Hair and some to spare

This is my very talented friend Amy....she is a hairdresser, a seamstress, and full of creative ideas....many of which she can pull off on a dime! Including our fabuous ward Christmas party, which was the most beautiful one I've ever seen, and I didn't get any pictures (I'm still upset about that). This picture is adorable. It was taken of her in Paris. Ohh, la la.
She gave my kiddies much needed haircuts tonight....this was the closest I could get to a "before" photo. And this..........

is after! So much better. We made Griffin skip scouts in order to get this much needed haircut. Kennedy got 5 inches off and looks oh so grown up. I love it! Griffin had his school track meet today and I swear won by a head of hair in one of the events. He took 3 first place, and 2 second place in track events. Way to go Griffin boy!

Memorial Day Weekend

When my family moved us up to the NW from the sunny desert of Arizona, 18 years ago....I never knew such beauty existed! Now I know I am a true Northwesterner. I love the rain, think anything over 72 degrees is too hot, and enjoy the year round outdoor recreation and scenery surrounding it all.
My parents bought the most quaint cottage here in Cannon Beach when I was 18 years old. So many memories exist there that I get verclempt when I bike past there each year that I do my solo coastal ride. It took only 70 min. from our home in Beaverton to drive down. Todd and I would head down almost every other weekend. When my family all moved to Utah, they also sold the cottage. Looking back, we should have bought it!
Now with our own family we still carry on the Cannon Beach tradition, going down a few times a year to stay overnight....only now we must pay for our lodgings:> Schooner's Cove is our all time favorite. The location is unbeatable, the view magnificent, the rooms clean and large and the private hot tub is a big selling point. We've been coming here for years and love the ambiance and memories we've created at this location.




The first night we stayed, after our walks, and hot tub we took a stroll through town, enjoying the nice evening breeze and peacefulness of the quiet steets as we peeked in storefront windows. To our surprise we saw that Bruce's Candy Kitchen had added on and renovated the inside after all these years! It was so adorable. We couldn't wait to get in the next day. Who will ever forget Sara's room on Francesca. I wonder if that paper is still up?

We celebrated Todd's Birthday there as well. Griffin and I went down to the office and made this sign at the last minute, I bought him the yummiest cinnamon roll from Bella Espresso (the other rest. owned by the Pizza Nazi). Todd cooked up Salmon outside on the Cove's BBQ. Delicious!!!

We grabbed some bread and went down to feed the gulls. We have found several items washed up on the beach in years past, but never have we come across 6 beautiful long stem red roses. I figured some woman threw them in the sand as an act of anger against her lover....either that or it was a memorial for someone lost at sea. We decided to take them to Derek's grave site on the way home. The next day we met the lady who'd gathered up the other 1/2 dozen so I didn't feel too bad.


The private hot tub is the best Jerry....2nd to that is the enjoyment I get from watching the older's enjoy the exploration of their little baby brother. They are so smitten with every move he makes. He is such a blessing to our family.

Our 2nd day, we woke up to a healthy breakfast, packed by me...and a stop at Cannon Beach Bakery for fresh, delicious donuts. We took a loaf of bread to feed the birds and headed to Haystack Rock. Lucky for us there happened to be some hands on conservationists with telescopes and displays of sea life creatures. It was very educational. We stayed until someone had to pee :> and then it was time to head back for pizza a feta and shopping. Todd gave each child money to spend on Candy at Bruce's and shells at Duber's.



Stopping in Portland on the way home we placed roses at Derek Lake's gravesite. 5 years have now gone by. I believe no one can image the pain of having lost a brother, husband or son, unless the loss has happened to you. Having a knowledge of the eternal perspective helps us to teach our own children about this earth life test and that we will all be reunited again someday.

