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!!!!

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!

Happy Birthday Nick!

Today Nic turns 13! Yea! Anybody that knows Nic loves him. He is a great friend, fun brother and wonderful son. I have read other blogs where they write as many great things about the birthday person for how many years old they are. I can think of many more things beyond 13 that are great about Nic but for now I will stick to 13! Happy birthday Nicholas!

1. He gives the best hugs!

2. He will still tell his parents he loves them, even when his friends are around.

3. If there is a good time to be enjoyed, count Nic in!

4. He lets his mom spell his name Nic even though he likes Nick.

5. He loves a good joke.

6. He can't ever finish a good joke because he is laughing before he even gets to the punch line.

7. He is sensitive to other people feelings.

8. He is very loyal to his family and friends.

9. He looks out for the underdog.

10. He doesn't worry about following the crowd.

11. He loves to play with his sister and brothers.

12. He is awesome at stopping the puck!

13. He is proud to be Nic!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning

We had a great Christmas this year! We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma Runolfson's house. We had great food and a fun visit with Santa! We spent some time with Great Grandma Runolfson and then made our annual trip to the cemetery to light candles. It is a beautiful tradition. Christmas morning was full of screams and delights. The older boys each received an IPod touch and Noah got a B.Y.U. Ipod. ( He LOVES Taylor Swift and like to listen to the primary songs they are learning this year for their program.) All Emma wanted was an American Girl doll. Every day we were reminded. She told Santa that she understood if he couldn't get her one, but that was all she really wanted though. Her heart was set and Santa did not disappoint! It was a fun day!

Dance Your Heart Out

Emma's dance teacher gives the children an opportunity to choreograph their own dance routine. She and her friend Hannah danced together this year. Skipping is such a great skill! They had a blast and felt like stars! It was so worth it!

Noah's third grade program

We started out the holidays with Noah's third grade program. What a great way to bring the Christmas spirit! It was really fun to hear him practicing all the songs around the house. My favorite was Silver Bells. My grandpa had my mom play it every year on the piano before we could open presents Christmas Eve. Every time I would hear it on the radio it warmed my heart. I miss my grandpa. Noah has some great friends in his class. Enjoy the pictures!

Go Girls!

Soccer at B.Y.U.

Emma had a really fun soccer season this year! I had fun being one of the coaches. I actually just substituted the kids in during the game, but everyone needs a job right?! Anyway her team was able to run out with the B.Y.U. girls soccer team before the game started and then they played during half time. They had a great time and felt so grown up! This was the game prior to the famous hair pulling and fighting incident. I was glad the girls did not have to see that. We are excited for spring soccer. Emma loves to play and we love watching her!

Jump Rope Miracles

I have a student in my class this year with unique circumstances. The first week of school I knew this year would be a test of my patience and ability to teach. This student gave me some challenges that I have not had to deal with before. Every day for the first week he would run away. He worries constantly about food. He disrupts the class. He doesn't finish most of his work. He needs repeated reminders and assurance about his daily schedule. I love him. He is easy to love. He has a lot of emotional problems that are so unfair and causes many disruptions throughout our day and I love him.

Recess is a big deal, especially for first graders. Every recess you can find a group of kids jumping rope. Do you remember taking turns turning the rope and chanting Cinderella dressed in yellow . . . Anyway, the other day the line began forming and this one boy got in line. I was helping turn the rope and I knew he hadn't jumped before. I was worried about how this was going to turn out. He came up to the rope and missed the first jump. I told him to try again and he missed. The other children were anxious for their turn but I told him to try again. I told him that I would tell him when to jump. As the rope came around I said "jump". His feet left the ground only high enough to barely clear the rope. Again I called out "jump". He made it again. Soon all the children were calling "jump" for this boy. The spirit was strong. The children were united in helping one of their classmate succeed. The smile on his face was priceless. I tried to control my emotions, but even now it moves me to tears. "I did it teacher, I've never jumped rope before." Such joy, pure joy. A miracle had taken place. Heaven and earth were one. For a short moment a boy who has more challenges than seems fair was "just like everyone else".

This moment in this child's education will not be measured on his end of the year test. He will not receive honors for his accomplishment. This exact experience will never be replayed again, but isn't education far more than reading, writing, and math. I sure hope so because if I am wrong then I need to change professions.