The Keller Tribe

We don't live here anymore

2010-09-08T09:41:00.002-04:00

Hi Everybody! I should have informed you LONG ago that we have moved to a different blog in the name of consolidation! We have transferred all our old posts to a new sight -

www.ntm.org/zach_keller and have since posted lots more family and ministry related stuff. Please tag our new sight - we'd love to be part of of the blog network again!

A word from Tov

2009-03-24T17:23:00.004-04:00

This little guy is such a hoot. What's not to love about this face?

Today I decided to confront Tov about a problem I noticed he had with dressing himself, something I believed every four year old should by now have figured out. No matter how many times I reminded him, he failed to put his underwear on the right direction. I should have known that he would have a perfectly good explanation for putting them on backwards time and time again. When he was dressing himself this morning, I discreetly pointed out that he needed to turn his Lightning McQueen undies around...they were again on backwards. He was very indignant with his reply, "But Mommy...then I can't see the pictures!"

My Favorite Faces

2009-03-17T02:58:00.000-04:00

Helicopters and Tribal Evangelism

2009-03-17T01:18:00.003-04:00

Our family is so honored to be chosen for this task. This helicopter training is not something we pursued at all and there have been many times that Zach and I have looked at each other and said, "how did this happen?" This wasn't in our original plan but it must be in God's because he has swung the door wide open on this one and made it effortless for us to walk through.

Having a helicopter, complete with pilot, will be such a blessing to the tribal evangelism effort.
There are locations in the Philippines that are extremely difficult to reach, and having a helicopter available will save enormous amounts of time and make it possible for missionaries to live in these remote locations, with their families, and still have a link to the outside world.

We are so excited to be a part of this new plan for the Philippines. Zach is doing really well with the training and enjoying every moment. He took his solo flight a few weeks ago and has completed all his solo night flight hours. His check ride is scheduled for April 14th.

We are all so proud of him!

Back together again

2009-03-17T00:40:00.003-04:00

Being separated from Zach stunk. I thought I would enjoy the pining and the waiting by the phone and the mushy emails, but things aren't right when he's gone. I'm not right. Which really makes sense when you think about it. We are one so when we are separated we should feel incomplete, which is exactly how I felt. I know there will be many times in our future when we will have to be apart, and even though it is not something I plan to get used to, I know God will give us the grace to deal with it. The mushy emails will help.

So now we are back in Arizona and it didn't take Zach long to pile us into the borrowed truck (thanks Talbots!) and take us on one of his explores. It was a wonderful day to enjoy being together. We ended up on top of Montezuma's Pass with beautiful views of the Cochise Valley bellow. To top things off, Zach took us all out to eat which is something we haven't been able to enjoy as a family in...well...since we've had kids! Zach and I realized that the moment we'd been waiting for finally arrived. The kids were a delight. They sat, they waited, we chatted, we ordered, they colored quietly, we didn't have to cut up anyone's food in little tiny bits, we didn't have to take multiple trips to the bathroom and we didn't have to make any threats! It felt like a dream.
Miah took this picture of us. Not bad, huh?

What is it about the beach?

2009-03-16T23:53:00.002-04:00

I am convinced that heaven will have many beach like qualities. Every time I am there I get this very strange feeling...that I'm at home, that I'm alive, that life is good...it's unexplainable. I feel like a cover girl when I'm on the beach...easy, breezy, beautiful, even if in actuality, I'm a gritty, windblown mess, I can't help but feel beautiful when I'm on the beach. We went to a couple of beaches on the California coast and the weather wasn't particularly nice. The sky was overcast, at times it drizzled and the wind was brisk...but that didn't change anything for me. I know that having the kids with me really adds to the experience. There is nothing like a frolicking child, frantic with excitement to give you a good dose of healthy perspective.

There is much more to this story. The reason I found myself on a beach in California is because the kids and I traveled to Palm Springs to see my Aunt and my Grandma to spend some time with them before traveling to McNeal, Arizona to reunite with Zach. What ended up happening, was my sweet sister Emily AND my sweet sister Katy (who is currently living in Italy) were both able to not only join the kids and I in Palm Springs, but they were able to book tickets on the very same flight, AK to CA. Their seats were right next to ours! My sweet baby sister Susie had responsibilities she could not get out of (We missed you so much Susie!)
The week we had together was such a gift from the Father. While we were there together I realized that I have never really spent quality time with my sisters since we have all become adults. The time we spend together is usually in a mass of people and chaos as is the norm for Miller family gatherings. It was extra special because Emily is about to become a mommy in April and Katy is right behind her, Due in July. With Katy returning to Italy and our family moving to the Philippines within the year, it may not happen again for some time. God arranged a special rondevous just for us. A few days after Emily left to return to Ak, Katy and I borrowed Grandma's car and drove to the coast. Our only purpose was to find a beach and spend the day on it. It was such a blessed day.

(I would have pictures of us sisters together, but I am waiting for them to be sent...hint hint :)

Fixing up the cabin

2009-03-16T17:39:00.003-04:00

Almost as soon as Zach rolled in with the truck and trailer and all our stuff, he started "doing his thing," getting the little cabin on Grouse Ridge livable for his family. Matt and Sam lived in and worked on it all winter. They did electrical, plumbing and even sheeted it. Even though there was still lots to do before this family of five could move in, they finished some of the most miserable jobs for us. Zach enjoyed being able to use his construction expertise again although it seems he is always under huge time crunches. Thankfully he does great work under pressure! Poor guy. The backhoe not only sped many otherwise tedious, time consuming jobs, but also became a stress reliever for Zach. He loves operating equipment of all kinds, not just airplanes. We cleared a bunch of trees to open up our view and began stacking up fuel to burn in the wood stove come winter. I love hauling and burning brush so that became one of my favorite summertime pastimes, easily done rain or shine!

