tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-780746046434132522024-03-20T16:46:11.765-07:00Homestead On A HillKathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-6137452630074051822019-03-22T10:09:00.000-07:002019-03-22T10:09:22.190-07:00The Start Of The Big Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In January we headed out on a big, epic family trip for 4 week. We were looking at a lot of flights, car rentals, hotels/condos, family, friends, new places and adventures ahead.</div>
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The dark and cold of January is a great time to hit the road and head south from Alaska. It was so fun that with Josh's break in work he could come too and it could be a true family time.</div>
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After 18 1/2 hours of travel we arrived at our first stop - Cocoa Beach, Florida. There the sun was out, the waves were rolling and the beach was before us.</div>
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It wasn't super warm but that didn't stop these Alaska babies from being in the water ALL the time. We couldn't visit the beach without them all getting soaked. They couldn't help themselves and I don't blame them. </div>
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I loved that we walked out of our condo and in 3 minutes had our toes in the surf. It was a great place to stay, a great place to relax. We switched out time between beach sand and pool side. January isn't a super popular time so we were pretty much given as much space as we could want. </div>
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Our big trip had started out great.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-57780152141821013532019-03-20T20:21:00.000-07:002019-03-20T20:21:01.392-07:00A Visit To The Hot Springs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last month we returned from a really big family trip around the lower 48. We had two weeks until Josh started his new job but the fun wasn't over yet!</div>
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Months before we had set reservations for a little time away in the wild. The Alaskan wild, which is a little more wild and a little more fun. 100 miles north of Fairbanks by road and then 11 miles by snow machine took us to our destination.</div>
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Out in this wilderness are some cabins to rent. Places without the stress of life. A place with a guitar found under a bench that could be strummed, books to read, pictures to paint, friends to enjoy and food to be eaten.</div>
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But the thing that makes this cabin extra special is that it is surrounded by natural hot springs. Just the thing you need to enjoy when deep into the winter. I love that my kids, at their ages, have now all experienced what it is like to walk to a natural hot tub in boots, bathing suit, bathrobe and snow drifts!</div>
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And the comfort of coming back to a cozy cabin for games and crafts.</div>
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But no cabin trip is complete without lots of hikes, snow machine rides and sledding.</div>
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These kids, and adults, got to enjoy it all.</div>
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Tolovana Hot Springs, Two friends, 4 kids, cabins, 4 machines, 3 cargo sleds and 4 days of fun.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-65470386983093967442019-03-14T11:54:00.001-07:002019-03-14T11:56:36.183-07:00Science Time - Animal Cells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">This week's science lessons have been about the animal cell and all of its organelles. Honestly, it is all a stretch for me. I am such a geologist. Lets talk minerals, rocks, formations all day long. I have been working through different organs with the kids (lungs, hearts, brain) recently. I mentioned this to a biologist friend of mine and she asked, "well, did you start with the cell?" No, no I hadn't. So out came ALL the science books. Praise the Lord for the library and for our collection of Usborne non-fiction kid books. This scientist who stays far away from living things brought her knowledge back up to speed on the basic structure of our animal cell. And then the work in teaching the kids began. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">This is the definition of homeschool right? I once had a friend tell me that she could never homeschool because she doesn't know everything or can she be everything for her kids. This has put me in a mental cramp for so long. I so often find myself stretched when teaching art, spanish and other subjects that aren't my strong point. But science, come on - I am a scientist, right. Yet I found myself 4 days into "researching" the animal cell before I had the courage to bring it before the kids. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">Once in lesson mode things went great!! We talked about living things, cells and so much more. Together we made a zucchini cake and then created it into our cell model. The membrane and cytoplasm were versions of green since I had already made green frosting last week in preparation for St. Patrick's day. We used different bits of left over Halloween candy for our organelles. When it came time to eat the cake we reviewed all of the organelles one more time and then the kids had to ask for what piece they wanted by organelle name instead of candy name. Amazing how fast that can sink in faster when it is edible and you are worried your brother is going to eat the centrioles when that is really what you were wanting. Today we will continue with a worksheet, a movie, and tomorrow we will go ahead and draw our own models in our science books. Repetition is so good but I honestly don't expect the kids the remember all of the terms this time next year but you better believe they will remember when we made a cake into the shape of a cell! Food, a wonderful way to make the mind remember.</span></span></div>
