - loving those God brings into our lives and knowing He sometimes moves people out as well as into our lives. We try to live fully present and available to God. Some would express it as, "God has our yes."

Living this way means some weeks are messy and a bit more dramatic than expected or appreciated. There were some lows in the past week, some anxiety, and some highs. The best thing for me to do was to "go silent" online and go loud in the "prayer closet" and take care of the things which needed attention.

Monday found Melia and us picking up her sister's things and moving them to a new location. There have been a variety of discussions. Everyone is well and life is settling into new routines.

In the process our names, as well as Melia's, were shared with several authorities. We are totally honest and above board with all. Through all the discussions we WERE able to get Melia empaneled with the Native Health Clinic in the valley. This means we were able to start trauma therapy, and it is our understanding we can get much of her health care through them rather than dealing with the fact that she was removed from Medicaid, and we can't add her to our private insurance. This was an unexpected answer to prayer in the midst of "a week."

We are still "halfway" expecting more calls...but who knows? Maybe not. We returned calls as asked - the ball is not in our court at this point. If you're a praying person, we welcome continued prayers for wisdom as we seek to be good guardians/parents to Melia.

In addition to unexpected drama, we also had haircuts, life group, Hail Mary release in the theater, a meeting with other coaches for an upcoming women's event, game nights and a PROM.

It was a full week.

Saturdays Mean Soccer

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:19:00 +0000

Melia and I are coming to love Soccer on Saturday mornings. It's fun to see how Benny has progressed through the years and it's a BLAST to watch first time players. Oh, they get so excited.

TWO goals!

Unfortunately, due to illness the boys haven't been able to play since this week in March. Soon....

Prom Number One

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:52:00 +0000

Melia is attending two proms this year, and tonight was the first one: The Matsu Valley Homeschool Prom. Before the moment pictured below, there was a flurry of activity.

We began planning two months ago. We began shopping 1 1/2 months ago. LOL Melia invited her high school sister to join her. We were told the prom was for high school students - and then later that it was for 14 - 20-year-olds. We worked on a variety of scenarios to have both sisters spend the night and have dinner... and in the end coming off the crazy week and new schedules we decided it would be best to focus on the dance and skip the sleepover. The girls planned to come out after school for the dance.

Arielle stopped over to transform Melia's long hair into a 20's themed bob. I was amazed at the process. It took about 100 bobby pins and half a can of hair spray. ::wink:: She began by making a bunch of braids and securing them in coils on the back of Melia's head. Then she curled and twisted and covered it all up with S Curls and such....

They are already planning a medieval style

Tada! A Bob!

Bre and the kids dropped by. Bella and Annie stayed to keep us company as Rebekah dropped by to do Melia's make up. The girls were a bit starry eyed. Gideon, Jojo and Bre ran to the store and came back with carnations that matched Melia's dress.

Melia, Bella, Gideon, Trudy, Arielle and Bre in back

Meanwhile our Anchorage contingent was rushing out to the valley and there was another flurry of preparations for 15 yo sister. I was glad we had the foresight to warn those we had planned to meet at 4 that the timing was going to be too tight for pictures at the bridge.

We all left for dinner around 7:30 p.m. The girls headed over to the dance around 9 p.m. They had a couple of hours to enjoy the fun. A surprise of the evening is that they allowed 13 yo sister to stay as well.

We had hoped to stop for ice cream after the dance, but everything shuts down before 11:00 p.m. around here.

It was a fun evening. Melia was surprised how inappropriately some dressed and acted...I told her our rules stand. LOL She's curious to see if it's a different group and how the groups compare at the IDEA prom in May.

(Disclaimer: We are aware this is not the IDEA prom. We saw the notice of it at IDEA and thought it was. Melia will also go to the IDEA Prom in May and then we can compare the two.)

This Girl is on Fire!

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 22:28:00 +0000

Here it is - a terribly braggy parental post. Melia worked hard and has finished all the credits she had begun her 10th grade year. She did this in TWO and a HALF MONTHS - and she did it online, full year courses, in a state approved, online program for teens who need such a service. She earned 2 A's and 2 B's....which is much better than her previous GPA. Michal has been talked into $40 for each A. One of those B's was 88% but he hasn't budged as to a sliding scale. ::wink::*

Our contact teacher called Monday. I had left a message Thursday that Melia was about to finish, and I needed new courses added. She called Monday. She said she pulled up Melia's account and thought something had happened because the screen was blank. Then she noted all the courses were under the completed tab. I guess she didn't think I knew what I was talking about. She kept saying, "She finished all her course work in March."

