April

It is hard to believe that it is April already and that Easter has come and gone. Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend were in the 70's. It was awesome! Misty and I weeded her garden, prep'ed it, and planted some seeds. It has been a long time since I did a vegetable garden. But it was fun and Lizzy had a blast playing in the dirt. We took Lizzy to an Easter Egg scramble (the same one as last year... boy has she grown up). This is her studying the competition.

The twins are getting big (10 months now). They are both crawling. Joe has 5 teeth and Katie none. They are good babies, but keep mom hopping when Lizzy is demonstrating that she is 2 and a half.

I am doing well. Young Life is lots of fun and keeps me on my toes. It is a little bit different type of ministry than I have done in the past, but it is great what they do for kids.

My tutoring job fits nicely in the evenings. I have mostly been tutoring jr high and high school students that are struggling. They are fun kids and it is neat to watch them improve. I feel blessed that I was able to find two jobs that work so well together and still allow me the flexiblity to help Misty when she needs an extra hand.

Next weekend I head up to Moscow, ID for Teagan Kroon's theater performance of Oklahoma and to hang out with Mark and Joani (Kroon) Curtis. I am looking forward to that drive through central Idaho mountains and the Kroon time I will get to enjoy. Hopefully I will be able to post a picture of Teag in his white fur chaps and cowboy boots with taps on them... I can't wait!

Signs of Spring

I know I have been negligent in my blog. My apologies.

Thing have been busy in the last few weeks. Young Life had their big banquet fundraiser last weekend. It was my first banquet and I was quite busy the week before and after. It was a great turnout and we were totally blessed by the response. The awesome ministy of Young Life will be able to continue here in Boise.

The second reason I have for not writing much is the Spring-like weather. I have officially started wearing my flip flops every day and pulled out my capris. We have had at least 5 days of 70+ degree weather. The daffidils are blooming and my neighbors have started mowing their lawn. I love spring!

And I got to see good friend Teagan Kroon last weekend. Fun to see a friend from home.

The best news of the day is that I get to go to Alaska for my birthday! I bought my tickets today and I am so excited to see all those I love!

Weekend Fun

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to McCall with a group of 20 Young Life leaders. Half of the group went skiing on Saturday but 7 of us hung around and played cards. I took a couple of hours to myself for a little photo taking. At one point I found myself up to my knees in snow, trying to get the shot I was hoping for.... not this one, but I like it. It was good to be in the mountains and meet some new friends.

It has been a fun couple of weeks. Mom and Dad have been visiting, doing thier best to spoil the kids and help potty train Lizzy (which is working, hurray). Joe has been sick, today the doctor diagnosed him having two viruses and have manifested themselves in two types of rashes. Poor little guy.

Walking with Friends

I have been walking occasionally with my friend Janelle. We went for an 8 mile walk on Saturday morning. It was a beautiful morning. Janelle is 7 months pregnant and very active. She set quite a pace for me to keep up. Especiallly since I have done almost no physical activity in the last 6 months. This is a picture of her and her dog Raja.

With the Learing Center, I have started tutoring a couple of times a week. I am enjoying being with students again. I am hoping that we get more student soon so I can get some more hours.

With the Young Life job: This weekend I am going to McCall with the Young Life leaders for their training retreat. It should be a fun weekend.

Mom is visiting and Dad will be here on Monday. It is fun to have them here enjoying the kids with us.

Happy 'flying-naked-baby-day' to all!

The Latest Addition to My Collection

Meet my newest niece, Dakota Reily! She arrived on January 30th... she and Mama are doing great! I am thrilled to add another little one to my collection of children to dote on!

A Boondoggle - Photos, Class, and Cars

So I finally have something exciting to blog about, although not all of it is particularly the good kind of exciting. More on that later.

Misty and I went on a 'boondoggle' as Peter likes to call it. When I asked him what exactly a 'boondoggle' was he said they use the term at HP when someone goes on a training trip that is really for partying. (New vocabulary for you, Amy.) So in many ways this was a boondoggle, as Misty was able to leave the children for two nights and do something just for her... and I was there for moral support.

We flew out Friday afternoon to Portland, rented a car and drove down to Salem where we met up with an Alaska friend, Jen Morris. We had a good time catching up with her. It is always good to see a face from home. Then we drove on to Joani (Kroon)Curtis' house in Albany. She and her husband Mark took us out for some delectible, and maybe a little over the top, dessert. Joani and I stayed up too late talking, but Misty was perfectly happy to go to bed early with no baby monitor.