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<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-20339454421496497352019-03-12T10:46:00.002-07:002019-03-12T10:46:49.006-07:00Party of 12 Please<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My good friend from Kodiak, her husband and 4 kids came to visit for the past 4 days. We have met together over the years and always have a good time. Putting a lot of people, 8 of them kids 8 and under, can be a challenge. Yet of all of our visits this one I would say was by far the best. They got to experience the full Fairbanks winter experience and we got to enjoy them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUbE9TPpNvN0PIK_iLbcU4bF7L6mAqymsH86kb5LzpL43lVE0rFBNZLxwh6tHo0L_zIhKr0vPDB7nnPnpPB3229NFOLWbnExwWm0c71mHCZnoPDnVGjABLrzlP9OEWMbCWj92MrFBbfA/s1600/IMG_1849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUbE9TPpNvN0PIK_iLbcU4bF7L6mAqymsH86kb5LzpL43lVE0rFBNZLxwh6tHo0L_zIhKr0vPDB7nnPnpPB3229NFOLWbnExwWm0c71mHCZnoPDnVGjABLrzlP9OEWMbCWj92MrFBbfA/s400/IMG_1849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They are a Coast Guard family and so we never know where they will be next, or for how long. But I am so thankful for the 3 years they were in Kodiak and the 5 times we have been together over the past 3 years.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-41817944227883658422019-03-07T08:57:00.001-08:002019-03-07T08:57:17.647-08:00Bean Bag Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we thought we were moving this fall I sold a lot of items. One of them was our full sized couch. We still have our love seat but as a family of 6 seating can get a little tight.</div>
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So I got in my head to sew the kids bean bag chairs for christmas.</div>
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They are a huge hit and it was so fun for me to be able to pick specialized fabric for each child.</div>
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The kids use them for reading, playing, watching a movie and for the first morning wake up time when they are really too sluggish to do anything yet.</div>
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They are great fun for piling all together and Josh himself is now begging me to make a big one for him.</div>
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<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-85677374918879094942019-03-06T10:08:00.002-08:002019-03-06T10:08:47.438-08:00Buddies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love a lot of parts of homeschool and struggle through a lot of other parts. Yet one of the main things that keeps me going time and time again is watching these kids grow up. Their days are mixed, blended, and intertwined in every which way. My 1 year old "reading" with my 8 year old isn't something that happens on the weekends but all day long. As they grow older they seek more and more friendships outside of the home, as they should, but the bond they have with their siblings is so very strong.</div>
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My two little reading buddies.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-47675516186253268472019-03-06T09:36:00.001-08:002019-03-06T09:36:08.023-08:00March 2nd Was Dr. Seuss's Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The week before Saturday, March 2nd I stayed home everyday with Zachary. We are attempting to potty train. Attempting because he does great if we don't leave the house. Hmm, not sure how that is going to for for all future endeavors. Regardless, Saturday, March 2nd came along and Josh was gone all day on a men's snow machine trip. I was home with the kids and feeling a little let down that I couldn't take them to any of the Dr. Seuss activities that were going on in town. Not that they they knew but still. </div>
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So I did something I haven't done before, we celebrated Dr. Seuss at home. We made little cat in the hat treats, dyed eggs green and all tried our hand in making some Dr. Seuss art to display.</div>
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The day was also filled with lots and lots of reading of Dr. Seuss books. After all of those twisty turn books to read I have to admit it is a good thing we only celebrate his great achievements once a year. My tongue still hurts. But it was a good day, helped lift the stay home blues and brought a lot of excitement. </div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-63885724043801495562019-01-10T23:34:00.000-08:002019-01-10T23:34:10.749-08:00It Came From The Mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Josh spent all of November and part of December working at a gold mine south of us in Alaska. He would be bused down there and work for a couple weeks, come home and then do it again. We are all thankful that this isn't his full time job but it was quite the experience for him for short term.</div>
