This isn't an adventure. This is my life.

So, it's been a BUSY year... Obviously I haven't made the time to post blogs about life in the Bush.

Perhaps that's because it's been busy. Perhaps because this is no longer an "adventure" but instead, this is my life. My real life, day to day, struggles and joys.

When I first started this blog in 2010 (really?? almost 4 years ago!), I didn't know how long this Alaskan adventure would last... I thought this would be an easy, effective way to communicate all my fun to my friends and family in the lower 48. There were many folks at the time not on facebook, therefore they didn't see my daily or weekly posts about life in Alaska.

But as I've made this place my home over the past few years, I guess I realize that this is just life. Yes, it's fun to post pictures of my moose hunts or beautiful sunsets out boating. And it's great to blog about major events, the whole idea of journaling/recording my adventure has fizzled.

This is life. Posts will probably be less and less frequent. If you are someone, or know someone, who isn't on facebook I am always happy to get emails or phone calls.

Here are a few pictures from this year... A year filled with everything life should be, laughter and joy, some stress and a little bit of uneasiness. Thanks to my family near and far for their support, their time, their energy, and most of all, their love. I am really, truly blessed.

Other than the first four pictures, which are from Christmas break, the rest should be in chronological order... Enjoy!

Hanging with my girl MJ.

First driving lesson with her favorite auntie!

All three of my monkeys, in their matching pajamas from Brownie.

We were both a bit sad that Auntie Awesome was leaving...

The cute little pup in August... Kuzi sure has grown since then!

Enjoying a beautiful summer day. :)

Family.

Senator Murkowski came in September for the grand
opening of the new school.

The night Trevor caught his moose, and we drove home by cell
phone flashlights because it got dark.

Geese hunting.

This place...

Hmm... No idea where I was, but apparently I
thought I was having a good hair day and thought
it should be documented. :)

In October, I went to Anchorage for some training. Jana Mae flew up to
hang out for the weekend! :)

Halloween with some good friends.

Halloween at school... The 2006 version of myself.

And the monster has grown.

Thanksgiving with my boys and Court.

Hanging with my girl CJ.

Also sad to be leaving... :(

Coming home from Emo in January.

New school, playground.

BEST thank you note ever. This kid rocks.

Ariel Tweto came to AUK as part of her new "Popping Bubbles" tour.
She has a similar personality to me, so we got along great.
She had a good message about goal setting and dreaming big for our kids. 

I don't know when I'll post again... Perhaps when I've got more fun pictures to share. For now, stay tuned on facebook, or email me for updates. My phone is always on me (unless I'm out of service because I'm snow machining). Much love and hugs.

XOXO,
SJ

Boat rides, moose hunting, first month of school.

Wowza! It's already been a month since school started... No wonder I haven't had time to blog... I've been spending many early mornings and late nights at school getting things organized, technology running, etc. It seems like every time I cross one thing off my list, completed, three more are added. But that's okay. It keeps me busy and out of trouble.

School started with a bang. The new building was mostly put together. There are still boxes in a few places that need unpacked and put away, but we were kid ready. There were quite a few district office staff here to help us prepare and I'm so grateful for that.

I have my safe group of kids that I had last year. It has been really nice to not have to teach routines and expectations and do those getting to know you activities that traditionally fill the days of the first week of school.

I spent every spare minute, not already consumed with work/school, out boating or hanging out with friends. Many fun memories, lots of luck hunting.

I caught my moose on 8/30. We went out to Black River and spotted and chased a mukluk for about 5 hours. It was so incredibly fun, and FINALLY we caught it about 9. On our way home, we went through some slough with the idea that maybe there would be a moose, maybe not... We saw two bulls right on the bank. I shot and killed one, but since it was dark and getting late, we cut it open and left it for the next morning. On Sunday we went back for it. We took a few totes and brought back just meat. Then I spent the rest of Labor Day weekend cleaning and putting away the moose meat.

The rest of this month has included cleaning and organizing my house to make room for a roommate. More boating with my favorites. Still more laughter and good memories made. Here is a whole bunch of pictures since my last post...

xoxo,
SJ

Bush Alaska school bus... ;)

Flying between Hooper and home

Thanks Tom and Mike for getting us to
and from Hooper safely!

Brother's 21st birthday picnic.

My boy Jay.

My mean moose hunting face.

After we FINALLY caught the seal. Good job, Don.

Moose #3 in my life.

Little bigger than last year's bull.

Pius caught a redhead mukluk that night too.

Taking a break from tag... :)

Mmmm....

Ready for winter!

Senator Murkowski came to Alakanuk for the grand opening and ribbon cutting.

Our RSB and some district office staff cutting the ribbon for
the new school.

A little eskimo dancing. :)

Another fun boat ride.

Looking for moose.

I love this place.

First catch.

Swan hunting.

Checking net.

Such a beautiful place.