On Vacation!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. The kids and I are down in Utah for a week, and Matt will join us Saturday for his Family Reunion in McCall, ID.

Okay, so for those of you moms who are contemplating traveling alone on planes with kids, here's a little advice..... DON'T! :)

Actually, it wasn't too bad. The hard part of it was the fact that I was a dummy and booked us a red eye flight. And my kids don't remember the last time they flew, (the boys were 2 and 3, and we flew to Disneyland) so they were all very excited and did not want to sleep the first leg. By the time we got to Seattle and flew from there to Boise however, I couldn't hardly get them to wake up at the airport. I finally had to piggy-back Morgan onto one of the suitcases, and hall her out to the rental cars that way. (BIG thanks to Bro. Beuss for his help at the luggage carousel) But we finally made it and the kids are having so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa Stastny. We went to Thanksgiving Point yesterday, and we're doing the zoo today. Wish me luck!

5 Miles of Thought.

Saturday was the Women's Run. It's only a 5 miler (no prob for people like Alina or Jarad).

But for others, 5 miles gives you lots of time to think while you run. I was running a little bit late, getting into Anchorage, and as I changed my shoes at the car, I felt the tiniest little rock in my shoe. But I ignored it, because I was late, and still needed to get in the long line for the bathrooms before staging at the start line. Then, I just forgot about it... till mile 3. That's when I felt the unmistakable start of a blister, in the spot where I knew there was a rock. Just a tiny little thing. How could it cause so much pain? This may sound silly, but in my head, as I'm running, I'm likening this little rock to sin. How many times do we, in our everyday life, think: "oh, there's just a few bad word in that movie", or "I'll just go over the speed limit a little bit, I'm running late". "The clerk forgot to charge me for that soda, but I don't want to drag all the kids back in there again." Nobody will ever know. Just this one little thing. How many 'little rocks' are we carrying around in our shoes? We think, oh, I'll take care of it later, and then we forget about it, till we're half way through the race, and let me tell you, that's the last place you want to be when you realize you've neglected to take care of the little things. The advisary is very good at making things seem like its no big deal. But trust me, I felt that blister with every step I ran those last 2 miles, and it caused me to almost say "oh, I'll just walk for a little while, nobody will know". But I didn't, because someone would know. And it is that same person who makes up for what we lack. He is able to carry us those last few miles, when the pain is too much for us to bare...

Anyways, these are the little things that come to my head as I'm running the race. Just think of the inspiration I'll get during the half marathon! (I'll have to work up to that one:) Oh, as a side note, I shaved 12 minutes off my time from my run last year. Yeah me!

Happy Father's Day!

I am blessed to be able to wish a Happy Father's Day to 3 amazing men in my life.

The first obviously, is my wonderful, adoring husband Matt.

There are so many reasons why I am glad he is the father of my three children.

Nothing brings more joy to me, than to come home from an errand,

or a girls night out, to see Matt down on the floor, playing with the kids.

He's wonderful at reading with the boys at bedtime. He even reads Morgan

her fairytale books. He frequently sends me out for breaks, after he comes home from work, and sees that it's been a rough one. Today, he was especially wonderful, not only watching the kids while I did the Women's Run, but also taking over for me at the Primary Activity and doing one of the activities with the kids. What a guy! I am also glad that Matt is the patriarch of our family, and a

worthy priesthood holder. What a wonderful example to our two sons, to

have a father who takes his responsibilities so seriously. I know he has

a testimony of not only the gospel, but of forever families, and see its evidence

with each act of kindness he renders daily on our behalf.

I also want to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day.

I am very lucky to live just down the street from my parents.

They have been a blessing during very trying times, and I have

been able to turn to my father when seeking advice on a number of issues.

The kids love camping and doing outdoors stuff with their grandpa.

My dad loves the quote from Mark Twain: " ..when I was a young man of 14, my father was the most ignorant man I knew. When I turned 21, I was amazed at how much my father had learned in those 7 years." We often give our dad a hard time about this, because we always knew my dad was smart, we just always thought we were smarter. But perhaps that's part of the blessing of trials, to learn that we don't always know as much as we thought we did. That part of being tried, is being taught.


Last, but most certainly not least, is my father-in-law. (Shiny Shelby) This is an amazing man,
who has been one of the best examples of Christ-like behavior. He has raised 5 wonderfully
accomplished and self-reliant kids. I am always bragging about my SIL's and how
independent and hard working they all are. And I know a big reason for this, is
the way they were raised. I am so glad that my husband had this great man
as a role model growing up.


Recently, my in-laws returned from a mission to San Diego. What a
great example it was to my children, to see the sacrifice their grandparents
were willing to make to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
I will always be grateful to Shelby for showing my children how to serve others
and I am thankful to be a part of his family, and proudly call him Dad.