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And while there he asked a lot of questions, took pictures of what he could and brought home a few select core samples to share with the kids.</div>
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Best science lessons ever come right from the source. Through Josh's short-term job the kids have gotten the chance to learn all the working order of a gold mine. It is a big deal to go from rock in the ground to gold bars in the bank!</div>
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Sharing our love of Geology, Chemistry and watching our kid's minds grow and learn. Great parenting and homeschool times.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-31541997834541282522019-01-09T13:08:00.000-08:002019-01-09T13:08:10.874-08:00Greetings From Nigeria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are having so much fun in geography this year. Each month we study something else and can go as shallow or in depth as we have time for. Last month we dove into Nigeria. </div>
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We learned so much. Just a glimpse of some of our fun. Making our own Nigerian celebration masks.</div>
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We also made homemade Shuku Shuku and they were declared a huge hit by my crew. </div>
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We have since also studied Italy. While there we made bruschetta, learned about opera, pizza, how the famous artists invented gears and we made our own sculptures out of soap like Michelangelo's David. Somehow in the middle of all that learning, and Christmas season, no pictures were taken. But oh the fun memories remain. Especially the fact that I used too much garlic on the bruschetta. Many requests have been made that I make it again with a little less garlic "kick" next time. </div>
Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-56527056996078797872019-01-08T02:00:00.000-08:002019-01-08T02:00:09.900-08:00Books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love that each day this little boy falls more and more in love with books.</div>
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I have been away for awhile. I went to Texas to help my mom after the passing of my grandma. When I got home all of the kids stayed very, very close. But this boy - he wouldn't let me get out of touching distance. And what did we do most of the day being attached at all times, we read. Book after book after book. He would pick one, back himself up, plop into my lap from start to finish. The love of books is hard to escape at this house as we read all the time and are surrounded by books (never enough bookshelves) but to see that love grow and blossom, I love it!</div>
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<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-78733373556112527642019-01-07T21:10:00.005-08:002019-01-07T21:10:54.734-08:00Seeing Myself In Lego Form<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Josh and the kids are creating a Lego city. They were sure to build a rock quarry at the edge of town and put in mama as the geologist/natural resource specialist. I feel so very loved.</div>
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<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-67118450626495637592018-12-28T00:48:00.001-08:002018-12-28T00:48:34.780-08:00My Sized Corners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Right now this little boy loves to destroy thing. Oh the joy of throwing, running, crashing and banging things. Those expressions of who he is fills our days. </div>
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So this moment, the time when he will sit in a little kitchen cabinet just his size, is a peaceful moment in our lives. He gives us a grin, then hops up, bangs the door shut and is off and running once more.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-52014807230562152782018-12-26T15:43:00.000-08:002018-12-26T15:43:21.140-08:00The Day After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The day after:</div>
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Girls are wearing new dresses, even though it is a home day</div>
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Lego sets are out and slowly being built</div>
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New paints are being enjoyed</div>
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A Christmas puzzle is out and being worked on. </div>
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Meanwhile in the kitchen the counter is covered with pinecones, moss, leaves and sea shells. We are working on a project for the library. </div>
