Beacon of Hope

Angel With Whiskers

2012-01-24T13:18:00.011-07:00

On one of my last posts (yes I know it's been a while!), I introduced my new kitty named Kit Kat or Mr. Meowser, or King Julien, or Melo, or Traitor (he liked Dave more than me!). He had MANY names (none real official) because no one could agree. I called him Kit Kat or Traitor. Taylor called him Dawg or Mr. Meowser. Bryce called him King Julien and Melo.

Whatever we called him, he was a fun, amazing, and sweet furry friend. I say "was" because sadly he died three days after Christmas. We had him for just a little over a month, but we all became VERY attached to him in such a short time. He was such a mellow and loving little guy.

From the day I adopted him from Pet Smart, he had me a little concerned because he seemed to have a bit of labored breathing, and he would swallow real hard at times almost like he was trying to cough up a fur ball. He was extremely mellow and sweet and not the most playful kitten I had ever seen. That is one of the reason's Dave liked him so much because he was not a real annoying cat like some he's known. He didn't meow much or get into things. He was a delicate eater and it took him a long time to drink. He slept a lot. Pretty much a perfect cat. Little did we know at the time that there was a reason for that.

He didn't feel well.

On Christmas Eve we noticed he slept a lot more than usual, and his eyes started to look strange. By Christmas Day, he slept even more and his eyes were even worse. He could barely open them. My parents and Bryce who hadn't seem him for a while were really worried because they could see a major difference. The day after Christmas, I took him into the vet and he had a fever of 104. He also had some congestion and was dehydrated. The vet said he suspected Feline Leukemia and asked if I wanted him to do a blood test. I had also suspected it and so I said yes. The result came back negative. I was so relieved, but very surprised. So he gave him some subcutaneous fluids for the dehydration and some antibiotics. He said he should be feeling better in a couple of days.

Two days later, he was even worse. He slept all the time and could barely open his eyes. He would eat some, but wouldn't drink at all. We had to give him fluids through a syringe and he really hated that. I called the vet and told him and he asked me if I could bring him in for observation and to do a full blood workup. I agreed. It was amazing how when we arrived at the vet, he seemed very alert! Must be all the dogs barking in the back or the memory of the blood test.

Weston (my nephew) and Taylor with him at the vet. This is the last time we saw him alive.

We left him there for observation and the blood work. The vet called me about an hour later and told me that he was very worried about him and surprised how much worse he was after being on antibiotics. He said the blood work showed that he has some serious problems including anemia, low vitamin levels, out of whack protein levels, and some lung problems. He said once a cat gets in trouble with their lungs the success rate is only 30% for a full recovery. He also said that he collapsed when they did the blood work (breaks my heart!) and that they had him on oxygen because his Sats were so low. He said he needed an IV for fluids because he was severely dehydrated and he didn't know if he would survive the procedure. He said he did perk up for a bit and they removed the oxygen and he fell over so they put it back on. He was basically preparing me to make the decision to put him to sleep or not. I did not want him to suffer anymore, I knew that, but I also wanted to give him a chance at life if there was one. I prayed that I would know what to do. I called Dave and asked him to meet me there, but he was swamped at the clinic so I grabbed Taylor for moral support and hurried back down to the vet feeling very distressed and unsure of what to do.

As we arrived they took us in the back where I saw the vet and he immediately said to me that he was sorry but Kit Kat hadn't made it. He said he did an x-ray on him because he was curious as to what had happened and he saw that his throat had a perforation in it and was extremely swollen and infected and his lungs were filled with pneumonia. He thinks he must of eaten something metal or plastic and sharp when he was surviving on his own before he was rescued and over time it got worse. That explained the deep swallows (he was in pain), the time it took to drink water, and the breathing that seemed shallow at times...not to mention how mellow he was.

It was very sad.

He brought him into the room for us to be with him and say our goodbyes and then we took him home and buried him in our backyard.

The boys digging the hole.

We had a little service for him and everyone said a few words. Dave even got a little choked up. The boys said very few words as usual, but you could tell this little guy was well loved. McKay expressed his regret for harassing him so much. I told him the cat loved his attention and he was always gentle with him most of the time.

My nieces made this for me the day he died.

Most of my cute little nieces were here for the holidays and so a couple of days later we went ice skating. They begged me to take them with me to Pet Smart to see the other kitties because the Ogden Rescue said I could have another cat free if it was rescued by them because this one was sick when I adopted him. They wouldn't reimburse me the adoption fee or vet costs however.

So after ice skating I took six of my nieces to go look at another cat the Ogden Rescue recommended.

BIG MISTAKE!

As soon as they saw this cat, they pleaded, begged, whined, cajoled, and tried to sweet talk me into adopting him. I have to admit I loved this guy. He was beautiful and had the bluest eyes I've ever seen, but he wasn't really a kitten and had super long hair. I told them I would have to talk to Dave first and that was the only free ticket to get me out of there without him. I put him on a pending adoption because I really wanted another cat. But I knew I needed to think about it too. I needed the right cat. I just wasn't feeling it with this one.

Talk about PRESSURE!!!! =)

After a lot of thought, I decided against this guy even though he was a lover. They said he purred when they bathed him! For some reason it just didn't feel right to me.

***********************************************************

Here are some photos of Kit Kat. He was such a good kitty!♥

Bryce is holding him in the back.

He loved my Pa.

He also really loved Dave.

Just three days before he passed away.

Skyler even liked him. That is saying A LOT!

We only had him for a month, but he brought so much love into our hearts and home. He will be deeply missed by all.

******************************

A few days after we lost Kit Kat, Bryce's friend Stephanie put a photo of a kitty on Facebook that needed a good home. Bryce told me to go check out the photo. I did and I thought he was adorable, but just wasn't sure. He was a tabby and I have always been partial to part Siamese. But when I found out this friend actually lived in our city, I decided I would go and check him out. Besides, he had some good things going for him. I wanted a boy and he was a boy. I wanted a kitten and he was a kitten. I wanted it to be litter box trained and he was. I wanted him to have a lot of white coloring and he did. I wanted him to be super loving and cuddly and he was.

So off we went. This time I took only two nieces, one sister-in-law, and my mother-in-law.

When we arrived at the house, this little guy came zipping in the room a hundred miles and hour and tore around the room so fast and back out again and then repeated it over and over. At one point he ran in and jumped on the chair and did a little flip knocking a shelf off the wall. Immediately after that, Dave's mom said, "Time to go. This cat is way too wild." I have to admit I agreed! I knew Dave would NOT go for a wild and crazy cat. But, of course he then came over to me and sat in my lap and put his little face up to mine and started to purr LOUDLY! He was such a happy kitty. Then my niece held him and she was in love. I could hear him purring from across the room and was falling in love, but with reservation!

The girl (Stephanie) told us that her mom was driving on highway 89 in Willard or Perry (interestingly enough we think it was on the same day our kitty died) and saw his mom and sibling get run over. She saw him off to the side of the road and so stopped of course, and rescued him. She brought him home and could tell he had a cold or something and so took him to the vet and they put him on antibiotics. Another strike against him. I REALLY did not want another sick cat. We sat there and talked to her for a while. She said he was such a lover that she named him Romeo and that he was such a good cat and she wished so bad she could keep him but they had a dog and couldn't do both. She also said he wasn't usually that hyper and wasn't sure what got into him. She said there was another lady coming in a couple of hours that was very interested in him as well, but she felt very strongly that we were perfect for him and was hoping we would consider taking him because she felt so good about us.

I was in love. There was no getting around it. But I was still hesitant. I was worried what Dave would do with a hyper cat! My niece begged her mom to let her have him if Dave said no. They were heading back to Arizona the next day on a 12 hour drive home. Sounded like a perfect solution to me. If Dave said no, then it could be theirs! I told Stephanie that if it didn't work out we would bring him back in time for the other lady to see him.

How could you NOT fall in LOVE with this face?

He is absolutely adorable!

And we kept him! And very glad we did.

What is his name you ask? Once again we are struggling at agreeing. I named him ZIPPY - short for ZIP-PURR, but the boys weren't super fond of it even though it totally describes his personality. We called him ZORRO for a while, but it didn't really stick. McKay insists his name is CAT. Just CAT. But, this week we have been going with CAPTAIN JACK because he has a little mustache and pirate eye. McKay is always saying, "He's Just A Cat!" So I figure JAC is perfect standing for Just A Cat! But in my mind it will stand for Just Adorably Cute! Either way, JAC works for me.

He's a lot of fun and not nearly as hyper as the day we first met. He loves to play and LOVES to eat! I named him PORKY for a while and STARVIN' MARVIN because he enjoys his food! It's kind of fun to not have one name set in stone. He can have a different one each week. He is very smart and very loving. I'm just soooooooooo happy I have a kitty!!!!

Purr........... (that's from me not him!)

He likes Facebook...

and Pinterest!

And sleeping! But only if someone is close by. He hates to be alone!

And Dave! That sealed the deal. If he likes Dave then Dave likes him!

He's a little camoflauged in his coat!

We took him to the cabin with us.

First cat to drive a snowmobile!

Meow

Taking it easy on the ride up!

As you can see, this little guy is loved as much as Kit Kat! I am so glad we got him. He is a fun one that's for sure. There is never a dull moment with him around!

He's sitting in my lap purring away right now as I write this. Doesn't get much better than this!

Life goes on...

Side Note:

I have to include in this post that my sister in law Julie, came up to me and told me that she knows why we were only able to have Kit Kat for such a short time. She said that since I felt Tyson led me to him that she is positive that Tyson needed a pal up there in heaven and figured the only way to get one that would be part of his forever family was to do it this way. I had to laugh, but truthfully, I wouldn't put it past him! Now let's just hope he doesn't decide that Kit Kat needs a playmate! =)

Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

2011-12-06T09:14:00.006-07:00

When I read this article I wanted to somehow make it required reading for everyone on the planet...especially those who still have good health! Take a few minutes to read this and then take a few more minutes to make some changes in your life so you don't have these same regrets when you find yourself dying.

And you will.

Die.

We all will whether we want to accept that or not.

Top 5 Regrets of The Dying

By Bonnie Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Bonnie Ware is the author of the new book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Visit her official website Inspiration and Chai.

♥Tyson ~ Forever In Our Hearts♥

2011-12-05T08:36:00.002-07:00

It it truly hard to believe it's been six years. Hard to believe that's it's only been six years and also hard to believe it's already been six years.

I have a love hate relationship with anniversaries like these. I am glad we have them so we do remember (as if we'd ever forget!), but I also sometimes wish they didn't happen so we could forget. Not Tyson, of course, (that would NEVER happen!) but the fact that he is gone and no longer with us. And the re-living of that "day".

This year was especially tough for me for some reason. And I think Tyson knew it would be and so he sent me some amazing friends to help make the day a little easier to deal with.

Like this ↓ one!

How I love my little Kit Kat!

And my dear friends who were so thoughtful and brought me a card, a text, or a gift from the heart. I appreciate them so much. They have no idea how much it means to me that they even remember. I truly love them for that.

But THIS dear- dear friend really out did herself. She made me a Tyson's Favorite Things quilt.

I knew she was working on it, because she asked me to help choose some of the fabric for it (I didn't do a good job at getting that done and so she ended up doing most of it), but she made me think it wouldn't be done until at least Mother's Day. Sneaky woman! I was NOT expecting it at all!

It is the most amazing quilt! She is the most talented woman!

She got the FAVORITE'S idea from the talk Dave gave at Tyson's funeral. I always would write a list for the boy's to list their favorite things in their journals about every six months (or less). His favorite's on this quilt came from his last favorite's list. What a treasure to have this!

What a gift!

I can NEVER thank her enough for this. And she actually brought it over the day before, which was a much harder day for me than the actual day. Can I say it was well received! What a blessing to have such generous, caring, and compassionate friends!

Trying real hard NOT to cry!

I am so blessed!!! I love this woman!

So perfect!

And it's even PURPLE on the back! Tyson would be happy with that because he knows I'm the one that will be using it the most.

What an amazing thing to be able to cuddle up in this quilt of love and blessings and be able to feel him close. I know that is what it will do for all of us. I was going to hang it on the wall and make it sure it was untouchable to prevent it from getting worn and used, but my sister in law Karen told me to not do that. She told me to keep it out and let the boys curl up in it and it will wrap them up in the memories of their loving brother. If it's on the wall, that won't happen. And she said, if it gets worn, then that just proves it was loved and well used. She totally changed my thinking. It is now on our couch to spread the love. I guess that is what quilts are made for. To bring warmth not only to the body, but also to the heart and soul. This one will definitely do that!

