Sunday

Saturday night we had games night with our friends and didn't get home till pretty late. Sunday morning came around and at 8 am, all children were still sleeping. That NEVER happens. About 8:30 I decided to get up and get breakfast started. A few started coming around, but mostly it was quiet. We had french toast and eggs for breakfast, got things cleared up and started getting ready for church. The morning went really smoothly.

It was ward conference at church so we got to hear from our Stake leaders, which I always love. Sunday school was even really good ( I can't always say that) and YW was awesome! It really was about a perfect day at church. After, I stayed to help the new Cubmaster find some scout stuff and didn't get home till 3:45. I got the chicken noodle soup going and headed out for our drive-bys.

We have started a fairly new thing where the leaders drive by each girls house, sit with them in their car for a few minutes and talk with them about their personal progress and goals. This was my first time so I was a little nervous about how it all worked. One of the girls on my list is one I have struggled with and wondered how we were going to get along. She had mentioned she wouldn't be home, but I had a feeling she would be, so I went anyway. I can't give details obviously, but what an amazing visit. She was home and very open with me about her life and in the end, we cried and hugged and I told her I loved her. I'm hoping a door has been opened and good things will happen from here.

After all my wonderful visits, I rushed home to finish dinner and greet family. It was a great night of yummy food, fun games and great family. I really am blessed in that area. I was really pooped from two long days in a row so I went to bed really early. It was great to lay in bed and revisit all the great things that went on this weekend.

Half Marathon....check!

The day came and I was well rested and sick to my stomach. Literally, I was very afraid of heading out on that course. For two days my tummy had been very gurgly and not very happy. Don't know if it was nerves or something real. I'm grateful that it went away long enough for me to get through the run, but was right back that night.

My official time was 2:16. I would have liked to hit 2:11 but that would have been the best I think I could have done. I felt really good most of the race and actually ran the whole thing. That, in and of itself, is a huge accomplishment. I had the normal aches and pains and glitches that come and go but mostly I felt really good. About mile 10 I started getting a really bad cramp in my foot. Normally they pass or go numb, but this just kept getting worse. Eventually the pain went up my leg and my foot started to feel like it was burning. Right after 11 miles I decided to stop and try to stretch it for a second to see if I could make it go away. Nope, started right back up again. I had serious concerns of how I was going to finish at this rate. My run had turned into a bit of a gimp. I certainly wasn't quitting with just over a mile left, but it really hurt. At mile 12 there was a water station. I decided to walk just long enough to drink the water (instead of dumping it all over me when I tried to drink while still running) and say a prayer and then headed out again. It still hurt, but I only had one mile left so I sucked it up and picked up my pace again. It felt better, but not good, but not debilitating either, so I was grateful. I was so happy to see that big balloon arch waiting for me. I did it, I didn't quit and I was so happy I didn't let my doubts get the best of me. I tend to do that.

I had lunch with a friend who also ran and then went home to shower and rest. Today I feel pretty good. My thighs are a little tight but not bad at all. I'm so happy to have it behind me. Now I can be happy with 5 or 7 mile runs and not feel like I should be doing 9 or 10. Next stop....Ragnar!!

Anti Social

I go through bouts of wanting to be a hermit. It never lasts long, but I'm kinda there now. I think it happens when life gets busy and the thought of having to re-hash what your doing when people ask "how's it going" or like questions is too exhausting. This is going to sound really awful but sometimes it's too exhausting to ask "how's it going" to others. So during these brief times, I don't like to answer my phone or chit chat in the hall, etc...don't be offended...my brain is just on overload. That sounded bad, I'm not sad or unhappy, just busy right now.

Tuesday we had a great mutual with all the youth combined. I got to pretend to be an airline stewardess which was lots of fun. I got to see my kids in action, sort of as a fly on the wall. That's not always fun. The last couple of days have been chill at home days which I really enjoy during my hermit times. Yesterday my SIL came over to learn about couponing now that she's a stay at home mom. I love being able to help and share, makes me feel useful. Last night I had my first play practice for ensemble (that's me). We actually are the back up dancers for 4 different songs. Should be lots of fun, getting excited about that.

After, I went to Bunko really late and stayed till almost midnight chatting with good friends. Ok, so I'm not completely anti social! Today I'm so tired and plan on spending the day in my jammies. Glade has a basketball game tonight and my half marathon is in the morning. I still have no idea how I'm going to finish it, but that's the plan. There's a place about mile 8 that isn't too far from my house, maybe I'll end up making a beeline for home! Life really is good right now and I'm excited for all the things coming up in the very near future. Gotta keep chuggin along!!

