It's all sinking in

Well, this week I had good intentions of blogging about all the details of our birch sap collection, Keith's birthday celebration,and the happenings of summer arriving with break up. I did NOT think I would be blogging about the ordeal we just went through and will be going through for months or even longer! I know many of you have been keeping up on Facebook, but many of you haven't. So I will tell you what is happening and hope that you keep us all in your prayers.

Sunday morning the Yukon river broke the record of latest breakup. I have blogged every year at the sheer power of water. But this year we seemed to have broken all the records! By Sunday night the river had gone up by feet! To the point of panic. Keith and I spent the afternoon moving his office files up to the second story of their river front property. We moved all their vehicles to a higher location and took all the computers and important stuff with us to our house to keep safe. The water continued to rise all night as an ice jam stopped all ice and water flow down river from us. Monday, Memorial Day, a day we will NEVER forget began at 9:30 am when the emergency alarm went off. This meant the water had risen to above a certain point that I am not sure the actual footage but it was spilling over the bank and into all the sloughs we have around our houses in old town and new town. Our house being one of the highest we rushed to help others move gear out of the way of the rush of water. But soon we found ourselves trying to move trucks, snow machines, freezers and equipment to higher ground which was our driveway. Our neighbors Karin and Ida moved to our house as their house is quite a bit lower then ours. We soon found ourselves in our house completely surrounded by water. The water steadily rose to the point where an evacuation alarm sounded for everyone to move to the high school which is the highest point in Galena. Evacuation plans went into effects to evacuate elders, women and children. We got on the list to leave when we realized all the bridges  were washed out and we were completely isolated from the a airport. There was so much water that
they were using boats to drive us over the roads and to the dike where there were buses waiting to transport us to the airport.i must say my boys were super excited that they got to ride in a boat AND in a cool yellow school bus!when we arrived at the airport we were told FEMA had 5 planes coming out to evacuate people, but then they stopped it due to some reason. Many said due to the fact that it was not a critical situation.  When we looked out over the dike, which is a giant wall built around the airport which used to be an Air Force base, the ice was even with the dike. Meaning the whole town was being flooded. I don't know how any thing like this could not be critical. Getting out was becoming an emergency and the air port manager said if anyone could pull strings to get people out, pull them. I was with our pastors wife Shell, who called a lot of people saying we needed planes ASAP! Gunnar Johnson,one of the RAs from the school who was in Wasilla, contacted people. And he must have a lot of good friends because by 11 pm that night we were on the runway waiting for missionary planes to land and they had our names on the list of people to take out. I can not tell you how many times I heard Gunnar's name but he has become a super hero in my eyes. All these missionary pilots landed, called our names and I found all I could do was hug them and say thank you  over and over. The boys and I loaded the planes and took off . With tears in my eyes most of the way
to Fairbanks, I looked out the plane at all the devastation around our home. The whole town was under water. People's homes and land destroyed. It was worse then I thought from the air and I had just left the love of my life there! I think I cried all the way to Fairbanks which was a 2 hour flight in the little 5 seater plane I was riding in. I can not tell you how much it meant to all of us moms  that people volunteered to come pick us up and take us to safety! We touched down in Fairbanks  in the early morning. I am not sure at what time but it was around 2 am. My boys slept most of the flight . To brag on our kids, ours meaning Shells, Susan's and mine, they did wonderful through a stressful situation!  What little troopers they were, even with no real meals and just snacks to hold them all day. Their cheerfulness and joyfulness made all us moms feel better. When we landed in Fairbanks, the boys and I went with Shell and her kids to a friends house.They picked us up at the airport. Did I mention it being around 2 am? Brenda and Debbie you are wonderful! We went to Debbie's house for the night. I didn't sleep much because I was mostly praying for friends and Keith to be able to get out safely, with our dog too. A few hour later Debbie made another trip to the airport to pick up our pastor Chris. I told Debbie if she saw my husband please let him know where I was and bring him to her house. Around 6 am he walked in the door. What a relief! And Daisy our dog was with him. After briefly talking and getting the update from him, I finally feel asleep for a few hours. The kids slept good which was great. After breakfast we drove to the Faith Hill Community Church where a group of friends had been taken to after they landed in Fairbanks.  When we walked in  I burst into tears as I realized my dear friend Wendy and her 3 girls had made it out. They were ones I was worried about because where they live was completely isolated from the rest of the town. And we had not heard from them for a while. Tuesday passed slow waiting for news but it was also a very humbling day. The church we are staying at had put out a email saying we needed clothes, food, carseats and anything else that we could not bring. People came out in droves! It is a very humbling feeling when people donate and want to help any way they can! We feel really blessed! I have always been on the giving side of donating for disasters, but this time I am on the receiving side. It is very humbling!  I am still amazed by the fact that 200+ people in Galena were evacuated NOT by the government but by mission organizations! God truly has us in his hands! We find ourselves in tears at people's generosity.   We came with the clothes on our backs and what we could fit into a small bag, but god is supplying ALL our needs!

