Alaska Trip - The Trilogy

SLED DOGS!  What would a trip to Alaska be without stopping in to see the Seavey's sled dogs.  Mitch Seavey was the 2004 Iditarod champion (and a few other top ten finishes since then) and they have some (maybe 100) of their dogs in Seward for the summer.  Since Kendall is crazy about dogs, and Alice had seen them before and went nuts over them, we decided to at least take them there to do the kennel tour and see the dogs.

When we got there Aunt Mere decided she was brave enough to take on the task of taking all three munchkins on the sled dog ride by herself.  She gets our "Aunt of the Year" award hands down!  

This place becomes a zoo when people come to see them

Rows and rows of dogs and kennels

Meeting one of the sled dogs

Love at first sight?

"Yook Mom!  A sled doggie!"

See the fight breaking out on the left side of this picture?  This is what caused me to compare sled dogs waiting for a run to a classroom of unsupervised students!  Chaos broke out!  There was pandemonium!

Talking to the puppies after the ride

Getting to hold the puppies!

These photos still crack me up.  Riley pretending to be the musher and Kendall trying to pull the sled!

Trying to pull it a different way

Still no luck, but she tried hard!

We had a great time seeing the sled dogs.  If you get a chance to go see these dogs and learn about them, their training, breeding, etc., I highly recommend it.

There's a phrase we use here in Utah to describe all of the connections we make with others.  We often call it "Small Lake City" instead of Salt Lake City.  This happened to me not once, but TWICE during our trip to Alaska.  I found out a good friend of ours' family use to sponsor the Seavey's sled dog team!  How cool is that?  The second time was when Mere and I met for tea after my daily morning run, we went to this cool little coffee shop (yes, we went to their competition so Mere didn't feel the need to step in and work while we were catching up!).  Do you remember that cute little church I posted earlier?  The red one?  Well there are tons of cute little churches like that all over town and this coffee shop is located in an old church.  It's so adorable (but honestly, Matt and Mere's is at a great location and I like the lay out of theirs much better as well as their extensive drink selection - yes, I'm plugging The Sea Bean so if you visit Seward, look them up!)  Anyhow, back to Small Lake City, so there is this guy standing in line in front of us with a Snowbird shirt on.  Snowbird is that place Kevin and I skied on the 4th and where Riley is in ski school.  So I ask the guy if he's skied Snowbird and of course he replies, "Yes, I actually live in Salt Lake City!"  We got to talking and his wife teaches ski school there and he works at The Canyons Resort.

As I mentioned I went for morning runs almost daily.  I skipped out on the morning that I realized I lost my license and the morning we went kayaking.  After running at 4500 above sea level and then to run AT sea level...WOW!  I felt like a super athlete!  I could go so much further than I can here in Utah.  All those extra red blood cells I guess.  I didn't realize how much I would notice it.  One morning I decided to run along the bay out this gravel road towards Millers Landing where we were going to take our kayaking trip from.  This was my view along the way:

This view just made me want to keep running along there forever - then all gravel that was getting spit up in my eyes and mouth as the many vehicles passed me on their way out to Miller's Landing eventually made me turn around and come back.  But the view was breath taking that morning!

So far, I shared about our adventure getting to Seward and some of the family photos and landscape and now about us seeing the sled dogs.  Stay tuned for future posts about wildlife, sockeye salmon and "sideways spankers!"

Alaska Trip - Part Deux

I have to be careful as to what/which pictures I post on my blog because my brother prefers not to have his child's picture plastered all over the world wide web (can't say I blame him, I've considered making this blog private numerous times).  Here are some more pictures of our adventures in Alaska:

Yes, that's my child picking her nose!  Not the most flattering picture, but considering my niece is looking in the opposite direction, it's the only one I could post of their happy union.  BTW, Kendall and her cousin were talking on the phone the night before we arrived in town and they were discussing all their plans for vacation!

K is loving on Aunt Mere and Riley getting some lovin' from his cousin

Kendall enjoying some of her cousin's dress up clothes

This is the cute little house we rented.  It looks small from the outside, but it's actually pretty roomy inside - 4 bedrooms and three full baths!

For Seward, this place had a good bit of property around it - even a big side yard and it was all fenced in.  Thankfully it was in walking distance of pretty much everything.

Here are the fireweeds that grow wild in Alaska.  I was told that when the last flower blooms, then there's about 6 more weeks until the first snowfall.

This was seen from our rental house - a cruise ship on the way out of the bay

The Three Amigos

I absolutely fell in love with this little church.  It was literally at the end of our block and it was so picturesque in this little mountain town

The view from our place to my brother's house

This is the view off my brother's back deck - pretty nice, huh?

This scenery reminded me a lot of Utah - as well as the snow capped mountains

I've been considering calling these two "Thing 1 and Thing 2" because every where they go, they tend to make a giant mess!  Thankfully they fell in love with each other.  After parting ways, you could often hear Kendall shouting out "Bye Alice!  I love you Alice!"

