The DeCostes—Matt, Sam, Grace, Nathan and Katie

A small voice in Japan

2011-03-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

My heart was broken last night. Broken in a way that I could not have known 7 years ago. I was watching Dateline last night on the couch with Katie and they were reporting on the aftermath of the devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan. The news correspondent was reporting how they visited a school gymnasium that was full of displaced Japanese whose homes and loved ones were suddenly gone after the tsunami washed through the city. The reporter talked about a little boy who would cry out in the night, "Where is my daddy?? Where is my daddy?" My heart broke right there on the couch in that moment as I pictured my son Sam or Nathan being left alone in a big scary place surrounded by strangers with a father that would never return.

I don't cry much but more than I used to. That's a good thing. I held back the tears but I could not stop my eyes from watering. I just pray that the Lord would be a father to this little boy. A Father to the fatherless. Lord help me to love my children with all my might, to love them as you love them, and most importantly to raise them in the knowledge of You that they too might find a heavenly home and a burden that is light.

Remembering My Parents

2011-02-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

I was deeply moved recently at a memorial service for a very Godly husband and father of a guy I work with. It was so inspiring hearing his story. I never met the guy but I left the service feeling like I'd known him all my life. I left feeling challenged to let my faith burn hot white for Christ everyday, to be a better, more intentional father to my kids and to guide, lead, protect and enjoy my beautiful bride.

At the same time I was flooded with a ton of memories of what I was feeling in the days after both my father Jerry (1996) and mother Carol (2001) went to meet Jesus. This year will mark the 15th and 10th anniversaries of their passing so I wanted to share a few thoughts as I look back on those days. What follows is just kind of random thoughts I remember having at that time. I wanted to make sure I wrote these down to preserve them for a time in the future when I make a "Memory Book" for them. If you've ever lost a parent maybe you can identify with some of them:

I don't want this to be my new reality.

I want to be able to call my dad and ask him a question about cars, kids, work, God.

I don't know how to act right now.

Am I supposed to look sad and depressed or when is it OK for me to crack jokes and act goofy like normal?

What am I supposed to feel right now? Actually, I don't feel much of anything. I feel more empty or raw or without any feelings. I used them all up in the last few weeks talking to family and friends.

My head hurts from having so many intentional, deep conversations with people.

I hate it when well-intentioned people drag out all these painful emotions and thoughts because THEY want to keep talking about how THEY are feeling.

I just want life to get back to "normal." I don't want people to look at me and only think about

my dad dying.

I don't want to go back to work that first day after the funeral and memorial service because I don't want to interact with people anymore. I just want my privacy. I want to work through this on my own.

I'm not sure if my wife really understands what I'm feeling—the depth of my thoughts. I don't think I can explain it fully to her.

How am I going to teach my kids about their grandfather/grandmother without them just becoming an afterthought or a picture hanging on the wall? I'm already starting to forget some of the memories I wanted to remember and share with them.

What is my responsibility now with mom now that dad is no longer around? Does she need to see me once a week? Twice a week? Every day?

How do I balance MY family life (wife and kids) with work and the needs of my grieving mom? What's her new normal? What does her future look like? Does she want to remarry? That's weird. Would I want mom to get remarried? I don't think so. Would dad have cared? Not sure.

Are family get-togethers gonna feel hollow and empty when we get together now that dad isn't around? What's that first Thanksgiving or Christmas gonna be like? I don't think I want to know.

I remember thinking that I didn't think I was doing this grieving thing right because I wasn't crying all the time. My dad had an open casket memorial service. I didn't want to look at him. I didn't want to remember him like that—all stiff, and waxy, and lifeless. That wasn't him. I wanted to retain the memories I had of him while he was living.

I remember studying dad's hands in church when I was a kid and my parents made me sit in "big people" church and I was bored stiff. I would lay on his lap, take his wedding ring on and off and just hold and stare at his hands. Those wonderful hands—soft but strong hands with little wrinkles and a bit of dark hair on the edges just like mine.

They told me if I didn't look at his dead body that I might have nightmares and wouldn't get proper "closure". Oh well. Didn't need or want it I guess. I remember thinking my grieving was totally done until about a year later. I don't even remember specifically what it was but I just remember thinking that dad should be at some important family event and he was going to and how cheated I felt and remembered that he never would be at any more important events.

I choked back the tears for a few seconds and then just started to sob out loud. Katie had NEVER seen me do that. Not my thing. Never did it. I remember her holding me tight and asking what was going on and I told her. I remember in that moment feeling the closest to her that I ever had as she comforted me with her words, tears and a long embrace. It was a special moment and I'll never forget it.

I used to have dreams about my dad every few months or so. Usually they would take the form of he was gone (or dead) and then he would just magically show up again and I was so happy and told him how much I missed him and I wanted him to stick around and not leave again. But he always would disappear again for some reason. Or even if he didn't disappear I would wake up and be totally bummed that it was just a dream and not reality; that my dreams couldn't MAKE him come back to life. I haven't had one of those dreams for a while now. But I probably will again someday. I kind of liked having them because it felt like I was keeping dad alive in some small way.

Another feeling I still struggle with is when adults complain about their ailing, dying parent's in their 70's or 80's. I sometimes feel like saying, "Get over it already! Your parents are old. They're supposed to get sick and die when they're that age. My parent's never had the chance. They died 30-40 years before they were "supposed to”. Of course I never actually say that. I just had a real hard time feeling sorry for them. Still do at times. I was robbed of all those years with my parents. Another thing that bothers me is when my peers complain about their parents or in-laws for not being involved enough or being too involved or intrusive in their opinion. I'm not saying some of their issues aren't really but I just can help thinking "you're lucky to still have them. I don't have that option anymore."

So now, the challenge is how to keep the memory of my parent's "alive" for my kids—Grace, Sam, and Nathan. Just the other day my wife was changing my two-year-old son Nathan's diaper when he looked up at the wall in our bedroom at a picture of my dad and said "grandpa Jerry!" That really blessed my heart!

I really want to write a journal of all my memories and get my brothers and sisters to do the same so we have something tangible we can present to our kids to help them get a good picture of who their grandma and grandpa were. That's on my to-do-list for 2011.

–Matt

Kids learning stuff scary fast

2010-12-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

I have been amazed lately at how much our kids learn and how quickly. I hear them repeating stuff (both good and bad) and noticing things I never would have guessed they would. Nathan wants to know "what's that?" about everything! He does this especially when we try to "read" a book. It gets tiresome but I forget that this is just as much or MORE interesting to him than the words I might read. Sam, our 5 year-old has a tender heart. We need to be more careful of it. We were watching Matilda, a kid's movie about a girl that is stuck in a bad family and school situation with verbally abusive adults. Sam actually covered his eyes a few times and although Katie and I thought the movie was fairly benign it was not to Sam.

I want to protect my kid's innocence. I want to be a better example to them. Lord help me do all I can to point them to you. To turn off the T.V. and read to my kids and talk about spiritual things more than earthly things. Help me Lord. Remind me when I am bored or needing to "veg" that I have young impressionable hearts and minds that need my very best.

Heading into fall and feeling blessed

2010-10-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to say how blessed I feel. It's Oct 3, 2010, the kids are playing out back in beautiful fall weather, just had some wonderful home-cooked corn chowder with cornbread and the Broncos won. Can't ask for much more than that. As I sit in our basement at the computer I can see up and out the windows to the leaves falling softly from the cottonwood tree in our backyard. Visions of pumpkins, Thanksgiving and Christmas are already started to dance across my mind. I really do love this time of year with the sledding, a fire burning in the fireplace, hot chocolate, snow days, and family get-togethers.

I told Katie today how much I love and appreciate her. This year has been a terrible year for deaths on Colorado's 14ers (peaks over 14,000 ft.) and I climbed 3 of the tougher ones with some work friends a few weeks back. These same peaks have seen 2 deaths this summer. One story was particularly tragic—the husband was hiking alone with his dog and killed by rock fall leaving an expecting wife at home. Truly sad. Yesterday I took my wedding ring off as I was rock climbing so it would not get scratched. My good buddy Ramsey Ross is a teacher at North Middle school here in town and needed help taking about 20 kids climbing. I forgot I had taken it off and realized it on my drive to church and started thinking how weird a feeling it was to be without my ring. Then I started thinking what kind of life I would have if I never had that ring—no wife, no kids. My life looked so different. More empty. Less life and love. This is not to slam on single people at all. Just knowing what I would be missing got me all emotional and I had to give Katie a big hug.

Just some thoughts on this lovely fall day. Hope to post another update soon.

–Matt

2010-04-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

I had a buddy tell me tonight that he lost his job after 6 years. It wasn't the first thing he said. This was after like an hour of talking. We are reading through a book that at times highlights the differences of men and women and the whole time I couldn't help but think there is no way that a woman would have taken a full hour to reveal a detail as huge as losing a job to another woman.

As he was telling his story my mind immediately went back to a time when I lost my job and how shell-shocked I felt by the whole thing. I was in a literal daze for several days and wasn't sure how to proceed. But slowly, I felt the Lord guiding me and of course, now, 10 years later He has confirmed my path so many times over it is sort of ridiculous that I couldn't see it at the time. But when I was in that deep valley it was so hard to see out, to see anything really that all I had was trust, faith and hope that it would get better, that I would get another job, that I wouldn't end up being a homeless guy walking the streets.

I know right where you are at my friend and will be praying for you that God reveals his purpose and plan at this exact moment in your life. Don't forget to take notes and remember all that He IS doing even when it does not seem so. He has you in His strong grip and He will NEVER let go.

Merry Christmas 2009 & Warm Greetings!

2010-01-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & Warm Greetings!

Well, another year has quietly slipped away. Amazing. I was just chatting with Katie today and reflecting. We literally could not remember what happened from January to July. Life with a 1, 4 and 6 year-old does that to you. We don’t plan much of our lives months ahead— we are happy to survive each day until bedtime!