Many times during the day I find myself thinking of things we lost I find myself feeling a bit discouraged.....ok maybe more then a bit... A LOT! But then I remember "Home is where your heart is!" And right now my 3 pieces of my heart are curled up next to me in our bed. Yes things in our house are ruined, our town destroyed, I am not even sure we can return for months or even years. Who knows but I know God has a plan! As my neighbor Karin said "our stuff isn't ruined it is just in
a cold rinse cycle!"  Glad we can still laugh in tough situations! Keith and I even laughed that after a week of collecting birch sap, boiling it down for days, we didn't even get to try them on pancakes! But we are safe! The boys and I plan to fly down to Puerto Rico to stay with Keith's family while he returns to Galena to help clean up, repair and whatever else needs to be done. Here are some prayer requests:
Pray for us as we travel to different destinations.
Pray for other Galena residence that lost EVERYTHING!
Pray for families still separated by this flood
Pray for those people still in Galena as the are still dealing with flood waters
Pray for clean up to be easy
Pray safety for villages down river as the flood waters vow down.
There are so many more but right now just pray or us all! I can not tell you how many times we can see God working good even among the bad! It truly is humbling to see Gods people come together to help us all out! I may not be always cheerful about this situation but I know God has a plan and I just have to trust him on that....and keep telling myself that over and over. I am going to sign off till I can think straight and write some more.

Riding Wild Alaska

Where else but in Galena Alaska, can students get their pilots license before they graduate from High school? I think that is pretty AWESOME!! Every year the Aviation class hosts a BBQ for the community to come and see the accomplishments of the pilots. It was a nice warm day to eat and enjoy talking to people.

 

The kids had the ULTIMATE blast. Where else but Galena Alaska can the kids bring their bikes to the airport and drive on the awesome tarmac that the airport provides. Normal parents tell their kids "watch out for cars" when they are riding their bikes, I kind of feel funny telling my kids " Watch out for planes when you are riding your bike." But since there is no other paved roads in Galena we will enjoy what we can get. So the airplanes parking lot is the place to be with your bike! Kaden and Isaiah really had a blast riding fast and furious down the pavement. What a wonderful day full of fun and exercise!

Isaiah getting some help form Mr. Tim

Kaden racing with his friends

Kaden's new bike

Watch out here comes a plane!

Here comes another one!

Isaiah getting his bike skills down

Kaden ready to take off his training wheels

Keith and Isaiah taking a nap on the pavement.

Got a wonderful concert from the amazing Karrie Pavish Anderson! She is one amazing singer. Check out her music! She has one CD out already and is working on a new one. Can't wait to hear it!

Karrie Pavish Anderson getting her grove on!

Krispie Kreme/ Shipleys Doughnuts.

Ok I have made this recipe before but I have always used Egg-Replacer due to Kaden's allergy. When I have made them they have come out just OK. Good but not the melt in you mouth fluffy goodness that you get standing in the line at Krispie Kreme. But last night I had a major craving for a fluffy soft doughnut and since Kaden was in bed already, I figured I would try it with the eggs and just make a 1/2 batch. I must say the eggs made the difference! They came out just like I wanted, soft fluffy and melts in your mouth! Maybe not so dissolving as Krispie Kreme but much more like Shipley's doughnuts which is my favorite kind of doughnut anyways! Maybe because I rolled them out thicker then the skinny Krispie Kreme usually are. But either way, they turned out scrumptious! I must say they don't taste as good the next day so this gives you a great reason to eat them all.... or share if you really want to.