Click on these to enlarge so you can read the individual FAVORITE squares.

One of my best memories is of Tyson is driving that car of his. How he loved to drive. He loved to take his younger bros driving around. His trunk was fully stocked with toilet paper as well. (I learned that after!) He got pulled over so much for under age driving because he was so small, that the cops all knew him by name!

I love the one above that says: Greatest Physical Attribute: I'm bigger than a midget.

Worst Physical Attribute: I'm almost as small as one.

That is just so Tyson! How I miss that boy!

You can't tell me he isn't with us! I found this penny that day and it wasn't just any penny. It's a 2005 penny. The year he passed away. I KNOW it was sent from him to let me know he is near. Thanks bud!

That night me and McKay and my parents headed to Salt Lake for Taylor's basketball game. We went to Bryce's house in Sugarhouse so we could take him out to dinner before the game. Dave couldn't make it that early because he was on call.

This is at Bryce's house ↓. My Mom with Gary the dog. He is Bryce's roomate's dog. He is a pitbull and he made my Mom a little nervous, even though Bryce says he won't hurt a flea. Bryce has kind of taken over ownership of Gary. He has taught him many tricks and Gary loves him. He needs a dog of his own.

Down boy! haha

I love this one!

He likes you Mom!

My Dad likes him. He loves all animals!

Gary jumping HIGH for a treat!

Some photos of Bryce with Gair-dog.

LOL
Gotta love Gary!

I didn't get a picture of it, but he will give you a high five!

At East High for Taylor's Varsity basketball game. He was a starter.

These guys were HUGE!

That BIG guy next to Taylor (#2) is named Big Eric (#50). He was ginormous!

Taylor is big, so you can see how huge Big Eric is! Sheesh!

We had an off day. None of our shots were going in! Taylor had an awesome game against Layton earlier in the week. He had 9 points and 7 rebounds!

The student body at East had THEE worst sportsmanship I have ever witnessed! They threw stuff on the floor and yelled some really bad things to our players. They boo-ed every time Shad had the ball until he passed it. I am so proud of our Bee fans. They are awesome sports!

All in all for such a bad day, it was a pretty good one...

Now go give your kids a hug and tell them that you love them!

And always remember to:

We've Adopted!!!

2011-12-05T08:02:00.004-07:00

Yes, it's true! We've finally adopted! It is something I have been hoping and waiting for forever! Thankfully the long wait is over!

Introducing KIT KAT!

Isn't he precious???? Oh, I LOVE him!
He struts around like a King. We almost named him Ramzeys.

This ↓ is his ride home with me. He was in an enclosed box, but escaped within seconds. I put him back in the box and put my purse on top, but he still got out! He was climbing on the dashboard and all over the car before we arrived home. I finally set him on my lap knowing that would be safer. He liked that and started to just purr....

Those of you that know me and Dave well, know that this is some kind of a miracle. Dave is NOT fond of cats. In fact, he dislikes them as much as I LOVE them. BUT... I felt like this sweet little guy was meant to come to our home and so I just did it. No divorce... yet! Dave was not thrilled with the idea and wasn't super fun to live with for a week or so, but he has gotten used to the idea now ----I think. Or not... either way, this little guy needed US! And we needed HIM!

I know those of you that know Dave are in shock here, so here's how it happened.

I was Christmas shopping in Riverdale at Sportsman's Warehouse and as I was going to my car, I had a powerful feeling to go into Petsmart and check out the cats. I will do that occasionally, though very rarely, just to go see them. Cats have always made me happy and I needed a boost that day, even though I was real short on time. I tried to talk myself out of it, but something pulled me in. The cages were full of cats that day and I enjoyed just talking and playing with them. This little guy was in a cage with his brother (who was a runt) and their card said: Three Brothers. The third had been adopted. The card also said that they had been dropped off and abandoned in an South Ogden park and left to fend for themselves. I was just drawn to him. I think it's because he reminded me so much of my cat Lightning I had growing up. After a while, the worker came in and asked me if I wanted her to get him out. I said, "Sure, why not."

It was love at first sight! We played a bit and he climbed up on my shoulders and just laid there for a bit. I was immediately smitten! I wanted to adopt on the spot. But, I also wanted to stay married! So I decided to test the waters and called Dave and asked him what he would do if I brought home a dog. He likes dogs a little more than cats, so I figured I could measure his reaction to that and have my answer. If I had said I was bringing home a cat, there would be no discussion. He just said, "Not a good idea." Hmm...

So I walked out of that store empty handed thinking that if it was meant to be it would work out. The next day was Thanksgiving and they were closed. I just kept thinking that he was meant to be mine. I decided that if he was still there by Black Friday, I was going to go get him. I went shopping with my son Taylor in the morning and even bought a cat bed and a little cheap cat house. I figured if he was gone, I could return them. I bought the little house because I was pretty sure he would end up in the garage if I did get him. I explained it all to Dave and he gave me a long list of why we can't have a cat. Number one being McKay is allergic to them. I knew that, but was sure he would be okay if it was a garage or outside cat.

Later that afternoon, I called Petsmart and asked if he was still there. They told me that he had been adopted. My heart sank. I felt bad, but figured that was how it was meant to be and was grateful he went to a good home. Then the lady said, "Wait, you do mean the one with the cute little orange face?". I said, "No, I mean the white one." She reponded with, "Oh, Joe?" As soon as she said "Joe", I KNEW he was supposed to be mine. Long story, but basically Jo is my nickname and it sealed the deal for me.

I ran in and told Dave, that I was going to go get the cat and he could support me or not, but I was going to do it. He just gave me one of his "looks", but it didn't damper my determination. I arrived at Petsmart and I knew when I saw him, that he was to come home with me. I didn't have a single doubt in my mind. I took care of all the paperwork and loaded him in my car (in his box), and the rest is history! I have not regretted it since!

Skyler was also home from California for the weekend and informed that if I brought a cat home that it wouldn't live long and that he would not visit me at home anymore. Like father, like son! I was actually more concerned about that, than Dave's reaction. But it didn't take long for Skyler to also like this guy. He even said, "I don't mind this cat. He is not like other annoying ones." He even let him fall asleep on his lap! That was a sign right there it was supposed to be!

He loves to chill on Taylor's shoulders. So cute!

As far as McKay goes. He had a few sniffles the first day or two, but I bought a hypoallergenic shampoo for the cat that is supposed to prevent allergies. I bathed him the second day and McKay hasn't had any reactions to him since! SO SO happy! McKay isn't super fond of cats either and I guess HE is the one I should have worried about. He likes to torture the poor thing by holding him up in the air, among other things! The cat is so mellow, he just dangles. It doesn't bother him too much. I think McKay secretly loves him, but just doesn't want to admit it!

Taylor on the other hand, really likes him. Taylor loves all animals like me. Allie came over to check him out, and she loves him too! I even caught McKay petting him and being nice to him!

He has this thing for necks and shoulders. It's really comfy and soft to have him just sprawl across your shoulders. He is just such a mellow and nice cat. He doesn't scratch the furniture or crawl on the counters. And he purrs nearly non-stop. I think he is happy he has us too!

What a guy!

He is about four months old.

This is me with my cat Lightning when I was a little girl. I had him for 17 years!!! Can you see somewhat of a resemblance? I can!

Gotta love my Kit Kat!!!

I honestly believe Tyson had his hand in this. That is just something he would do for his Mom. Thanks Tys!

I'm on a roll!

2011-12-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you know it?

The BUSIEST time of my life (The Holi-DAZE!) and I am finally actually updating my blog! Notice I didn't say "catching up" my blog, because that will NEVER happen. I am way too far behind for that to ever occur.

BUT...

I did add about five or so new posts and I have about five or so MORE in the draft file that need a bit more time before ready to publish. Go me!

I think I am just trying to find a way to take a break from, or more likely just AVOID finishing all the other dreaded things (fam newsletter poem, photo calendars, SHOP!, wrap, etc. etc. etc.) that I have to get done before Christmas and so I decided to do this instead. That way I can avoid those dreaded things and yet still feel productive!

I'm no psychologist, but it sounds good to me!

Anyway, keep scrolling down and clicking on Older Posts and you will see the new ones!

Turkey Trot and Snowman Shuffle

2011-12-03T08:08:00.001-07:00

TURKEY TROT

On my way to the big trot...

It was pretty chilly this year!
BEFORE THE RACE with Jen

AFTER the race..
The only real difference is we are standing on opposite sides. It was so cold that everything else, hair, make-up, sweat, smiles, all froze in place!

Oh my Gizzards! I won 1st Place! And that means a TURKEY!
McKay will be so disappointed!
He wanted a pie which meant I had to get 2nd or 3rd.

It is a four mile killer race. I have never once enjoyed it, so not sure why I keep doing it. I guess because it puts food on the table! Gobble gobble! I ran it in 35 something this year. I think my best time was 34 something a few years ago, but I am very happy with my time! Especially since now I am in the geezer division! haha

With Jen and our winnings!

This puppy weighed in at over 13 lbs!
It was worth the trot!

I'm going to leave him out here until Thanksgiving since I have no doubts he will stay completely FROZEN! (jk!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SNOWMAN SHUFFLE

I'm not sure how many years I have run this one, but it's at least four. It was VERY VERY cold this year. Many didn't show up that registered this year because of the temps! I was tempted to join them!

There was still a large turnout though considering the chilliness!

Posing with some buds after!

Attempting to do a jumping picture...
As you can see it didn't work!

Another attempt...
FAIL!

With Robin and our hardware!
I won 1st place for the second year in a row. Yes that means I got another one of those deliriously cute snowman trophies!!! LOVE LOVE IT!

I ran it in 25:18. I came in 19th overall! Wow! That is the best overall placement I have ever had! I was surprised- yet very happy! Maybe I am a real runner now! I even had in my sight the woman who always takes the overall prize for the first two miles. I think I was about 5th overall for the women. Not bad considering there were over 80 entries! Maybe all this running in the early morning and bitter cold doing hill repeats and laps and speed work IS worth it after all!

Maybe...

I was so freezing! But so excited with my new trophy!

My Kit Kat is happy too!

Isn't that the cutest thing ever?! A RUNNING SNOWMAN!

I felt like a real Snowman after this one!
It is most definitely Decemburr.....

There is nothing better than a good friend except a good friend with chocolate!

2011-11-23T22:01:00.003-07:00

My friend Dawn asked me out to lunch because she said she had something for me. Well, that seals the deal right there. I love gifts! I knew she had just recently returned from Hershey Pennsylvania and I hoped... REALLY hoped that it possibly could be something brown and a little bit creamy that she wanted to give me. I was hoping my incessant harassing her about whether she brought me something back from the chocolate factory was possibly setting in. Ha ha... I was totally teasing by the way, but Dawn is super woman and she makes things happen! Boy does she make things happen, and I might add in a BIG WAY!

She brought me this HUGE Reese's Peanut Butter Cup! And as if that wasn't enough, she also brought his wife, teenager, and toddler along! The entire Reese's Family! For me!

Can you imagine how many calories I am holding in the palm of my hand???!!!!
Mmmmm...

We had fun taking these photos on Main Street while pretending we were indulging ourselves!

I just love this woman. We attended the same high school, but she was one year ahead of me and though we were acquaintances, we were never really friends. We became buddies through Facebook and a crafting group one of our mutual friends started. We have since discovered that we are alike in SO many ways! We love so many of the same things and have the same interests. I feel like we were soul sisters in the pre-existence.

I gave her my FAVORITE Christmas indulgence....Cadbury Christmas Balls!

There really is nothing better than a good friend... ESPECIALLY one with chocolate!

Hoop Dreams

2011-11-19T00:02:00.004-07:00

I am not sure how to begin this post other than to say:

THIS IS NOT THIS YEAR'S BASKETBALL POST.

It got a little lost in the draft file. It is last season's. 2010-2011. Yes, the season that ended eight months ago. The season that came and went and afterwards TRACK and FOOTBALL season came along. No, those posts aren't even in a draft stage, so don't worry too much about those appearing almost a year late. Don't worry about those even appearing. If my current posting record stays intact, there probably won't be a current basketball post either. Yes, I have been a slacker but when I discovered I never published this one, it was like hitting a gold mine! I didn't even have to do much work on it. It was pretty much ready to go. So WHY didn't I publish it eight months ago you ask? I have no answers. Other than it needed some work and I was most likely tired of looking at it. Who knows? How many ways can you spell S-L-A-C-K-E-R?