In the busyness of raising our 3 children, I’m reminded of a quote I heard once that I like. “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” This quote often comes to mind when Katie and I fall into bed just dead-tired wondering where the day went and when things will slow down a bit. But amidst all the activity, we’re always reminded to live each day we have to its fullest and appreciate each moment we have to be our children’s mom & dad. All the cajoling to eat vegetables, the wrestling when I come home each night, the snuggles at bedtime, and the beauty of a child sleeping will soon be just fond memories.

This year we watched our “baby”, Nathan, age 1½, grow so much from learning to sit, to standing, to walking and now sort of talking. He’s fond of saying “Hi fish” to our 2 pet fish, the expected “Daddy” and “Mommy” of course but his favorite expression by far is a loud “NO!” as he slams a fist down and shakes his head from side to side. Quite often we’ll walk into a room only to find him standing on the dining table because someone had forgotten to push a chair in. That boy!

Sam, age 4, has been attending a local preschool two half days a week. He loves it! He’s learning to color inside the lines and sit still for more than a few seconds. In late October Sam decided he would give his bike a shot without his training wheels. Since he can’t reach the ground with his feet he conveniently “dismounts” his moving bike when ready to stop. But by far the biggest news happened in July when Sam surprised Katie in the minivan by saying a quick prayer—“Jesus, come into my heart. And I want a puppy and to go to Santa’s North Pole” (a local amusement park for kids).

Grace, age 6, is a constant blessing to us. She has become our “little helper” assisting us with Nathan, in the kitchen and helping clean up. She started kindergarten this year and loves learning to read and count. She has a sweet spirit and displayed that when she befriended a girl on the playground that no one else was playing with. She has gotten involved in ballet, AWANA at church, and also learned to ride her bike on 2 wheels this summer.

Katie somehow finds a way to keep all the kids (and myself) clothed, fed and happy while driving to and from schools, taking part in a women’s Bible study and working out at a local gym. She is tireless and patient and I am always amazed at what she accomplishes with so little help.

I (Matt) will celebrate 10 years in February working at The Christian and Missionary Alliance and accomplished a long-standing goal when I completed the Pikes Peak Marathon in August.

A few 14,000 ft. peaks got checked off my list as well when I climbed Mt. Harvard & Mt. Columbia with friends. Good times.

As the cadence and rhythm of our lives has quickened so have the blessings that flow from above. It never ceases to amaze us how the Lord brings new friends into our lives and provides for our every need.

Well, with that, we wrap up 2009 and look forward to a new year. We pray that the Lord brings His rich blessings, health and favor to you all in 2010. Please stay in touch. We love hearing from you all!

Love,

The DeCostes

Matt, Katie, Grace, Sam & Nathan

It's not what I do, Lord, it's YOU

2009-12-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

This is going to sound crazy but some of the best thoughts I have happen when I am running or in the shower. It was in the shower AFTER my run today that I began thinking about my job and the career in graphic design that I have chosen.

I'm at a place in my life (37, married for 11 years, with 3 small children) and in my faith that I feel like I can be honest with myself and where I'm at. I remember in high school being so wrapped up in my identity as a football player. I had the luck to play on the varsity team starting in my sophomore year. I loved the sport. I loved every minute of it. I loved that people thought of me as an athlete and a nice guy. I loved wearing my jersey on Fridays before the game. I even loved the black and blue marks and sore muscles the day after the game.

But looking back now, I realize how much I let that talent, that athletic ability define me. I told myself things like "you might not be very good at basketball or playing piano or doing math but you are one of the best at football." As I graduated and got older I let other roles define me too much. Matt the fraternity guy. Matt the exchange student. Matt the graphic designer. Matt the nice guy. Matt the rock climber. Matt the hiker. Matt the father... the son... the brother... the husband... the coworker... the... and the list goes on.

But slowly, God has been revealing to me the utter uselessness of all that stuff. And that's what it is, just stuff. Empty titles that define us in some narrow way. Yes, we all wear different hats and play different roles. And that's NOT bad. It's when I let those hats and roles define who I am that my problems seem to occur. I forget WHOSE I am and therefore WHO I am.

Have I mastered this shedding of roles, these boxes people (and I) put me in, these labels they put on me? No. But I am getting better at identifying them for what they are and trying my best to keep them in balance with who DOES define me—Jesus Christ and the new creation I am becoming as I live and find my being in Him. Afterall, He's not impressed with many of my accomplishments here on earth. Only what I do for Him and others really matters in the 60 or 70 years (Lord willing) I may have here.

So, these were my thoughts in the shower this morning. I will never be the best anything here on earth. There will always be someone who is better than me at something. And I'm ok with that. Slowly, surely I am being transformed. Into His perfect image. And though it sometimes feels like two steps forward one step back I'm still heading in the right direction. And I love the view from here.

A few milestones for Grace . . . bikes & sheep

2009-08-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here typing this post on my laptop while sipping some coffee in our timeshare condo in Fraser, Colorado. I'm watching the kids scurry around. All 5 of them—our 3 and my sister Michelle's 2. The kids are having a great time. Sam (3) and Gavin (6) are playing "swords" with some sticks they found behind the building and are just now transitioning into filling up water balloons. They run through the condo brandishing their sticks at one another and swiping and poking them at each other just missing by mere inches much to the fear of the adults. So far no eyes or limbs have been lost. So far.

As I sit here thinking and typing my thoughts are of my daughter Grace (5). She is my beautiful baby girl. But I am beginning to notice she is not so baby like anymore. She came out of the bedroom this morning after breakfast having totally dressed herself—a mismatching though colorful arrangement if I've ever seen one). She also enthusiastically helped me crack the eggs for breakfast. I fished out a few shell chips but she did remarkably well. I am so proud of her. These past few days have furthered my worst fears that she is really growing up.

We brought the kids bikes up this week and before we left I took her training wheels off. She passionately asked me yesterday if I would help her learn how to ride her bike. I reluctantly worked up the energy enough to slip on my shoes and get ready to run behind my daughter, preparing to catch her at every wrong turn. She put her helmet on, hopped on her bike and with a release of my steadying hand she was off! And immediately sharply overcorrected and ended up in a tangled mess of metal and skin on the ground. After a hardy slap on the back and some reassuring she was off again with renewed determination. And then... something wonderful happened. She was riding—BY HERSELF! Yes, wobbly, yes, shaky but riding by herself. All the way as I was running after her she was yelling, "Daddy, don't let go of me!"

And at that very moment I realized that in a small way, almost imperceptibly, I was letting go. Before my very eyes I had witnessed her grow up and rely on herself a little more and on me a little less. I must say it was thrilling and strangely sad at the same time. I am getting teary-eyed just thinking about it right now. What is it in me that wants my kids to grow up but at the same time doesn't want to see it actually happen or not as fast as it sometimes seems to?

As if learning to ride her bike was not enough, last night Grace (and Sam) also went Mutton Bustin' last night at the Fraser Rodeo. What is Mutton Bustin'? You throw a scared stiff 40 lb. kid on the back of an equally scared 75 lb. sheep in front of a large crowd under white hot arena lights and then give the sheep a healthy smack on the butt. What happens? Well, usually the kid flies off in 2.3 seconds and ends in a cloud of dust as the sheep runs for his life.

And that is pretty much what happened to Sam and Grace. Grace a little better, Sam a little worse. I was hoping Katie would hide the inevitable from the kids until the very last moment but, no, she decided to lift them up each in turn and show them a sneak preview of what was to come. Each sobered up watching kid after cling for dear life only to be jettisioned from the sheep like a leaf in a stiff breeze and stand up with tears and a mouth full of dirt as the crowd applauded.

This was it, Grace was up. The announcer called her name, 2 tough cowboys placed her on the back of the sheep and off she went. The crowd roared, the sheep bucked... Grace was tossed like a rag doll. She jumped to her feet unsure wether she should cry or laugh and headed towards the lady holding her ribbon. She had done it. She had conquered the sheep and her fears with all the courage a 5 year-old could muster. I was so proud of her and gave her a huge hug.

Sam asked Jesus into his heart today!

2009-07-01T09:54:00.001-07:00

Sam surprised Katie in the minivan today by saying a quick prayer. "Jesus, come into my heart. And I want a puppy and to go to Santa's North Pole" (a local amusement park for kids). Katie had asked him right before if he had ever accepted Jesus into his heart and he got a bit quiet and then made his response. My heart is so happy to know that the Lord is working on Sam's heart. The faith of children is so simple and pure. I have a lot to learn about that. I'm sure Sam will accept Jesus into his heart many more times in coming years but it just thrilled Katie and I to hear him speak those words.

Lord, seal this promise in Sam's heart and mind. Let him always trust in you with a simple faith and place his trust solely in you. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Kids grow up so fast!

2009-06-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I have heard it said a million times by a million different people... "kids grow up so fast." I guess that is true. Some days I wish they would grow up a little faster... especially on the whinny days and when I hear my son screaming, "MOM... WIPE ME" from the bathroom. But as each day goes on and I see them grow I wish I could freeze time. I tell Grace that she needs to stop growing up so fast. She lost her 4th tooth recently. She has that adorable gap in her mouth when she smiles. She will be going to Kindergarten this year and Sam will be off to preschool. Seems so crazy to me that Nathan will be 1 in just a few more days. He has a cute little smile too... with one top tooth and two bottoms teeth. He is a delight. They really do grow up fast and I am realizing more than ever that I need to savor all the moments no matter how small. I also need to blog more and post some of their cute pictures. I will try to do that soon. I am so blessed.

Nathan's Dedication

2009-05-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. A LONG while. I've been so bad. I could make excuses like, "I post my life to Facebook so why should I maintain a blog?", but that just wouldn't do. Because the things I write about here are usually a little deeper than "Matt is eating cereal for breakfast" status updates. I want to write a quick note about my boy Nathan today. We dedicated him before our church a few weeks back, surrounded by family and friends. It was a very neat experience and blessing. We had prepared a scripture to be prayed over him ahead of time. It was this: I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:27-28. While the pastor was praying over Nathan, Katie lifted him up high towards God in heaven and for the congregation to see and the funniest thing happened. He looked up towards the bright stage lights in the ceiling and started to smile and started to wave. The whole congregation got a good laugh. It might have just been the lights he liked, or the attention, but I kinda like to think he saw angels all around him.