Krispie Kreme Doughnuts.
3 packs yeast
1/2 warm water
2 1/4 cup milk scalded and cooled
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup shortening
7 1/2 -8 cups flour (I put it till it was not to sticky)
Frying Oil

Mix water and yeast. Let it rest while you Scald the milk and let it cool. (not hot, I used it when it was warm but you don't want it hot or it will kill the yeast and cook the eggs) Combine sugar, milk, salt, eggs shortening  and 3 cups flour. Beat on low 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes. Add rest of flour till smooth and not too sticky. ( I let my Kitchen aid do all the work on this one) After mixed, cover and let rise for 1 hour. it will double in bulk. Then turn onto a flour surface and roll out to 1/2 inch (Or thicker if you want the Shipley's style) Cut out doughnuts and let them rise 30-40 minutes. Fry up in HOT oil. 350 degrees. Watch them carefully. They cook fast and you want them just golden. I have not mastered the Icing from Krispie Kreme or Shipleys but I just used a powder sugar with a little almond flavoring and milk. I don't really like the flavor of powder sugar so I think I will be working on a recipe for that soon. If any of you have a good icing recipe let me know. This recipe makes a pretty big batch. If you don't want a lot of them 1/2 it and you get about 10 doughnuts plus doughnut holes. ENJOY!

A Whole week of Holidays?

Warm weather, Melting snow, Willows blooming. Do you need another reason to party? With a week like this one, I think Karin and I could come up with a reason to party every day. Not that we really need a reason to party every day, but just so it stays official! We started the week with May the Fourth (be with you). If you are not a Star Wars fan, sorry if you don't understand some of these holidays. But I being a Star Wars fan could not go through May 4th with OUT throwing a pun. To go along with our Star Wars theme holidays we had Revenge of the Sixth on May 6th. But in between those unofficial holidays we had May 5th. Cinco de Mayo!

If you are not Mexican, you probably don't know what this holiday is all about, but know it is just another day on the calender. Living in Texas for a few years, we learned a little bit about Cinco de Mayo.  It commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Sounds like a good reason to celebrate! Seeing that we are NOT Mexican, and Keith is full blooded Puerto Rican, it is usually one of those days on the calender that just go by. But because we have some fun and inventive neighbors, we decided to have our own Cinco de Mayo, Puerto Rican Style! As I said before, we are always up for a party! So Keith made some traditional rice and beans with some delicious Pincos(Puerto Rican  Kebabs). We had Corn bread salsa music and of course Mexican decorations! We ate outside even though it was a bit cold, but the sun was wonderful. Again I say this, I am so thankful for neighbors that are crazy like us and up for a good time EVERY DAY!!!

Pinchos

Rice, Beans, Salsa, Chips, Corn bread and Bread Pudding!

Karin taking a siesta.... yes that is snow still on the ground!

 Keith and Tim enjoying Cinco de Puerto! =)

 =)

Holy Bread Loaf! Rosebud's Butter Topped White Bread

Many of you have asked for my recipe for the bread I have been talking about on Facebook, so here is the recipe.I got it from Pinterest. It is delicious, soft and moist and stays that way for a while. I have never been a good bread maker but this loaf recipe seems to like me. Try it out! It is truly delicious!

Rosebud’s Butter Topped White Bread
4 and 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast (or the equivalent of two packets)
3/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces
2 and 2/3 cup additional warm water
9-10 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, for brushing the tops of the loaves
Additional butter/cooking spray, for greasing your rising bowl and loaf pans


1. In the bowl of your standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, dissolve the yeast in 3/4 cup of warm water, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the sugar, salt, butter, additional 2 and 2/3 cup warm water, and mix gently to combine.
3.  Slowly add 5 cups of the flour, mixing on low speed until smooth.
4. With the mixer on its lowest speed, slowly add the remaining flour until the dough is smooth.
5. Switch to your dough hook attachment and knead the dough for 10 minutes. Or, alternatively, you can do it the old fashioned way and knead the dough by hand.