Thanksgiving Sunday

No, it's not November...however....I still had a turkey in my freezer from November. Since we weren't having big family dinner this day, I thought it would be a good time to cook it up. I heard from a friend that you could pressure cook a turkey in less than an hour so I decided I would try it. I took it out of the freezer in the morning and put it into a sink of hot water. I left it there till after church then put it into the pressure cooker for 30 minutes. Perfect!! It was about the exact right amount of time to cook the corn casserole, potatoes and rolls. I may just have to make this a Thanksgiving tradition!

Earlier in the day, we made a big breakfast of breakfast burritos so we could use all those eggs we are getting again. Yep, 5 to 6 a day! I made extra to make frozen burritos to take to a friend. I really have enjoyed having those around. I still have one more batch to make soon. We were all ready to go to church an entire half an hour before it even started. Yeah us!!

Church was enjoyable as always. Later in the day, a few of us were discussing the talks and one mentioned how it was boring to him and Whitley pipes up and says "Boring?? Who cares...total eye candy!!" A family with 5 very cute boys has recently moved in and were the speakers. She's funny.

After our Thanksgiving dinner, we all settled in and I forced them to watch Annie. Not too far in, I lightly gave the direction "I guess you don't have to sit through all of it if you don't want to" but not one kid got up and left. By the end they were all watching intently. Too fun. I turned in early with a book to end a very restful and nice Sabbath day.

Weekend Update

Friday

Though my house was dirty and I had much laundry to deal with, Katy had been begging for some social interaction and I was in need of some "friend" time. (holy cow! Every time I talk about this I choke up!) I made a date with a friend I haven't been able to spend time with in way too long to meet at the park. We took our girls to a fairly deserted little playground, packed lunches and spent three hours catching up. As I sat talking to her, I got all choked up realizing how blessed I am to have her friendship. Little tears escape right now as I think back on it. It was a great morning and the kids all played so well for such a long time.

That night we had already planned a date with her and her husband so they came to pick me up and we drove in town to meet Glade. We grabbed a quick dinner and saw the movie True Grit. It was actually pretty good, I was a little surprised.

Saturday

Saturday was busy as always. The kids had play practice from 9-12 so I drove them there and then went for my last long run before my half marathon. I'm still not 100% sure I will do it. I only ran 7 miles and was able to run all of it, but that's only half and I was really ready to be done. We'll see how this week goes. After my run, I had just enough time to shower, run to walmart to pick up a cake for Dalin's party, grab the kids from play practice and get home just in time for friends to start showing up. Dalin's birthday was on Thursday. He invited a few friends to go play Laser Tag. I'll do that in another post.

After the party, I laid down for a much need snooze while Glade began the dejunking of our garage. It's still in need of more, but he got a good start. Around dinner time I invited Glade to "run errands" with me. I was seriously craving a Red Robin burger. I never get a burger there but I really wanted one. We got the kids fed and slipped out for our "errands". The kids were making fun of us because they knew what we were up to. After a delicious dinner, we walked over to Dick's Sporting Goods to browse around. Glade had run 9 miles earlier so his walking abilities left a little to be desired. He doesn't believe in building up to it.

Once home, we put the kids to bed and turned on the TV, something we almost never do. The Notebook was on! We laid in bed and watched the movie together, something we almost never do. It was such a great ending to a super good weekend.

Don't Read the Fine Print

This is one of my kid's very favorite treats. When we have a date night or something like that, I will get the these for dinner. They think it's so great to get their very own pizza! Since they were on sale this week for $.69 a piece I thought that would make a very affordable dinner for my family while I was out. As I was putting them on the pan, I heard squeals of delight "you got us Party Pizza?!" Ah, what a good mom I am! Then....I noticed the small print under the logo:

In case you can't read it, it says this: Sausage made with pork and chicken; pizza topping with pepperoni seasoning made with pork, chicken, beef.

I guess I didn't read carefully enough when I bought it thinking it was a pepperoni pizza but in actuality it's a "pizza topping with pepperoni seasoning". Does that seem icky to anyone or is it just me? I'm not mentioning this to my kids, what they don't know....