I "hired "some strapping lads to haul and stack firewood for us. Isaac, Josiah, Ryley and Vince were so enthusiastic about this challange and developing their muscles, it didn't take them lone to construct this very fine pile. They were rewarded for a job well done with bonfire roasted hotdogs and unlimited supply of smores. What more could a boy want!

Fixing up the cabin was a project the whole family was involved in. Helpful or not, we all did our part.

Heeeerrre Moosey, Moosey, Moosey!

2009-03-16T17:32:00.006-04:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to go hunting with my honey this past fall. We have been married 10 years and many moose hunts have come and gone but this was my very first. It was unbelievable! Zach's brother Matt flew me out in his super cub and dropped me off on a sandbar next to where Zach had already set up camp. He had been out in the wilderness for several days and needed some company...so he sent for me. We spent the night next to the river, surrounded by giant mountains that looked even more intimidating as the sun set. I remember looking around feeling very small and insignificant. It was hard to sleep...I was way too aware of every sound and I kept hearing strange bumps that I couldn't identify. Finally, I had to wake my dead asleep husband and he told me that the sounds were rocks rolling and bumping together as they were pushed by the river current. Even with this new information I couldn't sleep. He woke up early and we started off. I get giddy just thinking about it. You know that feeling you get when you are silently hiding behind a door, ready and waiting to pounce on the next person to walk by...I had that feeling all day long. It was so fun. We climbed around the mountainside all day. We would stop...listen...pick blueberries...stare at the magnificence that surrounded us...and sometimes drift off. It was sunny and warm and the smell of the air was heavenly. Alaska foliage in the fall is by far one of the best smells and there are so many memories wrapped up in the scent for me. Now there is one more.

Ok...so we are moose hunting, and this is serious business, no fun and games. I'm sure if Zach was able to write his own interpretation he would write more about tracking and strategy, and the difficulty of the hunt. It was hard work but I think we would both agree that there wasn't a person alive we would rather be spending this marvelous day with. We never got our guy. There was evidence all around and we came very close. We spotted two cows and a bull just beyond some trees, but when Zach "glassed" him (I feel so silly using hunting slang) he decided that it was just too hard to tell if he was legal and he didn't want to take the risk. Right after he turned to me and said, "I bet there is a big one around here...but he must be right out of view. They tend to group together..." we heard a two grunt warning call and this monster of a moose stood up and took off like a shot. We tried to find him but never did. Even though we didn't get the prize, I am so glad I was able to experience the exhilaration of the hunt and be enlightened to one of my husbands greatest joys.

Vote YES for WES!!

2009-03-15T11:27:00.003-04:00

It was so great to be around this summer to show our support for one of the best guys around. We are so proud of Dad/ Bumpa and his efforts to make our community and country a better place. Sometimes it feels like there aren't very many men like him left in this world, people with integrity that will stand up for what is right and good, no matter what the cost. I am so thankful for his example in my children's lives and in my own life.

It's so good to be home

2009-03-13T13:18:00.004-04:00

Even though this past summer wasn't one to brag about, with rainy, cold days far outnumbering days of warmth and sunshine, we made the most of the sunny days we had. There is nothing like being away to help you remember how much you love home and all the reasons why. Alaska summer just can't be beat. I missed the mountains, the fresh smell of the air, the familiar greenery and wildlife...even the bugs! Alaska bugs are so friendly compared to Arizona bugs. I won't go as far as to say that I like them but they do rate much higher on the list and their squishability is far superior.

This is a picture of the kids getting a close look at a very friendly bug on one of our Hatcher Pass excursions. Someone had the foresight to bring a magnifying glass...probably Miah.

Grandpa Miller is so inspiring and the best guy to teach my little complacent one the joys of training wheel free bike riding. She enjoyed the lesson, but still doesn't feel the need to take off on her own.

I think this may be the only time the kids licked popsicles in their tank tops all summer. I'm glad I have this picture...some proof that we had at least one sunny day.
Here's to next summer! Hoping for the best...
but again, we'll make the most of what we get.

Halibut Cove

2009-01-16T02:03:00.006-05:00

Thank you Father, for the gift of this place.

Three adventurers head for home

2009-01-16T00:59:00.006-05:00

I took the littlest two on a quick, 12 hour journey home by air. Zach, Vince and Miah took the scenic route from McNeal, Arizona, up through Nevada, Wyoming and Montana and then zigzagging across Canada, they finally made it Home to Wasilla, Alaska... two weeks later. It was quite a journey and Zach took some amazing pictures. They made some very memorable stops along the way like the Grand Canyon, Yellow Stone, Old Faithful, Uncle Dave's Ranch in Cody Wyoming and they were able to see some dear friends, the Spears, at their home in Montana.

It was hard deciding which wildlife photos to post. Zach had so many amazing shots of all kinds of critters close up. Vince made a list of all the animals they spotted from the truck and I remember being amazed at the variety.

Zach was so happy to reconnect with his longtime friend Marc and spend some time with him & his family. Vince and Miah were so happy to get to get cleaned up and sleep in a real bed. Thanks Abby for taking care of my girl and braiding her hair!

I tried to prepare Zach as well as I could for the journey with stockpiles of snacks and easy to prepare meals packed in the little camper fridge. I couldn't help worrying about them...fussing with food it not one of Zach's strengths...so I imagined they would survive on convenience foods and the occasional drive threw. I love this picture because it proves that my man is capable and that he did fix a meal every now and then but in a very unconventional way. This is what memories are made of.

new years resolution

2008-12-30T04:01:00.007-05:00

So it has been 7 months since I last updated our blog. I have worked my way through feelings of embarrassment, complacency, relief (that I had one less thing to do) and now regret because I miss it (blogging) and want to start again. I love sharing my observations and experiences in daily life and posting pictures of my treasures. I miss the irresistible distraction of following link after link after link, taking part in the daily adventures of beloved friends and family, long into the night. I'm coming back. I'm past being overwhelmed by how behind I am...and I know I will have to post often in order to prove my commitment to my once faithful visitors.