Nathan, my boy, I love you so very much. You are a blessing from the LORD and you bring so much joy to your mother and I. We dedicate you to the LORD, for HIS service, all the days of your life.

Family Christmas letter 2008

2008-12-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Sam, age 3

The DeCoste Family

Grace's Kindergarten pic, age 5

Nathan, age 5 mos

Dear family & friends,

I always love the opportunity I have at this time of year to slow down and reflect on God’s grace and goodness to our family and to watch His mighty hand at work that shapes the ins and outs of our daily lives. I never cease to be amazed at the sheer abundance of divine protection and joy He brings to our lives.

This year was another year of firsts in many ways. In last year’s Christmas letter we shared the joyful news of an expected new arrival in our home. He decided to greet us early on a sunny Monday in June, on the 23rd to be exact. Nathan Paul weighed 9 lb 2 oz and is a most happy little boy. He’s been learning to roll over, eat rice cereal and get used to a bottle (so Katie can get some much needed time away.) He’s always smiling. Grace was a bit reluctant at first with the idea of ANOTHER brother but it seems one of her favorite past times of late is coaxing giggles out of Nathan.

In May, Grace (age 5) “graduated” from her 2-day-a-week preschool. Grace absolutely LOVES going to class and has made many new friends in her new school where she is attending kindergarten. She had several lines to speak in a Thanksgiving play as well as many group songs and I think the whole family had them memorized after weeks of practice. She has proclaimed that she wants to be an artist just like daddy and can most often be found coloring pictures with crayons. We are running out of room on the fridge and wondering if we need to save them ALL.

Sam (age 3) is “all boy” as the saying goes. Daddy is immediately greeted at the door each night after work to “play lion” which involves a lot of rolling around on the ground and wrestling while making growling sounds. Something I am very good at anyhow. Sam has a very active imagination and is fond of climbing up things and then jumping off of them. We were ecstatic early this year when Sam finally got the hang of the “potty.” He also loves to “play” with his baby brother which we keep a close eye on!

Katie (who turned 30 this year) seems to me an amazing whirlwind of activity, energy, beauty and grace. We are extremely blessed to be able to have Katie stay at home and care for the children which she thoroughly enjoys (most days). She keeps busy taking aerobics classes at the gym, hanging out with friends, attending a woman’s Bible study, and in general keeping all of us clothed, fed and happy. Oh how I love that woman!

Matt had an eventful year in 2008 as well—welcomed a new son, celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on 10/10/2008 with a 21 hr. trip to OH/KY in a minivan with three kids, saw a mountain lion and had his car broken into on the same day, narrowly survived an incredible ordeal on the river with his brothers, and climbed a couple 14,000 ft. peaks.

We love all of you dearly and thank God for placing each of you in our lives. We hope that this letter finds you and yours doing well. Have a very, very Merry Christmas as you spend time with family celebrating the birth of our dear Lord and Savior. d

With much love,
Matt, Katie, Grace, Sam and Nathan

katiedecoste@hotmail.com
mattdecoste@hotmail.com

My Bros

2008-12-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

My brothers Marc and Dave are truly the best. I have so many great memories of hanging out with my bros and I am fortunate that they both live in town with me here in Colorado Springs.

My brother Marc turned 38 this year. Truly shocking! I still have vivid memories of sharing our birthday cake at age 5 and 7 because our birthdays were only 3 days apart—mine the 15th of September and his the 18th. It bugged me as a kid not getting my own cake (obviously) but I love it now. And as a parent now with 2 of my own kids with birthdays 3 days apart, I am doing exactly the same thing to them—a shared cake. I mean c'mon. How much cake can you possibly eat in 3 days.

But getting back to my bros, I feel quite lucky. My brother David and I both work at the same place so we get to see each other almost everyday. And often I can be found showing Dave the finer points of the game of table tennis—better known as ping pong to most—and his game is coming along nicely. I even let him win on occasion.

My brothers are alike in the ways that count—religious beliefs, integrity, honesty, devotion to family—and so very different in the ways that matter less.

David is a Systems Administrator and probably the smartest guy in the family. He is definitely type A, a bit of a neat freak, and a Beautiful Mind if you've seen the movie. He can be forgetful of the small stuff—keys, phone, wallet, time—because he is always thinking about the big stuff—what to get his wife for Christmas, how to get that extra 3% speed out of his laptop and at least 3 or 4 other things. He is a technician and a methodical thinker.

Marc is a tile-setter, a real estate investor, and a alternative fuels expert. His mind is always on the go. He's an artist of sorts. His latest thing is harnessing the power of the sun using homemade Fernelli's lenses to burn stuff. He is a BIG IDEA guy and occasionally forgets to follow through on the 20 new projects he has started THIS WEEK!! I hear he wants to test for the border patrol or the fire department this week. A real renaissance kind of guy.

And then there is me. A bit of both of them, different in my own way but very alike in so many ways. I'm so thankful my parents didn't stop after 2 or even 4. Nope, 5! 3 boys and 2 girls!

So here's to you bros! You make my life so rich and fun! So when are we hangin' out next?

Love,

Your bro Matt

Goofin'

At my cousin's wedding sometime in the 90's

30 feet underground in the "Ice Caves" in Palmer Park, CO

Setting flag stone in Dave's backyard

High above 11-Mile Reservoir during camp trip in 2008

Playin' a little air guitar on the racquetball court in Winter Park, CO

With the kids in Ouray, CO

Matt, Marc, and Dave

Winter Park fun!

2008-09-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Once again we headed to Winter Park to share a week of fun with the extended DeCoste, Root and Rising families. Our families keep growing and soon we will be outnumbered by the kids. As witnessed by all these photos, we had a great time as usual. Can't wait for next year!

Movie night on the lawn thanks to Uncle Marc bringing his projector and screen.

Shrek was the unanimous choice—Of course!

Grace loves the beach.

...and her bike.

Caden's favorite game in the kitchen.

Grace is beautiful as ever and Sam...well...he's Sam.

Kylie LOVES holding her cousin Nate.

Hike with the boy near Berthoud Pass.

David on the summit.

Matt on the summit.

Shaun in fields of green.

Becky ropes up!

Michelle the "Rock Jock."

Breakfast of champs!

A daddy and his boy.

Waiting for dinner on community meal night.

Michelle tries to remember the knots and the call before climbing a crag near Tabernash.

Sam digs on the beach at Grand Lake.

A momma and her boy.

Uncle Dave, Sam, Uncle Chad and Grace try some paddle boatin' at Grand Lake.

Chad and the kids at breakfast.

Bath time (L to R) Sam, Kylie, Grace & Caden

Family hike in Grand Lake to waterfall.

Kids juice boxin' on the couch.

The fam on the family hike in Grand Lake.

My close call on the river

2008-08-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

Goofing on the road trip in!

Me and my older brother Marc.

So this past weekend me, my brothers Dave and Marc, and brother-in-law Chad loaded up Dave's Jeep and headed west for a long overdue guys camping trip. It was August 1 and 12 years to the day that my father, Jerry DeCoste, passed away. We all knew that he would be smiling down at us and happy we were all together enjoying some time away.

Dave prepares to "run" the river.

After a quick stop at Wal-Mart for the essentials (beans, dogs ans s'mores fixin's) we were on our way to our favorite campground below 11 Mile Reservoir—Spillway campground. After stopping at the only convenience store in Lake George and getting raked over the coals for a $26 floatin' tube rental for Chad (we did get $13 back but Chad was about ready to punch the lady) we rolled up to the toll booth at the forest ranger shack only to find out from a feisty old ranger lady that a wedding was going on that weekend and all of the campgrounds were totally full. Dave and I had made this same overnight camping trip last year and didn't have any problems getting a spot so this surprised us a bit but she mentioned that there might just be one of the few first-come-first-serve sites left for the night.

Our camp site by the river. (The river is just behind the willows in background.)

Gourmet beans and dogs for lunch.

We quickly made our way up the dirt road through the canyon, tracing the beautiful river below set in pines. At every bend we encountered fly fisherman contentedly casting and reeling their lines in the hot summer sun cooled only by the rushing water surrounding their chest-high rubber waders. The scene was perfect. The weather was great and we were in high spirits as we slowly checked off each campground from the list hoping to find a spot—ANY spot—that was not taken.

Chad missed some spot with the sunscreen (the infamous, patched ghetto tube in background.)

Finally, we found a spot, the last one available for only that night, right by the river and set in beautiful willows and pines. Chad fired up the Coleman camp stove as Dave, Marc and I used our extensive knowledge of tents to erect the monstrous family-size Eureka tent quickly. An hour later, after discovering several creative ways to incorrectly set up the tent, it was up and Chad called us for a brat, beans, chips and salsa lunch. Between bites we took turns using a rusting, rickety, old, mostly-broken bike pump to pump up our new shiny $16 orange and blue inner tubes we purchased especially for the weekend. Seeing Dave's slow progression with the contraption I did what any man would do, I went old school and nearly passed out trying to blow up a tube with my manly twin-turbine lung power. We needed to retrieve Chad's wedged in over-priced rental tube (thus forward referred to as the "ghetto tube" due to its lob-sided and misshapen form) from the back seat of the Jeep and as I did it popped and deflated like marshmallow in the microwave. Luckily, the high-quality (as advertised) tube made in China (I think I tasted lead paint) came with a patch kit. It wasn't pretty at all but it only had to hold for an hour down the river so we weren't worried.

Marc is first in the water.