BUT, here it is NOW! I decided I better publish it before this season gets in full swing since we had our first game TONIGHT!

Taylor's junior year playing high school basketball for the BEES!

The student body was SO supportive at every single game whether it was home or away! We had the best fans in our region hands down! It didn't hurt that we had such a great winning season!!

Some after game shots.

Taylor's friend CJ with T-train written on his arm. That's what they call Taylor because they say he is unstoppable!

The students rush the floor at the exciting wins, and boy did we ever have some exciting games and wins! Great year!!!

Me with some of the other Basketball Moms!

We spent a lot of time doing this!

Because we...

~ STATE PLAYOFFS! ~
Weber State University Dee Events Center

The boys did so well they made it to the State Playoffs! They did well there too!!! It was an outstanding season! GO BEES!

Basketball Banquet

His JV Coach Mr. Hollingsworth presenting him with

DEFENSIVE PLAYER of the YEAR award!

Congrats Taylor!

He's always had great teammates!!!

What a great season! Let's do it again this year!

Oh How Pinteresting!

2011-09-28T14:23:00.013-06:00

First email, then blogs, then Facebook, now Pinterest!

Now I know why I always feel behind on my housework! Because I am! With all this technology you would think someone would come up with an ingenious way for technology to clean our homes so we can support all their other inventions (aka time thieves!).

I doubt that is going to happen anytime soon, so in the meantime, I will still find some time for my new guilty pleasure of Pinterest. For those of you who are still wondering what Pinterest is, let me explain.

It is a virtual pinboard where you organize and share anything and everything you find interesting online in one convenient, organized, neat looking place. No more searching in your messy file cabinets for that recipe or cool craft idea you cut out of that magazine. It's like a visual representation of bookmarks folders in your browser.

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

If you want jump into the pinning frenzy, you need to be invited by someone or request an invite through Pinterest. I personally think you should do this because it has been one of funnest and uniquely inspiring things I have ever done. I have found some of the greatest recipes and craft ideas that I'd never have found even if I'd searched through every magazine on the planet. Not only that, but I also have started using Pinterest as my search engine when I need a really good idea. I have not been let down yet.

Here are some screen shots of some of my boards:

Here is a shot of some of my running pins:

I have been collecting quotes and thoughts forever. I now have a great place to keep them altogether in one place! I love it!

Some of my recipes:

Some of my dessert recipes:

I have a Halloween Board:

A board for great organizing ideas:

And of course, a purple board!

Of course, I have many others as well. The possibilities are endless.

If you haven't already, request an invite, or send me your email address and I can invite you.

HAPPY PINNING!!!

You can go here to follow me on Pinterest once you are a member:

Done Is Better Than Perfect

2011-09-28T13:21:00.002-06:00

I am one who tends to get caught up in the "things have to be perfect to be acceptable" syndrome. I am trying to let that go. I tend to hold on to certain things for a long time until I think I have time to do them "just right".

AKA - PERFECT!

When the time never appears, they are not done "just right" or even "kind of right"... they are not done at all! And so I get stuck in a mire of mud of undone things neither "just right" or "kind of right". And oft times, in desperation due to a deadline or some other reason something has to be done, many things end up "not even close to right!", all because I wanted them to be perfect.

Well, all hope is not lost. Nope!

I have discovered a new mantra for me:

I intend to adopt this little saying as a new way to live. It is one of those golden tickets. I am hoping that it will become imbedded into my soul so that I am able to get more done with less pressure of perfection.

I better get started now because I have a VERY-VERY long list of things that I need to apply this to. One being, to catch up on my blog!

The pressure is off for all of you as well. So go out there and do something that you thought had to be just so and just do it. I promise you, just having it done will feel much better than having it NOT done perfectly!

SOS

2011-09-15T17:01:00.000-06:00

Love It

2011-09-12T17:09:00.002-06:00

My favorite quote of all time! I made this in Piknic.

I Demand A Recount!!!

2011-08-10T21:20:00.009-06:00

Seriously...
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?

I'm still 30 ~ well more like 18 in my mind! (BUT I can STILL jump like I'm 18! ~ kinda!)

We saw this VERY late at night as we were pulling back into town from our trip to Hawaii.

Why is it the body keeps aging, but the inside of your head doesn't? Oh, well as I've always said:

Better OVER the hill than UNDER it!!!

PARTY ON!

And party on is just what we did! Well, it's what THEY did to me!
I mean what is birthday party for an old geezer without a walker?
Excuse me, let me clarify that:

A PURPLE WALKER!

They knew I wouldn't touch it if it wasn't purple!

You don't see THIS everyday!

What is says is true... it WAS chocolate after all! =)

Even the most painful things are easier when celebrated with good friends!

Well, which one is it? ↓ ↑

This is the CUTEST cake bouquet made of flowers I have ever seen!
THANKS BONNIE!!!

Okay, THIS ↓ helps!!!

Look we are TWINNERS!!!!!!!

Can't celebrate too much!

Me and my cute Mom sharing the best drink on the planet. Olive Garden's Chocolate Almond Amore'! (with extra almond!)

My sister in law Linda and I share a birthday BUT she will ALWAYS be a year older than me!!!Well except for the hours between 6 pm and 10 pm when we were born! She makes sure of that! heehee

My son's cute girlfriend painted this for me! ME! Wow! I didn't deserve this! She is soooo amazingly talented! This picture doesn't even do it justice. It is INCREDIBLE!!!!

I had an amazing birthday! I felt so loved by so many. I received the most amazing gifts and cards. I was flooded by birthday wishes on Facebook and many dear friends remembered me on this very emotionally mixed day!
And to think I didn't even want to be in town on this one. Glad I made it back!

Thanks everyone! I am going to make 50 the best year EVER!!!!

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-07-22T23:41:00.007-06:00

Welcome to Beacon of Hope's:

Breakfast What is most pressing on your mind right at this moment? The fact that I have about 48 hours worth of stuff to do in only about 24!

Lunch What age do you consider "OLD"? I hear it's always 15 years older than you are, but with the big one coming up in a week or so, I am feeling like "that" number says I'm old, but I don't FEEL old!

Dinner When is your "I'll be happy when..." going to happen? I learned a long time ago, that life is a journey NOT a destination and I need to find my happiness in the here and now and not when "something" happens. There is always something to be happy about and life is wasted if we are always waiting for that "when" to come. It may NEVER come anyway! So CHOOSE to be happy NOW!

Midnight Snack What have you been craving lately?Twizzlers Chocolate Licorice! Mmmm

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) God is bigger than we are and He see's the big picture. He will always take care of us and be there when we need Him. We just have to put our trust in Him.

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And...here we go!

1. Life is very insane right now!

2. The airport is one of the best places to people watch EVER because there is such a diversity of people!

3. If I was going somewhere, the one thing I have to bring is my camera of course!

4. Winter will be back soon enough.

5. Next year, life is going to change a lot.

6. I went running today and I found a dime from Tyson!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating Taylor's 18th birthday with a party with friends and family, tomorrow my plans include a long run, trying to not go crazy with my long list of things to do...ugh! and Sunday, I want to hopefully have it all ready to go and be much calmer.

To play go HERE

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FRIDAY FIVE
1.What is the longest distance you’ve traveled (in one trip) by foot? 26.2 miles! Top of Utah Marathon last year!
2.What is the longest trip you’ve taken by car? From St. Louis to Utah ~ many times!
3.What is the longest trip you’ve taken by plane? From Utah to Europe
4.What is the longest trip you’ve taken on some kind of water craft? Well since I've never been on a cruise, it would have to be the Hovercraft ride I took while in Europe.
5.What is the longest trip you’ve taken aboard a bus or train? When I was a little girl we used to ride the train from Utah to California a lot. As an adult I rode it from New York to Washington DC.

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY TAYLOR!!!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! YOU ARE AN AMAZING SON!

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-07-15T11:34:00.010-06:00

Welcome to Beacon of Hope's:

Breakfast What three things would you save if your house were burning down? (family and pets are already safe) My journals and my boy's journals, ALL my millions of pictures and photo albums, my hard drive.

Lunch Are you planning or have already taken any vacations this summer? Explain. We went to Jackson Hole, and we are heading to Hawaii soon. My two boys are over there working (selling home security) and so we are going to join up with them and have some fun!

Dinner Do you still use a paper calendar or day planner or have gone electronic? I STILL have a paper day planner but I also use my iPhone to keep track of things since it sends me a sound when I NEED to remember which I don't do very well anymore~!

Midnight Snack What has stressed you out the most this week? Trying to find accomodations for our trip. I have checked at least 500 places to stay and not finding much available or what I want. I want to scream! I can't sit at the computer for that long at a time or I get a little ansy pantsy! This is taking hours a day!

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Focus on the most important task at hand and all others will fall into place or not need to be done.

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And...here we go!

1. I hold onto hope and faith when things seem dark.

2. My family is someone I like to travel with because I love being with them as much as possible!

3. That day, 23 years ago today, when my son Tyson was born, was one of the greatest days of my life!

4. Time is just flying by so fast this year.

5. Trust your instincts and base your biggest decisions on them.

6. I love watching movies at home in the dark.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating my son Tyson's would be 23rd birthday with a balloon release at the cemetery, his favorite desssert (Chocolate Ecstacy), and lots of fireworks! , tomorrow my plans include running the Mantua DAM RACE (5 miler), visiting my mom who broke her hip last week, and preparing my lesson, and Sunday, I want to teach my lesson well, go to dinner at my in-laws, enjoy a day of "rest" - yeah right!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYSON!!!
♥♥♥FOREVER IN MY HEART!!!♥♥♥

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-07-07T23:22:00.019-06:00

Welcome to Beacon of Hope's:

Breakfast What are wishing was over? My mom fell and broke her hip on Wednesday and I am wishing her healing and recovery were over. It's gonna be a long haul and I feel so bad for her.

Lunch How did you spend the 4th of July? We went to the cabin and went and saw the Bar J Wranglers perform. They are good friends with my FIL and husband and they always treat us MORE than nice. They try and pay them back for the medical services but are always way too generous. We missed Jackson Hole's fireworks because the others wanted to get back and watch Alpine's, but we were too late and missed those too. :( But the following Friday we saw some great ones at USU's Freedom Fire! On the way home from the cabin we stopped at Lava Hot Springs.

At USU Freedom Fire

Dinner What surprised you this week? I ran my first 5K since being injured at the Ogden Marathon and I had zero IT band problems. I was able to run the whole thing without stopping or any pain...well, IT band pain. There is ALWAYS pain in running! I got 2nd place in my age division. I got 1st last year, but this year I was just hoping to finish! I was surprised how well I did considering. It's a good run even with the gravel, hay bails you have to hurdle, and the 20 yard (or more!) SWAMP this year! Our shoes and legs were covered in mud! If we added a bike we would have had a tri-athlon! The best part was the pancake breakfast after! YUM!

>

Midnight Snack What has occupied a lot of your mind or time this week? Planning our trip to Hawaii. All the stuff I have not accomplished. My mother. Lists and lists of my things to do.

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Enjoy the journey along the way and quit focusing on the outcome or the destination. There is so much to enjoy and it's easy to overlook it when so focused on the final outcome of things.

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Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. Blue skies were gray today and filled with moisture.

2. Taking a trip down memory lane is one of my favorite past times.

3. Kids of all ages are one of my favorite things in life!

4. Down time, great food, the people I'm with; these are some of the best things about vacation.

5. Love is amazing when it's understood.

6. You'll never catch me in any submarine races.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to visiting with my Mom who is in the hospital recovering from a fractured hip, going out to dinner, and enjoying the forecasted rainstorm, tomorrow my plans include a long run, and I was supposed to help with the American Mother's tri-athlon but I think I will help get my parents settled at home after my Mom's hospital discharge instead, and Sunday, I want to attend church and come home and seriously chill!

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-06-22T23:43:00.023-06:00

Welcome to Beacon of Hope's:

Food 4 Thought Friday!

A little feast without the calories!!

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! I will post a new one each Thursday night for those that are on a different time zone. JOIN IN!!!