You may remember we had been told they would grant full credit for these courses if Melia could finish them by June 30th. I said she could. Melia proved me right. She said the whole office is following our progress. She is the first student to finish this year's coursework; she completed all assignments and is moving on to the Freshman work she missed.

They agreed with me that we need to find a more challenging courseload for Melia's Junior year, one that may take her the entire 9 months to finish. I am not sure she's ready for Sonlight which has a lot more reading than she's been exposed to. Online is working well for Melia so we are looking at a couple of "beefier" online programs. Meanwhile, we'll make up her 9th grade classes and spend the summer working on the "holes" the MAPS testing revealed.

(* Not to worry about Melia's finances. In addition to her A money, she earns $20 weekly taking care of children during our small group and we are taking care of her needs....and quite a few wants as well. )

March Family Gathering

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:04:00 +0000

This Saturday we hosted our monthly Family Gathering. Our celebrants for March are Cory, GG, Kaelyn (from afar), and Ellie. We missed celebrating Josi and Livie in Feb (they were traveling) so we had them join the singing crew. We had a Taco bar, Ice Cream Cake and Earthquake cake.

Ellie and Josi are both 2 now! AND LIV is a teenager.

It is joyful chaos during these winter gatherings. I begin to wonder if maybe we'll be able to be outside the next time we are together....There is still a lot of snow out there. Michael is predicting the traditional Easter Snowstorm.

GG turned 85 on the 15th.

Melia, Jojo, Gideon, Benny, Annie, Bella & Livie

Michael and Melia carried out my vision to cover the tables in newsprint. I misplaced the tablecloths in the great organizational remake of Dec. The newsprint was a hit! I'll probably continue to do it. What it lacked in prettiness it made up for in creativity. Maybe I'll make some word hunts next month. LOL

Yeah, we probably won't be playing outside next month....Pregnant moose keeps visiting.

Trudy and Melia

Cousins - Charles & Noah

Josi

Ellie

Noah

What a blessing it is to watch these "little ones" grow. I mean it's fun to watch Cory and Dad grow...but such changes we get to observe in the little ones. Each personality unique, all loved madly by Papa and Bachan.

The day took a dramatic turn with a couple of unexpected phone calls and texts, but not everything is fit to be shared online.

Note: Nolan, Stacia, Arielle, Michael and I were also present. Just missed the cameras. ::snort::

Friday Fun

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:50:00 +0000

School is over for the week, and Melia is moving on to her afternoon activities. CoRielle brought the kids by for a couple of hours. Benny had fun watching the making of Rice Krispy Treats. Melia joined Stacia for a student government sponsored game night at the college. These got a bit too hot and ended up crunchy like the brownie brittle you can buy. They were totally consumed so it didn't hurt anything.

We received another fun package from Luke and Krista this week. We will save it for the kids to pick out what they want but she told us to pull out the makeup stuff for Melia and this little game is perfect for when the kids are over.

There is a little chick safe in the shell...until you begin putting swords into the shell. At some poit the egg explodes and the chick pops out.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:14:00 +0000

Bre is the master of throwing a theme party! She invited a houseful of friends to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with her and the children.

Bre asked the kids questions about the day and about Saint Patrick and she also had a game for them to do in teams. The food, of course, was all green. There were green light bulbs, banners and leprechaun prints throughout the house. It was darling.

Melia enjoyed playing with the children and I enjoyed visiting with the moms. It was a fun outing.

Larissa brought some corn beef, cabbage and carrots. I was glad she and Noah came out for the day.

Larissa & Trudy

Cousins

Me and Bre

Girl group

Loved catching up with Stacy

Larissa & Noah

Melia & Trudy

Arielle & children

Arielle & Ellie

Pile on auntie

Noah asked me to come into the playhouse with him....

I had plans to go out and shop for two gatherings I am hosting and a few things dad needed. In the end, I fell asleep for "just a bit." Melia finished most her school and succumbed to the temptation of a nap as well.