Cesspool

I have been looking for new music to run to since I have a big run coming up. The only way to find stuff is to listen to a lot of music. I have tried YouTube videos, friend suggestions and Pandora. What I have found is that the music industry is just one big cesspool of profanity and disgusting lyrics. I would even say I lean to the side of accepting some of the unacceptable, but oh my heck, the filth. Who listens to this and why did anyone even think to write it? Who sat down and wrote about such gross and offensive topics? I'm seriously not a prude about music but what I found today was just plain awful. There were even times when I wouldn't be able to hear or understand all the lyrics and thought they seemed like what they were saying was inappropriate so I would look up the lyrics. Yikes! I was right in that what I thought I heard was bad but what I didn't know is that they left out all the seriously sick lyrics! Really, I heard the clean version?? Very sad...I know every generation has had parents calling out the evils of modern day music...nothing new there, but.....what I heard today was all about the very things that make our society scary. Our celebrities are singing the praises of some of the most foul and illegal behavior known to us. I knew there was a lot of ugly music out there, I'm not stupid, but I had no idea just how ugly it was till today.

Not Now

Some things are all about timing. Running faster is normally considered a good thing. However, for me...it's coming at a very bad time. My "normal" pace is getting faster again, but when that happens, my endurance goes down. I find myself walking more than normal and feeling winded...it's very frustrating. I get home, plug in my iPod and see that I was running faster than I normally do. Great! What's not great is that this transition is coming right before my scheduled half marathon, 13.1 miles. I really just need endurance for this. I'm not a good enough runner to just "slow down". It feels awkward to go slower so I don't. Then I get tired sooner and don't last. The other problem is that running faster is new to my muscles so I get sore when I normally wouldn't be. That takes longer to recover and means I run less. I hadn't paid that much attention to my speed lately but have been very frustrated at my lack of endurance and how sore I am each time. So, it's bittersweet. It's good that I'm improving, but this part of the cycle is coming at a very inopportune time. I have no idea how I'm going to make 13.1 miles in a week. I'm going to hope for adrenaline getting me through. *crossing fingers*

Final Cross Country Meet

Brooklyn and Rhett had their last cross country meet on Wednesday. We were hoping for a metal, but it just didn't happen. Rhett ran his best but still came in 18th. He was 11th last week, so I'm not sure what happened. His mouth was hurting from just getting his braces on so he had taken medication, but whatever. He's still amazing!! Brooklyn always starts at the very back of the pack. She had already determined she wasn't going to run well because her knees were hurting. She was running really funny by the time she finished so I asked her what was wrong. She said she was having a little "rash" problem. I know how that feels!! I don't have either time because I'm stupid and push wrong buttons, but Rhett was around 10 min and Brooklyn was around 17. I'm so proud of both of them for even doing it and sticking it out to the end.

This is Rhett finishing. He is number 41 on the very inside of the track sprinting by the kid in the white shirt.

Two more days down

Tuesday

After three trips to the ortho in a week, Rhett finally has all his braces and we don't have to go back for 6 weeks. This week has some good sales so I spent the morning grocery store hopping. I love stocking up! Today my hamstrings are super sore, I have never had that before so I'm so curious what I did different on my run Monday. I'm so not feeling ready for 13 miles. Got the laundry finished (as much as finished ever is) and cut the rest of my coupons. I'm officially done couponing till after summer.

Being crazy Tuesday and all, I spent most of the afternoon driving kids here and there. Dalin had his last meeting with the Bears since Thursday he will turn 10 and become a Webelos. Rhett and Brooklyn had their last cross country practice because tomorrow is their last meet. I'm so excited to see how Rhett does. Hopefully he will come away with a metal. Neither one of the big boys had mutual because they have softball tomorrow. I went to our Mutual with Whitley where we did speed dating with another ward. It was a fun night and I think they all came away with a new friend or two. By the time I got home, I was way ready for bed. I tried to watch BL but couldn't keep my eyes open. Last night sleeping alone and I think I did a pretty good job!

Wednesday (today)

Mornings have been rough lately, my fault I'm sure. I should get up earlier. And I probably shouldn't wait until they are walking out the door to start doing Dalin's party invitations that need to go out that day. Spent this morning getting all my "stock up" stuff in order. Finding space is always hard. I got it done though and that's a relief. My visiting teachers came and gave me a nice rest to sit and chat. I managed to watch the rest of the BL and get my laundry put away. Another relief. Still in my jammies and loving it. Today is the track meet and I have been a little frantic because I lost the charger to my camera. It's been dead since Christmas. I ordered one online over two weeks ago and it's still not here..grrr. This morning I decided to see what was in this basket over in the corner and lo and behold...my cord!! Now I guess I'll just have an extra, but what a blessing. I was so afraid of missing the meet and Dalin and Katy's birthdays that are just around the corner. So far a great day!