Some dabs of SPF 30 later, after donning our colorful Bermuda-style swim trunks, we were headed to the peaceful rippling waters of the river behind our tent. Marc jumped in the impossibly cold waters first, eager to try out his new hotness tube followed by Dave and myself. The new tubes were great! Buoyant and colorful. We were on top of the world and the water. The ghetto tube that Chad tried sitting on was not. It practically sank to the bottom when Chad hopped on. We all, of course, loved it and howled and cackled in delight at his misfortune. Again he stated that the popping of the ghetto tube was a sign that he shouldn't go but it was too late now.

This seemingly innocuous spot between the boulders became our almost deathtrap. This was taken from the road up high after the fact.

The hole from water level.

A close-up of the down-river side I pulled Chad up from the water. Notice the water churning.

We passed through the first test unscathed—through oversized, steel culverts leading under the road and made our way down peaceful waters for 1/2 an hour or so. Then things got interesting. At the only warning sign declaring dangerous white water, we exited the river and walked for 10 mins. or so to put back in below. The feel of the water at this point changed dramatically. No more calm, gently flowing water that you could fall asleep on. We were now in 6-12 in. white water consistently. We were strung out on the water like fake pearls on a cheap necklace when the worst began happening. Marc was in the lead followed by Dave and they rounded a corner and went out of sight as the canyon veered to the right and then back to the left. I thought nothing of it as I heard the excitement in their voices grow as they entered rougher waters. Chad was just ahead of me and I had since traded for the ghetto tube because I felt a bit sorry for his predicament. Chad rounded the corner and went out of sight as well.

For a few brief moments I was alone with only the sound of the rushing waters around me. The sun warmed my already tanned skin and I didn't even notice how cold the water was anymore. As I rounded the bend I saw something that struck me as very odd. Off to the left between two huge rocks stuck in the middle of the river were two inner tubes. Strange. I figured that a couple of my bros had accidentally both lost their tubes in the same spot so I corrected my trajectory to attempt a retrieval. As I entered the v-shaped space between these SUV-sized polished boulders I quickly felt an enormous yet unseen pull of the water towards the larger rock. In an instant my mind flashed. I had the sickening feeling that my brothers had both been sucked down into this swirling vortex in the river and may even be under the water fighting for their lives at that very moment.

The swirling waters between the boulders that pulled us under.

But I had problems of my own. I ,too, was ripped off my tube and instantly felt the overwhelming tug of the water on my back and feet as the deep, cold river grabbed for my life. I remember this so vividly I am getting goose-bumps just writing it. As I fought for my life and clawed with both arms at the rocks I remember seeing my son Sam's happy face along with those of Katie, Grace and my new baby boy Nate. I remember thinking that this was it and if I didn't make it that I would never see them again. It saddened me but filled me with renewed vigor. I used every ounce of my weakening strength to tug at the algae-covered rocks.

After what seemed like a minute the balance finally shifted in my favor and as I extracted myself from the pull of the rive I flung myself up on the smaller boulder, exhausted but alive, still shaking at what had just transpired. Before I had a moment to think I heard a shout–"HELP!" I spun around and looked down to find Chad bobbing up and down in the water at my feet on the backside of the smaller boulder I was on. He looked helpless. I instinctively pulled him up by the neck of his life jacket and as he extricated himself from the water he was otherwise totally naked. No swim trunks, no sandals, no hat or glassed. Just the gray life jacket tightly strapped around his chest. The suction of the water pulling him under was so strong that it literally ripped everything off his body except for the life jacket that was strapped to his body. And to think, we almost didn't bring them.

Exhausted and shaken he sat on the boulder and didn't notice his trunks were missing until he sat down. When I mentioned this to him he replied, "I don't care . . . I'm ALIVE!" And we were. But my thoughts immediately turned to my brothers David and Marc. Was one or both of them trapped under the water? If so, were they still alive? Should I jump back in to the nightmare I just pulled myself from to check. I looked back in the swirling waters and could see nothing.

I turned and looked down the river and was relieved to see my brother David standing on the bank only 30 feet from me. He was safe. I yelled as loud as I could to ask if he knew where Marc was and if he was OK. Dave used hand signals to indicate that he saw Marc get sucked under the boulder like Chad and came up on the other side only to be taken through even larger rapids further downstream. He went to confirm that Marc made it through the rapids safely.

Dave and Marc take in the scenery with 11-Mile Reservoir in background.

As Chad and I sat thinking of what to do next I got a visual from Dave that Marc was downstream but OK. My worst fears quickly fled and I silently thanked God that all four of us were alive. Chad and I hopped from boulder to boulder to the far side of the river and I gave him the only thing I could to help him cover up, my life preserver. He tied it around his waste and while it covered his front, his backside still flapped in the breeze like an Indian in all those cheesy westerns I watched as a kid.

Bratwurst—AGAIN!!

We realized we weren't out of the woods yet (pun intended). There were no good spots nearby to cross the river to get to the same side as Marc and Dave so we decided we would have to hike downstream about 200 yards to calmer waters through rough rocky, forested terrain. I felt bad for Chad in his condition so I loaned him my sandals for the short trek and after finding a random flip flop near the bank I put that one on and hopped one-legged through the needles and pine cones.

We made it to the calm waters below the rapids after about 10 minutes and spotted a fly fisherman casually casting his line down stream. He had no idea what we had just went through and had he looked up would have seen a half-naked man and a guy hopping on one foot trying to nonchalantly enter the water to cross to the other side. Dave had since caught a ride from some folks back to the campground and had returned in the Jeep with an extra pair of shorts for Chad. He and Marc met us on the other side of the river and at this point we all kind of breathed a sigh of relief and even laughed a little at the setting.

Staying up recounting the tale around the campfire.

We hiked up to the road and before heading back to camp we paused to look at the innocuous-looking gauntlet we just endured. We laughed a bit to calm ourselves but the the talk quickly turned more sobering as we realized how close many of us came to not making it. After arriving back to camp, I asked if I could say a prayer of thanks to God for His protection. We all grasped hands as brothers in the Lord and offered up our gratitude.

Chad reads some Scripture the next morning.

As it was only 2 in the afternoon, Marc, Dave and I began planning for a short hike to the top of the nearby rocks. Chad decided he'd had enough adventure for one day and decided to read his Bible a bit and journal about the incident. As we prepared to hike, Chad called me over with a smile on his face and said, "Matt, you'll never guess where I just opened the Bible and started reading!"

Psalm 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

I agreed that God had given him those verses for all of us. What a great God we serve. The rest of our time was great and relatively uneventful. We packed up the next night and back to town, again stopping by the convenience store to return the ghetto tube which had since lost its meager inflation through my hurried patch job. After Chad briefly recounted his tale on the water she agreed to give him the $13 refund I think out of pity.

Atop the summit of our short hike.

It's amazing how an experience like this can create a bond with people that can last a lifetime. I especially feel closer to Chad somehow through all of this. We have a story that will be retold (and exaggerated I'm sure) for time and memorial and passed on to our kids as a warning about the dangers of the river. My brother Dave asked me if I would be willing to float down that stretch of the water again next year and after pondering it I agreed I would as long as I avoided that spot and scouted the complete route beforehand. I can definitely wait a year to get back on an inner tube again and I don't think we'll ever get Chad back on one and definitely not on a ghetto tube.

–Matt DeCoste

2008-07-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandpa.

I hope I am walking 3 miles a day when I turn 81

We love you !

Crazy Summer!, Part 1

2008-07-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy summer so far! Here is a smattering of pics to help sum up.

Little man Nate is in the Hyyouse!!

Loved this pic mainly because of the miracle it represents–2 kids under the age of 3 looking at the camera at the same time. We'll work on smiles next time.

SuperSam!

I just love this photo. Nor sure why. Enjoy!

Aunt Hannah and Ginny hold Nate at the shower.

The fam!

Matt just doing what he loves.

My little girl.

Many an evening are spent at the park by our house.

Grace finally learned how to climb this thing after Sam showed her how.

Grace's pre-school graduation.

Now tell me my sister Christin ain't just a spittin' image of me. SCARY!

Baby Nathan? Nope. Strike 2. This is cousin Grant! He REALLY Hated it!!

Bros!

Crazy Summer!, Part 2

2008-07-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

Sams sports the bling as the boys of summer pull out the Zubaz of yesteryear.

"Look at my muscles Daddy!"

Sam's impression of E.T.

Grace and Sam take in the wildlife in the front yard.

I convinced Grace this would be fun. By the look on her face it was not. Sam holds on for dear life as mom blissfully tans her toes.

Honey I shrunk the family!

Pool time–AGAIN!

Now Sam on the other hand loved this!

Baby Nate? Nope. Baby Caden. He didn't like it so much.

Proud cousins, Kylie and Caden.

SSSOOOOO COOOLLLDDDD!!!!

The backyard pool is the next best thing.

Very Norman Rockwell.

Baby Nate UPDATE!

2008-07-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

Papa (grandpa) Paul hold his "little name's sake."

Ginny (grandma) with her grandsons.

Aunt Hannah holds baby Nate.

Uncle Marc and Aunt Kara are all smiles.

Nothing as sweet as a sleeping baby!

Sam in top form.

I sometimes feel like I have to ask permission from Sam to hold the baby.

He's already sitting up on his own.

Ok, not really. It lasted just long enough to take this pic and then he fell over.

A proud mama.

Did I say how much Sam loves holding his brother Nate?

Uncle Shaun and Aunt Michelle swing the boy to sleep on July 4.

Well, it's been 2 1/2 weeks since we welcomed Nathan Paul into the family and it's already starting to feel like he's always been with us. Sam and Grace are really warming up to him, especially Sam. Each morning he comes into our bedroom and asks "Where's Baby Nate?" Grace was a bit reserved the first couple weeks but a few days ago she helped mommy with Nate which we really appreciate. We have been so blessed these past weeks as friends and family have brought us gifts and meals. Katie's dear friend, Kristen Ross, coordinated this for which we are so thankful. We truly feel loved. We've had lasagna/ziti (3), pizza (3), pasta/salad, potato-chip chicken, ice-cream cake, enchiladas and more. Thanks to all!