We keep having far too many leftovers in the fridge. We had yet another yoyo dinner tonight. Stacia is at classes until after 9 p.m.

Sunday Entertainment

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:10:00 +0000

Jared had a couple of tickets to share, and the girls took him up on the offer to attend an Anchorage Wolverines game at Sullivan arena. They met him at his home in Eagle River and drove in to Anchorage.

Jared, Noah, Stacia, Melia 📷by Jared

This was the girls' and Noah's first hockey game. They report a few small skirmishes, but the refs didn't let them really fight. LOL The Anchorage Wolverines played the Janesville Jets and won 5 - 1.

📷by Jared

The girls got home about 7 p.m. and asked if we could watch "The Emperor's New Groove." Melia made popcorn. She learned a valuable lesson - one should always ensure the top is on before commencing to pop the corn.

It was a nearly perfect Sunday! We all went to bed early as we have early appointments tomorrow.

Sunday Fun

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:55:00 +0000

It's always fun to visit WCC when Michael preaches. These are two of my favorite pastor's kids.

After service we took Benny and Danny out to lunch with us. It was nap time for the other kids.

Me, Danny, Stacia, Michael, Melia, Benny

We ran into old friends, Verdie and Cathy and their grandkids. Wow - have they grown! The girls headed into Anchorage from the restaurant. We took the boys home and spent a leisurely afternoon resting.

Check out this pregnant mama. They seem to just KNOW where our yard is...we'll have to be careful in the wooded area again this year.

Of Moose and Magpie

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:41:00 +0000

No soccer this morning. Michael had sermon prep, Stacia had homework and such. It seemed a good time to take Melia to shop for swimsuits. Which we did. We also enjoyed lunch out together.

These two are back...and they make getting in and out of the car interesting.

Ah well, they are fun to watch...even when they eat buds off our trees. Melia is CONVINCED she wants to FEED THEM. I have been taking ever chance to inform her they are WILD and can be aggressive and dangerous. You do NOT hand feed moose, regardless of a certain children's book you do not feed a moose a cookie.

Speaking of wildlife, Michael noted some odd bird tracks in the chicken yard and wondered if we had a hawk. We were able to check out the ten security cameras and caught a magpie trying to break the chickens out of the coop.

WE'RE BACK - A Tale of a Table and Hospitality and Adventures with Grandblessings.

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:44:00 +0000

Thursday, I cleaned house and made a manicotti dinner for our small group. A couple of kids came this week, and Melia was happy to watch them. We pay her for the weeks she is down with kids - though she truly enjoys spending time with them. Millie, our labradoodle, doesn't enjoy kids quite as much as Melia does.

Chandler and Rebekah, a couple from our small group, weren't feeling well so we asked if a meal would be helpful. We had enough left over from small group to take a manicotti dinner and cookies to them this morning. I got diverted and talked much longer than was needful. Melia was beginning to wonder where I was by the time I got home. ::snort::

CoRielle's kids were due for our Friday date...I made it home before they did. We did the normal games and such...but I also enlisted a bit of help to finish dinner preparations.

He did a great job with this job - and I stayed right there.

A fun toy from the library

Snow play

Charles refused to bring his snow clothes. He was told he'd need to stay on the deck but would still be going outside. I couldn't just let him stand on the deck, so he went to work out there for me with my special shovel for the Trex deck.

The boys climbed the berms outside of our windows and walked the ridge. We can't see out the windows down there any longer. Look, the lilacs are blooming. I'm trusting they KNOW the right time to bloom. Seems a bit early for me with all the cold temps we are having.

Benny convinced Danny it was easier to crawl through the yard than to walk. I'm not convinced.

Meanwhile Ellie and Papa found things to do INSIDE!

The kids went home to celebrate Cory's birthday! Melia helped set the table while I put the final touches on dinner. I had enough salad and melon from small group to serve tonight, along with rice and Chicken Divan. We had strawberry shortcake for dessert.

As we worked, I began to remember. Our table began its life at Hospitality House in Misawa, Japan. When the ministry was closed out, they gave the table to a family from the chapel who was also involved with Hospitality House. It was free with the stipulation it be used for ministry/hospitality around the table. When this family moved, they didn't have room in their household goods for the table and began to look for a new home for it. They gave it to us...It's big...and we have tried to keep it full and crowded. We nearly moved the table downstairs as we didn't need a big one up here and we really haven't had much community other than family the last few years.

