Phoenix Marathon

Just got back from Phoenix, AZ. What a fabulous trip that was. The race was 100% great. I got a new personal best time of 3:43:14 (an even 8:30 avg pace) but when you consider aid stations and the 2+ mile uphill climb my actual running pace was closer 8:20. Not too shabby.

For those of you that don't know there was a big of a competition between my brothers and I. We had all very similar marathon times & so this was kind of a shake down to see who would win. At the start of the race all 3 of my brothers took off and I was absolutely sure they were going to kick my butt. You can imagine my surprise when I passed 2 of them at mile 21, and then caught up to the last one at mile 25. I told him we should finish together. We ran together for about 30 seconds before he dropped back and told me to just go on, so I did. I flew through the last 2 miles (8:20 & 8:10) my legs were screaming at me and there were several times when I thought I was just going to collapse...obviously I didn't.

I saw people walking and wanted to stop and walk more than anything, but thought of all the people cheering me on, both at the race and home in FL and knew I couldn't let them down. So I pushed through and finally finally I got to the finish. As I ran through and realized I had gotten a new best and come in first in my family I couldn't help but just scream/shout "I did it!! I did it!!! I'm first!!!!" People thought I was crazy because as far as they knew I wasn't first in anything. Haha. It was a great finish and I am still on some crazy high from having such a great race.

Everyone did fabulously, my dad did his very first race, a half marathon in 2:22. A great time. I think he really enjoyed it because he came home and signed up for another half marathon. You go dad! It was so great to be with so much family, even my grandparents came out to cheer us through the finish. I love that there are so many of us that run. It makes for a great race.

Anyways, here are some pics from the race. Enjoy!

A Dance, A Book, & Too Much Sugar

Yep folks, another boring ol' update. Here we go.

Last Monday....I tried to run. I had run 55 miles the week before and I was scheduled to run 8 on Monday. So I laced up my shoes and started to, very slowly, run. I lasted a whopping 3 miles before I thought my legs were going to break. So I walked for a good mile, tried running another 2...and then I was done. Seriously, I think my best pace in that entire run was a 9:45. It was a sad sad run. Oh well.
For Family Home Evening we put together all of our Valentine's. For friends, both at church and school. Sophie got really into it and made them for our babysitters, all her friends at church, and even grandpa. Still haven't sent the far away family ones. sorry!

Tuesday, I cleaned up the house, went for a good bike ride with Ben, and then had a meeting with the other Counselor (Michele) in Young Women's. We were planning the food for the upcoming tri-stake dance. Then we talked and talked the afternoon away. It was actually a really fun time. She is an amazing woman, and I'm lucky to get to work with her.

That night was a Relief Society activity. It was great. It was all about love. Love in your family, in your marriage, and then a little bit about natural health/healing. There is a lady in our ward who is an expert in essential oils. I was at the table smelling all of them and asked her what would take my pre-race nerves away. She pulled out a bottle had me sniff it and seriously the effect was immediate. It was crazy weird. Completely grounded me, all nerves, anxiousness, excitement, gone. Crazy. Then she had one that I couldn't put down. It cleared your sinuses completely, made breathing a beautiful thing. I should have brought it home to Ben, he has allergies like crazy right now. Anyways, it was a great activity & I always have fun hanging out with all my fave women.

Wednesday was a busy, but great day. Sophie was playing at a friends for the morning. So I had plans to go visit my friend, Jessica, who had just had a baby girl. She was my running buddy my first year here. Our daughters look like twins, so I was excited to see what this new baby girl looked like. Plus I love babies so dang much & birthing stories so I was dying to visit her. I had plans to go running after the visit and before I picked Sophs up, but that never happened.

I went to Jess' house and that baby is the most perfect cute thing you ever saw. Seriously, she is perfect. We had so much fun chatting and looking at the sweet babe that I stayed there all morning and missed my run. Oh well, running can always happen later...babies....they grow up. It was a great time. Once I got Sophie home, the boys were due home in 30 min. So I hopped on the treadmill. Did hill intervals for exactly 30 min. Got all 6 hills in, my legs didn't break, and finished right when the boys got home. Awesome.

Then it was straight off to scouts. James had scout early that day because they were doing a bike course and I said I'd help with it. James had a great time. They were supposed to do 10 laps around the parking lot. He did 30. He definitely was the most confident on a bike. That's what happens when you ride your bike to school every day for 2 years. He seems to really enjoy scouts. He is friends with all the boys there, and I am glad he gets to go. He is just about done with his Wolf. Just a few more things, which is good because he turns 9 in just a little over a month..yikes!