My Hubby Mateo!

1. What is his name? Matthew Stastny

2. Who eats more? Matt, but its usually all in one sitting, like dinner. He's not a big breakfast eater. And lunches are usually left overs from dinner the night before.

3. Who said I love you first? He did.

4. Who is taller? Matt (that was on my list for future husband,)

5. Who is smarter? We're both smart in different ways. I have to live with the dumb blond stereo type, so I'm at a disadvantage, but he really is very smart.

6. Who is more sensitive? He is. I'm often known as "the ice queen".

7. Who does the laundry? Me

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Depends on the night. I like to swap sides.

9. Who pays the bills? I do.

10. Who cooks more? Me, definitely. He's still not sure which side of the bread to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. :)

11. What meals do you cook together? He helps out on Sundays.

12. Who is more stubborn? Him, definitely

13. Who is the first to admit they're wrong? We both can.

14. Who has more siblings? Him, he has 4.

15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? We each have our moments.

16. What do you like to do together? Everything, from going shopping with the kids, hiking, playing tennis, to just watching TV while snuggling on the couch.

17. Who eats more sweets? Me. Matt doesn't really like them all that much.

18. Guilty pleasures? He loves ice cream. But also peanut butter with Hershey's squares.

19. How did you meet? His family owned the bookstore I was working at one summer when he came home from his mission.

20. Who asked who out first? It was a mutual, "hey, this movie is playing, wanna go see it?"

21. Who kissed who first? Matt kissed me first, but he will say that I was giving out all the signals for him to try.

22. Who proposed? Matt, definitely.

23. His best features? His personality, his love for everyone, he's an amazing father, his sense of humor, his work ethic, and his efforts to help us both constantly improve ourselves.

24. What is his greatest quality? He has a kindness about him that's unconditional. He is one of the most non judgemental people I have ever known. It's something I really admire, and hope to improve upon within myself.

25. Tag? Whomever wants to!

Chandler "Nightingale"

Conversation between me and Chandler tonight.

Chandler: Mom, your looking really hot.
Me: I am, I don't feel too swell.
Chandler: Do you want a wet rag for your forehead?
Me: Yea, that would be great. The washcloths are upstairs.
Chandler: Do you want it for your forehead, or your threehead?
Me: (?)
Chandler: (seeing the confusion on my face) Forehead I take it?

A few minutes later, he comes in with the wet cloth.

Chandler: (singing) What's new pussy cat? Whoa oh oh oh whoa. What's new pussy cat?


This kid cracks me up!

Random Pictures

Papa spent a couple Saturday's with daddy's and uncles building this

"tree house". (It's actually not even connected to any tree) But it is high.

He attached a rope ladder, and the kids have been having a ball playing

in it. The only problem so far? The girls want to paint it pink and decorate

it, and the boys want to make it into a pirate ship.
Gabe out on our grassy knoll.

I love this kid's profile. He has the cutest little nose.

unfortunately he also has his mother's hard to

tame eyebrows to go with.


Its hard to get this little one to stand

still for a photo for more than a few

seconds at a time. Try getting her

to smile about it!

My little flamingo!

Morgan decided she needed to cool off, and the closest

thing to a pool was Scout's water dish. (yuck!)

The boys out field training Bear with papa.

Gabe on his musk ox farm field trip. It was my

birthday, and Matt had things planned for us to

do, so his grandma was kind enough to go with him.

I love how blue Chandler's eyes are. Especially with

the blue shirt he's wearing and contrasting green grass.

And the kids has the longest eyelashes.

My apron is finally done for the apron swap!

Race Day Pictures

Here are the promised photos of my

Eklutna Challenge Weekend. What a trip.

Jessica and I before the race. We were so innocent then.

We didn't know we'd be risking our very lives on a 15 mile trek

around a lake. Not even bike trails. (some were more like a

bear trail. And from the fresh scat, I'd say

that's exactly what they were.) Aren't we cute?

Morgan on her photo shoot with the boys while her mommy

raced through the woods around the lake behind her.
After the race. (we stood up just for the picture...before this,
we were laying passed out in the woods behind us.)
Our hair is windblown, we're sweaty, dirty, stinky, but
our husbands and kids have never been more proud.

Kids say/do the funniest.....

I sent Morgan outside to wake up Matt and Gabe this morning. (they camped out in the tent last night). She'd been gone for only a few minutes when I heard the back door slam shut. Then stomping, then my door came flying open....

Morgan: Mother, Dad said I couldn't have this and he not supposed to, and I want to, and I told him he's in big trouble! (all one long, ramble)

Me: (since I had no idea what her complaint was, I had to go with the safe bet) If your dad told you to do something, you better do it.