We were up early on Saturday to drive down to Eugene for a photography weekend put on by Rocky Mountain School of Photography which turned out to be excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about photography. We were on overload by lunch time when we met up with Joani and her mother-in-law (her father-in-law was also at the workshop) for lunch. We were ready for more after lunch. I learned a lot about working my camera in manual setting, color, shooting low light situations, digital photography, shooting motion and landscape... and so much more. Misty's take on it "I learned so much my head is still spinning. Give me a few weeks to practice before you see a difference on the Neisen Times".

The weekend, unfortunately for you, my readers, did not have any actual photography by us... well until after the workshop ended... but that is coming. I, however, have high hopes of improving my photography and showing you great shots one day.

Saturday night we stayed at a hotel in Eugene and arrived bright and early to pack in as much learning as possible. One of the highlights was a critique the last session where the instructors talked through some photos submitted by participants. The weekend was full of great shots and learning. Now I just have to take the time to practice it.

It was also a bit of a research trip for me personally. RMSP has a summer intesive program that goes 11 weeks and teaches you all aspects of photography including how to start your own business and go professional. I have toyed with that idea some and wanted to explore it this weekend. I have not come to any amazing conclusions. But I know if I did work with RMSP they would have an outstanding program. So I am still praying about it and weighing all the pros and cons.

Now on to that exciting thing to blog about that wasn't good. As we were driving north to PDX we had an unfortunate event with the rental car that may prove to be expensive. Let's jut say the in an attempt to miss hitting a car we overcorrected, fishtailed, and ended up in the median with a popped tire, cracked front bumper, and scuffed back bumper. God was taking care of us because we did not roll or hit any other cars. Misty was great and changed the tire to the donut and we proceeded on to PDX where we were able to turn in the car, make a statement, and still make our flight. Today was the joy of insurance, that I am sure will not be over soon enough.

Anyone wishing to make donations to the Sister Boondoggle fund, please feel free to send those funds on.

And this is where the photos come in... we took pictures of the car damage.

New Happenings

Things in my life that are blog-worthy:

I was offered a part time job as a tutor in a tutoring center last Monday. But it is a new center and they also asked me to work some hours doing administration. So I have started going from one job to the next. I am thrilled that God has provided work for me. But I am not used to working full time and it makes me tired.

Misty and I are going to Oregon the last weekend of January to a photography weekend seminar for her birthday. It should be a fantastic weekend of seeing friends and enjoying my favorite hobby.

My latest niece will be born in a few weeks and I am so excited to add to the fun.

The News

Happy Holidays!
I have not been as good at posting on my blog in the last two months. Maybe I should make that a new year's resolution. The last month has gone by in a whirlwind of holiday fun. I have to admit that Christmas with small children is a lot of fun. Lizzy was so excited all day on Christmas... and the twins are just as cute as they can be... check out the latest snapshots http://scrubbydeer.com/neisentimes/

I had lots of plans to get projects done over the long weekend... but then I got a cold. Maybe next weekend.

I am still in search of a good part time job to help out with the pocket book. The best news is that God continues to provide for me. I have a house sitting job for 4-6 months starting this weekend. The camper is going to miss me... but it will be nice not to have to worry about the propane running out on the heater during cold snaps.

Oh yes, and my oh-so-generous sister and brother-in-law bought me a phone for Christmas... so I now have an Idaho number. I will hang onto the AK one for a little longer in transition. But it is a little sad to give up my AK number.

Checking In

Greetings readers, friends, family,
Just a note to update you on things. I have been working a couple of weeks for Young Life here in Boise. I am enjoying the office and working only part time... even if it doesn't pay quite enough. I did get the job offer, Friar, at the adoption agency but declined becasue I couldn't stack both part time jobs and stay sane. I am now looking for another part time job that I can work in the evenings and weekends.

Things are starting to become festive around here. The Christmas tree is up the house smells of pine. I am still unsure as to what my plans will be for the holiday... I long to go to Alaska, but money is restrictive. So most likely I will end up here with my sister's family. Which is not a bad option.

Hope this finds you all well!

Thanksgiving

I have been told that I need to post a new blog so that there is something new to read on the internet.

What's up in my life? We had a delicious Thanksgiving. Misty and I cooked dinner for her in-laws and it was great, if I do say so myself. Then Misty talked me into getting up for the crack-of-dawn sales on Friday. So 6am rolled around and we went out into the cold. We had a good time. Fortunately there wasn't much to tempt me. But people watching is always entertaining.
This week it is back to work. I am working on finding a second job for the evenings and weekends. I will keep you posted...

It's Been a Busy Week

I accepted the job at YoungLife and started working on Thursday. Friday I jumped in with both feet and went on their fall retreat. Ahhh youth ministry, I have missed it. I went up as work crew in the kitchen, take photos, and get to know everyone.