This could be trouble when they are teenagers - running off from the parents to get into who knows what kind of mischief!  Thankfully the grandparents survived babysitting the first ever cousin sleepover while the moms and dads went out to hear Hobo Jim who is a local favorite at the Yukon bar.

Both kids loved this sign at their cafe

Andy and I sat on the deck of the Resurrection Roadhouse and had a few drinks one afternoon - I could have sat there all day with that view!

Tried to get a family shot at the sign at the entrance to the National Park at Kenai Fjords, but there was an obstruction so we took this one instead

Small boat harbor in Seward

It amazed me how many people live on their boats in the harbor!

More of the small boats

The only orca we saw while we were there

A true princess never passes up a chance to try on a new tiara

Found across the street from the cafe

Want more?  Check back for more posts...Fishing trip, Gilligan tour (yes, it was 3 hours long!), sled dog tour and kayaking trip yet to come...

Our Trip To Ayaska - Part 1

At least that's what Kendall calls it.  We had a fantastic time visiting my brother and his family and seeing Alaska for the first time (well, all of us except Riley - this was his second trip).

My parents rode their Harley from western NC all the way to Salt Lake.  They are more adventurous than I am - I can't imagine sitting for that long!  Once they got here, we all packed up and headed to Anchorage.

Riley helped Pappy wash his Harley before we left

His reward for a job well done was to go for a ride on Pappy's bike

We spent a little time in Anchorage before taking the Alaska Railroad to Seward.  While we were in Anchorage, we headed out from our hotel to find something to eat and check out downtown.

The Iditarod Sled dog race starts in downtown Anchorage - this monument marks the starting line

Our kids thought it would be fun to "ride" a sled dog

Yes, I tried a reindeer hotdog/sausage while in Alaska

In front of the Alaska Railroad Station - it's a pretty cool operation because they haul both passengers and freight.  You don't find that very often here in the US anymore

A native Alaskan totem pole

The next morning, we woke up early and headed out to get on the train.  Here are some pictures of the view from the train.

How would you like to have an airstrip in your backyard?  That's how most of these Alaskans live.

Who wouldn't love to look at this scenery every day?  And I thought my view was beautiful!

Not too shabby of a way to travel, huh?  We had great seats - front of the first  observation car on the train.  It was great and we could see everything!

Andy wasn't crazy about the beer (I enjoyed it though), but more about the fact that it was the only time he's been able to ride a train while drinking!

Passing by a glacier on our ride

This was the view from the observation deck on the back of our car

Heading towards a glacier

Nanny is great at entertaining Kendall

Finally arrived in Seward!

Hoping to see more?  Check out my next post for pics of our adventures while we were in Alaska.

50 Ways To Inspire Your Hubby

My hubby has a lot on his plate right now.  There are some big things going on at work and there's always something within our personal lives that creates extra stress or drama.  On top of all that he's also getting ready to start his MBA at the U next month.  I try my best to give him what he needs to feel comfortable and loved at home.  He's our hero and needs to be reminded of that.

I read this article on MomLife Today and felt inspired to share it.  If you have a hubby like mine who's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, this might be a good read for you too.

For the article, click on this link:  MomLife Today or read it below.

There’s an old joke about one of our presidents walking with his wife, who sees one of her old boyfriends in a less-than-glorious occupation. The president looks at the old boyfriend and remarks, “If you hadn’t married me, you might be married to that guy.”

The first lady answers calmly, “If I had married him, he’d be president.”

Now, occupation is not the measure of a man. But as a wife, you do possess a unique power to inspire your husband. Your loving vision of the man he’s becoming propels him toward greatness—not necessarily by the world’s yardstick of success, or even your own, but of God’s.

When you believe in him, he is secure. He can take the leaps of faith required to surmount fear. He can bear up under pressure, pioneer new territory.

An inspired husband feels the freedom to reach the fullest potential of the man God has created him to be. He’s not merely encouraged. He’s a man who’s empowered; a conqueror. If you want to give your man some “wind beneath his wings”… start here.

1.  Initiate great sex.

2.  Send him an e-mail. Example: “Praying for you today. Thanks for being so courageous in [insert specific area].”

3.  Give him one night on a regular basis to do something he loves.

4.  Consistently mention ways you see him growing to be more like Christ.

5.  Ask him about his “bucket list.”

6.  Give him a book, audio CD, or ticket to learn about something he loves doing.

7.  Ask him about some dreams he has — and pray about them together, evaluating them. Then ask how you can help him go after them.

8.  Text him. Example: “REMINDER: I BELIEVE IN U.”

9. Make sure he feels respected by you.

10.  Leave sticky notes in his lunch, on his steering wheel, in his briefcase, etc. “So proud of all you’ve been doing with ___.” “You are so great with our kids.” “You are my dream come true.” “You are an incredible lover.”

11.  Suggest that he take some time to go pursue a hobby.

12.  Leave a message on his voicemail: “Thanks for going to work every day to take care of our family. You are so good at what you do.”