After scouts I hurried on home, made a bazillion cookies for YW. Strawberry cake cookies with M&Ms and white chocolate chips...they were a little too tasty and I might have eaten a whole lot of dough. dang it! Haha. I finished just in time to head over to the Church and was very grateful for Ben for picking up Subway for all of us.

YW was a lot of fun this week. I had 2 of the girls teach everyone different ways to do your hair, and take care of it and good products to help the frizz you get when living in humid FL. I was so impressed. They did such a great job. They did almost everyone's hair, they were very sweet, and we just had fun. It was a great activity.

After I got home, I made even more cookies for friends for Valentine's day, ate more dough...grrr! And got things ready for the fam for the Holiday. I always do a fun breakfast for the kids and have a few valentines out for them. I decorated the kitchen, set up the table, and finally got my butt in bed way too late. I was really excited for the kids to see what I'd done and thought they'd be excited too. nope. they weren't. They didn't really seem to care.

 butt. heads.

That's the last time I'm losing sleep over spoiling them. ha! Not one of them thanked me or anything. In fact they seemed to just be extra whiny all morning. No, I wasn't happy about that. After they left we cleaned things on up and Ben and I went to go play some tennis. We still aren't great, in fact I wouldn't even say we are good, but we are less horrible than we were when we started. That is for sure. We picked Sophie up from the gym daycare, where she had made us a really cute Valentine and had a fun time. She looked all cute. I had put her hair into fun braids, and she had on a new shirt & sparkly shoes...she was darling.

We came home and made notes for our friends and put cookies onto plates to take around. That was when Ben pulled out his gift for me.

A book. That he wrote, about me. "50 things I love About You" Not going to lie, I cried. It was the sweetest thing I have ever gotten. He started writing it a year ago and then had it printed off. So so so sweet. I then felt lame about the heart attack I had done for him and the smattering of peanut buttery treats. Not a whole lot of thought there. I'll have to think of something great for next year.

The boys got home, Harrison was very excited to tell me that when he got to school there was a heart full of treats on his desk waiting for him. James brought home his box of Valentines. He had made a star wars box with Darth Vaders face on the front that read "Will you be my Death-a-tine?" Not sure what that means exactly, but it made me laugh really hard.

We then went on our way to take plates of cookies to people. It took a couple hours, but we had a great time visiting with friends. We went to the Turpins and saw their sweet little baby. THe kids had never seen him yet. It was fun to show them who the baby was that they had been praying for for the past 3.5 months. And I of course got to snuggle another sweet baby. He is little just like Harrison and Sophie were and I love that. He is a super sweet thing and it was fun to visit with the fam while the kids ran off and played. Then at another house we took in cookies and came out with a giant bag of clothes for the kids. I think I am going to take cookies there more often. They have a girl just older than sophie, so they often pass clothes on down to her. Which I am so so so grateful for. Sophie was so excited and has been trying on all the clothes ever since. Thank You Rachel!!
Once we got home, we had our nacho dinner. Awesome cheese sauce and all, the kids loved it. We had a good evening.

Friday, I thought for about 2 seconds that I didn't have much going on...then I remembered that I was in charge of the food at the Tri-Stake Youth Dance Saturday night and that I needed to get shopping and prepping. So, I got my run in. My legs finally felt like themselves again. And I was off to Costco. I don't normally go there, it is pretty far away. But I really hate the wholesale store we live by and decided to just go to Costco. I love that place. I know, I'm weird, but I love that store. I spent way too much time there. I got everything I needed though and headed home. Once I got home, I realized I had forgotten a few things...grrrr...why do I always do that...and so headed back out the door to Target to get the last items. Once again, it was Subway for dinner. THose $5 footlongs have become our families best friend lately.

By the time I got kid stuff done, dinner eaten, shopping completed, it was pretty late and I was just starting with the many cookie bars I was baking. I got to bed somewhere around 1 am, got up at 5 am to go running so I could get it done before James' football game. Went straight to the game after I got home. It was a good game. The other team was undefeated, same as James' team, and we tied! James didn't score a touchdown this time, but he enjoyed the game anyway. They have a really good team, and coaches. It was so stinking cold though. Sophie and I stayed huddled up in a giant blanket. Harrison kept trying to take the blanket off of us because he was "too cold" But at the same time refused to wear his jacket because he didn't need it. Whatever child.