Listening to a conversation in the background..

Bo: are you done pooping katy?
Katy: it's PRINCESS katy.
Bo: But are you done yet?
Katy I said it's PRINCESS katy!!
Bo: I know, hurry and come play.
Katy: say PRINCESS katy!!!

Go away bugs!

No school day, yuck. I'm sure my kids get their lack of creativity from me. Total veg all day. I encouraged active behavior, but no one wanted to do anything that didn't involve a screen in front of them. Sad sad sad. They were up bright and early to do it though! I got up and made them rubber pancakes and to see Glade off. He left for three days without me, rude! About 10 am, I checked my phone and there was a text from Chelsey that came at 5:20 am just saying "I love you". Kind of freaked me out. One, she is never up that early! Two, what's wrong? I texted back and she said she had just had a bad dream that I died so she felt like she needed to say it. Sweet girl. After getting the kids fed and settled, I headed out for my long run. It was LONG in so many ways!

I took my phone with me this time just in case I decided to wimp out, which I did. It seems 6 - 7 miles is my comfort zone. Once I hit that, I just tank. I become a quitter, I feel every sore muscle and ache. Fortunately I have learned that if I go far away, I am required to keep going to get home. I stuck with it until about 9:35 miles. I was only going to 10, I'm such a wuss. By this point, I was starting to walk too frequently and the outside of my knee was really hurting. I worry about the whole IT band issue, once you ruin that, you are done for a long time. Anyway, I had Whitley come and get me.

I felt really awful once I got home, achy and wobbly. I took a shower and when I got out, Katy was laying on the floor crying. Her head and legs hurt. Hey...me too!! I picked her up to see what was wrong and she was burning up. I think her foot fell asleep is why her leg hurt. She wanted to lay in my bed with me. Great idea! I had told Whitley we would go to the mall, but I really wanted a little horizontal time so I gave Katy some medicine and laid with her for about 20 min. When I got up, I instantly felt like I was going to puke. I walked around trying to make it go away, but it wasn't, so I laid back down for about another 20 minutes. I needed to get my nieces home so I decided to just get up and deal with it.

Turns out their mom came to get them while I was laying down but I took Whitley to the mall anyway. We both needed character shoes for the play. On the way home I decided I felt too crappy to cook so we got pizza. When we got home, Katy was up and feeling better. We decided for FHE to just watch Hairspray together. (you know, in honor of civil rights day Ü) I had everyone in bed and tucked in by 8:45. My head was killing me and I just wanted to curl up and end the day. Then at 9, the doorbell rang. What?? Whitley had asked a boy to MORP and he was coming to give his answer. He left a jar of M&Ms on the porch. The note said that if there were more green than red, he would go with her. Five minutes later the doorbell rang again. They had written it wrong and just realized it, so he and his mother came back to tell her it was the other way. Good thing they realized or she would have been really sad! Then to end my night...as I was walking into the laundry room to reset the alarm, I had to kill a ginormous scorpion on the wall. Sick bugs and real bugs...grrr!

Then I laid in bed till 11 wishing my husband was here and that I could fall asleep. I don't know how you do it girls.

My Weekend Outside the Box

What a crazy busy week. Friday, the kids had a half day and I had made plans to have lunch with Mom. Since Chelsey was still here, she agreed to pick up the kids at noon so I could still go to lunch. I left around 10:30 to meet mom at 11. We did a little shopping, shared a salad at Red Robin and then walked the mall a little until the movie started. Once Chelsey got the kids, she came and joined us for the movie. We saw Country Strong. I can't say I would recommend it, pretty sad, but it was OK. I'm glad I saw it. I got back home around 3:30. A whole day of being the daughter, not the mom!!

It was my friends birthday and she had invited us to go out with them, so we were leaving at 5:30. In the meantime, we were still dealing with some drama over Chelsey breaking up with this boy she had been dating. I guess he wasn't taking it well and kept texting her. Now he says he's two miles from our house if she wants to talk. What's relevant about that is that he lives in Flagstaff. Why are you here?? (turns out he was here for a funeral, but we didn't know that) We were all a little creeped out by his behavior, so Chelsey went and stayed with my mom for the evening. They shopped and had dinner and then just chilled at her house. I felt much better about that since we were not going to be home. We went to dinner and then to a comedy club called Jesters. I had heard about it, but never been. It's actually LDS owned and completely clean and appropriate. We had a great time. It would even be appropriate for my kids, very fun.