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions:

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Breakfast What are top three favorite smells (scent)?

Lunch How late do you usually stay up? What time do you usually arise?

Dinner What is something you learned this past week?

Midnight Snack What was the funnest thing you did this week?

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)
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MY ANSWERS

Breakfast What are top three favorite smells (scent)? Rain, newborn baby, toss up between movie theatre popcorn or brownies baking.

Lunch How late do you usually stay up? I am rarely in bed before 11:30 p.m. or midnight. Right now it's 11:55 p.m. and I'm still up. What time do you usually arise? Usually about 6:30 or 7:00 a.m.

Dinner What is something you learned this past week?I went to my friend Lisa's house and she taught us how to make the cutest make-up bags! They are so cute!BUT, I also learned that I should stick to my rule of never taking off my rings. I never do! Unfortunately I did during my bread demo and put them in my pants pocket and only one out of three was found in the pocket. I am sick. I think the others must have come out when we did the jump photo. I am missing my original wedding ring and my mother's ring. SO sad. I think I will take a metal detector out there and try to find them that way.

Midnight Snack What was the funnest thing you did this week? That is a tough one if I have to choose just one because this whole week has been a blast. My SIL's are here from Arizona and Vegas and we have been playing non-stop. We have been shopping, going to lunch, planning our Sister's Fling, rehearsing our talent for it, and just hanging out. I also had a lot of fun at my friend Lisa's house this week where I went and taught my friends how to bake bread (including grinding the wheat) and Lisa taught us how to sew make-up bags. It's also been a fun week because summer has finally arrived! I also got to go up to Aaronic Priesthood Camp for the white shirt dinner and testimony meeting. That was fun too!

At Mamma Mia!

Teaching how to grind the wheat.

The cute bags we made!

This is the photo where I undoubtedly lost my rings. =(

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Usually when someone treats you unkindly, it's because of their issues, not yours. Just let it go.

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Friday Fill-Ins

There was not one posted for this week so I played the one I missed the week before.
And...here we go!

1. I remember when I first heard my first baby take his first breath. Life has never been the same since. What a special moment I got to repeat four more times.

2. This spring it has been showering down non-stop!.

3. Most humans are truly good deep down.

4. Mamma Mia, here I go again! ♫ My, my, how can I resist ya?...sound familiar?

5. I was inspired by one of my dearest and oldest friends this week to be a better person. She is amazing and at everything she does and so kind and sweet and talented.

6. My wedding ring is who knows where!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to our annual Sister's Fling complete with talent show and trip to the DI to pick out shirts for each other we have to wear to dinner - heehee, tomorrow my plans include trying to find my wedding rings in my friend's lawn in West Point, cleaning, hanging out with my cute niece Mackenzie, and driving to BYU to go watch my son Taylor's basketball games and Sunday, I want to enjoy getting to listen to the Sunday School lesson instead of teaching it, visiting with my SIL's and fams, attending a fireside about the Brigham City Temple, and eating something really gooey and fattening!

To play go HERE
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Friday 5: Summer Blockbusters

1.What transformation do you undergo on summer Fridays at midnight? I am not sure I undergo a transformation, but I do love staying up late watching a movie before I fall asleep.

2.What super power do the kids in your neighborhood seem to have? Super Screaming Power... not a lot of children in my neighborhood, but one is pretty loud!

3.Who (or what!) is your nemesis in these warm summer days? The mosquitos! They are in over abundance this year because of all the rain. They are everywhere!!!

4.What is your trustiest weapon against the evil heat monster? Fruit and popcicles (the real fruit ones~~~mmm!), and of course it doesn't hurt to turn on the AC!

5.What seems to be invading your life lately, and how will you fend it off? Besides the mosquitos, it is being crazily busy! I love to be busy, but I also like having some down time too. But, that is part of summer and so I have decided to just go with it and enjoy it while it lasts and be grateful for each wonderful moment!

To play go HERE

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-06-16T20:40:00.005-06:00

Welcome to Beacon of Hope's:

The caption I entered said:

"Sorry dear, I thought you knew my mother was joining us on the honeymoon.”
The other finalists said: “Isn’t this exciting!! At death we actually ‘don’t’ part!!” AND “That’s alright, Honey. Things will be better when we move in with my mother.”

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Happiness is an inside job.

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Friday Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. One of my favorite birthday presents was the surprise party my friend Brooke gave to me last year. She went all out! It was amazing! She had us plant a tree in a park (complete with purple shovels!) in honor of my son Tyson that passed away and had a beautiful plaque made with his picture on it to be placed along side the tree. She invited so many of my friends and it was just the most amazing gift anyone has ever given to me. I will forever be indebted to her.

2. I want to go to Hawaii on my big birthday this year, it is as simple as that.

3. The moon is most fun to be near when it's full...just like me! =)

4. Motherhood includes a lot of sleepless nights and many worrisome days, but it's all worth it.

5. I was tempted by the chocolate - of course!

6. Go to the beach, eat at lots of fun restaurants, listen to the ocean, visit interesting places, spend time with my family, read, relax, and just chill are some of the things I like to do on vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the Broadway play Mama Mia!, tomorrow my plans include going to Mama Mia AGAIN!!! Long story. I had tickets for Friday to go with my one SIL and my other SIL wanted to go too and so she found great seats on Saturday for all three of us. We are going to make it a girl's day out and go shopping and out to eat and just have tons of fun! Neither one of them live around here and so it will be fun to be together again for a while, and Sunday, I want to teach my lesson, go visit my Dad and Dave's dad for Father's Day, and have some good food for the celebration!

To play go here

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FRIDAY 5
1.Of the products you use just to keep yourself clean and presentable, what seems to be the most overpriced? Shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, make-up, beauty products... sheesh, what isn't????

2.Where in your house is a reliable place to get a few quarters? I have a container in our room that is just for silver coins and one just for pennies. Dave used to collect pennies (he would never spend one) and now I am the one that collects them IF I find them on the ground or street, etc. as a special heavenly hello from my son Tyson who passed away. I also have a special jar for just those coins I find.

3.A rare yes-or-no question on Friday 5: Have you ever dropped your cell phone onto your face? I wouldn't put it past me. Today while I was on the phone talking to my Mom, I was looking all over for it only to realize I was on it!

4.What did you last take out of your freezer? Yeast to make my homemade bread.

5.How many rolls of wrapping paper do you have in your house? More than I would want to count. Infinity and BEYOND! I LOVE wrapping paper!

To play go HERE

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-06-16T19:33:00.001-06:00

1. Prayer is not a “spare wheel” that you pull out when in trouble; it is a “steering wheel” that directs us in the right path throughout life.

2. Do you know why a car’s WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.

3. Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4. All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don’t worry, they can’t last long either.

5. Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don’t forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!

6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, “Relax, sweetheart, it’s just a bend, not the end!

7. When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn’t solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8. A blind person asked St. Anthony: “Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?” He replied: “Yes, losing your vision.”

9. When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow’s TROUBLES; it takes away today’s PEACE.

Why Didn't I Think of That?!?!

2011-06-06T18:01:00.015-06:00

One sure fire way to know summer is really here at my house, is by the number of drinking cups in the sink, on the counter, on the end table, outside, in the car, in the bathroom, in the bedroom, in the basement...yes, even in the sandbox. The number can be astronomical!

So to save my sanity when my boys were younger and I had all five of them (plus five friends each it seemed!) around all summer long (oh -how I MISS those days!), I tried everything to prevent getting that sink overflowing with cups and running the dishwasher full of nothing but cups and glasses 45 times a day in the summer! I tried buying them all a special cup, putting their names on them, buying novelty cups, even using nothing but paper cups. When we built the house, I even had a drinking fountain put in the mud room to help alleviate this problem. It was a great novelty at first, but we were too poor at the time to put in a refrigerated one and so the lukewarm water wasn't too appealing when it was 90 plus degrees out. I tried giving each one of the boys a colored cup that they were supposed to only use that day. It was to be used each and every time they needed a drink and rinsed out and put back in the designated place. It worked pretty well for a while, but those cups also ended up where they weren't supposed to be much of the time.

Oh, I was so close to a great idea! Just not quite close enough!

But someone else was. And here's the solution! A genius idea! One of those, "WHY didn't "I" think of that??!!! ideas!

Magnetic cups!

They each have a hidden magnet inside and so when you are done with your drink....back on the fridge it goes! We each have a different color. If I find someone's some place other than the fridge, then they get an extra day of dish duty. Hopefully that will help them STAY on the fridge. I don't think it will be a problem because it's actually kind of FUN to put them back on the fridge and see them stay there. We throw them in the dishwasher once a day and back on the fridge they go for another very busy day of use.

SERIOUSLY!

WHY. DIDN'T. I. THINK. OF. THAT????!!!!

That is the where the magnet goes. Best part of all is they are dishwasher safe!

If you are interested in getting some of these sanity savers go to: http://www.convenientcup.com/ or call 1-888-693-1186.

Or if you live by a Quilted Bear, you can get them there as well.
Try it, you'll like it!!!

Motherhood Elevated!

2011-06-06T13:19:00.008-06:00

I have been fortunate enough for the past 20 years to belong to the amazing organization of American Mother's Inc. It is a national organization but very strong locally. This wonderful support group is the reason I survived medical school with three young and very active boys while trying to cope with what I called being a "single" mother. No disrespect to those of you who are truly single mothers, but those many years of having no husband around due to his marriage to the hospital and books were definitely challenging. I respect those of you who do it on your own on a daily basis. The local chapters I belonged to and organized were such life savers to me. From the monthly chapter meetings, listening to wonderful speakers, to the Summer Survival Camps for Mom we put on each year, AMI saved my sanity! Over the past 20 years I have been very involved locally, on the state level, as well as nationally. It feeds the passion I have for motherhood!

Our purpose is to be a dedicated force to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home. We are an inter-faith, non-political, non-profit organization. We are the official sponsor of Mother's Day and founded the Mother of the Year award. The first National Mother of the Year was presented by Honorary Chairman, Sarah Delano Roosevelt in 1935 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. AMI has a rich history. For more information on that go HERE.

Sometimes that "Mother of the Year" title scares people away, because they somehow think that means we are an organization of "perfect" moms. Far from it! Those women which that title is bestowed upon are selected on the basis of being someone who could best represent their state to promote motherhood. We are an organization of moms helping moms be better moms! We are not trying to choose the best mom, because each mom IS the BEST mom for her child. No one knows better than a mother that there is no such thing as a perfect mom.

This year, I had the awesome privilege of being a member of the National Convention Planning Committee. The convention was being held in Salt Lake City this year, something which has not happened since 1994, the year I represented Utah as the Young Mother. Planning a convention of this magnitude takes a lot of organization and foresight and the women I got to work with were AMAZING! I want to be just like them when I grow up! We started to plan about a year and a half in advance and met monthly to make sure everything came off without a hitch. For the most part, it did. For the most part. haha Of course there were little glitches here and there, but for a convention of nearly 400 women, that is to be expected.

The amazing committee I got to serve on.

Top half: Helping at the registration desk. This was more fun than work!
Bottom half: We stuffed over 300 of these bags! And then re-stuffed them a few more times!

(In order to read captions, you may have to click to enlarge)

I was reunited with an old friend from 17 years ago when the convention was last held in Salt Lake. Sondra Anderson was serving as the Young Mother from the midwest somewhere, and I was representing Utah. We spent a lot of time together back then and haven't seen each other since, so it was fun to see her. I also got to see Linda Eyre again. I got to know her a bit when she spoke at our very first Summer Survival Camp for Mom. She represented Utah 30 years ago as the Young Mother. Her daughter Shawni was attending this year representing Arizona. Little did we know at the time this was taken that Shawni would be selected as the 2011 National Young Mother of the Year in a few days.

So grateful to good friends Julie and Brooke who would come and support me and help with greeting those registering. I think they had some fun while working! ☺

XANGO was one of our sponsors and so we had a supply of the stuff. It was bottled so pretty and we had some good laughs with those cool bottles!

Always a bustling hive of busy bees!

Me and Cecelia with Don Aslett, my hero and author of Clutter's Last Stand and 48 OTHER books!

With Emi D. Edgley (Utah's YMOY 2011), her mother Elaine Dalton, and Diane Weese.

Sally Olsen (Utah MOY 2011), Linda Eyre, Shawni Eyre Pothier, Emi Dalton Edgley, Elaine Dalton, Diane Weese, moi.

