Reaching My Goal

This entry is an explanation of a huge goal I set for myself some may read it and think, no big deal I run one every week and some may read it and say, she is crazy who runs that much? But for me this is my ½ marathon story and it was a LONG time coming…



June of 2007 I decided that I finally was going to start training to do a marathon. I picked the P.F. Changs half marathon for my goal and started kicking my butt. I have never loved to run; actually running was one of my least favorite forms of exercise. Playing sports you were required to run, obviously, and so this is where my drive to overcome my dislike began many moons ago. I have never been fast, I was always one of the last girls on my basketball team to finish anything suicides, miles, track workouts. But I seem to have a little smidgen of a competitive side (underestimate), so even my own abilities were not going to stop me. I picked something that I knew would push me, something that when accomplish would be HUGE for me because of my hatred for running.

I trained all the way up to the marathon. 3 days before I was expecting my monthly friend to visit, and might I add I am like clockwork I could probably tell you the exact hour (TMI I know) but it had not arrived. A little worried I decide to make a quick trip to the dollar store, yes this is where I purchase my tests they are just as accurate. A few hours later a new exciting discovery was in store A BABY!!! After visiting with my doctor he advised me not to run the marathon (because of my history with pregnancies). I almost started crying right there in that office all I could think of was that I wanted my mom to fix it like she always could when I was young. I had put blood (literally because of a couple of missteps) sweat and NOW tears into my training. It was only advise right? I don’t get sick for another couple of weeks and the race would be well over then, I could run it! After consulting with my husband and my mom, I knew in my heart that it was now my time to be unselfish I was growing a precious baby in my tummy (we know him now as Owen) and yes, he is precious worth all the disappointment of not running that race. The day of the race came and went, and I DID shed some tears of disappointment but, life went on.

I knew that I would run the race after I had him. And I finally did thanks to my wonderful supportive husband that helped watched the kids and didn’t mind my long 2 hour runs and night jogs. And to Jana, the pro, that pushed me farther and harder than I would have on my own.

Here is how the BIG DAY went…

I worked late on Friday to fit everyone in and consequently got home later that expected. Nervous and tiered I shoved some pasta in my mouth and crawled into bed. My mind racing (no pun intended) I woke up at 4 in the morning full of anticipation and worry, mostly because my knee had been bothering me all week. I tried to figure out what to do all the time, I made some oatmeal played around on the computer and tried to go back to sleep (with no luck). I finally decided to just get ready and go down to the race early. All I could think about was 9:30, (when I knew I would be done with the race) so each time I looked at the clock the time got closer 4, then 5, then, 6 then it was almost time to start. So nervous as time approached I readjusted my bib (the numbers you have to wear) 6 or 7 times to pass the time. Just as I had taken it off again to find a more perfect place to wear it the race began, fidgeting with the darn bib and trying to run threw me off a tad but off I went. The first mile marker was depressing one down 12 to go. At least it was a beautiful morning and every 20 minutes or so a light mist of ran would cool me down THANKS for that! About the 4th mile I could see the Mesa temple of to the side and they were putting up the Christmas light that gave me a little pep in my step. We made a loop so once we got to 6.5 miles we started the whole thing over again at this point my knee started to hurt just keep going, then at 7 miles my hip started to hurt just keep going, then my foot KEEP GOING!!! It was Mentally at this point is where I start talking to myself 11 miles then 12 miles then YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME NO MORE. I could hear my family cheering for me as I hit 13 miles but so tired I couldn’t look up to acknowledge them .1 mile to go and I picked up my pace seeing Owen and Brinley standing at the finish line. I bent down to pick up my son as I saw my time 2hour 22mins 18seconds! What a great finish to be with my family, my sister Jennie ran the 5k and mom, dad, and Justin were all smiling faces as I arrived. This day is one I will not forget anytime soon. So, WHAT’S NEXT!!!????

My sister and I picked the "Run From the Sun" Marathon because it raised awareness for skin cancer. My mom had two spots of skin cancer removed last year so this had double meaning for me. We made these shirts to show support of our WONDERFUL MAMMA!!!

With Aunt Jennie!!!

These Are The Days

I am sitting here today on the couch after a refreshing run (endorphins going), looking back through years of pictures as my children nap and thinking that…

I AM NOW LIVING MY DREAM!!!

As a child I remember dreaming of my Prince Charming coming to sweep me of my feet and carry me away to our castle where we would start a beautiful family. Plus, I would be radiant throughout the entire pregnancy not gaining one more pound than needed and my face would be one of those that show no wrinkles or age. I would cook wonderful meals, yet still spending every waking hour in love with my husband and devoting ALL my time to my children. Some how my house would never need cleaning in my dreams my house never got dirty.

But here I am faced with the decision of what to cook, two loads of laundry to be folded, baths to still be taken, a grocery store I desperately need to get to, bills to be paid, a home that doesn’t clean itself, basketball practice to run, and a puppy chewing up the new flowers we planted in the backyard. BUT here is the interesting part of this whole thing I am filled with JOY. Joy, happiness, delight, glee, contentment, bliss any of those will do. These are the days of my dreams, a bit different than what you expect as a child but nonetheless WONDERFUL.

Before I put Owen down for a nap I stopped my cleaning and decide to hold him as long as he would allow I wrapped him in a blanket and picked him up. It ended up to be nearly 20 mins of him talking and cuddling his momma.

Some days I spend hours price matching and bargain shopping, I am learning to sew (an extinct art) to save a buck, I live in a nice but normal home, I gained 65 pounds with both my pregnancies, I don’t make gourmet meals, I have smile lines, I do the laundry, pick poop off virtually everywhere, and I scrub the toilets myself. AND I WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!!!!!!!!