Once we got home I showered, took a quick nap and then it was time to make buckets of frosting, bags and bags of snack mix, and chop chop veggies. whew. It was a lot. But I got it all done, Thank you Ben for helping chop things and taking care of kids. Then it was off to the Stake Center to feed many dancing teens. It was actually a lot of fun. The Hillis' were there, Michele & her husband were there. And we had so much fun together. The men went out and got us all actual dinner food, while we got treats and everything served up. Once again, I feel so lucky to work with so many amazing people. By the time we got everything cleaned up though and I got home, it was past midnight. So tired. But a good tired.

So you can guess that today I spent as much time as possible being a lazy bum. haha. Our Stake had a special meeting today. They are reorganizing the entire Stake except our ward. I guess the other wards were all too small, so they consolidated them, made fewer, larger wards. And everyone in all other wards were released from their callings. crazy huh? They had baskets for everyone to turn in all their keys. But our ward is unaffected, we still have our same callings, same Stake, no changes.
Then today we made Chocolate ice cream, lazed around and did whatever we felt like doing. Which included a lot of sleeping. :) Then of course tonight was BYD, which was also a good time. I am getting to know the Youth more and enjoying my time with them. They really are a great group of kids.

So yes, another full week. I feel bad. As I look back I don't even know what all I did with the kids. Sophie is home with me every day, so she and I generally take plenty of time during the day to play Barbies or watch a show. We painted a lot this week actually. She loves painting, and she is pretty good at it.

Since I was gone most nights, Ben was the one to put the kids to Bed and read scriptures and all that with them. maybe we need to start having scripture study in the morning. But I am so so grateful for Ben and all that he does. He is so good about helping the kids finish up school projects, or reading with them, or helping James with his multiplication facts. He always gets them to bed on time and then even straightens up so when I get home that house is not trashed. He really is just the best. I am a lucky lucky girl.

Anyways, I wanted to post a couple things from the kids over the week. Here they are.


Kid stuff:

Sophie today was running around & around the house. And when she was all done she said "Dad, am I a really fast runner?" Yeah, You know that made my day. Cute girl.

James. Folded all the laundry for me this week. He is an angel sent from Heaven I tell you. I couldn't believe he did that for me, and it made me feel like the luckiest mom to have such a great kid.

Harrison. Made me several little hearts this week. Some with cute pictures, and some with little notes that said I love you. He is still my sweetie.

Oh and one more random thing. I made fish one night this week and was all ready for the kids to just hate it. They didn't. They ate and ate and ate. They loved it. I love it when kids like healthy things. James has started liking his sandwiches with lots of veggies in there too. gotta love that. Harrison...still just wants bread and plain cheese, nothing else.

So I think that is all for this last week. I have eaten waaaay too much sugar in the past 5 days and so made a deal with one of my friends that I have to pay her a dollar every time I have sugar. I need to get off the stuff...again. need to. it messes with me. And I have a marathon in 2 weeks, gotta be eating right.  So here's to no sugar...again..we'll see how long I last this time. ;) Hahaha.

James Scores a Touchdown, Sophie gets Sick, & Harrison tells me to Stop Talking to Him.

Well, that about sums up my week. ;) ;) Just kidding. I know I missed posting about the week before...it was insanely busy I'll tell you that. I ran 55 miles, I hosted a double baby shower..which meant I needed to get my front room put together, finally, (it looks good now, curtains, chairs, lamps & all)  and scrubbing walls, baseboards, cleaning carpets, and all that jazz. Then of course there was all the other usual stuff of kids projects, games, practices, school, YW activities & meetings. I swear I was so tired by Sunday I wanted to just sleep in and skip church altogether. But instead I got up, hurried to get the kids all ready and we were actually on time to Church. I was proud of myself. I will confess though that I forgot to eat bfast before church (I had run 30 miles that weekend) and halfway through church realized how dang hungry I was, so what did I do? I had a bag of peanut butter m&ms and ate almost the entire thing. Yes, it was a big bag....not the small ones. It was very tasty.

So, now onto this week. Gosh I can't even think what we did this week. How about I'll just p;ost about each person and that should cover everything.

James:  Man, that kids has been one of my biggest stresses lately. Not because he has been behaving poorly or anything. He is just really struggling in school and I have no idea why. He always gets mostly As and some Bs and this term he got Bs and Cs. He seems overwhelmed by all the homework and school work he has to do and his scores in everything are consistently dropping. I look at his work at the beginning of the year and it is far better than what he is doing now. Sometimes I think his brain fell out somewhere.