But before I headed up to the retreat I had an interview with and adoption and foster care organization. They basically offered me the job by the end of the interview and asked me to think about it over the weekend. So it was also a good weekend to process. And I had some time to pray and think. I came to the conclusion that I couldn't do both office jobs and do them well... so I declined the job offer at the adoption agency.

So it is on to other options for the second job... we will just have to see what God has next.

Moving Forward

After nearly 5 months of being unemployed (except for the week in August, which I don't really feel like I was employed) I have been offered a job. I interviewed last Thursday with YoungLife Boise for a part time administrative assistant for their youth program. Yesterday they called and offered me the job. It isn't enough to live on so I get the joy of juggling two jobs at some point. But I am excited to be able to work in ministry once again... and feel like I am moving forward instead of being in neutral. I also have an interview on Friday with the CASI Fountation for Children, a nonprofit adoption agency, as a part time administrative assistant for their international adoption program. So I may have two jobs before long... and then there is always Starbucks where I would be able to get my americano fix at least ;-)

Reflections on Road Kill

After traveling around 6000 miles (I will let you know my exact total in another blog) I have seen more than my fair share of road kill. At the beginning of my trip I did as many, I assume do, grimace and try to put the unpleasant vision out of my mind. But as the miles rolled by, I couldn’t help but do a little reflecting on the roadside carnage. I blame the raccoons. There were just so many of them after awhile I couldn’t help myself. They were arranged in several positions and almost entirely on the right side of the road where I had a good view of them. The modest ones were curled up as if sleeping (my favorite if I had to have one) to the gory pinks smear with only a tail to identify the species. There was the front leg splay, the full splay, the back sleeper, and the smudge. Occasionally I came across the black and white road kill that left a lingering scent for the next few miles so you couldn’t forget quite so quickly. On my return trip the rabbits, antelope and deer decided to join in. Fortunately I didn’t hit anything live except the bugs that smeared my windshield. But my heart has stopped a half a dozen times with the sight of a deer inches from the road. I didn’t take the time to stop and photograph any scenic road kill for you… so no pictures on this one.

And the Journey Comes to an End

On Monday morning I lingered in my cozy little cabin in the mountains. My last morning of my journey. I didn't want to rush the end. I spent a little extra time getting ready, packing my bag and having breakfast with God. Then drove very slowly down the icy mountain into the rain. I stopped along the way to take some soggy pictures of a rainbow... a promise of hope that I wanted to capture for the next step in my life journey. I wound my way through Alpine Canyon and the memories of rafting there while growing up. It had stopped raining but it was a grey day. Grey as I drove through my childhood town of Idaho Falls and along the interstate of southern Idaho. I made it back to my starting point about 5pm with a sigh, a heart filled with warm memories, and a computer filled with new photos .

Driving Across Wyoming

I planned to leave early to try to make it across most of Wyoming and my host assured me that that was no problem, he was getting up to go deer hunting at 5:30 and would be back around 7 to make me waffles. I, not wanting to insult my host, agreed that waffles would be an excellent way to start my journey. And when I went to the kitchen this morning before 7 I watched the deer walking across his yard and up the hillside behind his house. And true to his word, he made me waffles before I left. He also gave me some advice on scenic back roads to Devil’s Tower. I was most grateful as the drive was a beautiful one. Actually the whole day has been so amazingly beautiful. Truly a gift from God. Over the Big Horns, through Wind River Canyon and across the plains. I doubted myself when I got into some snow in the dark after Dubois… I didn’t know if I should stop there or not… but found a lodge on the other side of the pass and have a cozy little cabin nestled in the trees and frosted with snow in which to begin writing the end of my great journey with a cup of hot chocolate to keep me and my reflections company.

This is the scene that I awoke to on Monday morning. I do have more reflections to come, but will give you a break and fill you in the the rest in the next day or so.

A Week in South Dakota

South Dakota was a week of rest and visiting.

There is nothing like driving across the plains. While driving from the ranch (grandma and grandpa’s) to my aunt Beth’s I would see herds of antelope an a hillside and then go over another hill and see a herd of deer… the words from Home on the Range were always on the tip of my tongue. I attempted to photograph some of each. The antelope, however, were not very cooperative. During my time in SD I saw everything from the back of pickups loaded with neon orange clad pheasant hunters, to Harley-riding bikers. But my favorite has to be the skies that take your breath away. I have attempted to capture them and hope that I can do them justice.