We're comin' home...ready or not!

2008-05-18T11:15:00.001-04:00

Stripes & stripes

2008-05-18T11:12:00.001-04:00

I feel I have a very important responsibility, as the mother of my children, to teach my kids the art and skill of everyday attire coordination and development... otherwise known as "matching." I know this is not something that is learned overnight. It takes a lot of trial and error, sometimes in the face of ridicule and mocking. It is my job to teach my children the rights and wrongs of everyday dressing. I'm not talking about keeping up with the latest fads or encouraging them to make any kind of statement...I'm just talking about the more obvious fashion foe-paws like - wearing socks with sandals, coordinating bottoms and tops and the basics of matching. If they don't learn these valuable lessons from me they will learn them from the world...or worse yet...from their dad. :)

Avery was extremely proud of this outfit she picked out all on her own. "Look mommy! stripes and stripes!" I guess we need to have a little lesson on coordinating patterns and prints.

Vince comes to stay

2008-05-18T11:02:00.003-04:00

It has been such a joy having Vincent with us. When April and the kids came down to visit in Feb/March, Vincent met so many friends his age and was in a euphoric state the whole time he was here. He loved chasing "small" game with his bee-bee gun, riding bike everywhere and anywhere, and the late night games of capture the flag. He was in heaven. That's why it was easy to put air miles into sending him down again this April. I assured his mom (April) that he would be so easy to have around and a huge help to us as we get ready to move back to AK.

He HAS been a huge help and it has been so wonderful watching him with all his new friends. He went on a dirt bike camping trip with his uncle Zach. Some of his favorite daily activities are having air-soft wars and playing capture the flag, at night, in his camo garb with all his buddies...and of course taking out the trash for his favorite Auntie. :) Yesterday he called me out of the house because "he had something to show me." It sounded urgent, so I rushed out to find him holding a live snake with a big cheesy grin on his face. It was his friend Carson's pet, nothing dangerous, but it thrilled me to see him having such good guy fun.

Vince and Miah will be traveling with Zach in the truck/trailer all the way to Alaska. I am flying home with the younger two and will probably be home a good two weeks before them. It will be quite an eventful trip. They will get to see the Grand Canyon, Yellow Stone, Bamff and a visit to Cody, WY to Uncle Dave and Aunt Carol's house.

It's finished

2008-05-05T11:33:00.004-04:00

Before taking off for the first time, Zach and Paul Dye,

offer up a prayer of thanks and commit their flight to the Father.

Two very happy boys!

The maiden flight

The 185 is finished! What a beautiful airplane it turned out to be. I just realized I should have posted some pictures of what it looked like before the restoration process. Zach and so many others poured themselves into this project for many months and I think it is safe to say that the finished project is more than they could have hoped for. The past few weeks have brought so much excitement and anticipation as well as relief as everything checked out. Zach's brother Matt flew down to ferry the plane with Zach back to Alaska, it's new home. It was such a beautiful sight, watching the two brothers take off into the sunrise, it brought tears to my eyes. They flew from Mexico to Palmer, Alaska in 3 days!

Your Missionary Aviation Family

2008-04-29T10:04:00.003-04:00

There has been a lot of life happening around the Keller home lately. This is my excuse for not being very diligent with my blog as of late. Besides the daily drama of life with youngsters we have been enjoying a steady flow of visitors - much to my delight. I love having people to stay over with us...especially people that I like :) It is amazing how many people we can stuff in our little trailer! Besides the fantastic late night conversations and the long pancake breakfasts over coffee that compliment more great conversation...it allows me (the resident domestic engineer) a little breather from the everydayness of my job. When friends come to stay I do a little less laundry, a little less dishes...a lot more cooking (but I like that part!) and there are extra eyes around enjoying the constant energy and entertainment that is my children. I like knowing that others are a witness to the chaos that is my life right now. You know I love it.

While I have been occupied with keeping things running smoothly at home, Zach has been totally consumed with the 185 project. It has been such a roller coaster ride for the whole family and even though he has been the gumption behind this endeavor, we have all been involved in one way or the other. I can tell the minute Zach steps in the door what kind of day he has had. He either walks in with a light step and a smile plastered on his face or he heads straight for the pantry, grabs a handful of Red Vines and Planters Peanuts, sits in his chair and zones out for a few minutes (or longer if that is what he needs). I love that through it all...good days and bad...it is obvious that God has been at work in the process. I could go on and on about all I have seen Him accomplish through this 185 project and I know there is so much going on that I don't see. It truly has been a growing experience for the whole Keller family. All in all, I have seen this as great practice for what we will face when we go overseas.

If you want - read "The year of 185's" on our NTM Website. It'll explain a lot if you are confused about what I'm talking about.

2008-04-04T11:43:00.002-04:00

The day we had been waiting for

2008-04-03T00:04:00.004-04:00

Disneyland faces...

Beach Day take two...

2008-04-02T22:27:00.004-04:00

When I learned that April and the kids were coming to visit, I decided that we HAD to try to get to the coast some how. I figured out that it is only a 12 hour drive from McNeal, Arizona to the California coast and if there is a will there is a way. This is all before my sweet Aunt suggested that we come stay with her in Palm Springs (ALL of US...she is that kind of sweet) and I quickley did the math....that's only a coupla hours from the beach! What we never counted on and what God had planned all along was fthat we would actually stay 2 blocks from the beach in a beautiful Hotel (thank you Auntie!) in San Clemente. It was fantastic and these are only a few of the many pictures I took on this blissful day.