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This middle of life look. I love and yet can only take for so long. Proud of myself today that I see the mess and see joy. I know later today I might run around cleaning but for now there is this and this is my husband and kids enjoying life. The day after - I am loving it.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-14450517979538112622018-12-25T02:30:00.000-08:002018-12-25T02:30:15.632-08:00Christmas 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijS8JCa3vgQk1PLrFF0n3NlV1z2DDZ_5x4antytR0cAv3KQWXczNO71wquDi_ygzVLxXeHsaGTJInL4MvnODAEjOkwnWsLoIfBHcZaoIiEaG5-MWuFYoCSrURzrzKlmfTEB9o5OEBfZM/s1600/IMG_0871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijS8JCa3vgQk1PLrFF0n3NlV1z2DDZ_5x4antytR0cAv3KQWXczNO71wquDi_ygzVLxXeHsaGTJInL4MvnODAEjOkwnWsLoIfBHcZaoIiEaG5-MWuFYoCSrURzrzKlmfTEB9o5OEBfZM/s400/IMG_0871.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas from the Klynstra's. </div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-57508258988176207582018-12-25T00:53:00.001-08:002018-12-25T00:55:18.801-08:00Christmas Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas Eve is such an interesting day. A day full of anticipation, excitement and what is to come. Yet at the same time that the kids are full of indescribable energy I found myself so very melancholy so often today. The drain of the Christmas season, the distance from family, the to do list and the loss of my grandma. They weighed on me today. Lucky for me we had invited friends over before my Grandma's passing and it was still on the schedule. The arrival of friend, the distraction and added joy. It was what this day was in need of. </div>
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We had quite the snow machine trip that included all 8 of us and ended up being quite epic for Zachary and I. In the end I am thankful I still have my nose! Cold out there. We came together for a big turkey dinner and how fun Brandy and Tony were, they dove right in and helped with all of the preparations. We left the table full of dishes and the kitchen a disaster and headed to church for our candle light service. Ethan was picked this year to light the candle of Hope, he was so proud.</div>
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At home the kids dressed in Christmas jammies while I cleaned as much as possible. Then we had egg nog and the reading of the Night before christmas in front of the tree. </div>
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Off everyone went to bed and I got to work. In just over 2 hours the kitchen and all of dinner was cleaned up, living room was rearranged, presents were pulled out of hiding and the stockings were stuffed and hung with care. </div>
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I now sit and just think. I think of the months I have spent finding just the right gifts. I wonder about what the kids will think. But most I think of the anticipation. Of Mary, full of child. Ready to greet her baby but so unsure of what was before her. I think of the promise of peace, hope, redemption and love that was to be brought to earth. I love this night. Tomorrow will bring energy and excitement. Tonight brings peace. The table is set with our "fancy" dishes for our special breakfast, gifts await, house is clean and the children are resting. How thankful I am that the Lord gives us this season of gifts and love.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-24966685470161594682018-12-22T08:33:00.001-08:002018-12-22T08:33:28.245-08:00Happy Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrate two things today. The first day after winter solstice is always a celebration in Fairbanks, AK. It is a day where we can say, "we did it, we made it through to the very shortest day once again. From here we will gain back our most loved daylight."</div>
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And as we all revel in our extra 19 seconds of daylight we also celebrate Josh.</div>
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Happy birthday to my husband, my children's father, a hard worker, a snow machine lover, a chemist, an elder in the church, a helper and my very best friend. So happy you are mine and we get to enjoy each of your years together. </div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-63863141274319945952018-12-19T13:38:00.000-08:002018-12-19T13:38:18.677-08:00Winter Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We invested in a new one piece snowsuit for Naomi this winter. It was the best decision ever. Easy to put on, keeps her warm and makes outdoor play more fun. Hand-me-downs are great but every once in awhile something new is in order! </div>
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I love the bright green color. She always stands out in the white yard. A friend saw her in this and asked, "Naomi, is it hard to play hide and seek in that suit?" Very seriously she said, "Oh no, I can play just fine. I just close my eyes."</div>
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4 year olds are so fun!</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-82200226742390387672018-12-17T23:47:00.001-08:002018-12-17T23:47:52.199-08:00Good-Bye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This dear lady left us today. 92 1/2 a half years and yet the morning that it is over I realize, it wasn't enough. Today I hold on to the promise of God and eternity in heaven with Him. God grants me peace only with the knowledge that my grandma can now see fully, hug those she as missed, dance and sing and wear the shiniest halo the gate keeper has in all of the heavenly realms. </div>