After Josiah was killed Laura, a dear online friend, sent us a huge box of puzzles and a couple of "ornaments" too. One said, "Be love" on one side and "Beloved Community" on the other. She knew our vision to love courageously and for community. She also sent one that says, "I want a house with a crowded table." She said they reminded her of us, and she suspected Josiah was the type to attract and create community as well. He was. Over the past few years as I've dusted, I've smiled at the ornaments and told God I trusted him to bring community back into our lives. They were a sweet reminder of what life was like before and a promise that it would be again.

It seemed pointless to have a big table upstairs when most nights there are only three of us to sit around it. I'm glad we didn't move the table downstairs. Our season is changing, our doors are open and we have a crowded table once again. We sense a restoration of community and ministry. To be sure we are a bit slower, grief still exhausts us, some days the load is heavy...but community is forming.

We can fit 12 around the table - it's tight but it works. At this point our small group of two weeks, including kids, can sit around the table and it's been a great way to get to know each other.

Last week we had Eric and Ingrid over and ate and played games around the table. Tonight we had Paul, Jinnifer and their homeschooling family over. We love this family. Their daughter, Jane, is Melia's age and we are creating space for a friendship to form....actually for all of us. We were previously attending a life group that met in their home. That season transitioned for them, but we can still enjoy time with each other.

Mike, Daniel, Melia, Jane, Lucy, Jinnifer and Paul

In the midst of the fun, I noted, with joy, the table is full!!! We had 8 around it tonight...12 will fit if we put 4 on each side and 2 on each end. Eight is comfortable...it was a joy to realize our rhythm of hospitality is BACK and we love it.

Looking ahead to next week we'll be hosting the kids and March's family celebration, so I've chosen not to add another hosting event to the weekend. Next weekend we are hosting Melia's sisters over-night.

Who should we invite next? And better yet, what are some meals you fix for a crowd? I'm running out of ideas!

Dad's Appointment and a Meet up with a Trooper

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:15:00 +0000

The week was active and fulfilling.

Wednesday I took Dad to visit his new doctor again. We had some paperwork the home wants on file...after our visit we stopped for lunch at Sophia's Cafe. It was an added bonus to run into Lynette and Erin out enjoying spring break.

We are pushing through spring break without a pause. Melia is in a good routine, and we are hoping to finish up the rest of this year's courses by the end of this month, so we can add some make up work before next fall.

Michael and I dropped Melia off at Stacia's college and we drove into Eagle River for church at ACF. Michael preached again on Sunday at WCC - we are happy to have the Wed option. Melia and Stacia went over to the boy's home for a sibling game night.

I didn't share about our adventure last Wednesday night coming home from church. It was COLD and we discovered my right headlight was out. We tried to replace it with a bulb we had and realized it was the wrong type. We drove on to Freddies, bought another bulb, and Michael again tried to replace it. All this repair work happening in negative temps. This one was also the wrong bulb. We decided to drive home.

We drove down the highway, through Palmer, out the Old Glenn and were pulling onto our street when we saw bright flashing lights.

"Do you know why I pulled you over?"

Michael held up the bulb and told him the story.

He wanted our proof of insurance and vehicle registration. This is the first time I've been stopped since we moved up here. I was sure I HAD the stuff but not sure exactly which folder or box it was in.

It turns out our proof was dated 2022.

Trooper Smith* asked me to find proof online. I began to do that - and, of course, when you are nervous nothing works quite right.

At this point Trooper notices Michael hands are really shaking. He began to check the back of our car...."Where are you coming from?"

"Church."

"On WEDNESDAY night at this time?"

"Well, we had tried to replace the bulb, but yes church meets on Wed and Sunday."

"Where do you attend?"

"ACF, have you heard of it?"

"What's in the container?" (Ignoring my attempt to invite him to check out ACF.)

"What container?"

"On the back floorboard."

"Mini chimis."

"Mini chimis from WHERE?"

"Garcias."

"Should I go try to get mini chimi's at Garcia's?"

"Sure, if you like them. They are good."

"Why are you shaking?"

"I have Parkinsons." I helpfully add, "Please don't ask him to walk a straight line."