Anyways, for those of you that don't know. There is a test here in FL called the FCAT. Kids take it every year starting in 3rd grade and if you don't pass....you don't move on to the next grade. Also, schools are ranked by the avg of their FCAT scores. James and Harrison attend the #1 school. They are obsessed with getting the highest scores. Bleh. So, I guess they took some practice tests and James scored in the bottom 20 of everyone. Oh boy.  I got a letter from the school letting me know, emails, phone calls...love having everyone tell me how "smart" my kid is. Anyhoo, because of his scores he now has to attend tutoring 3 days a week after school until April. The only problem is that he already stays after for his science club which he loves. I wasn't about to take him out of that. So, we made arrangements with the science teacher and he and some other kids are meeting in the morning for science club and then he staying after for the tutoring. Poor kid, I hope he can hang in there for all this. That's a lot of time at school. I did make a deal with him that while he was doing all this he was off all chore duties at home...bed making, room cleaning..etc. He seemed pretty happy about that, so maybe that'll help.

Last month I signed James up for Football. It was a last minute decision and wasn't cheap. But I just felt like I needed to do it. I am so glad I did. With so much school work he gets hit with, I am so glad he has this fun thing to do on the weekends and during the week. He loves it. He loves it so much and he is good! He has had a couple games already and has done really well in both. In this weeks game he scored a touchdown on the very first play. It was awesome. He talks to me about football all the time and I love it. He and Ben go practice throwing the ball around and have a good time together. He is also on the same team with some friends from his old school and he seems to get along really well with all the boys on the team. Kind perfect for him right now.

He and I write notes to each other in a little notebook we pass back & forth. And it's been a lot of fun. But in one of his notes last week he wrote "mom, here is a secret, I have no friends at school". That broke my heart. I talked to him the next day about how I didn't have any friends until High School and kids teased me and even spat on me, but that I just decided to take charge and start being friendly to everyone. I said hi to most everyone I saw and eventually people started saying hi back. We talked for a bit about how he has friends at church and on the football team and that cheered him up. I've been meeting the boys for lunch every Thursday and he seemed much happier that day.

Harrison: Doesn't like me. If you think I am kidding I am not. The other day I said "Harrison, do you love me? You never tell me so I don't know." He rolled his eyes at me and said "I like you, I just don't like to talk to you." nice kid. real nice. Meh, He'll come around. He gets along with Ben so at least he likes someone right? No, he really is a sweetheart. But he's lazy and I am the mean one that doesn't let him get away with it...so yeah. When I was eating lunch with him this week he was making me laugh really hard. I can't even remember what we were talking about. But he was making the funniest faces while he was talking I was dying. He is funny little boy. He keeps us laughing in this house. Drives us crazy sometimes when we need him to be serious, but for the most part we just laugh.

 He seems to be doing much better in school. He rocks in math. Seriously. Every single math assignment and test he brings home is always 100% and he tells me he is always the first one done. It makes me happy to see him excel in something. He still has no idea what he is reading...zero comprehensions...and is in about 50 different intervention programs to get him up to speed at the school but he is rocking in the math dept. Gotta be proud of that!

He is still obsessed with kitties, it is what he does most of his day. Gathers all his stuffed animals/kittens and plays with Sophie. I do love that those two get along so well and can play together. Harrison is a perfect middle kid that way. He can play with Sophie just as well as he can play with James. It makes my heart happy.

Sophie: Was sick all week long. And is still sick. Poor girl. I went to go visit a friend at the Hospital this week (her daughter is there) and didn't get back until very late. I went to check on Sophie in her bed and she was burning hot. I took her temp and she was 103.7! yikes. Thank the heavens for tylenol and ibuprofen. She had that fever for a few days and then came down with a really crappy cough. Now her voice is all scraggly and she is pretty grouchy. But I've let her watch waaaaaaay more TV than I ever do, so she hasn't been too sad about being sick. I did spend one afternoon just holding her. She never lets me cuddle her anymore and I wasn't going to let that chance slip past me. So I scooped her up and just held her until the boys came home. Love that girl so stinking much.

 She kept me up most of the week. I would wake up in the middle of the night to her face right in mine. Usually scared me half to death at first. But then she would say something sweet like "mom, my throat is scratchy and I don't like all the boogers in my nose"  So I'd get her a tissue & a drink and tuck her back in. One night she woke up throwing a mighty fit and I could not calm her down for anything. She was suuuper sweaty (fever broke) So I changed her jammies, got her a drink and some meds, finally calmed her down and then suddenly she was out like a light. Completely asleep. The next morning she came to me crying about how she had lost her jammies (the ones I had taken off her) and she didn't know what had happened. She didn't remember anything of the night before. Funny baby. Can she just please stay my baby forever?

 Last night she was tired of staying down and we had a little tea party together. We made heart shaped sandwiches, pink frosted sugar cookies, and apple juice. We then pulled out the barbies and played dolls until bedtime. It was great fun. The boys even got involved with their stuffed animals and pretended to be monsters. It was a fun night. I hope she gets feeling better soon though.