Saturday morning we were up bright and early for our ward Run/Breakfast. I was going to do my long run before, but my iPod was dead. We ran the mile, ate some pancakes and then we had to leave for our first Hairspray rehearsal. Chelsey took the rest home with her. She was quite handy!! Rehearsal went well. The singing part was torture, but then we danced and that was fun. I realized then that I have a gift for learning quickly. I was slightly frustrated at how long it took and how many times we had to go over the same thing. I decided instead to be grateful for my gifts instead of be mad at other peoples lack of. We ended at noon at which point we said our goodbyes to Chelsey and I headed to Wal mart to get things for Sunday dinner. I was home just long enough to lay down for a bit, do a little work and clean up before we were headed out for another date night.

Because we had auditioned for Hairspray, they gave us two tickets each to a show on Saturday night called the Broadway Baritones. Normally we wouldn't go to anything like that but since it was free...we did. We went with some good friends to dinner, the show and then ice cream. We even took Whitley and Stephen since they had free tickets as well.

Sunday I taught my first lesson in YW. I was pretty nervous, but luckily there are only three of them and the YW president wasn't there that day so that pressure was off. I think it went ok, Whitley said it was "so great" but I think she may be biased. Bo gave a talk in primary in which he helped me write and read all by himself without any help. Glade said 4 people came up to him after church to tell him how great Bo did. He's fun. Sunday dinner brought the whole family together. That doesn't happen very often. I love having everyone together. We ate tacos, played games and enjoyed just sitting around talking. Because there was no school the next day, there wasn't a big rush for everyone to leave either.

It was a jampacked weekend which was a fitting end to our jampacked week. Fortunately, it was all good stuff. I can handle that kind of busy. Now Chels is gone and the kids will go back to school and life should return to our very not-normal normal. Life is good.

Horses, Hairspray and Hormones

This week has been a roller coaster of events and emotions. Tuesday night after all the drama at the DMV and braces, the kids had their callbacks for Hairspray. Chelsey, Whitley, Stephen and Rhett were all called back to try for Corney Collins dancers. They had tons of fun, but now the anxiety begins. Did we make it??

Wednesday we got up and headed back to the DMV and ortho. Whitley had to three point turn twice, but she passed! She is official. Rhett got his brackets on, but they need to pull two adult teeth so waited for the wires. I made a quick call to a friend of mine who is a dentist and he had room to fit him in that afternoon. Rhett was NOT happy to say the least. He had track pictures right after school and then we headed him off to the chair. He did really well and the two teeth were out in no time. He is still sore and chews a little funny, but it's done and he goes back to the ortho to finish the braces next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the cast list was supposed to be posted by noon. Chelsey was glued to her laptop all morning. She had determined to come down every weekend to rehearsals so she could be in the show. The director had agreed, so she read for both a lead and a dancer. By afternoon, still no list. The kids were all going crazy. I had already determined I would not be seeing my name on the list, but was still so excited for them. Whitley had spent Monday night crying on my bed saying she was sure she wasn't going to make it. To add to the mix, we were supposed to be riding horses at a friends house.

Here's where the real drama begins. Right before we were needing to leave, me for the dentist, the kids to ride horses....Chelsey got an email from the director telling her that after much debate they decided it wouldn't be fair to cast her and another boy who also couldn't make all the rehearsals. She was crushed! She had it all planned out and was so excited. She has had some trials being away and really thought this was the answer to get her over the hump. She was crying but I had to get Rhett to the dentist. She called right after I left and said she wasn't going to take the kids to ride horses, she just wanted to stay home. I encouraged her to take them anyway and just stay until I could get there. She had been so excited to still be here for the horse riding. She agreed but not happily.

Once I got to the Bradshaw's, I found Chelsey up on a horse and the kids roasting marshmallows over a little fire. She was glad she had stayed and was feeling a little better. While we were there, one of the kid's friends texted and said the list was up. All three kids made it for dancers and Glade made it for Wilbur. They were elated.

