Back in the Saddle!

It has been too long since I posted last, so I am getting back in the saddle! During the past few weeks I have realized how much I miss sharing my thoughts through writing.  There have been many nights where I haven't been able to sleep and think about what I could write about.  It is time to put those thoughts into action! Wish me luck on my new goal!

What kind of car do you drive?

I know I have been terrible at posting and it has been haunting me! We had a great summer with pictures to document it, but for some reason I couldn't get the drive to post them.  You may get a summer recap when the snow starts falling here!

Noah is playing on a new baseball team and over Halloween weekend we went to St.George, Utah for a tournament.  One of the highlights was seeing this beauty of a ride! How can you not smile when you see this cruising down the road?

Our True Identity

Our True Identity

I have watched this video several times in preparation for a guest speaker we will be having for Young Women's.  I believe this is a message that is so important for not only the young women in our ward to hear, but for each one of us.  It is tough to remember how amazing we are truly when we are bombarded with media that tells us otherwise.  We each need to know that we are Daughters of our Heavenly Father and that he does love us.  I hope this message is an inspiration to you like it has been for me!

Happy 16th Tanner!

Our oldest is 16 today! Does that make us old too? We think Tanner is pretty wonderful. Here are 16 reasons why.

1. He has beautiful blue eyes!

2. He stands up for what is right.

3. He is very obedient.

4. He loves seminary.

5. He is a great dirt bike rider and shares his bike with his dad.

6. He is an unstoppable goalie!

7. He can run really fast but will also run with his mom who isn't so fast.

8. He can fold ALOT of laundry!

9. He hasn't broke the speed limit yet, we will keep our fingers crossed!

10. He is a hard worker.

11. He is creative and loves to build things.

12. He finds ways to earn money and is great at saving for what he wants.

13. He honors the priesthood.

14. He loves to go hunting!

15. He loves to spend time with his grandparents!

16. He is easy going and fun to hang out with.

My Ipod and I Did It Again!

As I laid in bed I could hear the rain. Not just a sprinkle but real rain. The kind you don't want to be running in. The kind that makes you turn off your alarm and snuggle back into the covers. I had a race to run though. A race I had been training for and a race I was prepared for. As I lay there listening to the rain I made a few wardrobe adjustments in my head and waited. I woke up before the alarm (I don't think I really slept anyway) and got ready and the rain continued. I drove to the race start and the rain continued. I wondered if this would become a biathlon, running and swimming :) I pinned on my bib and boarded the bus and the rain continued. The bus reached its destination and the rain ceased. It was cold and wet but no rain.
As I visited with some fellow runners I predicted it would be a dry run. They smiled at me and began talking about previous rainy runs and how horrible they were. I commented on the beauty of the morning. They chuckled at my optimism. I guess I should have told them I am a Washington girl at heart, and it really was beautiful.
The race began a few minutes early and we were all grateful. No rain only pounding feet and light conversations. My Ipod and I had begun! I felt great! The view was spectacular! The music was rockin!
As I headed down Provo Canyon I could see the Utah Valley Marathoners running. Some were running strong, some were struggling, some were walking. I said a quick prayer for them, I wish I could have lent them my fresh running legs. They were inspiring. I thought of our good friend Riley. I knew he was running the marathon and wished him well.
I had a goal to finish my race in 1 hour 40 minutes. I was hoping to shave a few minutes off of that time. As a I ran I wondered how I was doing. I felt strong and confident. I had prepared well. As I neared the finish I could see the time clock. 1 hour 27 minutes. Did you see that, 1 hour 27 minutes! I started to cry. Then I saw my family. More crying while still trying to breathe normal and run. Brian was taking pictures and my kids were cheering me on. I am yelling, "do you see the clock?!"
I had a great morning. Oh, and it didn't rain the whole time!

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!!!!