Katie and I sometimes feel like 2 ships passing in the night however. She's usually tired from getting up all night with Nate and goes to bed early. I usually stay up to have some "alone" time after working with Katie to do the nightly "routine"–dinner, clean up, play time, jammies on, vitamins, snuggles and prayers. I must say, Katie is amazing and still does so much work around the house. I don't know how she does it. I rarely hear any complaints from her whereas I'm pretty sure that I was not meant to be a stay-at-home dad. I'm not nearly as patient as Katie is.

We have found out that Nate really loves riding in the car and stroller and it almost always puts him right to sleep. We also know that he loves to nurse for comfort and be held a lot so we're both getting plenty of opportunities to love on the boy. He has had a few nights of 4+ hour sleeps so we are hopeful that the sleeping through the night thing is in his future (soon).

We are so happy to be a family of 5 and feel like this is what are family was always supposed to be. Love from us all. Will try to do another update soon.

Introducing Nathan "Nate" Paul DeCoste

2008-06-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

Nathan means "Gift of God" and his middle name is after Katie's father.

Momma and son share a moment just after delivery.

Our family has now grown to 5!

Sam gets to know his new little brother.

Katie shares a quiet moment with Nate on the porch.

The LONG wait is finally over!!! We welcomed the newest addition to our family, Nathan "Nate" Paul DeCoste, on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. He weighed 9 lbs 2 oz and was 21 1/2 in long (Go KATIE!) He is a beautiful little boy full of personality and charm. He is very laid back (as you may have guessed being he was 5 days late) and loves just looking all around. Not a big cryer ... yet. Katie will have to post her delivery story soon but until then I will post a few pics.

We couldn't believe the outpouring of love that we felt from family and friends. We must have received 50 calls in the past week as people anxiously awaited Nate's arrival. We thank you all for standing with us in prayer and can't wait for you to meet our little man. God is good!

–The DeCostes
Matt, Katie, Grace, Sam and Nate

Memories on Father's Day

2008-06-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

Me and my dad (Christmas 1975)

Me and my boy (Easter 2008)

My dad was born on November 8, 1939 in a place that no longer exists. He was "born in space" because the small hospital where he was delivered was on top of a present day, open pit copper mine in southwestern New Mexico near the town of Santa Rita. My father was an only child and grew up playing golf in the desert amidst the yucca. He was an excellent tennis player and worked as a lifeguard during high school. He was a great student and became the valedictorian of his class and gave the commencement speech. I still have his handwritten notes. He later went on to get a chemistry degree and hated it, choosing later to go in to accounting. He also joined the army with a college buddy because, as he put it, "he thought it would be fun."

He met my mom at a Christian singles group through a church in Denver in the late 60's and before long the family grew to 7–Dad, Mom, Michelle, Marc, Matt, Christin and Dave. Wow, 5 kids! I'm still in awe. Today is exactly 3 days from Katie's due date–our 3rd and (we think) final. I still don't know how they did it. It is truly amazing to me and I was THERE. One day at a time I guess.

It has been nearly 12 years since my dad died suddenly as he and the family were helping me move back from Montana after college and get their house ready to sell. It was sudden and shocking and left me shell-shocked for quite a while. I remember I used to have dreams (they stopped a few years back) about my dad just showing up at the door one day and saying that he hadn't really died after all but was just really sick. I was always overwhelmed with joy and relief to have my dad back, to talk to him and hear his voice, to hold him and to be able to just spend another day with him. But even as I was dreaming a part of my consciousness knew it was not real, that I would wake up and he'd be gone. I never knew if these dreams were a way of God letting me spend time with my father or whether the "experts" were right. When he died we heard from different people that it would be healthy to view his body in the casket to create a sense of closure. I never did. All my brothers and sisters did but I didn't want to. I didn't want to remember him in a casket. I wanted to remember and preserve my dad the way I wanted to—alive, smiling, and loving everyone around him.

My father (and mother) also he led me to Jesus. I remember it clearly. I was probably 5 or 6 and I was on my parent's oversized bed watching the news with mom and dad. The news was reporting on some violence in the middle east and showed several dead bodies and I suddenly had the realization (after hearing all that stuff in Sunday School) that all those people probably died not knowing Jesus so they wouldn't be in heaven. The thought scared me quite a bit and as I began crying I told mom and dad I wanted to go to heaven where Jesus lived in case I should die. Right then and there they led me in the sinner's prayer and I accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

OK, enough of the heavy stuff. My dad really was a great father to me. He focused on love and relationships and our family meant everything to him. He taught me how to golf, play tennis and ski. He taught me how to use his tools in the garage and gave me my first (and only) gun. He was so involved in our swim lessons, soccer games, youth group at church. It seems he just gave and gave and gave. Their are so many stories in my mind but I'll share one that really reminds me of how loving he was.

Dad lost his job in Denver in 1987 and was out of work for a year before finally finding a good position in Montana doing accounting work for a mineral company. He went up a few weeks before the family to start work and look for housing. The town he worked in was called Three Forks and it was literally the company building, a small school, a park, some storefronts and a few hundred houses. Knowing what shell-shock it would be for us kids to move from Denver to a town this small, dad made the decision to buy a house instead in Bozeman, a town of 30,000 with a movie theatre, bigger schools, and more opportunities. The only problem was the town was 40 miles away. So everyday, dad got up early and drove an extra hour and a half so his family could live in a more comfortable place. That just blows me away.

Dad left us a note that we didn't find until after his heart attack. It means so much to me that I carry it around in my wallet. I want to post it here to inspire others and as a tribute to him.

Grace's Father's Day card 2008

Grace's Vacation Bible School Experiece

2008-06-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

Grace went to Vacation Bible School at Mountain Springs Church last week. It was her first experience and although the week started off slow for her she really loved it by the end. They did a lot of singing and dancing and projects and every day when I would get home I would ask her what she learned. We shared breakfast together one morning and over cereal had the following discussion:

Matt: "Are you going back to Vacation Bible School today?"

Grace: "Yep. Those songs about praising God were very good. I think they made Him happy in the whole heaven."

At that I let out a bit of a laugh and just thought how wonderful it is when God invades a child's soul and becomes real to them. Grace professed her faith in christ last year with Katie and we pray that God would protect that faith and let nothing snatch it away.

Oh baby, baby!

2008-05-21T14:15:00.001-07:00

Ultrasound pics taken February, 2008

I look at these pictures and I'm almost speechless. To gain a glimpse into our yet unborn child's life is a gift too awesome to behold. It's sobering and exciting to think about this new life that represents so much joy and so many future years of love and relationship. We don't even know if this child is a boy or a girl yet and somehow that is the last thing I care about.

God is so good to us. We are richly blessed and never thank Him enough. I look at Sam and Grace and it just staggers me to see the beauty in their eyes and the innocent way they react to the world and people. I know nothing is promised but I feel extremely hopeful thinking of the rich life filled with love and relationships that lies ahead for each of them.

One thing is sure. . . we will love this new baby as much as any parents can, raise it in the fear and knowledge of our loving Saviour and guide and nurture it as long as we live.

Can't wait to meet you in June little one!

–Love, Your family

Sentinel Point Hike, 12,500 ft.

2008-05-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

An auspicious start after breakfast at the Donut Mill in Woodland Park!

Early morning light spilling through the trees. The crisp air and the sound of snow crunch ing under our feet. Ahhhhhh . . . spring time in the Rockies!

Rick pauses as we walk up the valley with light snow falling.

Sentinel Point framed by our hiking poles.

Ascending the steep boulder field below the ridge. This is steeper than it looks. Trust me.

We were starting to wonder if we'd need our snowshoes as the jaunt up the valley saw just a dusting of hard crust snow. We found out in a big way. As soon as we entered the trees we encountered thigh-high snow drifts.

Catching a breather.

The sun was doing an amazing dance with the clouds all day.

Close to the top with the summit in the background.

Matt picks his way towards the top.

Rick poses for a pic on the rocks near the top.

Mother's Day memories

2008-05-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

In 1977 and 2001

Today is Mother's Day. I woke up a little earlier than normal and went downstairs to fire up the griddle. Katie loves French toast and I've always loved making breakfast for her. Made them just the way she likes them with a little cinnamon, some powdered sugar, sliced strawberries and I even did a little twist of sliced orange as decoration. For me this is going ALL out. Trust me. I had everything ready by the time Sam (age 2), Grace (age 4) and Katie (age 30) rolled out of bed and into the kitchen. I thanked God for Katie as we all held hands, ate, then promptly scurried off to church.

Took the kids to the store yesterday to get a card (an adventure in itself as any mom would attest) and bought her a pretty plant with pink and red flowers that Grace picked out. Katie does so much for this family that never gets seen or thanked. I don't know how she does it day after day. She reminds me at times of my mom.

Dad would wake us kids up early to make breakfast for mom in bed. We'd roll out of bed and pretend to help dad in the kitchen as he made some of his famous French toast with fresh-squeezed (frozen) orange juice, (burnt) toast with jam, eggs overeasy (overcooked) and a bouquet of flowers. And of course the obligatory Mother's Day card with all the kids hen scratching and stick figure drawings with lots of x's and o's. . .

Mom always seemed to sleep in a little bit longer on that day. Never did figure out how with all the racket we were making in the kitchen. We would quietly climb the stairs to her bedroom, each vying for the chance to carry the fancy bed-in-breakfast tray thingy. . . open the door and yell "Happy Mother's Day!" She'd rub her eyes pretending to have just been awoken, sit up and get a big smile on her face as we rushed the bed nearly knocking over her OJ.

I recall one year that dad and I were at the store getting some stuff for Mother's Day. He said I could pick out anything I wanted to get mom. We were in the floral department looking at the half-price flowers and I found the perfect thing— an oversized jungle scene mug with a pretty (dead) flower in it that had a handle formed by a giraffe's neck. It was breathtaking for an 8 year-old and just the thing any woman in her right mind would die for. I thought it was the coolest thing ever! Mom acted like it was too when I presented it to her with all the pride I could muster. That was all that mattered. I can still see her smile.