Once home, fed and cleaned up, Chelsey came into my room in tears again. We had a nice long talk and lots of tears and a little laughing about what her future holds for her. It's a really hard transition trying to figure out what you want to do and having to wait sometimes to actually "do". After a good cry, we decided ice cream was calling. She and I drove to Sonic and got a treat. I hope I said the things she needed to hear or that she heard the things that needed to be said. I love that we can talk more like adults and that she still needs her Mommy. What a rough month she has had.

In the end, we all ended up making the play. I got cast as "ensemble". Not exactly sure what that will entail but it's good enough for me! It will be so fun to have this experience with the kids. Rhett has mostly recovered from his ordeal and Whitley is satisfied to be a licensed driver. I think Chelsey has a positive outlook on the up coming months and is anxious to get back into a good routine of school and life. For me, it's one day at a time. This begins the busiest time of year for me. So much going on. Three birthdays in the next 3 weeks, two races, play practice, ball starts, and the big 40 is looming close. Better get my boots on and "cowboy up" as Gram would say.

Stop Raining!

When it rains it pours, that's what they say. I think Whitley would attest to that. Last week we had the issue with the gal at the DMV, arriving 4 minutes late and them sending us away. Then this weekend she and Chelsey tried to find dates and just had no luck at all. Last night was call backs for the play. She, Chelsey and Glade got called back for reading parts, but Whitley came away feeling like she did not do well. The director mentioned that there would probably only be 15 girls cast in the entire play. She cried for awhile consigning herself to rejection.

Today was going to be a better day. Rhett had his first ortho appointment so we took her with so she could go get her license. After waiting about a half an hour, it was finally her turn. The lady told her where to pull up to so she did. Whitley assumed at this point she would get in the car with her and they would start. Instead she directed her into a spot where she would do her 3 point turn. She had pulled right up to the curb but didn't remember so when she went to turn right into the lane, she completely jumped the curb. I heard the loud noise it made and knew that couldn't be good. The lady failed her right then and there. Didn't even actually start the test. More tears. I guess they consider her unfit to drive today, but tomorrow she could go back to try again. Lucky for her, Rhett's ortho also had an appointment available tomorrow to put the braces on. Let's hope the third time is the charm.

Call me Prudie

I guess I've gotten old and picky and intolerant. I've taken a liking to reading books. I've stuck mostly with church related books because I feel like if I'm going to spend the time doing "nothing", at least I should be uplifted and come out a better person for it. I have read a few other books, but mostly by Christian authors. The first secular book I read was My Sister's Keeper. I loved the movie, but the book had tons of swearing and other things I didn't need in my head. I never finished it.

For Christmas Glade bought me To the Rescue: Biography of President Monson. I have loved reading it. Then for our anniversary, he bought me a regular book that was on the list of "best books" called Firefly Lane. I was a little apprehensive, but it was toted as a sort of Beaches type story so I thought I would just give it a try. I read the first three chapters and experienced every swear word there is. Because of the type of story they were setting up, I thought it might get better. I decided I would give it one more chapter. It was clear of any language unless you consider the somewhat detailed experience of her first sexual experience which was a date rape. *sigh* Is this what people enjoy reading?? I'm done. I'm even tempted to take it back to the store. I enjoy a nice love story, even a little scandal or suspense, but seriously, why would I want to have my thoughts about those kinds of things? I'll go back to being old and picky and intolerant. What I'll also say is that I will wear the tag "Prudie" with honor.

A clean mind = a pure heart.

Runnin fools

What a great day in the running world! Today Rhett and Brooklyn had a cross country meet. On Friday Brooklyn said she had a run a 9 something min/mile at school. I said there was no way. Her best time for the mile and a half has been 16:45. She walks a lot of it. So Saturday Rhett and I went to the school to measure the distance to see if it was a full mile they were timing them on. Sure enough, it was. Rhett had run a 6:10 min/mile that same day. She couldn't remember what the seconds were on her time, but lets say it was 9:55...in her races, she hasn't really run less than 12 min/miles. That's significantly faster. Once I found out it was a full mile, I got a little tough with her and told her I wanted to see that at her next race. No more of this social running/walking she was doing.

After dropping them off at the track for their meet, I went for a quick run before it started. Because I knew it had to be fast, I tried to run hard. I went 3.25 miles in 30 min. That averages 9:14 min/miles. I don't think it's my fastest, but pretty fast for me. It felt good.