That evening we went to the San Clemete Pier to watch the sunset and get something to eat. When we got to the end of the pier there was a lady blowing bubbles - tons of them. It was such a beautiful, memorable sight with the sun setting and the kids shrieking with delight as they chased bountiful bubbles.

First stop - The Tucson Desert Museum

2008-03-20T22:12:00.003-04:00

We set off from NTMA in McNeal early Saturday morning and by 10 am we arrived at the Tucson Desert Museum. It was recommended by many as a highly interactive, zoo -like place with extras like dusting for dinosaur bones and caving and my personal favorite...the hummingbird atrium. What a thrill to have these tiny little creatures buzzing by your head so close you can feel their wind. April captured this beautiful picture of a humming bird on her teeny tiny nest. It is literally the size of a quarter in circumference - a little too small for the bird as you can see :) What a wonderful first day.

Road trip Anyone?

2008-03-20T21:49:00.002-04:00

April and I had planned and scemed for what seemed like months and the day finally came...the day of our big adventure. The single mom and the missionary wife set off with five kids, limited monetary resources and dreams of making memories that would last a lifetime. The whole experience and opportunity was a gift straight from Father and He proved His love and faithfulness every mile of the way. It could have been an absolute disaster...one flat tire, one sick puking child and all would be lost. Even before we walked out the door we knew who went before us...He made it so obvious, and so wonderful....for that I am so thankful. It was more than we hoped for.

the cousins come to visit

2008-03-20T21:42:00.001-04:00

Got snow?

2008-02-17T10:49:00.004-05:00

We Do! Of course it only lasted a couple of hours, but when I got up this morning there was a nice (thin) blanket of white covering the Arizona desert plain - somewhat of a phenomena if you know what I mean. It was beautiful and I could just sense the dry, dust ridden, wind blown desert plant life breathing a sigh of refreshing satisfaction. The kids were out making tracks in their P.J.'s and boots- you'd think they'd never seen the stuff before. What really blows my mind is that this time last week it was 85 degrees and the kids spent the day running through the sprinkler in their swimming suits. The inside of the house got up to 90 and we had to open all the windows and doors to cool it off. They told us when we moved to McNeal that the weather here can be a little fickle...they weren't kidding.

I love love

2008-02-12T23:42:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!We have some flowers for you!
There were chocolates too, but...
they didn't make it!

We love you all !
xoxoxoxo

Fun with Zach & Jane & 185

2008-02-11T09:53:00.003-05:00

Zach took me flying. It was fantastic. We had so much fun together and I loved watching him do what comes so naturally to him. He makes me feel so at ease. Even if there was cause for concern, he would never let on. It was a gorgeous day and we did a bunch of landings on the 1100 foot strip. At one point he said in as excited a voice as he could muster..."Let's do some engine outs - there really fun." My thoughts were...Huhh? Whatever you just said does NOT sound like fun. I guess the gist is at a certain point in the pattern you "pretend" that the engine is down and glide to the strip and land. It did end up being fun...and it did make me glad to know that he can land the plane with or without a engine - may come in handy one day.

my boy

2008-02-08T15:56:00.002-05:00

I thought this day would never come...but it has! My son has finally given in and is now doing business with Mr. Potty! I have begged, pleaded, blackmailed, bargained and threatened...all for nothing. He saw straight through my various methods of manipulation and would have nothing to do with them. I could make him sit but I could NOT make him go. Finally, he decided that he wanted to be a big boy and he took the initiative to get the job done. Which I am learning is his way...his idea...his timing. He doesn't like me making a big deal out of things, (which has always produced great results with the girls. They like mommy to cheer lead,) not my Tovie. When it is all said and done, I tell him how proud I am of him and then he responds with a "your welcome mommy." Maybe he was tired of hearing me complain about changing him and decided to do me a favor.

Tov's Tumbleweed
Now if you look very closely...he's kind of hard to see since he is so camoflaged, but if you look really close you should be able to make out the form of a silly little three year old boy hiding
behind a tumbleweed.

The story goes...
I was busy with something in the house when I heared the front door open. I could tell that Tov was huffing and grunting as he struggled to get something inside. When I "followed up" I noticed that he was coming out of his room after quickly shutting the door behind him. I opened his door to discover that he had hawled a huge tumbleweed into his room. It took up all the floor space and was much bigger than him. I took this picture after he brought it back outside. It left quite a trail of sticks and pokies on the rug and was a much thinner tumbleweed as a result. What I am still puzzled about is... what possessed him to bring the thing inside in the first place?

get a load of this...

2008-01-30T17:05:00.001-05:00

On a pleasant day in November I walked to our little storage unit to retrieve some Christmas stuff. I opened the door and flipped on the light... I noticed a dark shadow on the wall next to the door jam - about shin level. This (pictured) not-so-little, creepy crawly was right by my naked shin! (I was wearing capris.) I have become acquainted with Tarantulas, Scorpions and even some pretty knarly looking centipedes since moving to the desert but this was a first time meeting with one of these bad boys. I was pretty proud of myself - I handled his presence very calmly while I rummaged for my wrapping and bows (although I never let him out of my sight). Now that we have meet, I am surprised at the attitude I've developed, a kind of "been -there- done -that" attitude. I think God is easing me into this idea of living in and amongst large, poisonous insects. Don't get me wrong...the thought has terrified me so some time now. Give me a bear or a moose any day...at least you can see them coming and they can't very well crawl into bed with you without you knowing. And if you know me at all, you know I have a very over active imagination. So, over the last few years, Missouri and now here, my Gracious Father has been introducing me to bugs, one by one, starting with the friendly, but long legged stick bug and unusually hairy wolf spider. Now we are on to the bigger and badder ones and I'm doing great. By the time we get to the Philippines I should be able to handle whatever comes my way no sweat (as long as I have a hefty broom with a long handle.) Zach will always be the designated squasher - I don't think I will EVER be able to stomach the crunch...yuck.