"Where do you live?"

"The NEXT driveway up."

Shew! Appears Troopers get nervous when they see signs you may be overly nervous. We explained Parkinson's and he relaxed, greatly.

We came home, fixed the light and this evening went to church again. Hoping Trooper Smith saw us and noted the repaired headlight.

Man under the hood

We took Livie and Ellie home after church...when Michael noticed the left headlight was out. He'd replaced BOTH bulbs the day before. The old bulb was still in the car, so we put it back in and drove home. It backfired to try to replace both bulbs.

*Names have been changed.

Noah's Work Phone

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:04:00 +0000

He has a routine.

He goes to work with "Dada" and he immediately sits at the desk, pulls the phone to himself and hits the number for Bachan.

"Hello, Bachan."

"Hi, Noah. What are you up to?"

"I'm busy with dada, Bachan."

"I'm glad you're home!"

And on the conversation goes. Jared captured part of our most recent conversation.

I had told him, "I LOVE YOU NOAH," when he responded with "Thank you, Bachan!"

I've added this number to my contacts as, "Noah's Work phone." This way I never ignore the unlisted number thinking it's spam.

These calls are the highlight of my day - and I think Noah's too.

Fun with Noah

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Noah's back in town!!!! and Jared called to see if we'd like to meet at the Fly Park. Michael woke up with a sore throat. Melia and I were ready to leave the house in time to meet him for an hour of fun.

Noah was excited to show off his sunglasses...though he wasn't 100% sold on the cool temps. The sun was bright.

Jared and Noah

Noah and Melia

He loved knocking Melia off the balancing beam.

We went to Fruitland after jumping for Dole Whips.

Jared, Me, Melia, Noah

I believe Jared and Noah went to spend time with cousins after this. Melia and I made a quick stop at Target and got home in time for her to do a bit of homework.

Stacia has an intensive this week. She has time off work but is spending every day in class. The girls and I collapsed on the couch and watched a couple of episodes of a show we like and then called it a day.

None of us slept well with the time change.

A Full Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (DeEtta @ Courageous Joy) — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:28:00 +0000

Saturdays are usually the one day of the week with a chance of sleeping in late...but this week Melia and I left to pick up Benny and Danny. Their mom and dad had a busy day at the church, and it appeared they'd need to miss soccer. I suggested we take the boys to soccer and keep them until Arielle could break loose.

Melia, Benny, me and Danny

This is Danny's first year to play soccer. I stayed with Danny and Melia stayed at the court where Benny was playing. I was impressed with Danny's coach. She had the boys running drills and practicing skills before the game. She was quick to check on each player's "ouchies." One little goalie laid down on the floor and cried when he let a goal roll past him. She handled him so graciously, moved Danny into goal and let him run off his emotions on the court. Danny is the little ginger - or as he says the one with "golden" hair.

He was so excited! Notice the finger in the air? One goal! A good way to start the game!

During his time at goalie not one ball got past him.

Alas, there were no snacks for Danny's team. When Danny's game was done, we made our way over to court 1 to watch the last 15 minutes of Benny's game. This was a much faster game. Both boys' teams won their games. I guess we aren't supposed to notice that fact, but all the boys knew just what the scores were.

We made our way home for lunch, games, gamers and outside play. It was a busy afternoon.

The deck was clear last night...lots of snow Saturday and Sunday.

I fell Monday night getting OUT of the hot tub. No foot ware involved - just hit the icy stairs and slid. Today, I fell face first onto the deck. I WAS wearing boots. Trex is plastic and it's slick when wet!

Arielle picked up the boys, and I continued on with meal prep. We were excited to have Eric and Ingrid over for dinner. They were the family Melia, and her sisters went too when they left their neighborhood in October. We enjoyed a dinner of chowder, bread, salad and fruit and introduced them to "The Bible is Funny." Stacia had made enough progress with her weekend "to do" list that she joined us for the evening too.

Stacia, Melia, Ingrid, Eric, Michael

Who likes springing forward? Ugh.

Michael preached this morning for CoRielle's church community. We were happy to grab lunch with Stacia after church. She was productive all day. The rest of us grabbed naps. Melia did do 40 minutes of homework she hadn't finished on Friday.

It was a full weekend.