Tuesday Grandma and Grandpa went to town for a doctor’s appointment and I stayed home part of the day doing laundry, blogging, and reading a little. Then I drove over to spend the rest of the day with Beth and Terry. Grandma and Grandpa came home that evening with an appointment to be at the hospital the next morning for Grandpa to get hernia surgery. So my plans to leave the next day suddenly changed. I picked up Beth the next morning and we headed in a little after Grandpa and Grandma. We spent the day at the hospital as moral support for Grandma as well as Grandpa. His surgery went well and he opted to stay the night in the hospital instead of make the hour + drive home. He claimed it felt like a horse kicked him with both feet. And he would probably know… I took Beth home and I went back to the ranch. They made it home early the next afternoon and I was surprised to see Grandpa walking so well. He took it easy for the next couple of days. Saturday was a beautiful 60 degree day and I could tell he was getting a bit stir crazy. I packed up to leave and said my goodbyes to Grandma and Grandpa. I then drove over to Beth and Terry’s for lunch and to tell them goodbye as well. I finally headed out about 2.

My one goal was to get my oil changed in Sturgis. With that accomplished I decided to see if I could buzz up to Mt Rushmore or Crazy Horse. The sun was setting behind the Black Hills as I was getting out of Rapid City and I found a church parking lot to indulge in my photo habit. It was getting dark, but I decided to continue toward the Mt Rushmore since it was closest. As I wound around in the mountains it was an awesome site to come around a corner and see the presidential faces lit up. However, I opted not to spend the $8 to park for 15 minutes while I took quick pictures before heading toward Spearfish and my bed for the night. They did have a pullout so you could see Washington’s profile so I drug out my tripod and attempted some night shots. I couldn’t resist getting the entire monument so I found a wide shoulder on the way down the mountain that I could see the whole monument and pulled the tripod out again. I buzzed down the mountain and back toward Rapid because I knew I was being rude if I didn’t check in with my host for the night (one of Mom’s cousins) and had no signal until Rapid City. Once I called I learned that they planned to eat dinner in 20 minutes and I was at least 45 minutes away. They promised it was no problem to wait for me, but I felt sheepish anyway. I hurried as much as I could (which isn’t hard when the speed limit is 75). I made it in time to jump in my host’s truck and go a couple of miles to his son’s house… who incidentally brought his bride to Shady Acres B&B in Alaska a year ago for their honeymoon. We had a fun evening of chatting and catching up.

A Week in Review

It is amazing to think that I haven't updated my blog for a week. I am sure that you have all been on the edge of your seats awaiting the travel journals of Carrie. My sincere apologies to all my faithful readers. And by my comments I see that I have some new readers... welcome to my world.

I left you in Jefferson City, MO. On Monday I traveled back to Kansas, spent a few hours working on projects for Aunt Cindy, and headed across town to spend some time with more family. I didn't get to visit Aunt Laila and family on my previous stop in Kansas so it was fun to spend some time with them. Laila had a fun girl day on Tuesday, going out for coffee, getting pedicures (the fanciest I have had yet... pictures coming), and then out for lunch. In the evening we carved pumpkins before the kids went to bed. On Wednesday I headed back over to help Aunt Cindy finish her projects and stayed one last night with them. Thursday Grandma and I went out to lunch before I headed across town to Laila's again as I planned to leave from her house the next morning on my next leg of the journey. After playing phone tag with cousin Evie, it worked out for me to see her on my way back to the ranch.

So Friday morning I headed out once again. This time north for 8 hours from Wichita to Souix Falls, SD. All interstate, I must admit, fortunately I had a few books on cd to break up the monotony. Evie and I had a wonderful evening of catching up and some wonderful Italian food. It is so fun to get to know your cousins as adults... especially when I was always so much older.

Saturday I climbed back in my car and headed west across South Dakota. I like to describe my trip plans as 'as the spirit moves'... and that was true of this leg. I saw a sign on the interstate for the Laura Ingalls Wilder house in DeSmet, SD and turned north. I found the homestead, which by the looks of it would be crawling with tourists in the summer, and was the only car in the parking lot. The visitor center was closed but all of the buildings were open and maps on a table on the porch. So I did the self guided tour. It was very well done with lots of explanations in each of the buildings. I thoroughly enjoyed having the place to myself and indulging in some photos. (pictures coming soon) I headed west again on small highways (so much more interesting). The skies were quite breath taking and I pulled over more than once to take a few photos. I eventually made it to the ranch just at dusk and in time to take a few sunset pictures.