I realize a few of you (I'm not naming names) may not know that this is a Black Widow Spider. This particular one was unusually large, lucky me, and this is an actual photo taken on our personal camera.

Sweet Story

2008-01-23T17:30:00.001-05:00

The kids have been attending AWANA club at the little Baptist Church in Douglas. It is something they look forward to every week. Well, a AWANA group in Tulsa decided to adopt our family for Christmas this year. Tulsa Bible Church has been very inolved with NTMA and faithful supporters of many of our missionaries. They were glad to find out that one of the student families had young kids that attended AWANA - That's us!! They were so generous to our family and the kids loved opening the packages and personal cards from their new special friends. They asked me for gift suggestions - I told them that Tov was into any and all electronic equipment. He now has several real but retired cell phones, calculators, and a wireless phone with answering machine and other odds and ends. He has a whole office set up in his room. I love that when he talks on the phone he uses his serious, get down to business voice. The girls really enjoy their new doll house with ALL the accessories! I was just as excited as they were when we opened it up...I can't help rearranging furniture and making the living room welcoming for guests every time I go into their room to put away laundry :) Thank you Tulsa Bible Church AWANA Clubbers and thanks Auntie April, Vince and Christine for your contributions too!!! Your thoughtfulness is overwhelming.

Christmas in California

2008-01-23T00:20:00.001-05:00

The Keller family visited the beach in Oceanside, CA!
We were only there for a few hours but it was a huge hit. Avery fell deep in love and could not contain her excitement. At one point she exclaimed in her very dramatic, schmaltzy way...I looooove the ocean Mommy. I never want to leave it!" Of course we had to say goodbye to the beach and be on our way. It took our weepy kids quite a while to recover. Just one taste was all it took. The feel of sand between the toes, the sound of the surf, the salty air...it's got a hold on us. I really think God was giving us all a little taste of what is to come.

my water babies

2008-01-23T00:08:00.001-05:00

Watching the girls gleefully play in the water made so many memories come flooding back. Whenever we visited my grandma when I was little - the hands down highlight was pool time. We would swim and splash and grandpa would throw us high into the air...it was bliss. I don't think anyone can appreciate the warmth of the sun, the feel of the water and the smell of the chlorine like an Alaskan grown kid. Do I hear an Amen!

To Grandmas house we go

2008-01-04T00:22:00.000-05:00

My dear sweet Grandma recently moved to Palm Springs. She was living in Phoenix but as soon as we moved to AZ she left for CA. She assures me that we had nothing to do with the move (yeah right). She moved to Palm Springs to be near my Aunt Sandy. They are best friends and it is so much fun to see the two of them in action. My Grandma is 86 and so full of life, her mind is sharp and her smile so bright. It has been such a joy to be able to spend time with her while we are in this part of the world. I think I have spent one Christmas with my Grandma in all my thirty years so this year it was so wonderful to spend Christmas with her & my Aunt Sandy. My sister Katy flew down from Idaho to join us too - what a treat! They are such delightful people and I am happy that my kids get to know them. They loved having kids around and Aunt Sandy assured me that the chaos they created was a welcome change. It was our first Christmas away from the familiarities of our Alaska families and friends, but being with Grandma, Auntie Sandy and Katy was a worth it all. It was pretty weird sitting by the pool on Christmas day but I have to say I got used to it pretty quick.

2 little angels, and 1 sheperd

2007-12-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

Every year the NTMA family puts on a Christmas program for the surrounding community. Everyone is invited ,and believe it or not, a lot of people look forward to the event and actually show up. I had the wonderful opportunity to sing in the Choir and be apart of a Missionary Pilot Wives Quartet ;) It was a lot of fun getting together with others who enjoy singing as much as I do . The kids were a part of the Cherub Choir and stole the show. I must share that I had my doubts that they would come through for the performance because the few practices we had were pretty sorry. They would sing their little songs with barely a whisper and pathetically ring their little bells. During the "dress rehearsal", Tov was so enamored with the microphones that he took off right in the middle of "Come on Ring Those Bells" to go look for a stool so he could be lip level with the microphone. So when it was time for the actual performance I didn't know what would happen. It was a relief to know that even if Tov picked his nose and Avery lifted her angel skirt up over her head in front of everyone, the audience would be be just as thrilled and delighted as if they sang perfectly in four part harmony. I thought the kids would just clam up and stand there but when they saw all the people they came alive and sang their little hearts out. I couldn't believe the difference. Avery especially...my timid one was like a shining star. You couldn't wipe the smile off her face and when it was all over she asked me if she could sing for everyone again. Miah sang the second verse of Away in a Manger as a solo. I am such a proud mama!

girls just wanna, they just wanna...

2007-12-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

These are the girls I love to hang out with. From left to right - Candy, Bailey, Missy, Me, Kelly, Kari and Jonie. We are all Missionary Pilots wives (MPW's) that live, work and play together so we are very close. Our fabulous husbands kept the kids and sent us off on an overnight shopping adventure to Tuscon! My dear friends treated me to a delectable (belated)birthday dinner at the Olive Garden and then we stayed up late at a friends Condo knowing we didn't have to wake up early if we didn't want to. What a thrill! Of course we were all so excited about the day that we woke up early anyway, ready to brave the crowded mega malls with high hopes of finding perfect gifts for our loved ones at discounted prices. Oh but first... Starbucks...Here we are getting fueled up for the big day.

3, 4, 6!!