It's Over

Oh man, Halloween is over! My most favorite holiday has once again come and gone but not without some great memories…

Brinley was a great helper in the kitchen as me made TONS of fun treats this month!

I had some left over Halloween fabric, which I made into a skirt for Briny for a themed Sunday.


We carved our pumpkin and our little man was his normal active self and wanted nothing to do with it but wanted to run all over the yard. I love everything about Halloween BUT the pumpkin carving so thats Justin's area. Brinley and daddy did a good job making a "scary pumpkin."




The kids were train engineers this year but Brinley our little fashionista princess thought it was unacceptable to wear pants so I made her overalls into a skirt. It made for a much happier little engineer, which then made for a much happier momma. I also made their matching trick-or-treat bags and they ended up being super super easy (and inexpensive) to make so I will probably making some more fun bags in the future.

We had a little pizza party over at the house before we went Trick-or-Treating. I had planed on working until 12 in the afternoon so I could come home and get the house and food ready. However sooo many people needed their hair done (which I never mind doing, I love my job) but I left Justin to do the entire cleaning of the backyard, front yard, and in the house plus the food and he did a fabulous job. Maybe you should do it from now on:) We had a lot of fun with our family and friends.

It was quite difficult to get all the kids to stay on the couch and forget about getting them to smile. This is the best we could do!

Happy Trick-or-Treating!!!!

Trunk-or-Treat

We enjoyed a beautiful night with good friends and fun activities last night at the Ward party. Brinley and Owen were dresses as train engineers and Justin and I were Conductors. I look forward to Halloween each year for the family theme. Yes, it may be cheesy to some, but I love it!!! As a matter of fact I already have the next two years of costume ideas in my head. Justin made some chili and I was in charge of making snow cones, which I really enjoyed. I was just bummed that the watermelon syrup ran out first, it’s my favorite by far. Brinley scored big with the candy she collected, and spending the whole night with her dressed-up buddies. Other than a little mix up with candy and the fact that I was exhausted (more than I have been since my basketball days) from my long run that morning. The night seemed like a success, and we all slept well last night.

Choo,Choo all aboard!!!

Justin is such a sport and likes to dress up with us !!! Thanks for being my twin Just.
Grumpy after a long night!!

Fall Break

We were blessed again with more family time, with Justin's Fall Break. We had so much fun here are some of the highlights...

We took Justin's 81 year old Grandma to lunch at Buca di Beppo and quick trip to the mall. It was great, and we were able to help her blow out her candles and eat her cupcake. We all adore Grandma Shirley. She is a spunky, supportive, wonderful, inspiration to me, I have always just called her Grandma because she has made me feel so comfortable in the family and I feel like she is just as much a grandma to me and now the kids. Every week she makes time to come be with the kids and Brinley looks forward to it (not to mention the treats she always brings with her. My kids are so blessed to have SO MUCH family surrounding them.

Grandma Shirley amazed at Owens eating abilities!

We had our semi-annual sleepover in our living room, which consisted of McDonald's (its Monopoly time so we find ourselves there more often than I would like:), Sword and the Stone, PJ's and lots of pillows. I actually sleep pretty well other than Brinleys wonderful aim at my stomach all through out the night.

The next day we woke-up to shopping in Anthem with Grandma and Grandpa Sage. The weather was absolutely PERFECT that day. We were up there for about 4 hours and loved every minute of the perfect weather, but Justin would have probably preferred me not to shop as much. I did get great deals and now the kids are set for winter.

Brinleys friend Tennille had a dress-up B-day party and Brinley was so excited to dress up as a princess. This year for Halloween we are not going girly so she is quite distraught, but I only get so long to force my family to dress in themes. I am going to try for a few more years I have 4 more themes I want to get through and I need a few more kids to fit the roles:)

Owen ended up going as a Baseball Player he had an outfit and hat just lying around, can you believe that, ha ha.

Sweetie and her Sweets

This happened a few weeks back but I wanted to remember this when Brinley may not be quite as unselfish (you know a reminder of how good she can be.)


One day while Grandma and Grandpa were over helping with the toy closet Grandma bought one of Brinley’s favorite candies “Sour Patch Kids.” Because Brinley had been eating junk all day her I told her that when daddy got home she could have a couple with him. So, all through the day we debated on just how many a couple were. I finally told her she could only have three and that was that.

Daddy finally came home and once again she tried her bargaining methods out on him. With no success and sort-a exhausted from all the debating she succeeded. Daddy then proceeded to hand her the three pieces of candy. I then witnessed the sweetest act; Owen our little beggar walked up to Brinley signing “please” to her and Brinley without hesitation then handed over one of her precious candies. I whispered to Justin to just hand her another piece of candy. With no clue that I was watching she melted my heart once again, she took that piece of candy bit it in half and gave the other half to her brother. How thankful I am for such a sweet, caring, aware oldest child (from what we see now at least.) Owen is lucky to have her.

Playtime is On

The term play closet may sound like a strange concept to many people especially when they hear bits and pieces of a conversation with my kids. An example “Mom can I go play in the closet.” Yes, it sounds a bit bizarre however I have found that the smaller the space the better for children. Brinley could hangout with Grandpa under a table with a blanket over it everlastingly.

We have had a vision of a fun filled, organized, colorful, educational, ext. you know a dream closet since we moved in. With the help of my parents, my grandpa’s company, my uncle Doug and Justin here is our attempt (its nice to know people.) THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

BEFORE

AFTER
BEFORE

AFTER


BEFORE

AFTER

LOVEN IT!!!

Brin and Owen are in heaven. I love that it’s so easy to clean and find toys. Justin loves to crawl into the “tunnel” and read to the kids.

We still have a few finishing touches I will post later.