Ben: Is working around the clock. Remember how I said they got their funding and all that. I spoke too soon. Long story and I don't even think I get it. But to sum up. They didn't get the funding and are starting back over trying to get investors. Oh man. So Ben is working around the clock trying to get some new features done that people are wanting. I really really hope they are able to find funding, not because I am worried about Ben's employment. (he has never had a hard time getting a job...ever) It would just suck to see this company go down. I know how much work they have all put into it, and it would be a bit heartbreaking to see it fail. I don't think it will, they are all pretty determined to make things happen. It'll be interesting to see how things shake out.

Me: Oh gosh, where to start? Running Running running. Not just for exercise. After kids, errands, cleaning house, making dinners. Fortunately I only have one more week of training and then maybe I will have a little more energy. maybe. Wait who am I kidding? Life is busy no matter what. Ha!

 This week was good. One of the main things I did was go to the Temple. I missed last month and I just felt like I neeeeeeeded to get my butt there. So I set a day apart to go, made arrangements and I swear everything that could go wrong went wrong. That was the night Sophie got sick. She kept me up most the night crying and not sleeping. Then I wondered about leaving her while she was sick...then my car was out of gas and I went to get it filled and for whatever reason my card wouldn't work for anything (turns out my card accidently got cancelled...what?) Fortunately we have a few different accounts so I paid a different way. Oh and we woke up late that morning, my friend that was going to come with me called and couldn't go last minute....it just seemed like I was NOT meant to go to the Temple. But I knew I needed to go, so I just went. So glad I did. Seriously. So glad. It was the ONE thing I needed to do this week. If nothing else worked out this week, I needed that trip. It was beautiful and cleared my mind and helped me refocus my brain to where it needed to be. I'm always so grateful that we have a place of peace that we can go to and feel of the spirit. It was wonderful. I came home ready to put my mom shoes back on and get to work.

For our YW activity this week we got all the girls registered online on lds.org so we can track their personal progress. I love that I can see where each of them are at now and can keep track of it all online. awesome!! They still have their books and are using those too, it is just nice to have both. In fact for New Beginnings I am sewing book holders for the girls. They are really cute and I am excited to give them to the girls.  But I'd better get cracking on them if I want them done on time. hehehe.


Family Things:
We had a great FHE where we talked about the Holy Ghost, then had some valentine's treats I had made. My kids are loving the jar of marshmallow hearts. Can't remember if I posted about that or not....everytime they show love for someone they get to have a heart shaped marshmallow. I have a big jar full of them. I have been getting a lot of love notes from my kids....I'm not complaining. :) We started that when we had a lesson about Jesus and his love for us.

We had our Friday Family Fun night. Our kids love that night most of all. We always have some sort of pizza, a kids movie and a family treat. This week we even had soda! They thought it was pretty awesome. Then I let them have a sleepover together in the boys room. Sophie always ends up on Harrison's bed and James and Harrison end up on James' bed together. They are cute all together.

WEll, I think that is about it. This week scares me. seriously. I'm in charge of another activity I need to get a bunch of stuff for,  it is my biggest week for training (almost 60 miles to run this week) One of the sisters I VT is starting Chemo and I neeeeed to visit her, I need to sew things for YW,  James' schedule is crazy for school tutoring, football and science. Ben doesn't have any extra time...just working every spare minute he can. Fortunately I am starting things ahead of the game. Laundry is all caught up. I have no problem with frozen meals for the week. and I am making a bunch of muffins and stuff for snacks for the week. And as far as cleaning goes...it just might have to wait until next week.

A New Car, a Girl's Night Out, & Harrison's Tears.

Wow. What a crazy crazy week. And this week will be just as insane. Oh boy, I'd better buckle up right now. Sheesh.

Okay so Monday......usual Monday stuff. Went to the gym with Ben, & ran some good miles. Sophie had fun at the daycare there, it seemed that most of her friends showed up too and I saw her in there holding hands with one of them dancing around the room. It was really cute. Then I went and spent all our money groceries and even more groceries. I swear food prices have tripled. For the love. I can never get that weekly bill down. Oh well.

We had a good Family Home Evening, we did some yard work, trimming the hedges and all that, for a little bit, had a little lesson and then had delicious brownies and ice cream. Clearly we haven't gotten back on the no sugar train. It'll be my goal after the marathon. Right now, I need that sugar. seriously. Or I can't handle the withdrawal, that's probably more correct. HaHaHa.