Family Ties

Since we are some of the few who reside out of Utah, our visits are filled with many visits. Logan is a hot spot of warmth, welcome and when time permits....sleep-overs, pot lucks, entertainment and games. Having the mecca of cousins willing to babysit my kids is a bonus as well :>














My mother's sisters are some of the best aunts a girl could ask for. They have always been so good to me as a little girl and now to my own family and small children. I feel a close bond to all of my mom's 4 sisters and love spending time with them. Even Todd enjoys coming to visit and partaking of thier hospitality.
Above Top: My littlest sister Lindsey and The Jensen clan (I know, it's hard to tell which one is the mom :>)


My aunt Carol is an inspiration to us all. She is raising 4 beautiful children and continues to be a pillar of light and strength.
The Pete's had us over for dinner. Some say Sar and I look alike, infact the other day at Annies Jaken saw my picture on the fridge and thought it was his mommy. Hmm, must be the hair, cause when it was dark I looked like Linny.

Linny's little Emma was so funny! Where's "Toad"? She would ask.
This is a funny tale of how powerful the mind can be. Linny had us for dinner and my Mom made this dessert. Apple dumplings. It smelled wonderful. The boys were served and were raving over the yumminess. I was served, took a bite and even though it was supposed to taste good, something was amiss. I said "it's really yummy mom, but something in it doesn't taste sweet.". Linny gave me this look like "yeah, it's sick", but we politely kept eating because the boys thought it was great. Ryan tasted Linny's and said "yuck, garlic". Mom came home and searched all the ingredients. No garlic. I told her to check the cresent roll packages and sure enough ONE of them was garlic! Nice, what a waste of calories! I made up for it later by eating something more yummy :>
Linny bought Emma this bunny. Brody was more smitten with him than the coyote, but that is another post. I however, am not an animal lover. I still get the heebie jeebeez when I think about that sicky sick snack around my neck. YUCK!!!!

He/She and pedicures for three

I've recieved 4 pedicure's in my life. They've all been gifts from mom or my sisters. Linny suggested we go with the French. Ooh la la. The bottoms of my feet are doomed, never to be soft again.
I'm pretty sure I'm the Meg Ryan of placing an order in my family. I'm not big into eating out since what I make at home is so delicious...rivaling my favorite restaurants at half the price. I finally place a picky-ticular order, then realize I'm not even that hungry, cancel it and decide to split with mom. We then got a slice of Great Harvest Bread after and it was perfect :>
It was HOT out when we came downtown to pick up our packets. The atmosphere was very festive and I was excited for Todd and I to be doing this together. I made a few purchases at the vendors. The sunglass guy and I became friends and he cut me a deal before I even had to ask! Probably because I'd been there for 20 minutes trying so many on. I b0ught three :>
All the sissy's came up for a pasta feed.....my Ravioli Lasanga (because I prefer my meals over eating out), Sara's salad and Linny's most delicious rolls. Here's the secret before a race that I learned over the course of a few marathons. Stay away from dairy and fruit the day before. That really limits my favorite loves but has worked for me ever since I tried it. We stayed up late sitting in the hot tub and exchanging gifts. Sara, Jamie, didn't you girls get any?
This person above kept a stake out all night in this chair. It was really buggin. Especially when people would come up to the darkened room and not even notice he/she was there! Is it a man or a woman? Hey Buddy!
We made Cody do his gorilla man walk to see if this person in the chair would budge or crack a smile. Didn't work. Although he/she did scare Cody when he came up the next morning to drive Sara and I to the start. I do think he/she also scared Bundy when he emerged from the basement, but Trace was oblivious to this intruder in his home.

Ogden Valley Marathon

Dad got this idea in his head..."Wouldn't it be great if the whole family got together and did the Marathon?". So after signing up all his daughters and a couple of the son-in-laws, Annie and himself.... we probably had the largest family in the event!

Sara started the 1st leg of her Marathon relay with me up near Causey Resevoir. It was chilly at 6:30 a.m. There were plenty of bonfires to warm out legs and to my joy, plenty of potty's!!! Once the sun came out it warmed right up....and then kept on warming up. We shed our gloves pretty quick and were glad we'd worn sunblock and sunglasses.
Usually we get to see the not so green parts of Utah in the dry, hot months of August, but this was lush and beautiful. Snow capped mts and river run off through the canyon. Gorgeous! This was such a scenic course. Great aid stations and water stops. I'd have to say even better than Portlands. It's easy to have a PR amidst all the energy. Knowing that would not be the case I still was thrilled when I was running faster than I'd predicted given the altitude and the amount of training I'd done (or hadn't done :>). Mile 13 came and I was on track for a qualifying time, then mile 18 and still it was in sight. Then mile 20 came, and so did the lactic acid in my quads. It permiated the entire muscle and left me rethinking my goal time of 3:40.