13. Ask him how you can pray for him at work. Later on in the week, ask about his prayer requests again.

14. Be proactive about doing something together that he really enjoys: make a date, get him excited, and share his enthusiasm!

15.  Tell him areas he’s gifted in. Don’t stretch the truth; be honest so he can trust you.

16. Pray for him.

17. Initiate great sex.

18.  Start and keep a “Dreams” binder with him. Include some travel brochures or whatever gets you excited. In the back, make sure you have a “Dreams turned reality!” file.

19.  Talk with him about setting aside a small part of the budget to pursue the ways God has created him — through education or through sheer enjoyment.

20.  Post on his Facebook wall: “I love being your wife! See me tonight regarding this.”

21. Gently communicate with him about what you like in bed, and respond encouragingly to his attempts.

22.  Remember a dream that he had a long time ago. Talk with him about whether it’s still a dream — and still a possibility.

23.  Ask God to open your eyes to the ways He has made your husband and to give you wisdom about how to maximize that workmanship.

24.  Have your children write him notes or letters about what they love about their dad.

25.  Initiate great sex.

26.  Ban yourself from any nagging, the Great Life-Sucker.

27.  Ask, “If I could do one thing I’m not already doing that would really empower you and inspire you, what would it be?” Listen — resist being defensive (the hard part) — and follow through.

28.  As you think of them, remind him of specific times and areas he has impacted people’s lives: “Hey, I was thinking the other day about all the time you invested in that Cub Scout troop. Wonder what those boys are doing now. It was so cool to watch them grow with you as their leader.” “Our son has grown so much in encouraging people lately. He gets that from you; you are such a good example for him in that.”

29.  Buy him something small to stoke the fires: a journal for a writer; some carpentry pencils for a woodworker; some grilling tools for the master chef. Add a sweet note: “Just because I love the way you’re made.”

30.  Do something fun and unexpected together: paintball; laser tag; on a spring day, have a picnic, blow bubbles, and bring the books you’re reading; swing; go to a drive-in movie, bring popcorn, and instigate a make-out session.

31. Think about a way you’ve been hurting him, annoying him, or not “seeing” him. Apologize, and work hard at showing true change.

32. Initiate great sex.

33. Go to a home improvement store to plan a small, doable project that energizes both of you, even if it’s just painting a room or fixing up some landscaping. (Hint: Make sure it’s something by which he won’t feel burdened.)

34. Do something from his to-do list for him — something that he’d rather have you do anyway.

35. Find a mutually enjoyable activity you like doing together on a regular basis — even if it’s playing the Wii together.

36. Create a cheerful atmosphere when he comes home.

37. Design a date night that will help him to de-stress and have fun.

38. Discover his love language and become even more fluent in it.

39.  Pray about and pursue at least one dream of your own, talking with him about it.

40.  What’s hard about his life right now? Pray for his endurance, and encourage him specifically. Galatians 6:9 is a great start for both.

41.  Organize or clean something in your home that you know he finds messy.

42.  Send a snail-mail love note to him at the office, affirming him in his work.

43.  If there’s something on his “Honey Do” list at home that he finds overwhelming or has a hard time finding time to do, talk with him (respectfully and gently) about the possibility of having it hired out. Make sure he knows it’s not because you find him incompetent, but that you want to free him from a burden.

44.  Initiate great sex.

45. Be a student of your husband. Does he feel inspired if he’s got all his ducks in a row? If he’s got a creative space to think? If he feels verbally affirmed?

46. If he’s into dressing nice, go with him to shop for clothes in which he feels confident.

47. Let him overhear you speaking well of him on the phone, among friends, or in public places.

48.  In his area of weakness, pray about how to subtly and gently step in and help him.

49.  Tell him what a great dad he is. Be specific.

50.  If and when he messes up, respond with the kind of grace, compassion, and mercy that God gives us. Respond in a way that communicates, You’re safe with me — and I’m not going to rehash your failures. This is a secure place for you to grow … and I love the journey with you.

Why I LOVE Our Church

It seems like every week we attend SMCC, the message is speaking straight to my heart.  I don't know how God does that, but I'm listening and the message he's sending me is LOUD and CLEAR.  Isn't it great how God works like that?  How he speaks to you through others?

A verse that was mentioned today really resonated with me.  It was from Romans, chapter 12:17-18, 21.  It reads:
17. Do not repay evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of the everyone.  18. If it is possible, as far as it it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

What a great reminder of how to live and act when faced with being treated unkindly.  Rising above the temptation to treat someone as you have been when it comes to being treated unfairly or being judged unfairly is not an easy task.  Believe me, I know because it's been something I've been struggling with for, well, the past 17+ years.  Our Jr. High pastor spoke today about not playing fair - by not reacting to situations that are hurtful to you but treating that person with kindness.  God has forgiven us (and we totally don't deserve it) and we need to pay it forward to others in our lives.  He said that we should never play fair; that we should do to others what Christ has done for us.

Reminds you of my post about my reactions to reading The Shack, huh?  See, God is speaking to me and I'm hearing...now comes the part of doing...much harder of a task!