26.2...yes it's true

We did it!

{Brooke, Me, Sandra}

I couldn't ask for a better group of girls to train and run a Marathon with. I had the best time with these girls and it was an unforgettable experience! I am actually quite surprised at how much I learned from doing this. The human body is amazing. We were created by someone who knew exactly what they were doing. Although I have known this all along, I was reminded often how strong our mind and body actually are. Often times, I focus on what my body isn't rather than what it is. I am a healthy {almost} 26 year old that is able to do my daily tasks without many restrictions and for that I am very grateful. It is so fun to see the different people out there running and achieving their goals. My friends and I came across these 'older fellas' that called themselves the Locomotions {or something like that}. They were so much fun to visit with and I couldn't believe how much they run. I can guarantee you I won't be running when I am that old!

Sandra just moved on Monday. I hate Mondays. I am so sad to see her leave. We had so much fun being neighbors and becoming life long friends.


Oh the feeling of Victory!

I realize I look cross-eyed and don't even know a picture is being taken...but this definately captures how truly happy I was. Especially to see my family at the finish line. My mom, dad, Zach, Clay {father in law}, and of course Mike & Jake.

Thanks everyone for supporting my crazy addiction!

p.s. I do have to add that it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Just in case you want to try it out.

one of those moms

Tonight I had to run to the store to grab a few things. It was almost 9:00 p.m. Yes my child should have been in bed. But he wasn't. I couldn't bare to see the look on his face if I told him he had to stay home. I packed him up...jammies, jacket, Puma's (with no socks of course), and a Jazz hat that he just had to have. Quite the combination. Jake told me stories as we walked the aisles. They consisted mainly of Buzz, Woody, and Mama Lu Lu. Pretty sure they were the same stories I heard earlier, but even better this time. Now he is in bed and I miss him. I am supposed to be picking out things for our house, instead I am looking at random pictures on the computer. Its amazing the things my mind can forget in such a short amount of time.

{lovin him some coke}

{really? did i seriously pay money for those jammies? not one of my better days. don't worry those weren't the ones he wore to the store tonight.}

{middle of winter and he chooses silly summer PJ's. it's called compromising.}

{love the face. and the food down the shirt.}

Each of these pictures possess something that I swore I would never do, let my kid wear, etc. Now I think its hilarious.

I guess I really am just 'one of those moms'.

admitting defeat

I have been thinking about this post for awhile.

Everytime I think about posting it, my pride gets in the way and I decide I am not ready to admit defeat. I walk a fine line between being completely stressed and loving my hectic schedule. Which, for the most part, is self inflicted. Yes I have to work, yes I have to take care of a VERY active 20 month old, but aside from that most everything else is because I choose to. I choose to blog, I choose to train for various races, I choose to be on the go, etc. I feel like if I am not doing something every moment of everyday I am not being productive. Is that crazy? But somewhere in between all this running around I get this sense of panic. What if I don't remember this time in my life because I was so consumed with it?

I can't let this happen.

So here's to focusing on things that really matter.

To pick a few things that are important {to me and my family} and let the rest of the stuff go.

my boy is growing up. maybe this is why i am starting to panic.


he is such a little man. i love him.

p.s. its been a week without the binky. good boy.

an easter story

Without many words. His first look at the loot that the Easter Bunny left him.

So SURPRISED!

What is this? Looks ok, I think I will keep it.

Oh no way! Toy Story 2?

menenems....does it get any better than this?

I guess it does....

Kit Kat at not even eight o'clock in the morning? Some say unhealthy. We call it breakfast.

Nothing finer than a tired mom {can't ya tell?} and a toddler on a sugar high.

