My Birthday

The kids actually spent my birthday at Grandma's. This picture was taken a day early. I worked the morning of my birthday and then Grandma came and picked up H and Crew. Stockton headed off with his scout group for an overnight camp out.

Carl took me to the city where we met up with friends for my first ever Korean BBQ. It's been a long time since we've gone out with the friends and we really had a great time. The company was awesome and the food pretty good too;)Afterwards, we stayed the night at the Hilton. The next morning was the most memorable part of the weekend. Carl and I got up and drove to Memory Grove Park where we headed up City Creek Canyon for a run. The temps were low enough that we had to bundle up but were warm enough once we got moving. We ran a total of 10 miles. As you can see from this chart, the first 5 miles were uphill. Good times!

CREATE

When it comes to blogging, I love reading the crafty blogs. I'm a serious lurker! I always want to try something new but my life just doesn't seem to allow it...
I feel overwhelmed most of the time and starting any project of significance just doesn't seem possible. I was looking around at my house thinking I haven't done anything creative in like FOREVER. To my left and through an open door I saw this wall! Yes, yes, yes, I AM creative!
About a month ago my sisters came and took care of my children while I painted. This wall turned out great! I LOVE IT! I used 3 shades of blue and 2 shades of brown. Now, if I could just purchase the blinds:)

Backwards Resolutions

The last thing I need is to set myself up for failure. Besides, I have enough guilt in my daily living to last me for awhile. After reading Jodi's post on backwards resolutions, I decided this is the way to go.

So, in an effort to guarantee SUCCESS and not add to my guilt, I've decided on the following resolutions:

1. I will not learn to sing on pitch this year.


2. I will not give up carbonated beverages.


3. I will not stop running.


4. I will not stop blogging.


5. I will not get super skinny.


6. I will not get out of debt.


7. I will not stop battling my boys to brush their teeth, make their beds, or pick up their clothes.


8. I will not vacation out of the country.


9. I will not be adding another one to our family.


10. I will not stop praying.

A checklist.

I saw this on Yvonne's blog. It looked fun so I decided to play along. I'm so grateful for all of lifes experiences. Things I have done are in Yellow. Looks like I need to travel more;)

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch- I don't know what this means?
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb- No, but I've held a baby pig
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon- Just a 1/2
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language- Learning ASL
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing- No, but I've been spelunking
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited to Mt. Rushmore

Milestones to Achieve

Like I said in a previous post, Crew learned to sit up in bed. Thanks for the many comments, cheers, praise, and rejoicing with us in this accomplishment! Twenty-Six comments is an all time high for me and it does help knowing we have our own little cheering squad.

As anticipated, his new skill has led to another.

This is good... very very good! Unfortunately, we aren't getting a whole lot of sleep around here and nap times are far and few between.

* Note: Positions pictured are exactly as occurred but just to save my pride- No, I don't dress my child in the same outfit everyday and he doesn't wear jeans to bed for the night.

On another note, today I went with Crew and his Preschool class on a little field trip to a local "Hobby Farm". I volunteered to bring his wheelchair as they would be walking a few blocks. I anticipated having a wonderful time with my son. There would be chickens to see, horses, ostriches, emu's, tortoises, turtles. I even stopped to purchase batteries for my camera for the great event. What I didn't anticipate was the drama my little one would put on "just because mom was there". You know the one, "Let me show you all how I've got my mom wrapped around my little finger". So embarrassing! I even told the teacher that I wish I hadn't gone because I know he is fine without me. In his little class there is an adorable little girl who also has CP. I met McKenna at a GYM class over two years ago before Crew could even crawl. McKenna, a 1 lb preemie was then learning to crawl and pull-to-stand. Today I saw her RUN without the use of a walker or DAFO's for that matter. Part of me was thrilled to see her progress and her cuteness. McKenna is an example of all that can be achieved. But then... it was just a LITTLE disheartening to think of how far we still have to go.

Yes, discouragement is a part of our world but I do try not to let it take over. In your everyday lives, do you suffer from discouragement, self-criticism, or the awful trait of comparing yourself to others? Sometimes it can be so debilitating! I really detest the feelings of discouragement.

How thankful I am today to come home and read this post by one of my favorite bloggers. I agree wholeheartedly with Lori that each one of us is blessed with different talents, experiences, opportunities. We cannot compare what we are going through with that which we "see" of others. I don't think we can ever guess what challenges another might face or experience. Lori, also talks about BALANCE. This is something I am getting better at. There was a time in my life as a mother where I DID NOT invest energy and time for me. How invigorating it is to finally have something that I enjoy (exercise)! I will keep reminding myself that its okay to indulge in this passion without guilt and it will make me a better wife/mother/daughter/sister/friend. Yes, it's okay!