2007-12-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

Birthday season has passed here in the Keller home. We've racked up a few more precious memories and have all had enough cake to last until...oh I don't know...a really long time. The kids are at the ages now that they really anticipate their special day and like to be involved in the preparations and planning. Gone are the days of the candle clad cupcake cake and the Sunday comic wrapped box of Kleenex (the perfect gift for a one year old)...now they have opinions and expectations that are hard to keep up with. Not only that...they keep track of what you did last year that they want repeated! When Miah opened her Birthday card from Nana this year and a five dollar bill fell out - she recounted that last year Nana sent her one dollar and she remembered that she bought two princess pens with it at WalMart, one for herself and one for Avery. Amazing! I have to be careful that I don't overdo it - who knows what kind of energy I'll have next year...

Play Dough Fun

2007-11-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

My kids love playing with play dough. There is nothing like a big lump of fresh, homemade, non edible goodness - Even I can't keep from squishing, squeezing and rolling it into a snake. The kids have been at the ball/snake stage for some time...but now they have graduated to more sophisticated play dough molding skills. Miah is into nests (complete with eggs) and teas sets. Avery makes cinnamon rolls, cookies and the occasional snowman and Tov loves to roll and squish his play dough as flat as he can and cut shapes with his special play dough pocket knife. I especially love that this particular activity keeps them occupied for a least a good half hour, maybe more.
Here is a fabulous play dough recipe that stays soft and pliable for months and months. Depending on what Koolaid flavor you pick - it smells wonderful too.

2 1/2 C. Flour
1/2 C. Salt
1 Tbs. Cream of tarter
1-2 Pkg. Koolaid
3 Tbs. oil
2 C. Boiling water

Bunko Buddies Brave the Butte

2007-11-12T16:19:00.001-05:00

I just found these pictures that my lovely friend Sarah put on a disk for me from this summer. Oh what wonderful memories came flooding back when I opened them up... Let me explain why this particular event from my past is so meaningful to me. First of all -these are a few of my dearest friends that I have shared many wonderful life moments with, (Sarah Coke, Jen Howell and Rachel Kroon). We all have very young children and because our lives are so "wrapped up"in our little people we can sometimes forget what life is like on the outside and what to do with ourselves without our little attachments. We often face a very real identity crisis...what DO I like to do for fun? what ARE my Hobbies? Who am I? So often when we are together we are in mommy mode, swapping potty training techniques and sharing the latest outrageous family drama. We all pour ourselves into our families and find so much joy in taking care of them, but on this particular day, it was so refreshing to just be friends, having fun, laughing, being crazy and enjoying one another. Instead of playing Bunko on the first Tuesday of the month, (which was our usual practice) we decided to hike the Butte, get some exercise and enjoy a beautiful Alaskan summer evening together. It was wonderful. I know it looks like we are all about to hawk loogies (I've never written that word before...not sure how :) in that last picture, but that is absolutely NOT what we were doing! We were, with extreme feminine delicacy, spitting cherry pits. It just so happened that this little amusement turned highly competitive and it wasn't long until all feminine delicacy went straight out the window! And so I must say that it was very very close, but I am to this day the reigning Cherry spitting champion! (Sorry Sarah - you know I had to say it!)

Fall Festival Fun

2007-11-06T11:48:00.001-05:00

This year the whole family dressed up for the NTMA fall festival. As you can see we went for a folk fairytale look and this was the first year I actually MADE costumes. I know it looks like Zach didn't dress up at all...and in actuallity he didn't...but I incorporated him into the theme as well. He is Zach and I am Jill...you know...Zach and Jill went up a hill :) We had a good time. I was so pleased with how my little gingerbread man turned out. As soon as I slipped this little number over Tovie's head he was off..."can't catch me, I'm the Gingerman!" he would say. I though it was very fitting since it's hard to keep up with him anyway!! He attempted to bob for apples at the carnival but turned out to be a big cheater. He doesn't like his face in the water so as soon as his lips submersed...he grabbed the apple and stuck it in his mouth. Avery and Miah had a ball with the games and of course the candy - they were the cutest Goldie Locks and Red Riding Hood ever! It was a very memorable night.

nuggle me

2007-10-22T17:27:00.000-04:00

There's a story behind this picture. I was working in the kitchen this morning, as I usually do most mornings, when Tov walked by clutching his "dinor" (dinosaur) blanket and sucking his thumb. I heard a muffled "I need to nuggle mommy," but before I could answer Avery volunteered for the job and Tov quickly made his way to the couch and to the loving arms of his sweet sister. A little while latter I noticed Miah sitting dejectedly on the living room chair. I asked her what was wrong and with a sniffle she replied, " I want to nuggle Tov too but Avery won't let me. She's HOGGING him!" I conviced Avery to share Tov with Miah and then had to take a quick picture to document this perfectly precious mini drama to share with you.

Molasses Crinkles

2007-10-22T16:56:00.000-04:00

Zach is a dedicated die hard fan of chocolate chip cookies and because I am a dedicated die hard fan of Zach Keller, I try to make them for him as often as I can. I think if I ever quit making them, for whatever reason, Zach would think I didn't love Him anymore and that our marriage was in jeopardy. Making cookies for Zach is one way I tell him I love him, in a language I know he understands.

So it is fall and we have introduced a new cookie in the Keller household that, though it may never out rank the chocolate chip, it is definitely a close second especially this time of year. This cookie is Zach Keller approved and though it is never to replace the Chocolate Chip, it is worth passing on to you as a tried and true favorite. Enjoy!