Tuesday I scrubbed walls, and baseboards and did all that awesome deep cleaning. And Sophie insisted on helping me, she followed me around with a spray bottle and rag washing doors and walls. It was really sweet of her.Then I Planted my flower garden, and she was just as helpful then. She got all the flowers out of their pots so I could plant them. We even got her a little flower and pot for her in her room. WE'll see how long before it dies. ;)  Ben and I went for a good long bike ride. And then I finished up a school project with Harrison. He had to write a report on Penguins. Neither He or I were into it. I may or may not have helped him color his penguin. But it got done, he wrote it all out himself, so that was good.

Then that night I was teaching the RS activity. It was one I had planned before I got released, so I was still a part of it this month. It was really fun. I love working with the women in this ward. They are so much fun. The RS made these delicious "energy" bites (okay they are basically no bakes with a few added healthier ingredients) THey have Peanut Butter, Coconut, Oats, Flaxseed, Honey & mini chocolate chips.you just mash it all together and roll it into little balls and they are so yummy! I think I ate like 10. I came home and made a bunch for my kids and they ate them just as fast. I think they might become a new staple here. mmmm. Yum. Anyways, it was a great activity and I miss being in charge of those. That was a good time.

Wednesday was of course filled with Running, Cleaning, Laundry. But I was way proud of my run that day. I did 8 half mile sprints and I did each one in 3:18 (6:36 min mile) It was not an easy workout and I thought I was going to puke at the end. Fortunately I had 3 other ward friends running with me and we had a good time chatting and wanting to die at the same time. It was fun. It was early out day and we met up with a few friends at the splash pad. It was perfect weather, the kids had a great time, and I got to hang out with more friends so it was a fabulous afternoon.

As soon as we were done there I came home, put together a quick dinner and James and I were off. I had another YW meeting plus I was in charge of the combined activity this week, which I think went really well. James got his homework done while I had my meeting, we went to our activities, he helped me carry stuff back out to the car and by 9:30 we were heading home. It had been a long day so we decided we needed some frozen yogurt. So we got some. He was pretty happy about that.

We had fun talking while we ate our yogurt. He said "mom, I know you don't really care about video games, and you don't like them very much, but I really want to tell you about this anyway okay?" I almost died laughing it was so funny. He went on to explain everything about this game he has been playing, you build and create things in it and he is in love.

Thursday Ben and I started our day out with a game of Tennis. Given the fact that it was only the 2nd time I had ever played, I think we did much better. I hit the ball a lot more and actually got it in the lines and didn't hit myself with the racket this time, so definitely an improvement. After that I showered and spent the rest of the day at Amy's house. We never get to hang out anymore, so we plan a day here and there when we can. It was great day. Sophie had Eve to play with her there, so she was in heaven. They played out on the trampoline and with dolls and ate an entire plate of cookies, so their little hearts were happy.  Amy and I made food and chatted and laughed our heads off and just had a great time. Love that woman. She's my sis out here.

While I was having fun, Ben was out buying a new car. Yes that's right, we traded in Ben's sports car. sniff sniff. I loved that thing. The leather, the engine, the everything about it. sniff sniff. But practicality got us and we traded it in. We now own a 2010 Honda Accord. It was $15,000. So I didn't feel too bad about the price. It is a pretty nice little car, we're happy with it. The kids love it too, probably because they can actually fit in "dad's" car now.

Thusday is also one of the days that James has SCience club after school and I forgot to tell Harrison. I went to meet him, and he didn't come until a teacher went to find him, he was waiting for James and brought him out to me. He was stressed, but it was really sweet. WE got to the sidewalk and a little girl was there. She is from his class and I guess she always waits for him and helps him out. so sweet.

The kids didn't have school on Friday. So what did we do? We had great plans to go to the beach and have a splendid day there...but it got COLD and WET all day. So we slept in. Went shopping (finally got another desk so my computer is NOT sitting on the floor) I got my run in, then Ben and I went out on a date. the YW presidency was having a luncheon for all the teachers the next day and I was supposed to make thank you gifts, which turned out beautifully! But I needed to get several things. So we went out for Pizza. Um best pizza ever. And mom, they have gluten free, so if you ever come here we know where to go! Seriously, I was in heaven it was so good. the crust melted in your mouth...mmm. Now I want more.