Sunday was a beautiful 70 degree day. Probably the last they will have this year as the temperatures dropped into the teens Monday with some snow flurries. I rode with Grandma and Grandpa to Sundance, WY for a great-aunt's 80th birthday party. It was fun to catch up with some cousins I hadn't seen since I was in middle school, and meet a few I had never met. We were back at dark and Aunt Beth had asked if I would come to youth group at their house that evening to talk about some of my missions trips. It was a fun evening of being around high schoolers again. Makes me miss all of my 'kids' up in AK.

Monday was frigid as the wind chill was close to zero. Grandma and I worked on her computer some and washed windows (on the inside, fortunately). In the afternoon I went over to see another cousin and his new wife. It was so fun to catch up on their lives.

It is such a blessing to be able to see family and friends. I am truly blessed to be able to do this trip. My life is so rich for having so many family and friends to love and be loved.

PS Sorry that there are no pictures on this post ... Grandma has dial up...

Going West

Yes, my return trip has begun. I had wanted to go onto NC to visit my dear friend there, but felt that it was time to go west once again. After a long chat with her on the phone as I drove (yes, I have a hands-free speaker) I felt better about my decision to return west. But it was not an easy one. I had tossed and turned until 3am the night before wrestling with the next step of my journey.

I droved all interstates for the first time on my trip, thus far, driving north from TN, through Illinois, and west to St. Louis. The St. Louis Arch was too tempting to pass by without a short visit. So I guessed my way through down town until I found the parking for the arch. I spent nearly an hour walking around taking photos, watching people, and stretching my legs. It was a very cool stop. As I was there the clouds started moving in making for a dramatic sky. But as I drove the rain began to fall once again. The last two hours of my drive to Jefferson City, MO were in the rain, which wasn’t too bad, as I was focused on a book on cd that I was listening to. I have been saving the books on cd for interstate driving because it can get so boring without little towns to gawk at and fun signs to chuckle at.

I arrived at my college roomie, Lorrie’s house just as it was getting dark. We went out for dinner and started our catching up. We had both driven a lot that day, me from TN and her to and from Kansas City, so we didn’t stay up too long.

Today we got up and readied our selves for church, went to church and out to lunch. On the way home Lorrie drove me around this very cool town, looking at old brick houses and quaint neighborhoods…all very picturesque with their fall leaves and pumpkins on the doorsteps. We went home and changed into warm cozy clothes and headed for the coffee shop where we have been for the last hour catching you up on my life and laughing about one thing or another.

So now, my public, you have been up dated on my great adventure. Tomorrow I am going back to Wichita for a couple of days and then continuing west.

Visiting Family

Wade had to go to one last day of work before he gets deployed on Tuesday. So I got to hang out with Annadeidra and the kids all day. It was dumping rain all day so we were house-bound. We had a good time playing, visiting, and loving on the babes. Wade really wanted to smoke some meat so he came home at noon and brought us charcoal and woodchips and asked us to start it. So I got a lesson in smoking ribs. It was fun and ended up tasting really good. Wade, Annadeidra, and I played some cards that evening and laughed a lot.

Friday morning we headed for Nashville. We were going to the zoo. It had been a long time since I had been to a zoo. It was a chilly day, but we had lots of fun walking around and looking at all the animals. Kyrstin was enthusiastic about all of it, from the monkeys to the snakes, the elephants to the spiders. The sun finally came out later in the afternoon and warmed us up. It was a great adventure to share with them.

Saturday Morning I said my goodbyes… it is always hard to leave family. And I think it is even harder to leave the nieces and nephews because they don’t understand time and the whys of things. And as much as I don’t want to think about it, it is hard to say goodbye to Wade knowing he is going to Iraq next week.

So it was with a heavy heart and damp eyes that I started west…

Travel Day

I set out on Wednesday morning from Missouri and continued my journey east. I choose to take highways instead of the interstate and was rewarded for my effort. The fall colors are coming out in full force and it was breath taking. I went through a corner of Mark Twain National Forest and I could just imagine Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn adventures under the canopy of colors…boys running across picture perfect fields and throwing rocking into the bubbling brooks…quite idyllic, all in all.

I am sure that I took the long way, but it was worth it. The best sign of the day goes to a very pretty little town that welcomed me to “Steelville, MO Floating Capital of the World” … I chuckled at the irony all day.

I continued east and crossed the Mississippi River and a couple of other big rivers. One bridge was so interesting I pulled my camera out while driving and started shooting without looking. The pictures turned out pretty good.

I arrived at my younger brother, Wade’s house just as the sun was going down. I got to meet my nephew, Ashton for the first time and love on my little niece Kyrstin. I will remember that night fondly as sister-in-law Annadeidra brought home a smoker and we all pitched in to put I together in the dark back yard… quite entertaining.