Molasses Crinkles

3/4 C. Softened Butter
1 C. Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1/4 C. molasses
2 1/4 C. Flour
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/4 t. salt

Mix everything together. Shape dough into walnut shaped balls and roll in sugar. Bake @ 350 for 10-12 minutes. Do not overcook. They are supposed to be a soft, chewy, melt in your mouth cookie.

to my honey

2007-10-20T17:01:00.001-04:00

I love you
I am so proud of you
There is no one else I would rather spend my days with and share my life with.
You are a treasure and a gift to me and our family. I love your heart and am so thankful that I have it. Where ever you go, whatever you do - I'm with you darlin'

XoxXOo

(Big kiss, little hug, little hug, little kiss, big kiss, big hug, little hug)

Sweet Feet

2007-10-16T18:58:00.001-04:00

Oh how I love these little people. Only a mother finds such odd poses so irresistible. I've had a certain urgency in my picture taking of the kids lately. I feel like if I don't capture their little parts and pieces at every opportunity they are going to change and grow before my eyes and I will have missed my chance. Take Tov's little tootsies for example. They are still so soft and kissable but I'm sure at any moment they are going to start sprouting hairs and get all narly and stinky. It's only a matter of time. I'm sure every stage has its joys but I'm just not ready yet.

Bumma's Visit

2007-10-04T00:37:00.001-04:00

Zach's mom came to visit us and stay with the kids while Zach and I traveled to Idaho for some special training. The kids loved having her here, of course, and Bumma spoiled them rotten with little gifts, outings, stories, more stories and treats. She did learn that giving them ice cream right before nap time isn't the best idea. It was so nice that she was able to meet some of our friends and experience for herself what life is like here in the desert. We love you Bumma!

A little reminder that we are far, far from home

2007-10-02T01:49:00.001-04:00

Our NTMA Family

2007-10-02T01:35:00.000-04:00

Wow! God is so Good! We are so blessed to be working very closely with these wonderful families. They have become so dear to us...like family really. The exciting thing is that many of us may end up living and working together over in the Philippines. It just keeps getting better and better. Sometimes I think...it's to good to be true. How could we possibly end up in ministry with people we actually enjoy and like hanging out with!? But then I remember who it is behind everything that happens in my life. It's my God and loving Father who does abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine. I'm gonna keep on dreaming.

What's a girl to do?

2007-10-02T01:10:00.000-04:00

I'm back. It's been a while. I've been caught up in the whirlwind of Facebook, Skype...then there's our NTM website and THIS BLOG!! UUGH! So many perfectly wonderful options for communication and correspondence...I've learned that having too many options is definitely not a good thing, especially for me. I've also been feeling the need to write some good old fashioned letters with paper and pen. I miss jotting down thoughts on paper and would like to do it more often..all this to say, keeping up with my blog has been near the bottom of a very long list of Keller family communication priorities. I think I will keep it though. I like being able to post pictures and write about them. I have about a million pictures from this summer I want to share but of course that is impossible so I will TRY to pick a few favorites.

This is were we live now. Way down at the bottom of Arizona only 20 miles from the Mexican border. I thought it would be difficult moving from our beautiful Alaskan home to the flat desert plains but we were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this place. The sunsets are gorgeous and since it is so flat you can see a storm coming from a long ways off. Amazing.

Favorite Faces

2007-04-14T15:06:00.000-04:00

I took a bunch of pictures of the kids on Easter day. We went for a little walk in the woods all decked in their Easter garb. It was very picturesque with the flowering trees and the sun beaming through the still bare branches. I had some fun with the photo editing program on our computer, as you can see. I love these sweet faces. It's amazing how each picture gives a glimpse of their individual personalities. What joy to be able to watch them grow and develop those God given qualities that set them apart and display the handiwork of their loving creator. Amazing!

It's Bloomin' Beautiful around here

2007-04-04T22:59:00.000-04:00

I have a lot more flower pictures posted on our web page if you are interested. I try to take a walk everyday and some days I take my camera. I don't get much excersize on those days...

Ok - I know I come up with pretty cheesy titles but I couldn't resist. I'm just so excited that spring is here and everything is coming alive. I'm coming alive! Deep sigh. I wish my overall outlook on life wasn't so dependent on the weather, but something happens to me when I open the door in the morning and am met with a blast of warm, fresh, flower scented air, the sun shining on my face and the melodious sounds of birds praising their maker. It makes me want to join them in their songs and skip and twirl like a big dork all the way to my morning class. If it was a harsh, cold, gray day - I doubt I would have half the exuberance. I'm pretty sure that every day will feel like the first day of spring in heaven. Except way way better.

Spring Has Sprung In Missouri

2007-03-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

What fun it has been for us Alaskans to experience a real spring with flowering trees, Tulips, Daffodils and cleansing spring rains with powerful lightning and thunderstorms. The kids have enjoyed all the creepy crawly things coming to life again and of course the mud, and lots of it. You know it is Spring when baths become more frequent and the water is a disturbing brown color when you pull everyone out. We have been so blessed lately with the arrival of a new playground that has been ideally situated right in our front yard. I'm not sure who loves it more - the kids or Zach and I! It seems all the little people within a hundred yards flock to this spot and play play play. Lots of screams of delight and the occasional wail after someone walks to close to the busy swings. My little social butterflies have been enjoying all the action so much that they collapse in bed every night, exhausted. I have enjoyed sitting off to the side, soaking up the sun, while I work out our latest grammar homework problem. I pride myself on being a good multitasker. Do the homework, entertain the children, get a tan, shoot the breeze, talk potty training strategies with other moms... the story of my life these days. But I love it and will always look back on our life here at the MTC with very warm thoughts and memories.

24 it up

2007-03-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

To those of you who don't know what 24 is and have never met Jack Bower I am sorry. We were introduced last fall by our friends Brian and Bailey Pruett. I shouldn't name names but I'm going to anyway. For the record, I am holding them responsible for getting us as well as the Davises (pictured in the very front) hooked on this ridiculous, action packed saga of government conspiracy and terrorist threats. Every Friday night we get together to see just how Jack Bower is going to save the country again! It has been a great way to unwind with friends after a busy week being students.