Morgan; (folding her arms across her chest, and stomping into the bathroom) Now I'll never marry!

(well now I'm totally confused. somehow I've ruined my own daughter's chance for a happily ever after and I don't even know what I did! Or didn't do. Or was it something I said? Maybe mom was right. Maybe boys are easier. )


Then came church today. I left RS a little early, so I could make it into primary for Gabe to read his scripture. I was standing in the back, watching my two boys in their classes. Then I noticed Chandler glancing back at the clock every 10-20 seconds. He'd look back, mouth 'come on...' or 'darn it, its not time yet', then look back to the front. Then he'd look back at the clock, look disappointed, and turn back around. I still don't know what he was so antsy about. He was obviously waiting for church to get out. But his teacher said he's never done this before. Maybe he was worried his pet caterpillar was hungry for dinner. Maybe he had an important meeting he was late for. Or maybe, he was a little weirded out by the modesty sharing time.

These are some of the promised pictures from our weekend at Eklutna.

The kids had so much fun hiking down by the lake. Morgan's favorite thing (obviously)

was picking all the dandelions. Here's how I did Morgan's hair for the weekend. Gabe found

a pretty little flower to put in her hair.
It was just the kids and I for the day till Matt got done working.
I really enjoy these times with the kids.

Me, right before the Eklutna Challenge.

Gabe was my training partner the night before. I think we circled through the camp grounds 5-6 times. He's only been riding a two wheeler since his birthday. (Grandma and

Grandpa got him a bike for his birthday!) And right now, he only has two speeds.

Really fast, and crashing. But he is good about getting back on the bike, and

trying again. We pretty much have to drag him in off his bike every night.

Morgan, our junior-extreme biker. The kid has a real knack for

cycling. She's always trying to ride mommy's bike.

Our family.

Panoramic view of one of my favorite places in Alaska.

Eklutna Lake is so peaceful, and gorgeous.

I love coming here with my family.

My wonderful kids, on the bridge during our hike.

Chandler and Gabe have the posing down. We still

have to work on our delicate little flower. See the muffin

being shoved into her mouth while the other two are smiling?

A Single Rose

About a week ago, Matt came home with a surprise. A single rose for me, and one for Morgan.

It was such a sweet gesture. So Matt. So simple, and the fact that he brought one for Morgan just about melted my heart. She loved it. She is obviously daddy's little princess, and is big into fairy tales.

I'm so glad I have a Prince Charming who treats me like a Queen.

Whether its slaying dragons, or swimming through shark infested waters to bring me a lemonade, I know he's always there for me, supporting me, and helping me to be my very best.

Hokey, I know, but in today's world, I think a little hokey is just fine.

Race and Reflection

I've had a day to rest now, from my exciting little "challenge". So I can now talk about the more serious side of the race. I had a lot of time (unfortunately) to think. My IPOD was blaring during the run, but its harder to hear during the biking portion, so I pulled the bud out of my ear. Partly because I couldn't hear as well, and partly because I was all alone, and wanted to hear any rustling in the tress , ie:bears. So I was left alone with my thoughts for 15 miles of rough terrain. As I said before, I was so ready to quit, and give up part of the way. But every time that little voice said, 'go ahead, turn around...no one will know", I saw Morgan's face, and heard her yelling "yeah mommy, gooooo Mommy!" Then I saw Matt, my ever faithful companion waiting for me at the finish line. Then the thought came to my mind, "it doesn't matter when you finish. What matters is that you finish with honor, and your family will be there at the end when you get there." Now, this definitely applied to the race, but I think it also applies to our daily lives. I know that when I am finally called home to my Heavenly Father (which I hope is a ways off) my family will be there, waiting for me, cheering me on. Not just my immediate family, but all those who have gone before me.