Back to the track. Rhett ran first. He has been coming in about 12th place at most of the meets where there are only 3 schools running at a time. Today all the schools ran together. He was determined to make top 10 today. He was so close! He ran his 1.5 miles in 9:07 and got 11th! The first kid crossed at 8:36. I was so proud of him I wanted to jump over the fence and tackle him right there on the spot. I refrained. Still, it choked me up to see him give so much and do so well.

Then it was Brooklyn's turn. She started out at the very back of the pack. Once they leave the track area, you can't really see their progress till they are almost done so we just had to wait. Lo and behold, here she comes! She finished in 14:53 and only took one walking break. She even beat about 10 other girls. She said it was hard. Yes, I told her, but you did it! What a super fun night. I thought it only appropriate to stop for ice cream on the way home. Next week is the final meet. I will NOT forget my camera.

Floppy Hand

The rest of the story...I stayed up for a couple of hours waiting to see how bad it was going to get after that dang scorpion got me. It was different from last time. I didn't get the burning sensation quite so much and instead of feeling the tingle and numbness, my bicep ached and ached. I went back to bed around 5:30 to try to sleep some more. By the time I got up around 8 my arm felt pretty good except where it actually stung me. Katy on the other hand...

Apparently it stung her finger before it got me, that's probably why mine was so mild. I can't believe she was able to go right back to sleep after. When she got up in the morning she was pretty whiny about her hand hurting and that it was "shocking" her. She never really cried or complained, but winced if you bumped her hand at all. She kept it out in front of her the whole day, just hanging there. I felt so bad for her. Luckily it was her left hand so she was still pretty able to do normal things. I had to help her dress and undress is all. We assured her that it would be all better today, but it's not. She said only the middle feels better. How did she tolerate the initial sting?? The only thing I can go with is that angels were with her. Seriously. It's so painful and to have the tingling last for more than a day...amazing. I'm grateful for that tender mercy. As a parent, it's killer to watch your baby suffer and be able to do nothing to help her. It would have been a really bad day had she been up all night crying and suffering.

Getting back into that bed was HARD!!

Things that sting in the night

Some days are better than others. Today wasn't so bad other than my awful run. I went to bed early, not feeling that well. By two am I was awake and of course my brain starts going crazy. I toss and turn and try to relax and about 3:30 I'm thinking I might actually be able to go back to sleep. That's when I hear the pitter patter of little feet. Katy comes in and says her finger hurts. I can't see anything, so I tell her to get in. She climbs over me and snuggles in on my shoulder. At this point I'm thinking "it's good to be a mom". Then...ouch!! Scorpion sting. Right in the crook of my elbow, maybe even right into my vein. I jump up and turn on the light waking Glade and scaring Katy. We can't find it anywhere in the bed. It doesn't hurt as bad as it did in my foot, but it's definitely uncomfortable and my hand is starting to tingle even as I type. I hope that's not what happened to her finger and then she brought it into our bed with her. She wasn't crying or anything, but it would make sense. Even if it was a spider of some kind and it had crawled up her arm and then got me when she laid down. I don't know of a spider bite that feels like this though. Anyway, makes for a sucky night.

I did it!

Well my nerves are stilled after Glade and I went to the PAC and auditioned for Hairspray. The singing was awful! I gave them all a good laugh and I can say that I tried so that's what's important, right? I think I did well on the dancing, but I'm pretty sure they weren't paying any attention. After my memorable performance with the singing, I'm guessing they put an "x" right across my paper. It was still fun and I feel good about putting myself out there. My song went like this:

I cannot sing to save my life, but please don't take a stance.
Cuz if you let me give it a try...I'll show you I can dance!
I know my notes are way off key and even kind of nappy,
But being out there on that stage...would really make me happy!

You have to give me creativity points at least! After auditions, we came home and hosted our Ragnar meeting with our friends. It's always a little chaotic, but at least everyone knows what they are doing. Eight more weeks!

This morning we all slept in and then decided to go for a run. Glade went with Katy and Brooklyn and then I took Whitley, Rhett and Stephen. Whit ran 3 miles while Stephen rode beside her on his bike. He had a tough day at training and was really sore. I encouraged him to do something to loosen up. Rhett went with me for a very short distance and then rode his bike home.

I was determined to go 10 miles again today. I was seriously done at 6 and was sending "rescue me" telepathy to Glade. Unfortunately, I was still 3 miles from home. I kept going and by the time I was close enough to see the little strip mall by my house, I seriously wondered "how am I going to get over there?" My legs were like dead weight and ached so badly. I finally made it and have been so uncomfortable ever since. I think I haven't felt this badly since our last relay race. Totally sucks. Gotta love the human body!!