6.  While the dough is kneading, lightly grease a large bowl with butter or cooking spray, as well as two loaf pans.
7.  Once the dough is ready, place the dough in the greased bowl and turn over to completely coat the dough with butter/cooking spray.  Cover, and set in a warm place to rise for 1 hour.
8. After an hour, gently punch down the dough and divide it into two portions.
9. Working with one portion at a time, roll (with a rolling pin) the dough out into roughly 12″ x 12″ square, making sure that the thickness of the dough is uniform throughout.(this is where I, Tabitha< sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar for a swirl bread)
10.  Slowly and tightly roll up each rectangle, sealing the edges firmly.
11.  Tuck the ends of the roll tightly under the bread and place into your prepared loaf pans.  Repeat with the second loaf.  Cover the loaves, set in a warm place, and let rise until doubled, about another hour.
12.  Place one rack on the lowest position in the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
13. Bake the loaves for 15 minutes, then cover each loaf with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too much.
14.  Once covered with foil, bake for an additional 15 minutes.
15. Remove the loaves from the oven, place on a wire rack to cool, and lightly brush the loaves with the melted butter.

These are some loafs I made. The recipe makes 2 loafs and I made one into a cinnamon sugar swirl one. When you roll it out to form the loaf, I sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over it and then roll it tight. It is good for breakfast with a little butter. 

 Here is the "French" bread loaf I tried. I was not expecting it to blow up that big! I used both loafs and divided it into 3 portions instead of just 2. Then I hand rolled them in to long snakes and then braided them together. Let it rise for an hour. Make sure you have it on a BIG pan because this one still got bigger in the oven. Since it was so big before I put it in the oven I cooked it on 375 for longer time. I did put the foil on top and then took it off like the instructions said.  It made really good garlic bread and if my friends reactions to eating it is any sign it was a major success. To the point where the left over garlic bread from Isaiah's (my 2 year old) plate was gobbled up after all the other was gone. I will be making this one again but I might just stick with the 2 loafs and then using them to make 2 braided bread loafs.

Plan Ahead is my Moto........

"What's a Moto?"

"Nothing what's the moto with you?"

HAHAHAHA OK How many of you just flashed back to that scene in Lion King?

Never mind, that has nothing to do with my post today, I just have always wanted to say that! Living in a village that is only accessible by plane, planning ahead is something we HAVE to do. You plan for meals, Like Do you want a ham or turkey for Christmas, because if you do you have to buy it in the summer and freeze it till winter. You plan a years worth of groceries bought in one week during the summer and you plan ahead for the barge to drop off your stuff in Galena.  I mean how much tooth paste and soap do you really use in a year? You plan trips out to shop that correspond with something else you want to do in town. You plan for hunting season, shop ahead for supplies to handle a moose and all the packaging that goes along with it. You plan your fishing trips. You plan planting seeds for a garden early in the snow covered spring in anticipation of the arrival of summer. You plan for your children's growth spurts, will Isaiah be in size 4 or 5 diapers in 4 months? What size of shoe will Kaden grow into in the next month or year?You plan for birthdays, because if you can't find stuff to make a pirate ship cake or a any other design your kids will know. You plan for your wood supply months and years in advance. There is a lot of planning ahead done here. If you don't plan ahead you could be cold and hungry.

Thankfully what this post is about is nothing as critical as food or clothes.... It is more like planning my happiness. Like I said in yesterdays post, we have been enjoying the warmer temps and the ability to go out on snow-machine. Last week we went on a drive out to a area that Keith said I would LOVE! My husband knows me so well because he took me out to a area with all these spruce trees and said we were getting a head start on looking for next years Christmas tree. He was right, I did love it and there are some BEAUTIFUL trees out there. Perfect for next years Christmas trees. hahaha As I said, my husband knows me so well! The boys enjoyed the trip and enjoyed scouting out our next tree. The 28 degrees with sun is SO MUCH BETTER then -20 in the dark. Here are some pictures of us planning ahead!

 

 Exploring the "Tree farm"

 

 My Boys

 Which one? Which one? and then trying to remember where it is for next Christmas!

 Our Ride