Weekend Ramblings

We just got back from our weekend at Eklutna Lake. (And my 'Eklutna Challenge'). My camera was dropped by one of the kids, so I'll have to post pictures after I get them off said damaged camera. We had a great time! We did foil dinners, pineapple upside down cake, and roasted marshmallows. We told stories and read scriptures by the fire, and enjoyed just being together.
Saturday morning was my race. I had signed up for the Eklutna Challenge under the impression that that lakeside trail was fairly tame, and with a few exceptions, mostly flat. Not so! I started the 3 mile run, feeling pretty good. I ran past my husband and children, smiling for the camera, and when Morgan innocently yelled out, "what are you doing back there, Mommy?" I couldn't resist with a "I'm keeping the back company sweetie!". Everything was going pretty good, til we came to this very steep, very long part of the trail. (about 1/2 mile straight up...)
I only had to stop twice. Once to tie my shoe, (how lame is that?) and once to run back up the hill I'd been coming down, to retrieve my missing IPOD.
You run to the finish line, and immediately over to your staged bike. Put the helmet on, and take off down the trail. (you know, the mostly flat one) This is where I'm really glad I know there is a God, and my family is eternal. Several times, during the 15 mile bike ride, I rode screaming (like a little girl) down a steep, gravely, jagged rocks sticking out trail, full steam ahead, thinking, "that's it, I'm going to die!". Then it would slow down, and a very steep, slow, uphill trail would ensue. Not a lot of flat trail, I might add. And where there was flat road, you can be sure there was a very deep, black watered puddle (by puddle I mean at least 5 feet by 10 feet) that I was told you could not slow down for. By the end of the race, my fanny was covered in mud, my white shirt was no longer white, and what wasn't covered in sweat, was caked on dried black mud. And this is where the cameras started flashing.
Now, am I glad I did it? You betcha, (after all, I did finish 53rd out of the women contenders).
Am I bummed there were only 60 women racing? Not really, cause hey, I finished. I didn't blow out a tire, (like about 12 people did) and I didn't turn around half way through, (like all my good senses were screaming at me to do). Could I blame part of my problem on my chain coming off twice, or my seat needing to be adjusted twice after the jarring down hill parts? Mmmm, maybe. Will I ever do this insane race again? No way Jose! It was great to say I've done it, and my wonderful husband kept the children entertained while I did it, and he was even sure to be there at the finish line when I zoomed through. But my extreme mountain biking days are over. I shall return to the posh biking trails of the KGB and live quite contently thank you.

War Games!

Matt went paint balling with a bunch of the guys he works with yesterday.

They drove out the Point McKenzie, where there's this old NIKE Missile Site. The guys all geared up ready to play.

Just a bunch of little boys play'n outside.

Road Trip!

We went to the zoo Wednesday morning. It was a beautiful day, and with gas prices, a drive into Anchorage won't happen as often as past summers. The kids had a blast. Morgan especially loved watching the swans in the pond. (She has been very in to "Swan Princess" lately)

I don't usually post pictures that don't include people, but this big
Grizzly has been at the Alaska Zoo for as long as I can remember,
and the sheer size of this animal is so impressive. My dad used to
always tell me to look at the size of the Bear's ears, compared to the
rest of his head, and you'll get an idea on how big he is,
without standing right next to the animal.


Gabe the Babe!

Since we were already in Anchorage, (and Matt had no idea of our impromptu visit)
we decided to go to his office and surprise him. The kids just ran up to him and

gave him a big group hug. (you can't see Matt, but he's in there somewhere)

Runners Beware!

So, I'm running along the bike path with a friend last night. We've hit the halfway mark, and are heading back to our cars. All of a sudden, a baby moose comes running out in front of us, (only about 20 yards in front of us). A car from the road honks, just as the baby sees us, and runs back into the woods. Of course we're startled, but even though baby moose is gone, we're Alaskans, and our main fear now, is "where's mama moose?" So we run up the side of the hill towards the road, and stay there, till we reach some more open areas. Let me tell you, running along the road on an uneven, sloping hill, not the easiest thing, but it beats getting trampled by a mommy moose protecting her baby.

Summertime

Some shots of Morgan out in the yard this weekend.

A night out with the Girls!

Matt was a saint, and watched the kids Saturday night so I could have a night out with 'the girls'.

First I met them at Penney's while they finished up shopping for their family reunions. (we all have family reunions at the same time this summer). If you can't tell, Kandice and Karlie are twins, and an awesome couple of girls to hang out with.

Then, we got a bite to eat, and headed to the movies for a soon to be classic chick flick. Gotta LOVE McDreamy!

BBQ with Good Friends

Friday night, we had a few families from our ward come over for a pot luck dinner at our house. The kids all had a blast. Jumping on the tramp, running in the grass, and towards the end, they even helped start a fire and roasted marshmallows for smores. Gabe enjoying his "Perfect Smore"
While everyone was leaving, we heard the all to familiar sound of the start of summer...The ICE CREAM MAN! (woman in our neighborhood). Chandler and Gabe ran to get quarters from their change jars. Morgan was left hoping for some good will, and when she found none, she turned to mom and dad. I found some quarters in my car, but by then, the truck had driven down the street. I grabbed my bike out of the car, and Matt took off....

This was Morgan sitting on the porch, waiting for Matt to come back. She was so sad.....(and dirty too, cause she'd been roasting marshmallows, and playing in the dirt with all the kids).

Our HERO! apparently the Ice Cream truck had no other kids stopping him after our house, and Matt ending up chasing him all the way down to the Golf Course. I love this man!