Ok - So February is long gone

2007-03-08T16:04:00.000-05:00

But I have to post this picture of my sweet babies. We like to play up Valentines day around here (well at least I do) so I had to set the kids up for a Valentines photo to send out to beloved family and friends. It only took a small bribe, a lollypop, to get them to cooperate. Tov just happened to make the perfect "what have I done to deserve this?" face. If you are thinking I am a cruel mother, think again. He got his lollypop too and quickly forgot the whole ordeal.

2007-02-14T21:31:00.000-05:00

We returned to Missouri just in time for a ice storm that shut down life as we know it here. Classes were canceled for a week. Electricity went out for 24 hours and then continued to flicker, keeping us in suspense. The week ended up being a blessing in disguise. It was so nice to have a whole week to get caught up on all those things I never have time for and having an excuse to go absolutely nowhere! The ice crusted trees were beautiful when the sun came out.

Over the river and through the woods...

2007-02-14T17:04:00.000-05:00

To Bumma's house we go...
We survived the horrendous trip home, (3 hour drive, 3 flights, 2, 3 hour layovers) to Alaska and to our loving wonderful family and friends that made the trip so well worth it. We had a fabulous time and since we were home for a nice long chunk of time (Dec. 17 - Jan 12) we were able to do a lot of "catch up." The girls look forward to the annual sugar plum tea party at Bumma's house all year. This year they had custom made gowns and their own personal nutcracker to dance with while watching the Nutcracker in Bumma's living room. Here they are waiting for the right moment , and then...oh , the twirling!!! Lot's and lots of twirling. There were many highlights from this wonderful trip home, far to many to name....but all a treasured memories.

It's been a while...

2007-02-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

So...we thought we were going to experience a snow free winter. After the gorgeous Missouri fall with temperatures reaching mid eighties even in November, I didn't think it would be unreasonable to expect a very mild winter here. Not so, not so! It seems that wherever we go - snow follows! Especially when I am unprepared for it - (I'm sensing a theme here). I have so many hats/gloves/boots neatly stored in tubs at home (AK) so can you believe this cold weather guru mommy had to put socks over her poor children's hands and then scrounge the stores for a decent hat! (Super Walmart is no REI!) We persevered and managed to enjoy ourselves as you can see from the picture. We got a good six-eight inches overnight and the campus was a buzz with snow deprived jungle people throwing themselves down hills on cookie sheets and scrape metal. We Alaskans prefer to use a proper sled.

Pilots Wives Trip to the Olive Garden

2006-12-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

My sweet friends took me out to lunch at the Olive Garden for my birthday. (Ok - that was almost a month ago now) but we had such a great time. I don't get out much these days and we all get a little stir crazy on campus, especially when there's no good reaon to leave except for the occational grocery shopping trip and church. It waso great to spend the day with these ladies who have really grown on me since we moved here in August. Because we are all pilot's wives we have a lot in common, AND we will all be making the big move to AZ next August. Many more memories to come!

Sweet Sissy

2006-10-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

Miah & Avery wanted a spot on our family blog. They noticed Tov had a spot and had words for me. They are as goofy as can be and even though they have many "disagreements" they really have fun together. They are very into playing dress up and princess(they'll probably never grow out of that one, I sure haven't!) and they spend a lot of time pretending to be mommies (I guess I do that still too). Sweet little girls...they are pretty loud but we like 'em.

Turn on the cheese

2006-10-25T16:49:00.000-04:00

Tovie is going to be turning 2 soon - it is imposibble for him to smile at the camera. I say smile, he says blaaahhh!Practically all the pictures I take of him look like this.

A little taste

2006-10-25T16:36:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Thanks to our dear friend Carrie, the Keller Tribe is venturing into the world of Blog. I have to say, I am not very adventurous when it comes to the world of computor tech. I'm not sure if I'll ever fit in, but I guess it's worth a try. Anything that helps connect me to my dear people out there...
It is a rainy day today - very cozy. I have candles lit and soft music playing - it is very peaceful especailly since my dear little people are napping. Yesterday was glorious - the perfect Autum day with vibrant colors, crisp breeze, and sunshine beaming down through the branches overhead. My favorite past time these days is taking walks by myself around the NTM campus. There are trails everywhere that wind through the woods around the lake - it's beautiful. I've always hoped to experience a colorful fall like this. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us. He has blessed us so much since moving here. We are learning so much and being encouraged in the Lord every day. As usual He has exceeded all my expectations. I always wanted to go to Bible school and always regretted that I didn't take the opportunity after High School - but here we are! We have studied, Cross-cultural communication, Animism, Teamwork, Foundational Biblical Teaching, Hermenutics, Christian Life...My brian would actually hurt after that one - so much to think about. I feel like I am soaking it all up and still can't get enough. It's fun going to school again and taking classes with Zach, although I think he has made it his personal mission to keep me on task. I am a die hard procrastinator and having three demanding little rugrats around doesn't help me any either. I'm getting things done and doing well. The kids are having a blast. It is seriously like living at family camp - we have a little christian utopia of sorts going on here. There are kids running about everywhere. When I have the opportunity, I like to take the kids "park hopping." We mix, we mingle, we make our appearance and then move on to the next. Here I thought the kids would be lacking for attention without their family close by, but that is not the case. We do miss everyone and can't wait to go home at Christmas. Alaska and WBC will always be home to us no matter where God takes us. I hope to post as often as I can - and keep pictures up to date. We shall see....

Welcome to the Blogging World

2006-10-17T22:45:00.000-04:00

Look out world... here comes the Kellers!