Mom died Oct. 1, 2001 from ALS and pancreatic cancer. I was at her bedside at the very end along with Katie and my brothers and sisters. Some of those last few months have become some of my most treasured memories. When she entered hospice full-time, all of us decided to meet with her for breakfast each Friday morning. Nothing too profound. Just time with mom. We laughed, threw food, and just remembered some of the silly stuff we used to do. Mom couldn't talk much at that point but would just get this HUGE grin on her face remembering. She had the greatest smile. What I wouldn't give to have one of those Friday morning breakfasts again.

Some other memories I have are of her reading Uncle Wiggly to all us kids—one chapter each night. One of my earliest memories is listening to her rock me to sleep as she sang Jesus Loves The Little Children. Now I sing that song to my kids each night and can still hear her voice as we sing. I also remember how much she loved to play games with us. She was a teacher for over 20 years and knew how to relate to kids. We'd stay up late sometimes, just me and her, playing Othello and Trivial Pursuit. In the 80's we got an Atari 2600 for Christmas. Her favorite game was Breakout. She was good. REAL good. I don't think I ever beat her high score. Occasionally we even talked her into jumping on the trampoline with us. You should have seen it. It was awesome!

Mom, I love you and miss you so much! You always held me tight when I needed a hug. Even when I was in high school and college I wanted you with me when I went to the doctors. You and dad always sacrificed so much for me to provide opportunities (soccer, swimming, choir, piano, football, and on and on). I see that now. I didn't so much then. I've learned so much from you that greatly affects who I am today. And even though you never had the chance to meet Grace or Sam (or the baby on the way) I know you would have loved them so much. I find myself saying some of the things you and dad used to say to us. Stuff like, "Didn't I tell you playing with scissors is dangerous" and "No, we don't use markers on the walls." It makes me smile. I have a tape recording of you singing with Aunt Marilyn from a long time ago that I love listening to. I crack up when you stop mid-verse to scold us kids for something we were doing. Love that! It was so you.

I have hope too. Hope that I'll see you again. In the "twinkling of an eye" as they say. Say hi to dad for me too.

Love,

your son Matthew (she always used to call me that)

Easter Blessings

2008-04-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

In our Sunday best.

New Easter outfits for the kids.

We're anxiously awaiting our next child.

Boy or girl? Only God knows.

Hugs for mama.

After a long day at Ginny and Papa's, Sam is out.

Love it when we get one with all of us looking!

I love Sam's eyes in this shot. Silly boy!

You're barely showing hon.

My girl—Grace Carol DeCoste.

Easter Sunday is a special day around our house. It's the day we remember our Saviour's rise from death to life. I was thinking about how much attention Christmas gets in today's culture and how relatively little Easter gets. Oh sure...you see the ads for the Cadbury Eggs and the Peeps and the Easter bunny but it's nothing like the onslaught of marketing that hits around September 1st for Christmas.

But as followers of Christ Easter is all-important. Christmas was necessary (obviously) for Easter to happen. Without Easter dare I say that Christmas has no lasting worth? For He was born to die and without that then we might as well be satisfied with coloring our Easter eggs and eating a bunch of chocolate.

It is something which is profound and yet so simple. Thank you LORD for Your perfect plan. For the drops of blood in the garden, the suffering You endured and the empty tomb. Let me always remember the price that was paid for my freedom and the nail holes in Your hands for me. For You are Holy. For You are Holy. For You are Holy Lord.

A Day at the Park

2008-04-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

We thought a day at the park would be fun.

We had the part of the loaf that no one likes to eat.

Turns out the geese love it...

...and Sam and Grace love to give it to them.

We took the camera—Grace loves the camera.

I taught Sam my finest techniques (see the video).

The End

Denver Children's Museum

2008-03-28T15:46:00.001-07:00

Our day at the Denver Children's museum was awesome. We all piled into the minivan on a warm Friday morning. Katie and I had great conversation as the kids watched Nemo. It was sunny and warm but a little breezy. The museum was a bit busy as it was a school day so there were kids everywhere. We even listened to a "professional story teller" read three books. Interesting. Kind of freaky. This guy was odd but very animated. We had a great time overall and think it would be a great annual tradition.

Dr. Sam on duty. According to him I am already dead...couldn't find a pulse...on my foot.

Fire Chief Grace is on the way! Sam was a bit freaked out by the whole dress-up thing.

Help! I'm stuck in this net thingy!

Grace just hangin' out

Sam tests out the playground equipment. It passed.

Now what a funky cow. Outside the front of the Children's Museum in Denver.

Squirrel Grace in her nest. What a nut!

Squirrel daddy with lil' chitlins.

Grace serves it up fresh. She had a blast in this mini grocery store. She took turns pushing a cart and collecting food. Serving food to daddy from behind the counter, ringing up food and scanning it and just having a blast.

Thanks God for a Great Day

2008-03-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

I love taking pics at sunset when the light is just right and the kids are in a good mood. Thank you Lord for two wonderful, cute, healthy kids that love each other and live life to its fullest!

Record high of 73 last week

2008-03-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

I decided with warm weather forecasted for Saturday and Katie out of town overnight to take the kids to the hills. My brother Dave brought his daughter Kylie and my buddy Justin brought his three kids, Charley, Dillan, and Caleb and we headed to my favorite park in town—Red Rocks Canyon. This is my home away from home when I need some bonding time with God's nature and my other passion...the rocks. It's been the site of many adventures in the vertical landscape with my best climbing buddies Ramsey, Justin, Eric and my brother Dave. So it was an obvious location to take the kids.

Sam and Grace with Pikes Peak in background

Luckily, Katie was smart enough to pack some sunscreen for us and I was smart enough to apply it. Otherwise I would have been deadmeat.

Chuckin' rocks at the lake

It was a great day. We gave the kids a long leash and it raised a few eyebrows from onlookers to see 2-5 year-olds climbing on steep rock, seemingly with no adult supervision. Ahhh...the way of the father. Experience is the greatest teacher. But no bumps or bruises to report from this trip. A good time was had by all as witnessed by these pics.

Strolling up a narrow gully (100 foot cliffs on right side, don't tell mom!)

L to R—Caleb, Sam, Charley, Grace, Kylie, Dillan

Grace is testing the rock for "grip"!

Just hangin' out!

Dude...chillin' buuuudy!

Everybody climb everything!!!!

Why don't you ever see boys doing this?

The moms would never let us get this close to the lake!

And as for wildlife, we saw all the usual suspects...squirrels, birds, ducks. But the showstopper for the kids was the floating fish. Of course I told them it was just sleeping to which Charley Rogers burst out, "No, it's dead!" Now how do you explain that to a 2-year-old? You guessed it. Fish heaven.

Zoo Trip 2/13/08

2008-02-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

I had a blast with the kids at the zoo this past week. It was a beautiful day. I love to see how excited they get when they see those animals. It really brings out their personalities. Sam wasn't too excited about the giraffes. He said, " no mommy... they'll eat me". Grace really enjoyed the monkey/ape house. They seemed to like her too.

Sam ain't so sure about feeding those giraffes.

January events

2008-02-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

Grace is a piece of cake. She keeps herself occupied with coloring and playing dolls with dear friends. She loves Dillan. Friendship is a wonderful thing.

Sam is still a ball of energy that keeps me on my toes. He's an absolute joy! He'll be a great big brother.

A little bit of illness went around this January. Sam came down with RSV and Grace had an ear infection along with a cold. All healed up now though.

The Day She Said "Yes!"

2008-02-02T21:49:00.001-08:00

I was cleaning out our closet today when I came across some photos of the day I proposed to Katie. Wow, did the memories start flowing back! I remember every detail of that day. A week or so before this day I had nervously called her dad up on the phone and asked if we could go to lunch. I had dated his daughter for a year and a half and I'm sure he knew something big was up because I had never asked him out to lunch before.

I had already spent considerable time picking out the perfect ring and the only thing left was to ask her dad for her hand in marriage. Call me old fashioned. I will expect my daughter Grace's suitor to do the same. At this point I was just out of college by almost a year and didn't have a suit to my name. This was a big day and I wasn't gonna stand before my future father-in-law and look like a schmuck. So I borrowed a suit from my older yet shorter brother Marc. It was a little small but I made it work. (Thanks Marc!)

So I ask Paul where he wants to go to eat and I stress we can go "anywhere you want" thinking he will get the point and suggest someplace nice. Nope. He chooses Quizno's. Now I don't have anything against Quizno's. I actually like the toasted subs quite a bit but I just didn't picture it this way. Me sitting there in my three piece suit and my father-in-law sitting there in his jeans and a golf shirt.

We made some idle chit chat and the whole time he was just smiling and letting me talk. Well finally I got around to it and I was so relieved when I finally spit it out. But Paul didn't say yes immediately and kept me on guessing. I don't remember everything he said but I do remember some of the conversation.

He said, "Matt, I want you to know that I have been praying for you all of Katie's life. That the person Katie married would be a Godly man and provide for her selflessly. Some people might have thought I was too strict on her and didn't let her do a lot of things that other kids her age were doing but it was for a purpose, to protect her innocence and save her for the man she was to marry. I did that for you. I was your best buddy!"

I rented rollerblades for us. It was the first time either of us had ever tried them.

The woman of my dreams the day she said YES!

Katie had never been flying in her whole life so I arranged a glider flight weeks ahead of the big day. We drove down near Cañon City, Colorado and as we pulled into the airport and she saw the gliders she just about flipped. She didn't want to fly but I convinced her it would be ok and she calmed down—a bit. The ring was in my right pocket and we were crammed into the back seat of this little glider with the pilot sitting 12 inches in front of us. I had planned on proposing while we were in the air yet somehow the moment and the closeness of the pilot's head just didn't feel right.

