Day 81 – Some days I have to remind myself that I am a cancer patient

Feels like the first day was just yesterday!! Ending a wonderful year of 3rd grade fun. So amazing to see this young man develop his interests and sharpen his skills and still be the silly, sweet and curious. Looking forward to summer time adventures!

#lastdayofschool #3rdgrade #growinguptoofast #llbeanambassador ...

Perfect family time after a morning 5km fun run (and walk)! Not able to soak for a couple more weeks post surgery but finding a way to still be part of the action and warm!

#alaskafamilyfun #hottub #arctichomeliving #beanoutsider ...

Simply the best!! Feeling so fortunate to be Mom to these two kiddos. It was a beautiful day to enjoy and relax in the sun and even sneak in some naps. ☀️💤💐

Didn’t get to spend the day with my Mom this time but also feeling so grateful that she is such an incredible force in my life. Showing me the way and sharing my journey into motherhood.

To all the Moms out there, you are amazing! ...

“Slowing down is sometimes the best way to speed up.” I’m trying hard to take this to heart as I recover from back surgery. ⁣
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Three years ago, I herniated a disc in my back and underwent a microdiscectomy to repair it. After a few months, the pain returned, and ever since, I have struggled with constant pain. I’ve had to scale back on many of my favorite activities. I tried all sorts of remedies: rest, physical therapy, Pilates, strengthening exercises, heat therapy, but wasn’t gaining any ground. ⁣
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In February, I finally went in for imaging to better understand what was happening. The x-ray and MRI showed my disc had completely degenerated between L5-S1. The orthopedic surgeon recommended we try an Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) procedure to fuse the bones and stabilize the spine. ⁣
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Two weeks ago, I underwent ALIF surgery. Everything went well, and now I’m on the path to recovery. This is the hardest part for me. I’m not supposed to bend, twist, or lift more than 10 pounds for six weeks. I’m not in that much pain (thankfully!), but I have to be super careful to let things heal properly. Which is especially hard with an active 9-month-old at home!! ⁣
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Once again, I find myself relying on my support team to help me through this challenge. My family has been incredible, stepping in to be caretakers and surrogate parents for my kids. My friends have been amazing, too, dropping off food, picking up groceries, and going on slow, short walks with me. The encouragement, love, and support I feel is hard to put into words. I am beyond grateful!!⁣
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With my physical capacities limited, I am focusing on my mental health right now, which is fitting since May is officially Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s been good to slow down, take the time to build back up slowly, and find some patience and grace for myself.⁣
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I wish everyone a healing month in all its forms. Hopefully, you can also find some time to slow down and reconnect with yourself. ⁣
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Then we can all take on new adventures!!⁣
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#rebuild #recover #reconnect #alif #llbeanambassador ...

Snuck away for a little warmth and sunshine ☀️🏝️with the family to help welcome in spring! Aspen got her first “taste” of sand and Breck spent hours in the water 🌊. I even snuck in a fun bike ride 🚴‍♀️. Had some fabulous company from @queenofmuldoon and @tanrandall . ⁣
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It’s a carry over from my ski racing days where it always felt good to go somewhere warm after chasing winter all season. Helped me reset and look forward!⁣
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Alaska might not be done with winter yet but we’re all feeling refreshed and recharged!⁣
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#llbeanambassador #familyfuninthesun☀️ #babysfirstsand #breckboarder ...

First time putting on a bib since the Birkie last year for the 2025 Tour of Anchorage. Each race these days continues to be a humbling experience but I still love the feeling of the build up, the challenge, conquering doubts, and crossing the finish line.

The five lap race tested me physically and mentally. So it was pretty rewarding to get in the hot tub afterwards and get a chance to debrief the race with Breck.

Super cool to see the positive spirit resonating through our ski community this winter which was totally on display at this year’s tour! A big thanks to @anchoragenordicski and all the event sponsors, volunteers and cheering spectators for making it a great day!

Photos by @jenaist1 📸
Skis by @fischernordic

@llbean @providencealaska @arctichomeliving @onewaysport @rudyprojectna ...