13.1 MILES

I'm really doing it! This Saturday is the Top of Utah HALF Marathon. I am way excited but equally nervous. I didn't even consider running this until 5 weeks ago so there is a good chance I will be the laughing-stock of the whole bunch!!!

Today and tomorrow are REST days and its driving me crazy not to get out and run. I don't feel ready for this so I will need all the good luck I can get:) Begging you all!

I've done all the training for this by myself. There is a ladies threesome in my neighborhood that is also running it but I haven't trained with them because they are totally awesome and I don't want to slow them down. Fortunately, I will be riding up to Logan with them which will hopefully help me get the jitters out a bit before I run.

Happy Birthday Patriece

I believe one of the greatest gifts of my childhood was be given ONE true friend. Someone who gave me reason to believe in myself, someone who treasured those same morals and values that I did, someone who I could trust. Friendship like that is hard to find but I think my Heavenly Father knew I needed it. What a blessing it has been in my life.

At one point in High School my father expressed concern for my small circle of friends which included four or five other girls. I didn't agree with him then and still believe today that ONE true friend is way more valuable than numerous sorta-friends. True friendship is a gift that cannot be taken for granted.

Check out the first photo and laugh if you want to. I'll be the first to admit that I was tomboy through and through. Look at me in my turtleneck and big brothers hand-me-down pants with sloppy socks. I had no hair skills and was extremely shy. Patriece in her cute springy outfit and an air of confidence. Hmmm... I wonder what time of year this was taken- winter or spring? LOL.

(Second photo)- Girls Choice. Wipe that grin off your face:) I blocked out the boys 'cause they are irrelevant. LOL.

Patriece and I have been friends for over 30 years. Do you know how much that means to me?

I've never had a problem remembering birthdays and the fact that I have a son who shares a birthday with my childhood friend makes it all the more special. Wishing you a great day, Patriece!

QUOTES THAT I LIKE:

"True friends are always together in spirit."By Lucy Maud Montgomery

"Nations will rise and fall. Wars will be lost and won. Lives will begin and end, but a true friend is eternal."By Jon Koroluk

"Don't pity the girl with one true friend. Envy her. Pity the girl with just a thousand acquaintances."By Katie Obenchain

Chic Flic

Anyone that know me well knows how hard it is for me to sit down and watch a movie. I rarely watch movies at home and in the theater I am constantly shifting and checking my watch. It's just so hard to sit in one place for so long.

Last night I saw Mamma Mia and I thought it was okay... and cute! Oh, but I do love the music and I even went out and bought the soundtrack- a second rarity for me!

I didn't get home until just before midnight and then it takes me forever to wind down. I didn't set my alarm cause I knew I would be tired but I couldn't sleep past 5:30 am anyway. There's something about summer that screams at my body to get up and exercise. My run this morning was difficult but I survived.

MOTHERHOOD

Honestly, Mothers Day has never been a favorite of mine. I've noticed this year, from reading various blogs, that I am not alone. Typically, we mothers go to church where we hear well scripted talks on the "IDEAL mother" and are left feeling inadequate in one way or another. Last night when talking to my husband, I declared that maybe I would make it a tradition NOT to attend church on mothers day. We laughed about it because we both know that it would never happen.

Much to my surprise, our Sacrament Meeting talks were not focused on THE MOTHER and at the end of the meeting the Bishop got up and explained that he had been instructed to be careful in choosing speakers. In a round about way, I got the impression that he decided NO talks on mothers is better than leaving someone hurt in some way.

One of my favorite blogs, How Can I Keep From Singing, shares her thoughts on losing a child and how "this" day can sometimes only bring pain. Since moving here I've become good friends with three individuals. One who lost her 6-year old daughter, one who lost her mother, and one who's mother is in a mental hospital. I mourn for them... I really do. Yet, with all their pain I know that they do find great joy in their individual journeys as Mothers... as do I.

Being a mom has always been top on my dream list and my most satisfying and rewarding role in life. Motherhood is hard but equally fulfilling- for me. I loved BlackEyedSue's perspective on having children in the home so I stole her idea for today.

Children live here....

FOR WHICH I AM GRATEFUL!

Southern Utah Getaway

My big sis, Sheri, had some work to do in Southern Utah and I tagged along. It was great to get away without children and do something for myself.