Anyways, we ran our errands, I came home and got everything put together, cleaned up and before I knew it it was 2 am. for the love. I never stay up that late. Then I woke up at 4:30 for no reason at all and didn't really go back to sleep. Sheesh. Not really what I had in mind. But my friend was meeting me to run, so we got our 12 miles in and then it was shower and head over to the luncheon. It was so perfect! It looked gorgeous. maybe I'll post a pic for ya. I framed a fancied up copy of this years theme and made a little treat for each, and the table was set beautifully. The lady that hosted is amazing, pretty much a Martha Stewart, but 100% gracious and I could totally see her being a general something other in the church one day. She is full of love for everyone and just amazes me. I am lucky I get to work with her. It was a fabulous afternoon though and I was so glad it went so well.

I came on home, died in bed for a couple hours. And then Ben took the boys to a Hockey game while Sophie and I had a girls night. We watched Beauty and the BEast while we did our nails and had some dinner. Then we went to the store, and on the way the poor girl got a horrible bloody nose that just would not stop. That girl and her bloddy noses, she gets them all the time and it freaks her out a little bit. But we got her all cleaned up and got our shopping done. picked out a couple treats for ourselves. After we got home, we played Barbies, ready books and ate our treats. It was a fun evening with her. I was glad to have a few hours with just her to play with.

Oh, cutest story. Friday night we watched Frankenweenie. The little boy's dog dies at the beginning and I look over at Harrison and he has little tears just spilling out. He tried to hide them, and blame it on the lights. But the lights didn't seem to bother him later. hehehe. It was so sweet. Ben and I were dying it was so cute. Love that sweet sweet silly boy. Harrison lost one of his front teeth on Saturday. It was pretty much hanging by a thread and he would NOT let us even near him to pull it out, or touch it or anything. but ben finally talked him into letting us tie a string on it and letting him pull it out himself. So he did and it came out no problem. THen today I noticed his other front tooth is just as wiggly. I wonder how long before he lets us pull that on out too.

I know I talked last time about Ben's company and how they were meeting with really Big investors this week. And they did. And the meeting went perfectly. I guess things went 100% smoothly. So that's what we heard on Monday & then didn't hear anything else all week. I know the guys were insanely busy with other meetings with other investors. But the waiting to find out what was going on was a little nerve wracking. But finally on Friday they contacted Ben for just a few minutes to say they got the funding they needed, not from who they expected, but it worked out, it was a crazy week of ups and downs and they'll report more later. So, I guess that is good? I want to hear all the details and know what all happened.

Anyways, that is all for now. Today was very nice, I am really liking the new curriculum for the Youth in the Church. One of the girls in YW today made such a great comment, I loved it and I love that these girls are really thinking about things. It is great to see.

And now I am home from BYD, Ben got the kids to bed, I am tired and ready for bed. Good night family.

Sophie Pics

Just a few pics of Sophie from the past week. Do you like her make up? She is my princess.

47 Miles, A Sunny Afternoon at the Park, & Date Night

Man, I can't even think what happened this week. My brain has literally ceased to function. That might have something to do with the fact that I ran a fast 10 miles on Friday afternoon, and then a decently paced 20 miles early Saturday morning and then went right into a busy Saturday, a very restless night and then another busy Sunday. Yeah, my brain just isn't working at the moment. But just typing seems to be stirring up some memories of this week so here we go....

I have started cheating with Family Home Evening, let me explain. Since I am in Young Women's now and get to enjoy hearing a great lesson over basic gospel doctrine each Sunday I have been taking notes and pretty much copying the lesson to use for FHE the following night. It is working beautifully. Then I don't have a brain cramp trying to figure out what to teach, it is already planned, and I feel like the kids are actually learning things they need to know. This week we talked about what the Godhead was and then all learned the First Article of Faith together. Tonight they all passed it off to me and will be getting na extra special treat from the store tomorrow. See how well this cheating works out for me? Beautifully.

I know most everyone who reads this blog is living in UT...I'm sorry for the next sentence. The weather here has been 100% absolutely perfect!! My kids get worn out running around outside all afternoon and come in all sweaty and ready to settle down. mmm. perfect. So on early out day we made a play date with friends to meet at the park. Several came and we had such a fun time. They each a few friends to play with. I got to visit with good friends I hadn't seen in a while (one jut had a baby, another about to have a baby) and it was a perfect afternoon at the park. Love those days,

As soon as we were done at the park though, we hurried home, grabbed a bite of dinner, and then James and I were off to the church. I had a meeting 2 hrs before YW/YM & scouts started so I just took James with me. He was good and did his homework, then a friend happened to be at the church as well so they played ball while we had our presidency meeting. It was good. The women I serve with are simply amazing and I am constantly learning from them. THey are the most loving women I have ever met, and I am reminded yet once again that the most important thing in live is to love.