A good weekend of outdoor fun followed by cozy snuggle time. Soaking in every moment!

#llbeanambassador #winter #kidtime ...

Seven years ago today, we finally broke through and proved what we all believed was possible. The effect this day has had on US skiing has been beyond incredible.

As I savor these sweet memories, I again think of all the amazing and dedicated people who made this possible and how much gratitude I have for having worked side by side with them.

This will always be a special day to celebrate what can be achieved if we dare to dream big, work together, and have fun along the way! Cheers to my teammate @jessiediggins and the @usskiteam as they head into next week’s World Championships in Trondheim in search of more gold!

To celebrate this memory and support our future generations, I hope you will join me in donating to the National Nordic Foundation (@gonnf ) TODAY!! Link in bio.

Fabulous photos 📸 by @flyingpoint

#goldmedalgivingday #pyeongchang2018 #usskiteam #oneteam #ittakesavillage ...

Even a lifelong Alaskan family still needs some winter sun and warmth every now and again! Had a blast visiting very good friends in AZ for a long weekend. Pool time, bike rides, and the coolest airplanes ever! Hearts feeling recharged and ready for a few more months of winter!

#llbeanambassador #beanoutsider #winterwarmup #pooltime ...

“Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We’ll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!”
-Anonymous

A strange January thus far but we’re making the most of it! No matter what it’s just great to get outside!

#llbeanambassador #beanoutsider #januaryinalaska ...

Something that I’ve been dreaming about for a long time finally came true this Christmas, thanks to Santa’s helpers from @arctichomeliving! ⁣
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I’m so excited for this new way for my family and I to make great memories together, especially after a day of playing in the snow. The athlete in me is also thrilled to use this as a tool for recovery, relaxation and rehab for a nagging back injury. ⁣
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I’ve spent a lot of my life out in the cold. Being able to come back home and relax in a hot tub is going to be such a treat!! ⁣
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#Hottublife #familytime #RelaxIn2025 #arctichomeliving ...

The best gift ever arrived this year and we are loving life as a family of three. Plus the extended Randall family by our side. Feeling so grateful for the village we have!! Merry Christmas everyone, may your hearts be full!!

#merrychristmas #llbeanambassador #familyofthree ...

Backyard adventures in the snow are so much fun! Making the most of a fresh snowfall to get our sledding run ready to go. Fun for all ages!

#llbeanambassador #winterfamily #beanoutsider ...

Proud to have been able to get out and cast my vote today 🇺🇸 and bring my son along. This is an important part of being an American and I hope every American will exercise their right and duty to help set the trajectory for our country’s future.

#election2024 #ivoted ...

It was a Halloween in the Land of Oz! 🎃👻 ...

First significant snowfall of the season here in AK!! Last season I got an @ariens snow blower and it was so nice to pull it out this morning and get to work!

I used to do all my snow removal by hand and it was starting to take a toll on my back. Not anymore! Now I get the snow taken care of quick and easy and can save my back for all my other favorite activities!

#sponsored #firstsnow #snowblowerconvert #alaska ...

When the conditions are right, they are right!! A beautiful fun day in the sun ☀️ and on the ice. Loving making the most of the pre-snow cold weather. Grateful for family and friends to enjoy it with!

#llbeanambassador #skatingfun #alaskaice ...

A moment in time but friends for life. So amazing to get together with the 2014 Olympic crew this past weekend in Park City for our time capsule reveal. Sochi feels like yesterday and yet our lives have all since unfolded into new chapters. Some predicted and some surprises. What has been the most incredible part of the experience is the deep connection and joy I feel being with these amazing people. And loving adding in our second generation with all the kiddos!! SO MUCH GRATITUDE!

It was super fun to cross over with the current US team and see the progress, collaboration and motivation stronger than ever. I can’t wait to cheer them on this season.

Grateful for the past, cheering for the present, and excited for more fun and new heights in the future!!

#oneteam #2014 #timecapsule #usskiteam ...