We drove down on Thursday and she worked for a few hours. We decided to go to dinner with her co-worker, who recommended a family owned Hawaiian Restaurant but for some reason it was closed. We decided to try a new place in town called "Orleans Cafe". When the menu came we were surprised at the prices and the menu led me to believe that the portions would be large... so Sheri and I decided to share an entree'. I'm so wishing I had my camera there so I could have taken a picture. Our $22.00 meal came and there were 5 shrimp, some veggies and a small piece of garlic bread. LOL. We left that place starving:) I was really glad that we split it because the food totally wasn't worth the money and I would've been mad at myself if I had spent that much.

A couple hours later, Sheri and I went to Chiles because what we really wanted was to share a plate of fajitas. We ordered it "to go" and told the cashier we were so grateful to get some "real food" because we had just been to dinner and were still hungry. She was so cute- gave us free drinks while we waited and extra tortillas to go with our fajitas. Ah, I'll have to say I enjoyed every single bite while watching TV in our hotel room. I'm not a TV watcher but I did enjoy the time in front of the tube.. eating good food and enjoying time away.

On Friday morning we found a fun park with a paved trail. After I dropped Sheri off at work I changed into running clothes and took a little run. Its been months since I've gotten outside to run and I loved every minute of it. The scenery was beautiful with a little river running alongside the trail, waterfalls, and gorgeous red rock. The trail was 2 miles up and 2 miles back with little hills here and there.

Later in the day we spent several hours hiking in Snow Canyon. I had never been there before and I loved it. The weather was perfect and it felt really great to get out moving. I think Sheri wanted to do another four mile hike but at that point I was getting tired. We checked out the Tuachan Amphitheatre but there wasn't anything playing at the time and added it to our list of things to do next time.

The rest of our trip was spent at the outlets and IKEA. I loved every minute of our getaway and will definitely be doing it again... and I'm not waiting another 15 years:)

15 Years

Not being one who accurately remembers details from years past, somehow I've held onto a few random memories from my college days. Sis and I were able to room together my sophomore/junior year of college. Sheri (already a graduate at the time) and I, have fond memories of those days.

One summer prior to school starting, we took a trip together... just the two of us. We spent a weekend in Arizona. Oooh, at twenty years old it was my FIRST airplane ride. Isn't that funny! We spent a couple days in Phoenix and a couple days in Show Low where we visited my Grandmother. It was August and I remember we pulled over to the side of the road and took cute pics of ourselves amongst the sunflowers. We discovered that Arizona is a lot more than cacti and desert heat. We enjoyed the mountain air and the cool lakes which dot the area around my grandmothers home.

I remember that time in my life as being very fulfilling and fun and carefree. It was a time when I dreamed that my knight in shining armor would return from his mission to New Caledonia and we would live happily ever after. It was a time before I knew the reality of children with disabilities, before those sleepless nights, before mental illness. I was in control of my life. Working and paying my way through school gave me a sense of accomplishment and I loved the freedom of living on my own.

I marvel at how time changes things so drastically. Gosh, I love my children! They are the most important and fulfilling thing to me now, yet I feel like I'm being stretched, beaten and burned. I wonder if I can handle one more thing. Consequently, I've decided that it's time for a mommy break!

Big sister and I will be spending the weekend in a warmer place. Three days and two nights...no children, no husband. I deserve it! It's been 15 years!

Great Analogy

I'm not sure how I found this blogger but her writings are real and inspirational. I like Cindy because she is an optimist but not afraid to blog about her struggles. She tells it like it is and has an insight and wisdom far beyond her years. I love this analogy about "The People on My Bus".

On my blog I write about my kids and do more than my fair share of whining. I do try to find the good in the situation and it helps me remember to appreciate all that I have. However, like most bloggers, there is also the other side of the story and it is "nearly always" to private to share... so I just keep pluggin' along. I'm thankful for HOPE which is the one thing that keeps me from giving up.

I too have a bus...

My bus carries the judgemental therapist, all-knowing doctors, ecclesiastical leaders, the compassionate neighbor, my life long friend, dramatic story teller, hypochondriac, and the healer. I love the realization I've come to tonight that its true... it doesn't matter who rides the bus- rather who sits behind the wheel.

I enjoyed 4 hours of General Conference today. The talks were uplifting and gave me much needed strength and insight, a great reminder to turn the wheel over to the Lord and "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).

Thirty-Five Tomorrow

I really don't think you want to hear about how my lethargic barfing four-year old requires that his seizure meds are force-fed with icecream. So instead I will share some self-shot pics of myself on our last ski trip... after all it's my birthday:)