We filled almost 100 of these balloons with helium and lived to tell about it. The convention theme was Motherhood Elevated and the theme for one of the lunches was UP with Motherhood. Luckily we didn't float away!

Governor Herbert welcomed mothers from across the nation to Utah and to our convention.

We had some awesome workshop presenters! The women that weren't from Utah really loved John Bytheway. Well, the women that were did too! He was so funny, he had tears rolling down some of their cheeks!

John Gray keynoted one of the banquets.

The Young Mother of the Year banquet where Shawni was announced here as the new National Young Mother. A big job, but she will be fabulous!

My Mom was able to attend on Saturday with me. Brooke and Julie came as well.

It was held at Little America and of course the food was FABULOUS!

Above with Linda Eyre and Shawni Pothier and their new book called "A Mother's Book of Secrets". If anyone has some good advice and secrets on motherhood, it's them. I think I have read every single one of Linda's books. My favorite was, "I Didn't Plan to Be a Witch!"
Bottom with Emi, Hilary Weeks, and Georgia.

At the GALA BANQUET

Our table had some of the people I admire most.
With Susie and Marilou. Marilou was our committee chairman and I loved getting to know her! What an incredible example she is.

Dave and I

With Sheri Dew. It was such an honor to meet her.

Click to enlarge

Check out the cute cute bunnies! Our committee was in charge of decorating at most of the meals. It turned out beautiful.

After with Sister Sheri Dew and some of the National Committee.

I LOVE all of these women!!!!

We are showing off our shoes and nylons that we had to borrow from each other due to forgetting them! Thank heavens for good friends!!!

This banquet was very high class. The Mother's of the Year were announced in a processional lighted candle ceremony. Sheri Dew was the keynote speaker and gave an outstanding talk. She was the only speaker at the convention that received a standing ovation. Ernestine Allen was named the new 2011 National Mother of the Year. She is from the Washington DC area.

Dave snapped the photo on the right before I hid these roses for Ernestine (so passerbys wouldn't knock them over.) I WISH those were mine! I can always pretend!

Two of my favorite women on the planet.
Dave with Ruby Washington. She is an incredible woman. She was National Mother of the Year in 1993. She had three biological children, four adopted, and over 200 foster children! She is currently opening a home for un-wed mothers. What a remarkable woman. I have loved her since I met her at the 1994 convention. She really liked Dave. =)
And Cecelia. What a sweet, smart, funny, amazingly talented, and kind woman. She has to be one of my top 10 favorite people in the world. Love her!

With Ernestine Allen. The roses are now hers! hee-hee

WE SURVIVED!!! We might not look like it, but we did! Break out the XANGO!!!!

A special thank you to this man, to whom I am very grateful for allowing me to be such a big part of American Mothers. It has changed my life and I will forever be grateful for it and for him for holding down the fort while I was gone for three days in order to attend this convention. He also missed a big meeting in order to attend the banquet with me. It was sure fun having my own photographer there though. =) Over the past 20 years, he has been so supportive of all the talks, meetings, conferences, parades, time, expenses, mini- conferences (he helped set up for 10 years), and all the other wonderful things this organization has brought into my life. I am so grateful to be a mother, and if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be the mother of the five most wonderful sons on the planet. Thank you!

It was so exciting having the National Convention in my own neck of the woods. I for one left elevated! I know it won't happen again for probably another 17 or more years. But odds are, even then, I will STILL be involved and loving this wonderful organization! I can only hope!

Here are a few links to other stories about convention, inlcuding excerpts from Sheri Dew's talk. ENJOY!
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Key Points from Sheri Dew's Speech at Saturday's Gala (where the National Mother of the Year, Ernestine Allen, was announced), titled: The Influence of Mothers

Insights with Jon Du Pre TV interview from BYU: Mothers of the Year

Utah's American Mother's Blog: AMI National Convention

LDS Living Magazine ~ LDS Women Among National Honored Nominees

Deseret News Article ~ Utah Hosts National Celebration of Motherhood

Deseret News Article ~ Latter-day Saint Named National Mother of the Year

Posts from Andrea, State President of American Mothers in Texas:
Gems from the Mother of the Year Speeches

A few highlights from the Young Mother of the Year speeches:
Summary of Young Mother Speeches

Shawni Pothier's reaction to being announced as National Young Mother of the Year from her blog 71 Toes:
"My Weekend"
Shawni's 3 minute speech she gave at National convention
Shawni's Speech

Linda Eyre's article in Deseret News column about her daugher Shawni being named National Young Mother of the Year : "Whiney, Worried Child Becomes National Mother of the Year"

From the PR Web: American Mothers, Inc. Announces 2011 Executive Board, Mother and Young Mother of the Year

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-06-03T13:33:00.015-06:00

After a little (ahem!) hiatus... it's back!!!
Welcome to Beacon of Hope's:

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FRIDAY 5 ~ SUMMER
1.What was your best summer vacation like? I have had a few. I loved the Oregon Coast but I also loved Hawaii and Puerto Rico. I used to love going to California with my grandparents each summer to see my cousin Shelley in San Diego and then my other cousins in Sacramento. I have such fond memories of those trips. On the way we always stopped in Las Vegas and hung out at Circus Circus.
2.What was your worst summer vacation like? I can't really think of a vacation that was bad, so I will say when I was in high school and I went with the school band (as the Majorette) and Lakettes to the Calgary Stampede and our hotel was a cockroach Inn! We couldn't sleep. We bought Raid and all slept on the bed for fear of being attacked by giant roaches! Yuck! The trip was a blast however!

Pretending to sleep for the photo. I have a can of RAID in my hand and Linda has a can of Lysol in hers. Hilarious! It really was that bad! Scum-ville!

3.What food or drink reminds you of a particular summer? Watermelon and strawberry lemonade.
4.What summer-only activity do you now look most forward to every year? Being able to do my runs in the warmth without wearing layers and layers of clothes! I also really look forward to the summer rain! :o)
5.What summer movie or summer reading are you most looking forward to this year? I honestly have no idea what movies are coming out this summer, but I am looking forward to seeing the Broadway production of Mama Mia this month! As far as reading, I hope to finish the Hunger Games series.
To play go here

Happy Friday everyone!

* Shake It Off and Step Up *

2011-05-27T16:13:00.023-06:00

Expectations, dreams, hopes, plans, goals...

...words that can change quickly into...

Disappointment, failure, setback, defeat, letdown...

Do you ever feel like life has decided to throw you a curve ball when you were expecting a strike?

I do!

This week (month!) has been the perfect example. Oh no, I feel a vent coming on! The crowning jewel was today when my son who has maintained a 4.0 GPA for the past three (plus) years got his first A- in his college credit math class. Trust me, to maintain a 4.0 for that long is NO easy feat! He is one smart kid and has done this while playing three very time consuming sports all three years which means he sometimes leaves at 5:30 a.m. and gets home at 6:30 p.m. Even 11:00 p.m. on some game days. It has amazed me he was able to do it this long. Of course, I am his mother and I would think he is amazing no matter what. ☺

At the end of every trimester we hold our breath hoping we won't see that A-, but today unfortunately we did. The hardest part for me is the fact that I didn't even worry once this entire tri, because he had a 100% in that class this whole time. 100% in assignments AND tests! Little did I know (because he didn't mention it!) that the final he took today counted for 30% of his grade! He studied hard, but I guess just not hard enough. He missed the A grade by the skin of his teeth! He needed 150 on the test but got 137. A 2% deficit in his overall grade. That is hard to swallow. It would have been easier if he had missed it by 50! And the sad fact is, he deserved the A-. The teacher said he hates this part of the class because this happens to so many of his students and there is always an abundance of tears every time. Yeah, probably from the parents!

At our school it is a big deal because if you maintain a 4.0 for your four high school years, you are automatically a valedictorian. So we usually end up with 12 or 13 of those. I am not sure I agree with that system, but that IS how it works. I do agree it is nice they honor all those students who have worked so hard to achieve that instead of just one. I think the more positive accolades they can give these youth the better. Heaven knows, they need it! All of my boys have set that as a goal. My oldest fell short because of one measly A- as well, which was given to him by a teacher that was later fired because he wasn't really a teacher. But that's another post that I will kindly not write. My middle son was able to achieve it. And I thought this one nearly had it in the bag with only his senior year left. However, the whole valedictorian thing really wasn't the motivation for him. It was more for the Academic All-State in sports. It is much easier to get a football scholarship if you are named Academic All-State and so that was the main goal. There is still a small chance he can be named that, but probably not without a 4.0. He has been getting tons of requests from colleges all over the nation to apply to their football program because of his grades and his athletic accomplishments this year. Now he will have a 3.9 GPA and that isn't quite as impressive, all because of a few stupid math problems! I can't even explain how disappointed I am. I think I am much more so than he is!

I know, I know, this is NOT a matter of life and death. It is not the end of the world. That was last week remember? ☺ BUT, it is still hard to just accept and move on. It's hard to let go of it and just be at peace when it was SO stinkin' close! I felt the same way about my half marathon last week! So CLOSE to achieving my new PR goal, yet not quite there because of of my dang knee! So frustrating! If interested, you can read more about that here.

One of my sons that is in Hawaii this summer selling Home Security for his first time, is working his little tail off and not seeing a lot of success. He is disappointed and so I am. Especially since my other son that is over there, IS seeing a lot of success. Of course there is a bright side to that one...because after all he is in Hawaii! There have been many other things this past month that have been very discouraging and disappointing that I won't bore you with. But it's like a little child who so excitedly receives a very bright balloon, but let's it slip away unexpectedly and cries for it to come back but is told it's impossible to ever retrieve it, all the while watching it through tear filled eyes ever so slowly float up into the sky as it gets smaller and smaller, until it's no longer visible. Sometimes our dreams and expectations float away the same way. And no matter how let down or disappointed we are, it is impossible to get them back. It is out of our control.

I have learned from experience that when I stop and realize some things are simply out of my control, then I have a much easier time letting go and moving on. If I don't let go, but hold on dwelling on the injustice of it all, the more bitter I get.

When things happen that really hurt, yet are out of my control, I am learning that I need to take responsibility for my feelings. Even though sometimes things in our lives seem unfair or it may even be another person's fault, we are still responsible for our own feelings. In other words... events, problems, or other people do not "cause" our feelings. We choose them. We can choose to be happy and move on or we can choose to stay disappointed and be stuck forever, and become a helpless victim.

I can CHOOSE how I feel about things. Isn't that such an amazing gift? I really can decide how I will be affected by all the little and BIG disappointments in life. If I choose to to let them go and learn from them... to remind myself that "after all I AM in Hawaii", then it makes it so much easier to cope with those hard things. Even though I may not actually BE in Hawaii, I am after all ALIVE and able to experience all the things life has to offer, good OR bad! And that is a gift and blessing in itself! And as I choose those feelings, I am able to learn to just walk away from disappointment. And even though it is still very difficult to do, it is possible.

Thomas Carlyle, the famous 19th century Scottish historian, proved that.

After working on his multi-volume set of books on "The French Revolution" for SIX years, Carlyle completed the manuscript and took volume one to his friend John Stuart Mill, asking him to read it.

According to the story, five days later, Mill's maid accidentally threw the manuscript into the fire. In deep agony, Mill went to Carlyle's house to inform him that his work had been destroyed.

Carlyle did not flinch. With a smile, he said, "That's all right, Mill. These things happen. It is a part of life. I will start over. I can remember most of it, I am sure. Don't worry. It's all here in my mind. Go, my friend! Do not feel bad."

Carlyle stood by the window watching Mill leave. Carlyle then turned to his wife and said, "I did not want him to see how crushed I am by this misfortune." And with a heavy sigh, he added, "Well the manuscript is gone, so I had better start writing again."

And write again he did. Carlyle finally completed the work, which ranks as one of the great classics of all time. He had learned to walk away from his disappointment.

After all, what could Carlyle have done about his no longer existent burnt manuscript?

Nothing.

Nothing would have resurrected the manuscript. Nothing could make it reappear. All Carlyle could do was to get bitter or get started. And what can we do about anything once it is over? Usually nothing. We can try to correct it if it is possible, or we can walk away from it if it isn't. Those are our only two choices. And we all know what the better choice is.