After we landed we snapped a few pics and headed back to town. I was so nervous knowing that I wanted to propose in the plane and now thinking of plan B that the miles started flying by and I knew I it was now or never. I pulled off the side of the road on a little turn off called Camp Red Devil (romantic I know) and turned to Katie and proposed. She of course got all teary-eyed and excited and said YES but then told me I should get out of the car and get down on a knee and ask again for good measure—so I did. And she said YES again!

It's been almost ten years now and I really do love her more today then that day so long ago on the side of the road off Hwy 115.

Love you Kates! You've got the most unbelievable blue eyes I have ever seen. XOXOXOXO

A Family of 5 by June!

2008-01-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

Next Christmas we should have a picture of all 5 of us. I am 16 weeks this week. Ultrasound is scheduled for Jan. 21st. We are going to let the doctor share with us what the baby is in the delivery room. We have never done this before but are looking forward to a surprise. Sam and Grace are excited and talk almost daily about my expanding tummy. Sam says "baby in mommy's tummy". Grace says "I want a baby sister." They are so precious and wonderful. I am so grateful for my kiddos.

How blessed am I to have such a wonderful husband. We had a wonderful and busy Christmas together. Loaded with lots of family and fun. Thank you Matthew for loving me. I think you are wonderful.

2007 Christmas Letter

2007-12-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

As I write this letter on Sunday, December 9, there is a toasty bright fire burning upstairs and 3-4 inches of fresh snow that fell softly last night. It truly is beginning to feel like Christmas! Here is a brief look at our lives over the past year.

New Home (at last!)
Late last year we felt it was the right time to start looking for a larger home as our townhouse of almost 7 years was feeling a bit small for our growing family. After a couple of months and many showings the LORD answered our prayers and in late February we moved into our new home in a nice tree-lined neighborhood just a mile from Katie’s parents. Grace and Sam have a large backyard to run and play in for the first time, they each have their own special room to and we now have a garage to park in which also gives Matt a reason to keep showing up with new, shiny tools. (Please note our new address on the envelope.)

Summer Fun
Grace and Sam donned their suits for many weeks of swimming lessons this summer at a local pool. Sam took to the water like a fish and even allowed us to dunk him under the water—sort of. Ok, so he wasn’t too happy about that part, but he LOVED jumping into the pool from the side. Grace was a bit more hesitant to embrace this whole water thing but by the end she had made many friends and feels much more confident in the pool. We took our annual trip with Matt’s family to Winter Park, CO for a much needed week long vacation.

First attempt at our family photo

This May found Matt in the Orlando area for a week-long work conference and he also found time to hit Universal Studios and visit with family relatives. Over a few long weekends Matt managed to bag 5 of Colorado’s 14,000 ft. peaks with brother Dave and work friend Rick, a passion he dearly loves. Among other adventures were many climbs in local crags Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks.

Second attempt

Katie stays busy chasing after the kids. Mainly Sam. That boy can run. He also has selective hearing. He is an absolute delight. Full of smiles and hugs. He can warm a room. Katie and the kids have lots of play dates with great friends. She dearly loves getting her hands dirty in the flower beds and, strangely, mowing the lawn!? Matt doesn’t mind.

Grace’s BIG Day!
September 11th was a big day in the life of Grace. It marked her 1st day of pre-school (1/2 day twice a week) and she dearly loves it. She looks forward to being the teacher’s helper and playing with her friends. She’s learned to write her name and has even learned her right from left (most of the time). The sweetest news from Grace was this summer when she shared with us that Jesus lives in her heart.

June 18, 2008
Yep, you guessed it … baby #3 should arrive about this time. The LORD has blessed us once again and we can’t wait! (In fact we’ve decided to wait this time to find out. Hope we can make it.) Grace wants a sister and Sam … well, Sam doesn’t have much of an opinion. Again, we are truly blessed.

We love each of you dearly and thank God always for the wealth of loved ones He has placed in our lives that bring us so much joy. We hope that this letter will find you doing well. Have a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our dear Savior. d

In Him,
Matt, Katie, Grace, Sam and baby

Halloween Adventures

2007-11-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

The kids love to dress up.
Our little Grace was a perfect Dorothy Gayle from Kansas...
Precious Sam was the best lion ever!

We went to the Happy Apple Orchard Farm to pick out some pumpkin's with our friends the Rogers.

A little to tight sissy!

Where daddy go?

We also went to "Boo At The Zoo"

Grace's pre-school class Halloween dress-up day. Grace is 3rd from left on the front row dressed as Dorothy.

Matt's been reading...

2007-11-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

An Hour Before Daylight, by Jimmy Carter (former U.S. President)
I'm still reading this book and it's quite fascinating to think that a president of the United States grew up dirt poor, learning the value of hard work, and the ability to judge people on their merits and not by the color of their skin. I didn't know a whole lot about the man, Jimmy Carter, but now have so much respect for him. I wish every politician had to learn to make due with less before coming to office. Their big ideas might be based in a bit more reality and their promises might ring a bit more true.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place, by Aron Ralston
A remarkable story of an average guy doing what he loves and getting caught in a crazy situation where he has to decide to die or cut his arm to survive. I might be fooling myself but I see a lot of myself in this guy. True, he didn't do some things he should have to better insure his safety but what guys hasn't made dumb decisions when out on an adventure. The saddest part of this book was not the loss of his arm but the apparent lack of any faith in God. If it were I whose arm was caught under a boulder I'd be sending up a whole lot of prayers after I figured out I was stuck. So typical eh?

The Secret Message of Jesus, by Brian D. McLaren

This book presents an interesting premise I had never before considered, that Jesus intentionally hid the full meaning of His words in scripture for various reasons but chiefly to draw in the person that was intrigued but not the simpleton. I don't know that I have fully bought into this idea but I am warming up to it. He goes into Jewish culture and history and context and his idea seems to make sense. Interesting stuff!

Total Abandon, by Gary Witherall

WOW! That's all I can say! Amazing is this man's devotion and reliance on Christ during the toughest days of his young life and even younger marriage. Imagine living a world away in a totally confounding and intense culture trying to share the love of Christ with people that you can't understand or speak to and having your wife taken from you in an instant at the hands of a terrorist. I have so much respect for Gary Witherall and actually got to listen to a missionary mentioned in the book, Cheryl Phenicie, who thought the bullet was meant for her. I would highly recommend this book to anyone needing to pull themselves out of their humdrum lives or a pity party they have found themselves in.

The Way of the Wild Heart, by John Eldredge

In a lot of ways this book just expands on Wild At Heart but it goes much deeper into some of the concepts and I did enjoy it. It talks a lot about the stage every man could/should go through in life—Beloved Son, Cowboy, Lover, Warrior, King, Sage—and points out how few of ever get through all the stages or at least not smoothly. It made me do a lot of soul-searching and trying to identify if I had adequately moved through all the appropriate stages at this point in my life. Many ways I still feel like a Cowboy and Warrior but can't wait to be King.

Bringing Up Boys, by Dr. James Dobson

I'm slowly working through this book with Katie when we find time. Dobson has a way of going real deep and "clinical" real fast so we read this in small doses and then reflect on it for a while. I pray it will yield even more insights for us as to how to raise our little man Sam!

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Hands down—THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK I HAVE READ IN THE LAST 5 YEARS! (and probably top 3 of all time) I don't know where to start. I was so inspired while reading this that I can't tell you how many times I got goose bumps seeing how God worked in a situation. Talk about trusting God! I feel wholly inadequate after hearing what these people put on the line to follow God's prompting at this crazy time in our history. This is definitely a page-turner that I couldn't put down. I know what you're thinking. Something like this, "I know this is a famous book and everybody and their brother has read it and I'll get around to reading it someday." Get a copy TODAY! It's just that good! The funny thing is I got this book for Katie for Christmas last year and I kept waiting for her to read it and she didn't (still hasn't) so I finally read it and am so glad I did.

A Thousand Shall Fall, by Susi Hasel Mundy

I just finished this book on Thursday night, Nov.1, and was so encouraged and inspired by it. It reminded me quite a bit of The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It tells of a family living in Nazi Germany during World War II and how they struggle to hold on to their faith during this time. The husband, Franz Hasel, is drafted at age 40 into Hitler's bridge building Pioneers 669 company and had to leave 4 kids and a wife at home to fend for themselves. They encountered extreme persecution for their beliefs as Seventh Day Adventists mainly for their strong insistence on keeping the Sabbath during war time. He encountered many death threats for not saluting "Heil Hitler" and for calling him as scheister. He even chucked his ruger for a painted wooden one so he wouldn't be tempted to kill anyone during the war.

God's mighty hand of provision is shown so many times it's silly! Miracle after miracle. If you need some inspiration in your life and especially encouragement in your faith, give this book a read. I thoroughly recommend it.

Sam's first poop!

2007-11-03T09:46:00.001-07:00

Look what I did mommy!

Sam Proudly points to his specimen!

Oh boy. He hasn't done it since but I thought it was blog worthy. It happened on 9/28/07. He even peed a little bit too. Hopefully he will regain his interest before our next little DeCoste arrives.

A funny moment any parent can relate to

2007-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Labor Day 2007 Balloon Classic in Colorado Springs

Grace and Matt feed the chipmunks in St. Elmo, Colorado

Grace's fancy hair!

Daddy/Daughter hike in Garden of the Gods

(By Matt)

Something funny happened this morning that I just had to share. I'm laughing now as I think of it. It was early... for me anyways... around 6:45 a.m. and I had just rolled out of bed, bleary-eyed to spend a few minutes with God.

I put on one of my favorite worship songs, God of Wonders, real quiet so as not to wake the family. I'm lost in worship and reflection, swaying and singing with my eyes closed in the living room when in the background I hear a toilet flush and my daughter, Grace, blurted out, "Daddy, I don't have to wash my hands 'cause I only went pee. I didn't poop."