Painfully I ran in the last 6 miles. Todd was there the last 1/2 mile and ran in with me, helping me complete my 8th marathon in 3:51. It was warm that day, high 80's. My dad and Todd and cousin Rachel ran the half. Mom, Linny and Jamie walked the half. Sara and Cody did the relay with friends. It was fun seeing everyone at the end

The post race eats were the best! Jamba Juice, fruit, and Great Harvest Bread with butter and honey. YUM!! Todd has contracted the marathon bug!

Memories of My Mother

Let me start by saying I have the most wonderful mother in the whole world. I can only hope my children have the same relationship with me as I continue to share with my mother. Over the years she has been a role model, confidant, friend and spiritual counselor. I cherish her for many reasons but on this day I cherish most the mother she molded ME to be.

In nearly every room of my home there are memories of my mother. From vacation mementoes, pictures, antiques or books, journals and cards. I collected a few items from our trips abroad and displayed them below. I think each one of these conjours up wonderful feelings of the times spent together on these vacations. From picking out the porcelain doll in Oberamergau Germany, the carved plate from Switzerland or the Buddah mom and I discoverd together :>

My journals are now a habit that was formed by my mother's example and started when I was 16 years old. I have several volumes and even my own children have one they want to write in. It's amazing to re-read some from when I was first married. I'll read things that I would have never been able to remember, details, dates and feelings that are preserved in these precious books.

Cannon Beach holds a place in every one of the Skeen girls hearts. Mom and dad bought the most quaint cottage there right before Todd and I wed....ahhh, those were the days. I miss it terribly, but we had a good run while it lasted. This is the only coastal destination we take our family to. These traditions started when I was still in highschool and I have carried them over to my own family. I remember the long walks from the cottage into town for waffle cones and jelly beans at Bruces....hikes at Ecola Park, bike rides around Nehalem Bay and who could forget the crabbing and the screams. But the one on one times with my mother in our cozy cottage, and walks through town....it almost hurts to recall.

Although my dad has been the primary force behind any running and cycling strongholds in my life, my mother has supported me just as much. Last year she gave me this gift. It sums up my love for running perfectly.

Having grown up in a family of four little girls my mother always had us in dresses and curls. I was so happy to be able to have the same fun with my own daughters. Raggy ringies shall live on.....although they are quite snarly....just ask Kennedy!

But the end result is as darling as can be! My mother knows the art of making you feel special by making a normal holiday magical!!! From gorgeous table settings, to party favors and games. My children love when we have "parties" and it's amazing what the smallest extra gesture can do to make them feel special. Even today my mother shares these ideas with anyone she can. Aren't all girls supposed to feel like princesses?

Speaking of Princess...The Barbie birthday cake. Now that was a cake that made a barbie lover like myself go nuts!! Mom, help me make one for my girls :>

Even admist all the complaining she continued to enroll us in lessons. Jazz, ballet, tap, piano, violin, and cello. Now as a mother I can appreciate all the time spent running to and fro and the cost of all these opportunities for growth and development. I do want to take cello lessons again, perhaps when Brody is in school.

During my highschool years mom would ask if I wanted to skip school and go out to lunch and go shopping. Sometimes I'd have to decline if I had a test I didn't want to have to make-up. We always knew if we wanted one on one time all we had to do was ask. She is my favorite shopping partner. My only downfall is my indecisiveness!!!

Trips. I will admit, I had a very privledged upbringing. Traveling to Disneyworld 3 times, Europe 3 times, France, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Hawaii, Mexico, and most recently, Thailand. Those holidays have enabled me to become more well rounded, appreciate the diversity of God's creation, and be a part of many different cultures.
It is with love and appreciation mother that I send you just a few of these fond memories that we both share. I couldn't have asked for a better childhood. You taught me well, I always felt love and support and still do to this day!

Happy Mother's Day.

Love Stacey

Sand Castle Days, Cannon Beach Oregon