One of my favorite parables is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! This he did, shovel full after shovel full.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!", he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed, the old mule just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped happily over that well wall into freedom! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him, all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. And so it is with us. If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to disappointment, setbacks, and the adversities that come along to bury us, we will find they usually have within them the potential to bless us in ways we never could have dreamed. We just need to remember to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves.

We can choose.

If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. - Rabbi Harold Kushner

A six-time winner of the Hawaii Ironman Triathalon said, "It is not the distance that overwhelms people who race Hawaii's Ironman. It's the relentless wind that blows across the lava fields. You're on one of the highest ridges, you see miles of repetitive road, and you realize it's extremely hot and you're going straight into a 30-mile-an-hour crosswind. I've found that those who dwell on these conditions tend to fold. I always train for adversity I consider adversity an asset, something to turn to my advantage. One of life's most important lessons is learning to put your losses in perspective and to savor your triumphs by riding on euphoria's wave. Have high goals and expectations; regard defeat as stages on the road to success by remembering the little victories that have gotten you where you are."

I love this triathlete's attitude. Of course, once again, he is in Hawaii! ☺ As I write this, I realize it's much easier said than done. Especially on the mainland. hee-hee But if we are able to consider adversity an asset, a gift even, then we will be able to keep those disappointments (that will inevitably continue to come) in perspective, while we keep climbing up that pile of dirt shaking it off and stepping up.

We can choose to let go of our losses. We can bury them. We can walk away from them while we shake it off and step up. And most importantly, we can still feel empowered to shoot for the moon and set high goals because we know even if we fall short, we will still land among the stars. My son's 3.9 GPA may be a little short of the moon, but it is still quite an accomplishment that has landed him right there among the stars.

Consciously making the choice to walk away and let go of disappointment is not gonna be easy! But, it is our choice. And for that, I am grateful! After all, we are in Hawaii! ☺ At least in our head!

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-05-26T22:32:00.009-06:00

After a little (ahem!) hiatus... it's back!!!

Welcome to Beacon of Hope's:

Food 4 Thought Friday!

A little feast without the calories!!

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! I will post a new one each Thursday night for those that are on a different time zone. JOIN IN!!!

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions:

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Breakfast What happened that affected you in the world this week?

Lunch What guilty pleasure did you indulge in this week?

Dinner What has been on your mind this week?

Midnight Snack What made you proud this week?

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)

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MY ANSWERS

Breakfast What happened that affected you in the world this week? Wow, it was a big week for news. The horrible tornadoes in Joplin, MO. Oprah's farewell show, which by the way, was FABULOUS! I certainly didn't watch her often, but when I did, I loved the influence she had for good on people's lives. She used her power for good.

Lunch What guilty pleasure did you indulge in this week? I bought some Born shoes at Dillard's and they were NOT on sale! If you know me well, you know I hate to pay full price for anything. They were SO cute and I really had to have them. Purple, of course. I asked if they were going to go on sale soon like next week, and the salesman told me they probably wouldn't all summer. Well, I just saw an ad and they are on sale right now! I am taking back my receipt and demanding a refund for the difference! UGH!

Dinner What has been on your mind this week? The tornado victims, the end of the school year, my IT Bands, wondering if I will be able to run long distances ever again, Oprah's farewell speech that made her sound like a member of my church, my two boys that are working in Hawaii, how grateful I am for just being alive.

Midnight Snack What made you proud this week? Once again, the term is "well pleased" in our house. ☺The article and picture of my son Taylor's football award that was in our local paper this week, was one of those big paydays for me. Finishing my half marathon strong even though my IT bands wigged out at mile 2!

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) When things get tough, just get tougher than they are. All it takes is all you've got, and you've got it baby!

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If you like Food 4 Thought Friday, you might enjoy playing these too:

Friday Fill-Ins!

And...here we go!

1. This week I feel like I am progressing in many directions finally!

2. Before summer gets here, I hope winter takes a hike and spring returns.

3. It's all about the chocolate.

4. Apparently during may half marathon, my legs spent too much time in the sun.

5. I demand a nap next Sunday.

6. Follow your own path, it's filled with exactly what you need.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hopefully dinner and a movie with Dave, tomorrow my plans include well, not a long run that's for sure! I will kind of miss that!, catching up on some cleaning and my AMI blog, baking, and who knows what else and Sunday, I want to enjoy a day of rest ~ yeah right!

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Friday 5: Food Treatments

1.What’s your favorite pickled food? Bread and butter pickles.
2.What’s your favorite dehydrated food? Banana's and apples.
3.What’s your favorite covered-in-chocolate food? I can't think of one that isn't my fave! lol It wasn't chocolate covered potato chips that's for sure. Probably cinnamon bears! YUM!
4.What’s your favorite sauteed-in-garlic-and-butter food? Pasta
5.What’s your favorite order-at-the-drive-through food? Italian from Fazolis or Rumbi Grill's rice bowls! mmmm.......

Thanks for participating, and may you have a yummy weekend! To play go HERE.

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FRIDAY FIVER!

DO YOU PREFER…
1. To watch or participate? Depends on what it is. I do LOVE to participate, but there are times I love to watch too. I am very competitive and so I am usually found in the middle of it all.
2. Malls, catalog shopping, or the Internet? Hitting the mall and the strip mall.
3. A bath or shower? Looooooong HOT showers!
4. To talk to people by telephone, in person or by e-mail? Email or texting. I really prefer to not talk on the phone if possible unless it's my mom or boys or Dave.
5. Typing or writing? I would have to say typing because it's so much faster, but I do love to just write sometimes in my journal.

~ All it Takes is All You've Got ~

2011-05-25T14:10:00.005-06:00

Warning: LONG POST! Only for me for historical purposes and future races. Do not torture yourself by reading it! Unless, of course, you like pain or to hear about other people's. lol

If you are a runner then you have to know a little bit about math. Math never was my favorite subject, but I did learn a few things. One being that when something is divided by two you get half of what you were dividing. And so I naturally assume that the same principle would apply to running. Mainly that running a half marathon requires only half the training and that you can technically can get prepared for it in half the time. It also stands to reason that it would only take half the mental strength as a full and hopefully be only half as painful.

Grade: F

I have run several half marathons and have always really enjoyed the distance. To me it really seems like half the pain, half the emotions, half the nerves, half the training, half the recovery, half the mental stability as a full. Maybe even less. I have actually really loved all of my half marathons.

Until now.

I signed up to run the OGDEN MARATHON nine months ago, just two weeks after I ran the Top of Utah full marathon when I was still in lala land and high on the adrenaline. At the time I had no idea my IT (iliotibial) bands were going to start screaming at me for several months preventing me from running it. I was just so excited to run Ogden! I kept hoping that I would be able to get in the training and they would heal and I could still do it, but in February when I had to start the training, I knew deep down that I should not do the full. My IT bands were feeling much better, but I was also feeling strongly that my body was not up to doing more than one marathon a year. I didn't want to have healed it only to injure it again. I just knew that it wasn't in the cards for May. Those calculations were 100% on.

Grade: A+

So, I decided I would do the half instead and put my focus on that. I ran the Ogden half a few years ago and absolutely loved the course and was looking forward to this run for a long time. I was well trained for it and ready to go. The Saturday before, my training schedule called for a 12 miler and so I followed the plan. At mile 8.5 into that run, my knees started to ache and then my left one seriously flared up. My IT band again. Instead of stopping, I was determined to get in those 12 miles and I ran through the pain. A big no-no. But I did the math and decided I could make it 4.5 more.

Grade: F-

In case you didn't catch that, it should say, "I decided I could make it 3.5 more." Just testing to see what grade you got in math. =) By mile 10 I was seriously limping as I ran. Now that is a pretty sight, let me tell you! At 11.5 I was no longer able to run as my knee started to give out on me. I used to be so good at listening to my body and obeying it, but lately I have been more determined to just suck it up and run through the pain. Not smart! All that does is increase the injury. I took it easy the rest of the week, just walking with zero running, rolling it out with my foam roller a lot, and taking Celebrex hoping it would heal by the starting gun. I even started on Glucosamine Chondroitin.

The marathon was scheduled for the 21st but I also had been invited to go to Park City with some high school friends for that weekend. I knew I wouldn't get much sleep in Park City, but didn't want to miss it either. I decided to go and just force myself to go to bed at a decent hour on Friday night. I had real good intentions. We left on Thursday morning and had so much fun that we all stayed up until 3:30 a.m.! Come Friday night I knew I had to get some sleep or I would never be able to function, let alone run a half marathon. I ended up getting to bed at midnight and back up at 4:00 a.m. I never sleep much on race day eve anyway, so I felt I would be okay. Besides once the adrenaline started kicking in, I knew I would be fine.

I drove to the starting line of the half because of the fact that I was in Park City and also because I was running the half with a full bib because they refuse to let you transfer from race to race. That is one of my pet peeves about marathon's, especially ones that you have to sign up for NINE months in advance! Who knows what is going to happen in that amount of time? When I arrived I saw that I was surrounded by others doing the same thing. I talked to some about getting on the bus and they said the organizers didn't check their bibs. One of them also said they thought our chips would activate and count us for the half. Another said we would be disqualified or be a DNF or DNS. I personally didn't care either way. I just wanted to run it!

I got in line for the porta potties but realized I would never be done before the gun and so I just got in line for the race. I wasn't as nervous as I usually am for some reason. Probably due to lack of sleep and my zombie-ish-ness. The gun went off and I remember thinking as I started to run that I wasn't feeling it today. My lungs were feeling heavy and my calves were cramping from step one. But, about a mile and a half into it, I started to feel good. Real good! That lasted for another half mile when my left IT band started to scream LOUDLY! I was NOT prepared for that, and I immediately knew from the severity of the pain that came on so strong and fast, that it wasn't going to go away. I was more than discouraged, but, I kept running and turned on my iPod and tried to zone out in the music. It didn't work. I had to stop and stretch and after that I felt a bit better for about 10 steps. So I stopped and stretched it again. And again. And again. And again. I could only go about a quarter of a mile each time before it became so bad I didn't know what else to do.

Mile TWO! Really?

That has never happened to me in the history of my running career. NEVER! Not even on a training run. I would expect it at mile eight or nine maybe, but not TWO! The stretching just was not helping. About mile four my knee almost gave out on me. I was so frustrated! Every time I stopped to stretch, I watched so many runners pass me by. I hated that! I knew my time was going down the drain and fast. I was really hoping for a new PR on this race and all those hopes were going down the mountain along with the very full and rapid river. About mile five, it sunk in that I was going to have to finish this race with this pain because it was not going away, or... quit. I knew I couldn't quit, and so once I decided to stick it out, the emotions started to surface. I have never become emotional in a race (with the exception of mile 21-24 of my marathon) until now.

I felt desperate and wasn't sure what to do. All I knew was I didn't want to run another 8 miles like that. Deep down I knew I shouldn't be running with that kind of pain because it was probably doing a lot of damage with each step I took. I was really wishing I had a knee band or brace. At the mile six aid station I asked them if it was also a first aid stop. It wasn't, but they had some Corban and so I had them wrap my knee. They used the entire roll and a lot of my time! As soon as I started to run, I knew it was not going to be a solution but more of a problem. I stopped and unwrapped it as fast as I could and re-wrapped it much different and tighter. I am sure it was a sight seeing me trying to bite half of it off with my teeth in order to shorten it. I started to run and could tell I got it a little too tight. It was seriously cutting off my circulation! I stopped again and re-wrapped it a little looser this time. The third time was the charm. Even though I knew it was still too tight, I didn't care because it gave me some relief! That pressure was really helping. Either that or it stopped the blood flow so it numbed it! I didn't care. I just was grateful I could run without limping as bad. It was still painful and I didn't push it, but was just so relieved it wasn't getting worse. It gave me hope I could do the next 7 miles.

Even though I was feeling very disappointed because I was still unable to run at my usual pace, the beauty of that course was spectacular! My surroundings had me in awe. I felt the greatest little moments of pure joy. There is no way unless you have experienced it, to describe the feeling of running in God's splendor with hundreds of other runners all trying to reach the same goal. I have felt a runner's high before, but this was beyond that. I felt so ALIVE! And I felt so grateful I could RUN! Albeit, like a cripple, but I could still run! The weather was absolutely perfect and I wanted to just burst. The freeing feeling of running was never stronger for me and even though I had to hold back, it felt so good to be running that race. Or maybe it was just the euphoria I was feeling that the pain wasn't as torturous as before. Whatever it was, I soaked it all in and just smiled and cherished each moment!

