Early Morning 5K

I ran a 5K this morning. This is the first race I have ran with just me and my ipod. I was a bit nervous. I have always ran with a group of friends. As you know, when girlfriends get together they love to talk, and we do!

When I first began running my friend Teri and I ran the Payson Onion Day 5K. We were pleased with our race until the guy running behind us said, "You would both run a lot faster if you didn't talk." We laughed because he was probably right and we beat him!

Today I didn't talk, well I sang in my head but that doesn't count! I ran and I ran hard. I couldn't have talked. Last year I ran a 5K and today I beat that time by 4 minutes!! I guess he was right and I bet I would still beat him!

I am running a 10mile race on June 12. Just me and my trusted ipod! I will let you know how it goes!

Birthday Girl

When Tanner, our oldest, had a birthday I was always so excited that he was getting bigger and couldn't wait for him to be able to have more experiences. Today is Emma, our youngest, birthday and boy do I wish I could stop time. She is growing up way to fast and it makes me sad. She can't wait to get bigger and since there is no stopping time we are just enjoying the ride! Here are seven things we adore about her!

1. She has a great laugh!

2. She leaves us notes and pictures.

3. She still likes to be rocked to sleep.

4. She likes to play school which makes me happy!

5. She loves to hold hands.

6. She is a great soccer player and has overcome her shyness on the field.

7. She loves primary!

Happy birthday Emma! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday to Noah!

Noah is 9 years old! Can you believe it, 9 years old! Where did the time go? He is such a great part of our family. Here are 9 things we love, love, love about him.

1. His smile! One look and your hooked!

2. He lets me lay in bed with him and read.

3. He would be a great cowboy but is happy living in town.

4. He loves to pray.

5. He still holds our hands.

6. He is kind to everyone and tries to include the kids that are being left out.

7. He loves school and that warms his mom's heart.

8. He loves to read the sports page, especially about B.Y.U., and weather every morning.

9. He loves to play hockey, baseball, ride his bike and anything else that keeps him moving!

People

Sometimes I wish I didn't care what other people thought. I wish I didn't care so much about making other people happy or like me. I think I fear that if I stop caring so much I will turn into the jerk of the world. I need to find a balance. Any ideas?

Lessons from Hockey

As many of you know, we are a hockey family. This year we had all three boys playing and boy was it crazy at times. Emma has vowed to NEVER play hockey! We have spent almost every weekend from September to March sitting in an often cold ice rink cheering for our boys. I have wondered, as you may also, why we are doing this. Don't get me wrong, before we had kids Brian and I enjoyed the occasionally hockey game. In fact, we went to a hockey game on our first date. Destiny you may think, maybe maybe not. Anyway hockey has become a way of life in our home.

This has been Noah's first year playing goalie. As I watched him warm up and play in his games it reminded me of two brothers who used to be smaller than the net. Watching him helped me remember the joy of playing for fun. The pressure of competition is absent. We were able to watch some players perfect their snow angels on the ice. Some were in it to win it. The majority loved what they were doing and it showed. Joy, that is what we learned from watching Noah. Thanks buddy for a great season!

I remember a game when Nic's team went into overtime. When no one scores in overtime you have a shoot out. Not like the OK corral style but as the mom of the goalie it felt like it. What happened was each team choose three players to get one chance to shoot on the goalie. As I looked at Nic, ready in the net, all I could see was my little boy, the one who loved to be snuggled. Oh how I wanted to go down and stand by him, to take the shots for him. Lesson for me. He was prepared. He knew what to do and he did it well. His team won and I will admit I shed some tears. Did Nic need me, no he knew what to do. Was he nervous, of course. Was he ready for the challenge? Yes. This experience will play itself out in many forms in Nic's life. I hope we are preparing him well. I know he will be up for the task and we will always have his back.

When I look at Noah in his goalie gear I can't help but think of Tanner and how he has changed. He is bigger than the net now and is a great goalie. He has had a variety of seasons over the years. Some have been championship years and others lacking in the winning department. We have watched him have excellent defense. They kept the puck away from the net and protected their goalie. They made his job look easy. He has had other times where it was just him and the other team. Alone in enemy teritory. Not a fun place to be but he uses the skills he has been taught and more time than naught he prevails. Isn't that so like life. Sometime we are surrounded by others that can help us succeed, but there will always be sometime in our life when we are left alone to see what we are made of. Tanner has proven himself time and time again on and off the ice. We are grateful he is our son.

Next winter we will be back on the ice, ready for new experiences and challenges. Yes, our boys can skate and defend off a puck, but they are learning skills that will help them face the challenges and experiences of life. I know this has been a long post, but it's for my boys and I don't think they mind.

Weight Watchers, please be mine

So here's the deal. I just got back from In n Out. Great food. Tomorrow I am starting weight watchers again. I need to get back in control. I need a plan. I need to practice some self control. I need all the working out I do to make a difference, not just allow me to eat at In n Out and maintain my muffin top instead of letting it explode! My game plan is to let all of you in on my quest so that you can encourage me and help keep me on the path to better food choices. My sister called and asked if I wanted to run a half marathon with her and my older sister. Game on! I have a goal now. The race is in June. I don't want to be last, not really worried about being first either :) I have cool sisters and I want to run with them and then maybe do a little shopping. Sounds fun huh! So if you see me reaching for the peanut M n M's go ahead and ask me about the race I am running in, if I have a crazed look in my eyes maybe head me in the direction of the small peanut M n M bag instead of the 2lb. one. Thanks in advance for your help!