Twenty Years

Happy Anniversary!! Yep, twenty years ago today. What a fun journey it has been, not always easy..but never dull. Not many gave us a fighting chance, yet here we are. I'm totally looking forward to twenty more years (and then some)with my best friend! I love you MTLF!!

Always Moving

School is back in and I'm almost back into the swing of real life. Monday was a crazy day where I wished they were back in school already. Tuesday was back to crazy taxi day but I had help from Chelsey this time. Having her home is great for all sorts of reasons! I also had my first mutual outing with the girls. It's good that I already feel comfortable with the girls I have now. They are the same age as my girls, so I kinda know them already. We spent the evening out cheering on the boys for their softball game.

I got most of Christmas put away and my house back to normal. Not clean, but I guess that would fall under normal. I have a menu made up and plans for a more organized and "on it' kind of year.

I did a few things outside the norm today. The PAC is doing Hairspray as it's next production, which is a family musical. Glade and I are both auditioning Friday night. I don't sing and have never actually sung in front of anyone but my immediate family. I know I won't get a part like that, but just hoping they will stick me in the back somewhere and still let me be a part of it. Rhett, Whitley and Stephen are trying out as well. I also made and sent in an audition tape to be chosen as a runner for the Biggest Loser Ragnar team in So. Cal this spring. My chances are slim, but how great would that be???

Stephen started a training clinic yesterday and had a little bit of a moment while running at the end. Running is not his thing and he was only finishing his third lap while the rest were done. They stretched while he finished his laps. The captain of the football team came out and ran with him and kept him pushing harder than he can push himself. When he finished, they all clapped and cheered. Now, I totally hate that, feels demeaning...BUT it also says "we're here for you" and that's important. It was a hard day for him, but I think it was good.

Sunday

Sunday was fast Sunday and an emotional one at that. The morning was good and church was great. We had a combined lesson in Young Women's (YW) and at the end they let the girls bear their testimonies if they wanted. Whitley stood right up and told through her tears how grateful she was that I was in YW with her and how she knew that the Lord knew she needed me. What a wonderful girl, how blessed am I?

We came home, snacked a little and headed to the Smith's for Sunday dinner. As always it's good to spend time with family. On the way home, we realized we were out of gas. Now the question was either to get gas, or keep the Sabbath day holy and have faith that we would make it home. We chose to have faith. We made it home and Whitley was so excited to see the rewards of her faith. She is such a good girl. Went to bed early with a good book, to the Rescue, President Monson's autobiography. So inspiring and yet so real. I'm so glad Glade was sweet enough to think of it for Christmas. I love that guy.

It's a New Year

Hello 2011!! You are going to have to be pretty darn good to beat 2010. We rang in the new year with a bonfire and good friends. We planned to play games and be silly, but there was just never a lull in the conversation to suggest it. We had tons of (awful for you) super great food! Midnight hit, we clanked our glasses, kissed our sweeties and bid farewell to our friends. As we were cleaning up, we had a little drama with the girls in Flagstaff that turned out to not be as much drama, but we were up till 1:30.

Luckily the kids all slept in but we were up by 8am. Due to the somewhat-drama in Flag, we had to go pick up the girls instead of them being brought home. Glade offered to go and then meet us at the Fiesta Bowl on his way home. I headed out for my trial run. I hadn't yet signed up for the half marathon (being to chicken), so I decided I would try for 10 miles and if I could do it, I would sign up. I'm proud to say I did!! I didn't plan on it after about 3 miles, I just wasn't there mentally. I got a burst of energy and decided to go for it at about 5 miles. About 7 I was regretting it and when I hit 9 I was so glad I had! I averaged 10:13 min/miles and ran the whole thing except a small break at mile 7 to pick and eat an orange. So, Jan 29th I'll be going the distance, 13.1 miles.

That afternoon we went and picked up all of our passengers, which were 14 and headed to the Fiesta Bowl. Glade had been given about 100 free tickets so we invited some families and friends and decided to go. Only snag was that when we got there, we realized we forgot to get the tickets from Chelsey that she decided not to use, so we were two short. Lucky for us, they let us tell them the row and seat number and hand wrote us tickets. It was a fun night and the kids had a great time with their friends.

What a great start to the new year!!