THIS IS WHY I RUN!

Those moments are rare, but when they come, all the early morning runs in the snow, rain , hail, and sleet are worth it. All the dogs chasing me with vampire teeth and all the moments of wanting to quit due to pure exhaustion are worth it. All the sore and aching muscles and all the torturous hill runs are worth it.

The good news is by mile 9 or so, I was feeling like I would be able to go those 4 miles without being lifted off the street in a stretcher. I had run the course before and unlike the Top of Utah Marathon (WHY I did that one for my first marathon I will NEVER know!) I was looking forward to the miles ahead because I knew how gorgeous the scenery was. No hills, to speak of, and lots of great cheering crowds. By mile 11.5, I decided to push it and add some speed. I knew whatever happened at that point, that I could handle it for a mile and a half. When I got about 50 yards from the finish line, I took off on a full boar sprint! I was shocked and amazed that after what a horrible run I had, that I finished strong.

I was happy I was done. But not just half as happy as when I finished the full. Mathematically speaking, I would say I was more than half as happy. I won't get into fractions, or I will lose you...no, actually I will lose me. I never did like fractions. But this I do get... a half a marathon may give you as much satisfaction as a full when you give it all you've got. That I do know. Running is like that. I have learned so much about myself from this simple sport than I could have any other way. I am stronger than I knew. I am weaker than I knew. I am tougher than I knew. I am more emotional than I knew. I am more competitive than I knew. I am more stubborn than I knew. I am more grateful than I knew. I am more determined than I knew. And I am better at math than I knew! Who knew? ☺

I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:11! I was SHOCKED! Truly shocked. I had my running app going on my phone, but for some reason my fully charged battery died about mile 6. I had ZERO idea what my time or pace was. I only knew I watched people pass me instead of me passing them from mile 2 to mile 11.5. I honestly thought I was going to be around 2:50 or even 3:00. I felt like I had run with tar filled legs. My PR for a half is 2:02. I was wanting to set a new PR and was hoping for a sub 2:00, (thanks Jen for putting that into my head!) So instead of being happy and ecstatic that I did so well considering the circumstances, I was completely BUMMED! Mainly because I knew that had my STUPID IT BAND cooperated (at least beyond mile TWO!) I could have set that PR! Sooooooooo frustrating! And I knew that if I had not ran that extra 3.5 miles on my training run, I probably would have fared much better.

Luckily Dave was there to set me straight and keep me focused on the fact that even with the problems, I still got a great time. I still am having a hard time grasping and knowing that it could have been my best race EVER. Once again... that's running. I have to also focus on the fact that it could have been much worse too. I could have been peeled off the street and carried off in a stretcher and not finished. And the bottom line is, I was still able to feel a love for this sport even though it doesn't always turn out perfectly. It RARELY turns out perfectly. In fact, does anyone know if it has ever turned out perfectly? You have to be a little crazy to be a runner. THAT I do know.

As far as my official time, my name showed up with the FULL results with a made up time. They have my time as 4:42 for the full. Interesting. I guess they somehow predicted from my 13.1 miles what my 26.2 would be. I guess I'd give them a A- for that. I'm just glad I wasn't a DNS or DNF.

Final Grade: A+
Citizenship grade: U (for Unsatisfactory IT Band behavior!)

Photos - (may need to click to enlarge)

Buses lining up dropping off runners
Bon fires to keep warm

The infamous PORTA POTTIES!
A runner's best friend or worst enemy!

Waiting for the start

Approximately 2400 runners!

There is one huge half mile hill at the beginning and I loved the signs after we climbed the hill.

Helicopter shots.
Can you see me down there waving?

Soldiers at the aid stations

Runner's stretching... (at least I think that is what the guy on the far right is doing!)
I spent a lot of time doing this. Not something I am used to.

Check out that river and waterfall!
This is the most gorgeous scenery of any run I've experienced.

You can see why Runner's World ranked this marathon as one of the top 10 in the nation!

Since the run was ran on the day of the RAPTURE, these signs were my favorite! My phone battery died and so I couldn't get pix of the real signs. I found these on line so I wouldn't forget.

The finish line. I'm not in this photo. No one that came to support me actually saw me cross it. =(

Happy to be done and still standing!

My "tourniquet" replaced by ice.

My boys and Dave came to support me. My mom did too, but I didn't find her until after and I had no camera.

I waited for Jen to finish the full. My running buds Heather and Jen.

I was honestly afraid after this experience that my knees were going to prevent me from running any more long distance races again. It's been a few days now and I am about to sign up for my next half marathon in July. Did I mention runners are crazy?

If not, I probably don't have to...

I'm A Runner

2011-05-22T23:11:00.007-06:00

To watch, go to the bottom of the blog to my purple PLAYLIST and click on the symbol that looks like an 11. It will turn off the music. Trust me, it will be worth it. =)

A Funny

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

2011-05-13T12:04:00.000-06:00

Sorry so late. Blogger was down FOREVER!!!

After a little (ahem!) hiatus... it's back!!!

Food 4 Thought Friday!

A little feast without the calories!!
Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! I will post a new one each Thursday night for those that are on a different time zone. JOIN IN!!!

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions:

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Breakfast What have you sold?

Lunch What does your answering machine say?

Dinner Where were you when you heard Bin Laden was dead?

Midnight Snack Where are you on your way to today?

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)

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MY ANSWERS

Breakfast What have you sold? I had my own line of homemade crafts that I sold at Boutiques while we were poor starving students in Medical School, I sold Mary Kay for a time, I sold many of my decorated cakes, I have sold my services such as dance instructor, cake decorating teacher, and I have tried to sell all mothers on American Mothers! Greatest organization for mothers in the world!

Lunch What does your answering machine say? It has my 14 year old son's voice message from when he was about 8 years old. I can NOT change it! It is so sweet and I will never change it as long as it doesn't get erased. Whenever I hear it, it warms my heart and takes me back to when he was that age. My Mom will sometimes call that number just to hear his voice. It's so sweet!

Dinner What do you always carry? My iPhone

Midnight Snack Where are you on your way to today? Had a luncheon with friends, but instead going to Ogden to go watch my Mom perform in her dance group. What a riot!

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)
Even if you think it's true, don't always believe everything you hear. Go with your gut feeling, it's usually right.

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Friday Fill-Ins!

Sorry this is so late, but as most of you know, Blogger's been down for awhile. So...here we go!

1. I know I should not have eaten so many of those chocolate chip cookies I just made.

2. I want this house to stay clean for a change if at all possible.

3. This weather has been great for snow suits! (and it's May!)

4. If money can fix it, it's not a problem.

5. I'm really happy I have the ability to type, read, cook, take care of myself and family. I just saw a special on Stephanie Nielson, the blogger, who was in a plane crash and burned so severely she could no longer do those simple little things. I am so grateful I can. What an incredible and inspiring woman! Check out her blog HERE.

6. Que, Sera, Sera (whatever will be, will be) , or something to that effect.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to Maddox with my in-laws and Dave and the boys, tomorrow my plans include a 12 mile run (last one before the marathon next week!), then attending Kathy's Creative Craft event, baking cookies, studying my Sunday School lesson, and hopefully not be too sore from the long run, and Sunday, I want to teach my SS lesson, take a good nap for a change ( I ALWAYS say that - never happens!), catch up on my reading!

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Top of Mind
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you read each of these words and why?

1. ice - Sonic
2. primary - Songs
3. dirty - Boys
4. green - Grass
5. fly - Fishing

Things NOT to Do While Running

2011-05-10T12:20:00.021-06:00

Today I went on a run. Just like I do nearly every day. Only today was my dreaded HILL DAY. That translates into running UP and DOWN the most torturous hills in my area. I only do them once a week but I never look forward to it.

Until today.

I knew that today would be the LAST time I had to endure them for a while because the Ogden Marathon (half) I am registered for is in less than two weeks and I am supposed to be tapering! Plus it was RAINING! Always a bonus in my book. I LOVE running in rain.

I ran my hills. But instead of going home on my regular route, I decided to take a short cut.

#1 Thing NOT to do while running.

Do not take short cuts. At least if your short cut requires climbing up half the mountain (AFTER running hills) and then having to climb over a barbed wire fence in your best running pants. Not a good idea. Um...I will leave it at that.

After I crossed the fence and was into the wilderness area, I was grateful it was raining because I knew (or hoped) that meant NO rattlesnakes would be out and the mountain lions would also be in their cozy dens trying to stay out of the rain. So I felt totally safe!

#2 Thing NOT to do while running.

Never feel safe while all alone on a wild mountain. You just never know what things might jump out at you. Things like dogs that are NOT on a leash! But, we will come back to that.

In the photo below you can see the orange netting that is a barrier to keep people like me out of the area inside it.

Well, I decided to break Rule #1 and take another short cut. It was raining after all. So instead of running all the way around the detour, I decided to cut through where there was an opening in the netting. In order to do this I had to either leap across the ravine or go down it very carefully. I chose the latter.

#3 Thing NOT to do while running.

Do not cross wet ravines. Crossing a ravine on a dry day is one thing, but crossing it after it has rained for three days straight is another. The dirt was so soft and unstable that it forced me down without any traction. I flew down that 8 foot ravine and then had to immediately go up the other side. I almost fell back down into the deep rut, but luckily there was a piece of rebar sticking out I grabbed onto. It was all good. Or so I thought.

My NEW shoes were totally covered in mud! Clear up to my socks. I was not sure how I was going to ever get them clean again. Luckily the construction workers have made a little creek to divert the waterfall water. I used that to wash them. My feet were SOGGY now!

BUT...

All was well. All was well. So off I went. I continued on and saw many beautiful sites of the city below.

You can even the skeleton of the temple steeple in this one if you look close enough. (click to enlarge)

I saw a LOT of puddles and wet roads.

And check out this new look-out point the construction workers have made.
Now you can find your thrill on Aspen Drive Hill! Crazy!

Just about then, I reached into my pocket to get my phone. NO PHONE. I had it on my RunKeeper app to measure my distance and time but had not noticed I hadn't received any updates on it for a while. The lady's voice that updates is so annoying that I am surprised I didn't notice.

#4 Thing NOT to do while running.

Don't ignore the fact that the annoying lady has gone bye-bye.

In my panic I began searching everywhere for it and started to back track. I had a feeling it was either in the little stream coming down the mountain where I washed off my shoes OR it was where I had jumped the ravine. I scoured every inch of where I previously stepped on my way back. Nothing in sight. UNTIL....

Suddenly I looked up and saw THIS coming rapidly (or more like rabidly!) at me!

Remember rule #2? Never feel safe?

Okay I must confess THIS is NOT what I saw.

I had lost my phone so how could I have taken a picture?! For all you know THIS is what I saw! I guess you will never know! ☺
BUT it was something like this only MUCH MUCH meaner and more FEROCIOUS looking with very cloudy and penetrating eyes that were looking right at my throat! It looked like a mini German shepherd only with a Doberman's face.

I stopped dead in my tracks hoping I could buy some time while the owner called him off. The owner called him. But NOT off! He just called his name as if he were running after a ball. I began to panic as I saw him coming faster and getting more aggressive. The owner just quietly called his name again but it was too late. He was ALL over me! Which brings me to the:

#5 Thing NOT to while running.

Do NOT forget your Pepper Spray! I wished I'd had it with me. I would have ripped it out and sprayed it...

...AT THE OWNER!

He should have had that mutt on a leash even IF they were on the mountain. There are always runners and hikers up there. Lucky for me, the dog was not vicious once he attacked me. In fact, he liked me. And of course, I liked him too even if he was turning my solid color pants and jacket in a print. Dog-paw print. I can't help but like dogs. It's the owners I have issues with!

I was definitely covered with his muddy paw prints! And he just kept jumping on me! Again and again and again and the owner didn't take control of him. I could NOT believe it! He even went and got his paws in the creek and I just knew he was going to jump on me again but now with those wet little paws, but thankfully some kind of divine intervention occurred and he took off. Whew. Even though I LOVE dogs, I am sure if he had come at me with those very wet muddy paws, I would have picked up a rock and threw it by this point! Of course, once again, I would have aimed it at the owner!