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My dear grandma Norma Jean, I miss you already.</div>
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Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-62873913482451387182018-12-16T20:35:00.001-08:002018-12-16T20:35:10.797-08:00Christmas Cookies 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the joys of Christmas - baking. But not something I like to take on alone with 4 kids. I never know what will happen in the 6 minutes it takes to bake a sheet of cookies. So a friend came over and helped me. How blessed I am by her. She stayed by my side in the kitchen for 4 hours as we cooked up multiple batches of goodness.</div>
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It was fun for all. </div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-80918478025379033282018-12-13T00:33:00.001-08:002018-12-13T00:33:22.142-08:00The Christmas Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have felt such peace and joy this Christmas season. Oh, the days have certainly been full and taxing but still the "Christmas" part has brought joy and happiness instead of stress. So thankful for that.</div>
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One thing I do is just a little at a time. This was the day I decorated. I snapped a picture and laughed at the mess on the table that included a science lesson, Thanksgiving decorations, leftovers of Zachary's lunch and Ethan deep into a lego set. In the background was the couch overflowing with the decoration boxes and trying to figure out where to put what for this new season.</div>
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I love how the kids have grown into this season. Abigail and Naomi especially love so many little parts that sets this time of year apart. Abigail is also old enough to really grasp the gift of God's gift this year. I am so thankful for that. That even as we enjoy the whole season, God's gift of Jesus and his love for us on Earth is more the focus than the glit and glitter. </div>
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I am thankful for this spiritual light as well as the physical lights of the season. Our days are so dark. A friend had extra exterior lights that she loaned me this year. Yesterday I strung them up on our frozen garden fence. It is so fun to look at out and see the light flowing into our dark yard. The tree in the house stays on ALL day and fills me with peace. </div>
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The sibling squabbles, the tiredness, the unmet expectations of the days are all around. For this I will gaze at the lights on the tree and remember the peace of Jesus given to us all who say Yes to Him. </div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-74908562728850153852018-12-10T01:18:00.001-08:002018-12-10T01:18:28.765-08:00We Celebrated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Abigail is officially 8 and it feels right. We started the day with a new recipe of Kiwi breakfast cake and warm chocolate milk. It was semi received with the milk being a real hit of the meal. </div>
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Since we homeschool, it is our family rule that all birthdays are school holidays! Her big request of the morning was to listen to the audio books and do puzzles in the living room. After Zachary went down for his nap we did exactly that! I loved that quiet hour where we were together and happy. </div>
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Soon our neighbor and good friends came over for cake. Why do I not do afternoon cake more? It was great. Everyone enjoyed it and no tantrums due to being overtired occurred. I am done with after dinner birthday cakes from here on out. Mid day cakes are the way to go!</div>
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After that we zipped to town to meet friends at the Children's museum. How I love that my girl loves our museum. Going there and crafting and playing for hours was just what she wanted to do and I was so happy to get to deliver!</div>
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Home to impossible cheeseburger pie with broccoli for dinner. Yes they did get an additional sliver of ice cream cake after dinner as well. Birthdays are special days indeed. She had so much fun opening her gifts and feeling the love from her siblings and family and friends far and wide. </div>
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This girl has looked forward to her day for months. How I worry that the anticipation will lead to expectations higher than I can meet. But in the end it was a perfect day for her and for me. She was treated royally and we got to honor her with things she loved and had requested.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-13297242588822049272018-12-10T01:12:00.001-08:002018-12-10T01:12:40.285-08:00Love And Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other day I brought out a box of baby clothes I had saved. Just a few things that were precious to me. They were items from when Abigail and Naomi were babies. Bonnets, booties, a few newborn dresses and nightgowns. Just the smallest of the smallest items for them to now use with their baby dolls.</div>
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Ethan got pretty excited about it all right along with the girls. After awhile he disappeared. </div>