As you can imagine, I was no longer focusing on my God of Wonders but on my daughter that had just rolled out of bed to use the restroom. I responded, "Grace, wash your hands anyways."

"But daddy, I only went pee, I didn't poop."

"Ok, Grace."

Back to my God of Wonders. I began entering back in to worship and as soon as I had my eyes closed again..."Daddy, what are you doing?'

"I'm singing to Jesus because He likes it when we sing to him."

Grace replied. "Oh."

Once again, I close my eyes, quicker this time, and sing the words out loud, "God of wonders beyond the galaxy...".

From her perch atop our stairs Grace inquisitively implores, "Daddy, Larry is a cucumber right?!" With this, I lose all train of thought and can barely contain my laughter. I keep my eyes closed, back turned to Grace, a smile creeping across my face as I slowly crank the volume knob up to try to focus on the song and drown out any more interruptions.

I force myself to sing the next line, "the universe declares your majesty, you are..."

Again, a bit louder this time, "Daddy, Larry is a cucumber right?!" Now, any chance of ignoring her is out of the question. I do the only thing a parent can do. I turn off the music and motion for Grace to come sit in my lap. I give her a big kiss and answer her most important question. "Yes, honey, Larry is a cucumber and I love you."

Confident in my love and knowledge of Veggie Tales she looks deeply in my eyes and says, "Yep, he's a cucumber. I love you too daddy."

I think that has been my best morning devotional ever! Thank you Lord for little interruptions that truly remind us of what is important. That modeling prayer and worship for our kids is so important but so is being available to them for early morning hugs and kisses.

I love you so much Grace!

–Daddy

Do you ever forget the value of your time?

2007-10-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sam is a beautiful butterfly!

Is their anything better than a cat nap?

Sam loves his designer glasses! ;)

What can I say? He's a cute kid.

A dad and his boy!

Hmmm...I think there's a resemblance.

(By Matt)
I know I do. I can go for days and days and get caught up in the mundane tasks of my job and find myself going through the motions at home. Warm the babies bottle, clean off your dishes, get off the computer before your wife notices how long you've been gone and haven't been helping with the kids...on and on and on.

And then something happens. You get a glimpse into the preciousness of your time. I was walking with my 1 year old son Sam to the park by our house. Just a dad and his boy enjoying an early spring evening when all of a sudden I just stopped in my tracks and stared at Sam. I was struck by how beautiful this little boy is and how much life he has before him. A whole lifetime yet to live. I began to think about life and relationships and how precious they are.

If I died tomorrow would Sam ever know how much I loved him? Has he felt every day of his life the love I truly have for him? Have I held him and given him enough hugs to last a lifetime? I came to the realization that you can never do enough loving. There is no such thing as too many hugs or "I love you's."

I am inspired to make each day count. To thank my heavenly Father for the privilege of raising a beautiful boy and a loving girl. Thank you Lord. Help me to never be to busy and caught up in life to show love to my children and invest in the lives of other people. Help me realize that no amount of busyness will ever take the place of intentional time spent with those I love. Thank you for blessing me so richly. For the laughter and the hugs and the "Daddy, will you snuggle with me's?"

Sam, Grace—I love you with all of my heart!

My first race since high school, a fresh insight into scripture

2007-10-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

(By Matt)
On August 19, 2006, I ran in the Pikes Peak Ascent, a 13 mile uphill climb that ends on the mountain top. It was my first official race since running in high school track. I had trained for it for the past few months and knew I could do it as I have climbed the hill before. But something happened on race day that I hadn't planned for.

I was struck by the buzz of the pre-race atmosphere. We all had a big hill to climb and in just moments we would be striving the best we could to attain the summit. Some would dash up ahead only to fall back after losing steam. Some would find a comfortable pace and steadily plod their way to the top. Others would falter and drop out all together. It was interesting watching all these people of every shape and size all there for the same reason—to climb that hill! We knew at the top there would be rest and a gold medallion that they would put around our necks. They would say stuff like "well done" and "great job" and we would be able to sit down finally!

On the journey up the hill I couldn't help but think of those scriptures in the Bible that talk about pressing on toward the high calling and running toward the goal to win the prize. [Philippians 3:14 (CEV)-I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.] In the microcosm of a single 4 hour race, I got more of an understanding of those verses than the hundreds of times I have read them out of the Bible.

Thank you God for giving me the strength to run the race and for the insights into Your Word.

Labor Day Balloon Classic

2007-09-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

(By Katie)
We went to Memorial Park on Labor Day to see the hot air balloons. Grace and Sam loved them. What a beautiful morning.

Birthday's Galore

2007-09-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

(By Katie)
Sam turned 2 on August 31st and Grace turned 4 on September 2nd. I can not believe that we have a 2 and a 4-year-old. Where has the time gone? The Lord has so richly blessed us. This is my first time blogging so hopefully I will figure it out and keep the blog updated. I am mainly going to use it for pictures as I am not the best writer. Good times!

Katie

BIG SNOW! 12/21/06

2007-01-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

Sam couldn't stop eating the snow.

A bit blustery I'd say. But the snow must go on!

This is one of those forced hugs every parent is familiar with. They never work. Not sure why we keep thinking it will.

Yep, no work today! We got dumped on. Perfect day for hot chocolate, decorating the Christmas tree and playing in the snow! Or eating it, depending on your preference.

The Kitty at the Hemphills

2006-05-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sam and Grace at the Hemphill's April 2006.

Rick and Becky watched the kids while we investigated the house for sale next door to them. Alas, the price tag was too high although we did like the house and loved the idea of living next to such a great family!

Self portrait, 2006

2006-05-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hello world.

My parents weren't perfect

2006-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

circa 1982 (vintage isn't it. I think I still have that classy v-neck sweater.)

top left-Matt, top center-Marc, left to right-Christin, David, Michelle, Jerry (dad), Carol (mom)

(By Matt)
Ever assume your parents were born parents and never had any troubles raising you? My parents had me fooled. And then one day you hear a story about them that made you realize they were only human or mere kids when they were having kids. I guess it's a good thing kids don't remember much when they are 5. Heck, I was so clueless I thought their were still prisoners on Alcatraz island when I went for a visit with my college buddies.

I've been told that one night my mother threw some dishes on the floor in the kitchen after arguing with dad and then she took off for a few hours to blow off steam. I never knew it. I must have been sleeping hard that night.

I also heard that my dad, as a small boy, got together with a few neighborhood friend in the rural New Mexico town he was raised in and cornered a cat in an empty lot by his parents home and torched it. MY DAD! wow. Not one of his finer moments no doubt. I don't think he was too proud of that one.

My mom dated a guy in college that had a little German-made convertible sports car. I saw a picture of him and my mom one time and I wondered what I would look like if HE was my dad. Probably I would have blonde, wavy hair and drive a cool car.

Fence-eating Dogs and Puppy Pancakes

2006-02-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

I used to have a dog. Chucky was his name. He ran away. He was an outdoor dog. Guess he didn't like the accommodations. Especially in winter. One day we found him eating his way through the fence. And then he tried tunneling under. Never found out how he got out. He probably got hit by a car. Oh well.

Then we had an old blind dog named Buffy. A little poodle. Well, she didn't start out old or blind...she just got that way. Anyways, she was my favorite dog growing up. We got her when I was probably 2 or 3. She was a fun little pup. I guess you could say I grew up with her. I watched her have puppies. We actually crawled into the doghouse to witness the birthing process first hand. She didn't like that. There's nothing quite as scary as a poodle baring his teeth and growling. It was like she was possessed all of a sudden and forgot all those fun times we had like pushing her down the hot slide in our backyard and dressing her up in doll clothes and yanking her chain on walks when she stopped to smell the flowers. On one cold winter's day, my mom backed out of the driveway to take us kids to school and we heard a little yelp and a crunch under the tires. One of those puppies got out and that was it. Just a red stain in the white snow really. It was sad. My mom didn't tell us younger kids until a few days later. More puppy chow to go around I suppose.

And then there were the older years when she got blind and started running into things and you could see her ribs through her skin cause she wouldn't eat any more. I gave her ice cream and the best stuff off my plate (vegetables) to try to fatten her up but to no avail. I don't even really remember how that dog died. I guess my mom waited a while to tell me about that too. That's probably for the best.

I love dogs. Especially ones that don't shed.

Saturday morning thoughts (pics from fall 2007)

2006-01-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

(By Matt)
I stayed home sick yesterday. Had the squirts. Something I ate I think. Not sure. But it was cool. I was ok by about noon and I was not working so life is great. Was nice to spend some time at home even if I was sick. I saw my wife Katie in a new light, all the stuff she does at home while I'm at work is a bit overwhelming. Not sure how she does it all. I know I couldn't. I love that woman. With a 2 yr. old and a 4 month old she is ALWAYS running around. Crazy!! Yet she still found time to make me breakfast and bring me blankets and make calls for me and all with a smile on her face.

God help me to be so gracious. I love that woman.

Ain't life grand!!!

2006-01-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

Dave and Matt in front of Crestone Needle 7/29/2007

Dave and Matt taking a rest on our way to the summit of Crestone Peak 7/29/2007

Just the good old boys!...after a rock climb near Fraser, CO

On the summit of Crestone Peak, 14,294 ft. on 7/29/2007
Description of Crestone Peak

(By Matt)
I'm an artist. My brother Dave is a computer geek. In a crazy world like this it just might work. Us getting along I mean. We always have. Gotten along that is. Well, other than a few scuffs every family has...you know. We both work at the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Colorado Springs. Sometimes we play ping-pong. Sometimes I let him win. Most of the time we work though. But one time we played like 8 games in a row. That was cool.

Have you seen that cell phone commercial where that guy is singing the Dukes of Hazard song and saving it as his ring tone? "Just the good old boys.....Never meaning no harm...." That's us. I love that commercial.
Love ya bro!

–Matt

Dave nearing the top of the class 4 NW Couloir approaching the summit of Crestone Peak 14,294 FT