Once they took off, I checked everywhere near the little creek for my phone, but to no avail. I kept running back to the ravine. I looked closely but I couldn't see anything. I kept checking and kept praying that I would find it when suddenly I saw a teeny tiny spot of purple showing through the dirt. Could it be? YES IT WAS! My phone! Nearly completely buried in the dirt, but right where I had jumped across.

It was in that hole you can see.

What a relief! It was covered in dirt and I was hoping it was not damaged but when I turned it on, the annoying lady confirmed it was just fine. I had never been so happy to hear that voice in my life!

I got back on the trail and began running when two SUV's appeared from no where and nearly sprayed me with muddy water. Thankfully they had enough consideration to go slow as they passed me. They gave me a funny look when they saw the paw prints all over me. They were probably thinking I was some super hero that had just had a little wrestling match with a mountain lion and won. I just waved majestically.

I began to reach home and since I knew I was safe from rattlers today, I didn't want to take the trail, so I started to climb down the rocks. The VERY WET rocks.

#6 Thing NOT to do while running.

Don't abandon the trail when it's raining. Adventure is fun BUT it is always better to stay on the trail. Especially if it is raining. I took a little slip and nearly sprained my ankle. Honest, I did.

These photos aren't staged at all.

#7 Thing NOT to do while running.

Do not stage photos not matter how convincing you think they are. If you do, people won't believe the rest of your story either!

I got off the rocks and onto the very rock path that led to my home. I must say I was grateful to be alive and well. And here all this time I thought it was mountain lions and rattlesnakes I had to fear while running the mountain. Little did I know it would now become how I was going to get those blasted paw printed stains out of my clothes.

These photos do not even do justice to the fact that I was also covered in paw prints and mud in the back.

I'm trying to show my muddy sleeve, NOT demonstrate how tough I am, even if I did just wrestle a mountain lion.

#8 Thing NOT to do while running the mountain.

Don't tell people that you were attacked by a dog. And especially don't write a blog post about it. Just let the paw prints do the talking. If word gets out you were attacked by a mountain lion and won the battle, you could become rich and famous!

Orange You Glad For Sweet Things?

2011-05-08T09:58:00.004-06:00

I had a wonderful Grandma (Mae) who used to make the most delicious orange rolls. Hers were more of a go with dinner type without a lot of gooey frosting, but I have always remembered how scrumptious they were and as a result I've always had a passion for orange rolls.

I found a great recipe for them and now get many requests from my boys to make these frequently. Luckily they are very easy and not super time consuming.

I was going to do this Pioneer Woman style, but I got a little caught up in the process and forgot to take more pictures. Here are a few with the recipe at the bottom.

ORANGE ROLLS

In a bowl, whisk:
1 cup warm millk
2 beaten eggs
1 stick melted butter
1 cup warm water
2 tsp salt
2/3 cup sugar
2 Tbl quick yeast

*Add 6 to 8 cups of bread flour gradually, scraping bowl, until smooth and springy.
*Knead 5 minutes. Put a little oil in the bowl and put the dough in then flop over to cover dough wtih oil.
*Cover in Saran Wrap and let raise until double in size (about an hour).
*Punch down, Tuck dough under and get out the wrinkles.
*Roll out in a rectangle about 18" x 22" (1/4 " thick)
*Smear with a stick of softened butter.
*Zest 3 large oranges and chop fine then add one cup sugar to zest. DO not leave out this step. Fresh oranges are best.
*Sprinkle dough with zest/sugar mix and cinnamon.
*Roll up in a log. Pinch end to seal. Cut with floss into 12-18 rolls.
*Place on a jelly roll pan and let raise for 1/2 hour.
*Bake at 350° for 16-18 minutes.

Frosting:
4 oz. cream cheese softened
1/4 cup butter softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup milk
2 Tbl orange juice (squeezed from zested oranges)

ENJOY!!!!

ORANGE you glad you read this? =)

Spring Happenings

2011-05-04T07:40:00.008-06:00

Taylor's Basketball Banquet

Each year we get to attend the basketball banquet in the spring. The food is always so good and we love spending time with all these boys we have watched and supported all season.

Receiving awards ~ Coach Meacham is in purple on the far right.

Coach Hollingsworth the JV coach.

Taylor got Defensive Player of the Year for the JV team!!! Way to go!

He was NOT cooperating for the photo. But hey, at least he's not doing his new "trademark" look in this one.

Josh - Taylor (T-train) - and London

It was a great season! Have I done the post on the basketball season yet? Hmm.... I don't think I have! Oh, I am SO behind!

Running From It All!

A couple of Saturday's ago, I ran the canyon with Jen for my long run. The wind was brutal and of course blowing against us most of the way. The hardest part was running up that first humongous hill that never seems to end. I didn't think there was any way I would make it without stopping, but I did! Running the canyon is one of my favorite running routes, even with the wind trying to prove who is boss. And it's always more fun with a friend. It is inspiring to be running on the downhill part and watch the poor bikers pedalling for all they are worth UP the canyon.

We are both training for the Ogden Marathon on May 21st. I signed up for the full, but due to IT band issues, I am now running the half. Jen is into the new running barefoot craze and hasn't decided if she is wearing socks, going barefoot, or her Evos.

I ended my 11 mile part of the run at my in-laws to stop and help with the family service project to clean up their yard while they were out of town.

Spring Clean Up
Dave's parents were out of town and so Dave organized a family yard clean up to surprise them. It was a TON of work and we were there for most of the day, but it did look so much better after. It was honestly the first nice Saturday that we could do it without snow or rain. It's been a wintry spring!
(Click to enlarge)

Rake wars!

That whole trailer was FULL! We hauled off a lot of future compost!

We headed to the dump to get rid of it. Oh how I hate that place. The stench is horrible! Smells like a massive manure pit! UGH! I'm still in my running clothes, which is good because after that little stop, I couldn't wait to get in the shower!

It was also General Conference weekend and so that night while all the guys hit the Priesthood session I stayed home and curled up in my lambswool blanket that I love and watched When In Rome and ate popcorn and chocolate and root beer all by myself. It was heaven...

Dave's parents were so happy about their yard that they took everyone who helped (and could come) out to Maddox to say thanks. I like those kind of thank yous!

McKay's 14th Birthday!

Oh my stinkin' stars! WHEN did this happen? MY BABY a 14 year old? Waa-waa! Now I am going to be the BABY, or at least cry like one. Time just needs to slow down and fast!

I always make them some kind of theme cake that goes along with what they were involved in or liked that year, but this year McKay requested Key Lime Yogurt Pie for his cake. I was okay with that since it is super easy to make and very yummy! I had to make three though so we had enough to go around.

Taylor was harassing me with the camera and wouldn't stop and so I decided to give him a show so he would leave me alone! Didn't work...

April Fool's Day

This year the only photo I have is the above one. Those are supposed to be mashed potatoes and gravy cupcakes. Kind of hard to tell I know. Oh well, I tried!

I did get Taylor good this year though. I had Dave turn off the water and so when he got up to take a shower there was no water. He came out and very unhappily told us there was no water. I pretended to be on the phone to a neighbor getting the scoop and so then told him that she said there was a gas pipe explosion on our mountain and it broke the water line. He suckered it right in. He sat on the stairs very unhappy and said, "How am I supposed to take a shower?" Dave offered to go get some of the stored water in the basement. He didn't like that idea. Hee hee. After watching him in his distress, I finally said, "APRIL FOOLS!" He smirked a little smile of relief and hit the shower as soon as Dave turned it back on. I went to wake McKay up and play the same scenario with him, but he had overheard me say, "April Fools!" dang it! So he was onto me. I never did get him good this year. =(

Cupcake Cravings

Kristen showed up with all the stuff to make cupcakes one night and so Bryce and Taylor went to town making them. I was impressed how meticulous they were about them. They wanted the batter to be distributed evenly and so they put it in a bag and cut off the end and squeezed it out that way. They had lots of fun. I had lots of fun too.....sampling them! YUM!

McKay's Piano Recital

This is blog worthy just for the simple fact he wants to quit so bad! I am holding my ground! He did a great job and even though he hates it, I KNOW it is a good thing!

This was in the building and everyone wanted to try it out after the recital. I told him this is where he will end up if he quits piano lessons!

LOVE This Lady!

I have a dear friend named Mona who is such a bright spot in my life. She has had a hard life but is so generous and so much fun to be around. I always feel so much better after spending time with Mona. We went out to breakfast one day and she surprised me with this BEAUTIFUL afghan that she made for ME! It was so touching and I still can't believe she did it just for me. And it's not even my birthday! This is something I will cherish forever as I do her!

Here we are at Bert's Cafe with Bonnie.

LUNCH with FRIENDS

At Roosters with some old high school pals.

His shirt says, "I tried Polygamy in Utah".... it's a drink they serve at the restaurant. We figured he needed some proof so we posed in the photo with him! haha

Birthday lunch for Holly

You can tell who's birthday it is by the Sombrero! She put a napkin on her head to protect it from the hat that gets worn by everyone who celebrates a birthday! Can't say I blame her! lol

At Tony's Pizza with some high school pals celebrating Gina's 50th! We used to hang out here in high school almost every Friday night.

Things got a little out of hand....er- face!

At Taggarts in Morgan. We found these canes and so of course we HAD to have a photo! Kathy didn't have any granny glasses with her and so she made her own.

Stake Relief Society Meeting

My friend Bonnie who is our Stake Relief Society President, asked me if I would be in charge of the decorations for their yearly stake meeting. I was a little apprehensive because I have seen them in the past, and they are always amazing, but I couldn't say no. Besides, I had my very talented friend Brooke on my committee. We planned and hoped it would all come off without a hitch, and for the most part it did. The theme for the night was FAMILY and so we made a cozy family room scene on the stage and displayed family photos and many Proclamation's on the Family around that we had gathered from the entire stake that we interspersed on the stage with gorgeous Hydrangeas, Daisy's and Pansies.

It turned out very nice and brought the theme into play nicely.

With Bonnie and Sister Cheryl Lant - former General Primary President. She was the speaker for the evening and gave an amazing talk! It turned out great, but then everything with Bonnie's touch always does!

Bryce's 20th Birthday!

Wow! I can NOT believe my little Bryce Meister is 20! Once again, WHEN did this happen? Have I been in a coma for the past several years or what? He had just moved home from college and we all went to Iggy's to celebrate before he headed off to Moab with Skyler the next day and I headed back to SLC for the AMI National Convention. For some reason things are ALWAYS crazy around his birthday!

Now he is off to Hawaii to work for the summer with Skyler. I am glad they will be together so I won't worry quite as much. Why do they have to grow up so fast????

Random

This was an extended Family Home Evening. We had an Easter basket contest. Ours was, well...interesting. It did not stand a chance at winning and my photos of the winning ones are gone.

Speaking of gone... I whacked off Taylor's hair pretty short. At his request of course.

Taylor's Track Meets

(click to enlarge)

As soon as basketball season is over track begins. Well, actually it begins before. All of his sports overlap. This year he is the leading high jumper on Varsity. The other events he is good at is the long jump, the triple jump, and the 4 x 200 relay. He has really become a fast runner this year. Not his favorite thing to do, but he is really improving speed wise.

Track meets come with A LOT of waiting around for your events and trying to stay warm while waiting. This spring has been more like winter. The meets are usually freezing cold and either raining or snowing. Gotta love spring sports in Utah. This year seems to be much less "springy" than most though.

Taylor high jumping

The long jump and the triple jump

Click to enlarge

Another few weeks left of track and then basketball camps all summer and football training starts before school is out. All three in one! Fun, fun! Good thing he is young!

Feels good to have this done, but I am still SO behind! Wish me luck! And...

HAPPY SPRING!!!

Beacon of Hope

Angel With Whiskers

Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

♥Tyson ~ Forever In Our Hearts♥

We've Adopted!!!

I'm on a roll!

Turkey Trot and Snowman Shuffle

There is nothing better than a good friend except a good friend with chocolate!

Hoop Dreams

Oh How Pinteresting!

Done Is Better Than Perfect

SOS

Love It

I Demand A Recount!!!

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

Thoughtful Thursday

Why Didn't I Think of That?!?!

Motherhood Elevated!

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

* Shake It Off and Step Up *

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

~ All it Takes is All You've Got ~

I'm A Runner

~~~Food 4 Thought Friday~~~

Things NOT to Do While Running

Orange You Glad For Sweet Things?

Spring Happenings

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

~Food 4 Thought Friday~

~Food 4 Thought Friday~