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Soon he was calling me. He had dressed up all of his stuffed animals in his boy cabbage patch clothes and some of the girls' new dresses. He then had paired each animals claiming one was the dad and one was the mom. All couples were dancing. </div>
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Because they were all celebrating their weddings. Oh how this little boy makes me laugh. I loved seeing this creation that he had made. He was very particular as well that the yellow duck had a yellow dress and the green frog a green outfit and so on. </div>
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And right after the wedding all of the couples had babies. The bears had the baby panda, the frog and duck duo had his small frog toy and the white bears had his small white bear. Pairing each couple with appropriate child was also a big deal. Ethan likes order and coordination. I encourage his play but don't direct it all. I love seeing where he is going with this on his own. Can I say how pleased I am that in his play it is essential that all couples were married before having children. Glad he has the order right. How I love this little boy who wants to be so many things when he grows up but at the top of the list is the fact that he wants to be a dad! </div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-36138440888551507612018-12-07T23:10:00.003-08:002018-12-07T23:10:41.856-08:00Favorite Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So far our Christmas season has been one of fun and peace. I really can't be much more thankful than for that. We have had crafting, decorating, shopping and events but they have been at our level and I keep reminding myself that less is more when it comes to kids and happiness.</div>
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This, two siblings sitting in the light of our tree "reading" christmas books, is my favorite moments to see. There is still baking, music, things to see and fun to be had but we will keep going at a slow pace. What I can do right now with Josh gone and what the kids do best with! Thankful to write this post and remind myself as tomorrow seems to be the busiest of the year for Fairbanks. Everything seems to be happening. I have decided on two things so far and we will wait and see how we roll with our extra options as the day goes on. Filling our season with God's greatest love for us.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-75159634779034382492018-12-05T02:00:00.000-08:002018-12-05T02:00:13.647-08:00Happy 8th Birthday Abigail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today my girl turns 8 years old. All I can think of right now is of the two naive parents holding their brand new baby girl 8 years ago and wondering just what in the world were they going to do.</div>
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Abigail, my darling love, how you have blessed us so much each and every day of these 8 years.</div>
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You love art and wake up every single morning ready to create. You always have a plan, it is always big and it is always something that involves everyone!</div>
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And your laugh. I love to see you laugh. You are often the one in charge. You like to lead/boss and with that comes a level of seriousness. But when you let that go and laugh, I love to see it!!</div>
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When I lead us on different adventures you are always there, the first in line. You love science, nature, exploring and creating.</div>
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You are such a good dancer and love every single day to spin, jump, leap, tumble, flip and do it all over again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibCr8B4M29JRi2OvtmLlxAfIrnJQvQeBaxM2VZU19-PWHTgyTNSnki34vlyUwEhozWVDyu9WJf5JIbID-gImtS4pZexkr3yCEm8H5FVyQK2Ljk51GFbTpEASd9Sw78GUROE23_JaYm2s/s1600/IMG_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibCr8B4M29JRi2OvtmLlxAfIrnJQvQeBaxM2VZU19-PWHTgyTNSnki34vlyUwEhozWVDyu9WJf5JIbID-gImtS4pZexkr3yCEm8H5FVyQK2Ljk51GFbTpEASd9Sw78GUROE23_JaYm2s/s400/IMG_0896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You are so gracious to your dad and I. This year daddy is gone for your birthday. So before he left we had a special dessert, outing and dinner for you with dad. You were so happy with it all and are coming into your birthday knowing you have already had most of your big surprises. I wondered if you would be now disappointed, a week later, but you haven't fussed at all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_et6zriJQwiClR7rnfLV48uVUY-CahAAaND4k8Tq7KsH473Ztn7x8xkbjGtVcs8WZ9dP9ttW_XvvjOczgfNIXDUtuZB1ZXsfx2K5OEhe4SqJDVnn02R8AtFTq35-vjtFlvaWKiN3IZE/s1600/IMG_2427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_et6zriJQwiClR7rnfLV48uVUY-CahAAaND4k8Tq7KsH473Ztn7x8xkbjGtVcs8WZ9dP9ttW_XvvjOczgfNIXDUtuZB1ZXsfx2K5OEhe4SqJDVnn02R8AtFTq35-vjtFlvaWKiN3IZE/s400/IMG_2427.