We had our YW activity, which was a class activity. It was really fun. We made caramel popcorn, planned out and got ready for our YW/YM combined activity this coming week that we are in charge of and just had a good time getting to know each other while doing all of that. They are great girls, and I am glad I get to be with them.

Thursday I tried something new. Ben and I played a "game" of tennis together. Something we have never done before. I think the last time I played tennis was in PE in Jr High. So yeah, its been at least 15 years. It was pretty entertaining. Ben served the ball, I went to hit it and hit myself with the racket instead. I think he then realized just how bad I was. He served more carefully from then on. WE played for a good hr and had a really fun time. It was like a mini morning date. We made fools of ourselves I'm sure, but hey, it was worth it. We will be back there again this Thursday.

After our game of Tennis, Sophie had her friend, Eve, over for the day. Those two girls are so sweet together. They played nicely the entire day (from 10-5) And even shared their dinners, snacks, toys, dresses and everything else with each other the whole time. At one point I was downstairs cleaning up and I could hear them upstairs whispering and then laughing laughing laughing.I snuck up the stairs to see what they were up to. They had sophies make up (bright eyeshadow) and were putting it on each other and just giggling at every little thing. I loved it. I loved seeing them so happy and having so much fun.

Friday I promised the boys I would meet them for lunch at school again. I also promised I would bring them a special lunch. They were very lucky boys as I got them Happy Meals. We don't get those very often as they are pricey and unhealthy. But it made their day and we had a lot of fun together at the school. Sophie did her "make-up" before we left and everyone commented on how pretty she was. Harrison had a good day at school because they had read a book about Chicken Soup with Rice and in class they ate chicken soup and had crackers for their snack. He thought that was pretty great. James has been much happier at school this week and I am not sure if it iss because he feels pretty cool with a nook these days or what, but whatever the reason I am grateful. I like having my happy James back.

Saturday I did my run, which I will go into more detail in a minute, we cleaned up, got laundry done, Ben mowed lawns....all the usual Saturday stuff and then we ended the night with a date! We don't go out very much as it adds up quickly with a babysitter, food etc... But we had a fun time together. WE just went out to dinner. I was starving, Ben was starving. We ate our food in about 2 minutes. Even the waitress commented on how quickly the food disappeared. That's what you get when you run 50 miles in a week...a constantly starving person, and ben is just always hungry. :)

So yeah, I ran a bazillion miles this week and last week. I am not going to lie, it was a really rough week for training. Every single run was hard, and painful, and just slooooow. My legs seemed dead all week, I kept waiting for my body to just snap out of it and wake up already. But no, it didn't happen. I was 3 miles into my 10 miler on Friday when I came this close to just stopping. In my head I was thinking "This is rediculous! Why do I do this to myself? I don't even like this anymore! I HATE this! I hate hate hate running and never want to run again!!!!!!" Yeah, I was done. But as I kept running I kept thinking. And as I kept thinking I started thinking and realizing that I was just at mile 16.

See in a marathon mile 16 is always where I start to falter, not a lot, but that's when my body starts to break down. At that point you have run 16 miles, which is a pretty good distance....but you still have 10 miles to go!!! And that thought...is exhausting.  But, I always get through it. I always finish. I have never dropped out of race. And so, I am 2/3 done with my training. I have done a lot, still have a ways to go. But I will finish it, and I will finish it well. I finished up my 10 mile run. Prayed that my legs would last another 20 for the following morning and had a fabulous 20 miler with 3 of my friends. I felt great the entire way, and finished holding a solid pace of which I was very happy about. I am very glad though, that this week, is a recovery week. fewer miles, easier paces. Thank Heavens I only have 2 more 30 mile weekends to go.

And now it is Sunday. Ah. Neither of us could sleep very well last night, Ben was working quite a bit, and my body was sore...so not a good night for rest. Ben had to get up early for meetings, and was gone before I opened my eyes. I got to wake up to a little girl climbing into my bed and cuddling up with me. We talked about our dreams we had had, and then watched the sunrise outside my window. It was so sweet and yeah, I was 5 min late for church because of it. But I love those little quiet sweet moments with your kids. They are so rare.

And with that, I think I am done for this week. I need to post video of Sophie singing OH Christmas Tree at the top of her lungs out our front door, it was too cute. I was sad when Harrison so rudely told her how annoying her singing was. Mean older brothers. Yeah, he got the word from me on that one.

But for now, I am tired. I am not sore anymore so I think I will be able to get some good sleep tonight. I hope Ben does too. He has been working so much this week. Levi is presenting their product to the big dogs in San Francisco in the morning. I really hope it all goes well. But, they are an amazing group, so I think it will.

And now, Good night.

Christmas Break Pictures