Once the sugar high wore off we were able to sit down for an enjoyable Spring General Conference. I guess I am getting older {whether I like it or not} and I have found myself enjoying the last few a lot more than I ever have. It was very uplifting and {as usual} a good reminder of the things we should be doing. Not to mention topics, stories, and words that are just what I needed to hear. Isn't it great how that happens? Incredible.

i guess it's time

to say...goodbye. {our first home}

I think I have been delaying this post. In fact I know I have. I actually wrote this 'goodbye' post a few weeks ago and right before I published it, it disappeared. I guess it wasn't time. We recently moved out of our 1st home. It seemed like a good time to take advantage of the market and our house sold a lot quicker than we expected. Good, but sad. A few weeks ago, I had a few things to discuss with the new owners. I parked the car across the street {at miss Sandra's} and ran up my old driveway. I felt like I was just coming home from a run or picking up the mail, only this time when I reached the door I had to ring the bell. As we talked I couldn't help but realize it wasn't my home anymore. Even the smell had changed {is that weird that I mentioned it?}. Not bad, just different. As I left, my mind raced with memories that took place in that home. Our first baby, putting in the yard, finishing college, our great ward, dinners on the back patio, baking Sunday treats, running with my friend, and many more. I know this move is good, I am just one that hates when I know there is something that you can't get back. I don't want the house, just the memories that go along with it.

Besides I met the nice family that moved in, and I know that it's in good hands.

just call him D Will

This week I have been pretty sick. Ok let's be honest, really sick. I kind of just lay around and watch Jake destroy my house. Really, how bad can he destroy it when you are in the process of moving? Anyway, yesterday as cleared out his closet I came across his jersey. Immediately he said, "BaAt Ball" Which means: Basketball. So I put it on just for kicks {thinking it didn't even fit him anymore} along with his Air Jordans. The best part was when daddy walked through the door and surprised him with this Nerf ball hoop. He played for hours last night {thank you Daddy, this makes laying around much easier}. He even started doing tricks. He would stand on the corner of his couch and shoot it from there. By golly this kid might be a baller.

The Whole Getup

While I watched this my little guy play I couldn't help but take it all in. I want to remember these little legs just the way they are. I imagined myself watching him play ball when he is in his teens and hoping so bad I could remember moments like this. It is years away, but I know they will go quick. And while I LOVE watching him grow, it is hard for me to know I can never have this time back.

slam dunk!

Jake had his 18th month appointment a few days ago. He gained a few pounds {finally} and grew a few inches too. He is in the 75-90th percentile for height, and the 25th percentile for weight. My boy is growin' up!

from the bottom of my heart

Happy VALENTINE'S Day!

I have a confession.

Is that a good way to start a post? Well I have to admit that I was a bit of a Grinch this last Christmas {2009}. Not because of Christmas, but because of what it turns into. It bugs me every year, yet every year I get sucked into it. I love shopping, I love new things, I love giving, I love receiving, but sometimes it's just TOO MUCH. Let's face it, the economy has not been incredible and although I can't complain about our situation (not because we aren't feeling the stress but because we both have jobs, eachother, & our health), I still hear ALOT about it. Every day at work I would listen to clients/boss tell me story after story of heartache, fraud, bankruptcy, job loss, not enough orders, etc.I know it is just part of the business I am in, but it starts to wear on you. I didn't really say much because I still LOVE the season and LOVE to give. All I really wanted to do was to forget everything and take my little family to Temple Square & drink hot chocolate. {We never went and I am still kicking myself} How does this relate to Valentine's? Well usually in January I start to get down. I NEED sunshine in my life. Usually I could care less about the 14th of February. I could take it or leave it. But this year I needed it. I wanted my boys to know I was making an effort and love was indeed in our home. I didn't do much, but a few simple reminders was all it took.

{i found this idea at Taipan, my set up wasn't quite as elaborate as i would have liked, due to my budget...but there's always next year}

a little of this

and

a little of that


and there you have a happy day of love


{a heart shaped candy dish filled with Valentine M&M's was usually present, until i ate two bags by myself and had to stop putting them out}

So I am starting the year out right. Celebrating every holiday big or small. Maybe I will even post of few pics of last Christmas, just for kicks. And for proof that although I felt like the Grinch, I really did put on a happy face.


p.s. i love michael & jake. they are the best.