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This year you have become an absolute fish in the water. It has been so fun to see you learn to love your time in the pool. Last year you were wearing a floaty. This year you dive, swim laps, do flips, dive for toys, go off the diving board and water slide, jump and do handstands and flips in the water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNkrBuuOSeKcO7l3AAObqal3KRNDQEHWyuKjXBbHzNBXacUum5uiif63Q09l6K6k5_nOBngszIMk9GE-k06NZHyl6O1D2mUyrXn6yYLJ63_zFwN4NMBvTMDFp0JosEHXyQGrYZDBtSDA/s1600/IMG_8689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNkrBuuOSeKcO7l3AAObqal3KRNDQEHWyuKjXBbHzNBXacUum5uiif63Q09l6K6k5_nOBngszIMk9GE-k06NZHyl6O1D2mUyrXn6yYLJ63_zFwN4NMBvTMDFp0JosEHXyQGrYZDBtSDA/s400/IMG_8689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You enjoy the summer more than the winter. There are more things to create your beautiful art with in the summer (dyes from berries, leaves and flowers). But you are always up for a winter adventure. I love seeing you join your dad on the snow machine, lace up your skates and go sledding with Ethan.</div>
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And you are also a child with deep thoughts. You love to have time with just me where we talk and talk about things you dream, think of, wonder about and get excited to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTtO2phMJHFrRWkkejtiZbqZ159j04uUYntAKXX-8gHNRsyZ4wTz4thHHXBpxHBVX8JldB2k-M4pGzWpTD-YPt_4ymEf6Wo04zjnomTjp5eF0LbMIti5swBmsGjT800XVoGLnpGyZSpU/s1600/IMG_9527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTtO2phMJHFrRWkkejtiZbqZ159j04uUYntAKXX-8gHNRsyZ4wTz4thHHXBpxHBVX8JldB2k-M4pGzWpTD-YPt_4ymEf6Wo04zjnomTjp5eF0LbMIti5swBmsGjT800XVoGLnpGyZSpU/s400/IMG_9527.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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You are small in stature but so very strong in spirit. You rarely get tired and almost never get scared. You lead, encourage and press on - as long it isn't your math work.</div>
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You are now in 2nd grade and have the most confidence I have ever seen. You love art, history, geography and yes, even math with our new program. Reading is hard but we are learning through this and growing so very, very much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW3fVNKira82GTs7H4FgzzliSSghUF8FwpO9PAKiH_QQjTuagcMeOVAoVpdIImleDQ6HdWmlanq4mPuoe80wna1lNY72Dybxwr4FIzQUKwyLMPln1DV75pgH6lHXH5amuf4aGb7Ia978/s1600/IMG_9966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW3fVNKira82GTs7H4FgzzliSSghUF8FwpO9PAKiH_QQjTuagcMeOVAoVpdIImleDQ6HdWmlanq4mPuoe80wna1lNY72Dybxwr4FIzQUKwyLMPln1DV75pgH6lHXH5amuf4aGb7Ia978/s400/IMG_9966.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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You, my dear, are the apple of my eye and the glue that holds me together most days. You help me, see what needs to be done and give me hugs when I am blue. You make us laugh, put things right and yet still are my little girl. I asked you what you would miss about being 7, you said, "being young." I think on that and ask you to please, take a breath and slow down my dear. Your great life is ahead of you and I just can't believe that God has given me a front row seat to seeing all the greatness that is ahead of you! Happy birthday my sweet, sweet Abigail.</div>
<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78074604643413252.post-87255637706353358222018-12-04T14:36:00.000-08:002018-12-04T14:36:00.980-08:00A Jack Of All Trades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are somethings I never thought I would do. I knew when I was younger that I wanted to be a mom but I never thought I would also be my children's school teacher. I never thought I would build a house from ground up. I never thought I would raise and butcher chickens for meat. Yes, I did believe I would garden but never one so big. There are certain things that make me stop and look around and laugh at where I am at. The things that we all do in our lives because they need to happen and we are the ones to do it. No one else is in waiting in line to do the jobs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZvwWOpVHVHBi9WZ7ixZQQwOE63EN6HGuq34Hna4zOJVhRVzfeHcZXvUJ9WDTJq4ZwJud1Mmodeh2MYoEVaL5hsoOdLChKGdVbg9qBd-v2W7SGS1FVEc7gwF4C4mXXZNfHAQ8xzCkdN8/s1600/IMG_0893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZvwWOpVHVHBi9WZ7ixZQQwOE63EN6HGuq34Hna4zOJVhRVzfeHcZXvUJ9WDTJq4ZwJud1Mmodeh2MYoEVaL5hsoOdLChKGdVbg9qBd-v2W7SGS1FVEc7gwF4C4mXXZNfHAQ8xzCkdN8/s400/IMG_0893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The trigger of all these thoughts was the day of beauty I had with the girls last week. Ballet had ended for the fall, and thus putting the girls' hair up into buns each week also ended. Since the girls aren't doing ballet in the spring semester I felt free to give them a nice trim. So many tangled ends were snipped off and the girls both ended in super cute bob cuts. I smile as I looked at them and also wiped the sweat from my brow. Cutting hair is intense for me because it is not something I consider in my skill set. Being a frugal mom has lead me to this place and I am thankful for now that my girls (and boys - although Ethan despises haircut days) are happy with mom's beauty salon. </div>
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Usually we wait for Easter and summer for our fresh haircuts. Christmas cuts seem fresh and appropriate too.</div>
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<br />Kathleen Klynstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08098783286992403914noreply@blogger.com0