Father's Day 2011

Just wanted to say Happy Father's Day Dan! When I was looking for a Father's Day card this year, I came acrossed one that said "you can tell a lot about a man by the type of father he is". I thought about Dan instantly. He really is a wonderful Dad. The kids can't wait for him to get home from work every evening. They are so excited to see them. He has taught the kids a lot about hard work and to also have fun too. I asked the kids to write down a few things that they loved about their Dad. Kate wrote that she likes to help him in the garden, Kirk wrote that dad is good a building legos, and of course Benjamin is a little young to come up with his own idea, but Dan is Benjamin's favorite person in the world. If he wakes up after Dan has gone to work he will say "were did Daddy go". Our kids truly are lucky to have such a great Father that really works so hard for his family.

We love you Dan!

My Sis's vist

A couple of weeks ago my sister Kristen came in for a visit. She was running the ogden marathon with me, and we turned it into a girls weekend out. It was so much fun having her out to visit. She also brought her daughter Caroline who is close to Kate's age. They had so much fun. The weekend started off at my cousin's wedding reception. I can't believe he is getting married, I remember babysitting him when he was young. The wedding was beautiful, and the girls danced the night away. They had a ball. The next day I checked Kate out of school 20 min. early and we drove down to SLC to visit my Dad for his birthday. We ate at the garden restaurant in the Joseph Smith building. I had never eaten there before, so that was really fun. Next we walked around temple square, saw some brides, and took some pictures in front of the beautiful flowers. I only had my phone to snap the photos with so they are just okay. Then we took the train to the gate way. There I bought my self a running hat at Dick's, and some Gatorade to sip on. Then the girls got a pedicure (I didn't bother since my feet were about to get pretty ugly from my run the following day) and we bought them matching lockets. I've never been in forever 21 before, I loved that store. Really cute stuff, for cheap prices. I picked up a new dress that I'll be able to wear through my pregnancy. Then we headed into Ogden were my sister and I picked up our bib numbers for the marathon the next day. That's when the jitters started to set in. It all of a sudden began feeling very real, and I just wanted to get the next 24 hours over with. Kristen and I said the next time we do a girls weekend, we won't plan it around a marathon. Then off we went to catch a movie. We saw soul surfer. It was really good. I loved how it acknowledged God for her survival. She also used her faith to get through her tragic loss of her arm. It was a great feel good movie, I'd highly recommend it to anyone. I didn't get home till about ten o'clock that night. I was exhausted already, and the thought of running 26 miles the next day was discouraging. I made some spaghetti, and started to get my stuff ready. I downloaded some new tunes for my ipod, and then went to bed. I didn't sleep hardly at all. Whenever I have to wake up really early the next day for something important I never sleep. I wake up every hour or so and look at the clock. In the middle of the night I noticed the clock was off, apparently the power had gone out. Great, that made me even more nervous. I had set the alarm on my phone as a back up, but I was so nervous of not hearing it, or over sleeping. Finally at 3:15 I thought I might as well get ready, I'm not sleeping anyways. The buses loaded at 5:00am and we wanted plenty of time to find parking, so I picked up my sister at 4:20. I ran my race, the details of which are in another post, it's very long so I'll save you the trouble of reading about the races details. I you want all the nitty gritty details read that post. After the race I went home and crashed. I slept a couple of hours. Then that evening we went to my Dad's to celebrate his Birthday. My Dad made his own birthday dinner and I think he was the last one to eat, he grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. That is so typical of my Dad. It's his birthday and he's more worried about feeding everyone but himself. It was a super fun weekend sis. I'm so glad you came out to do this marathon with me. I would never have had the dedication to persevere through the training if I hadn't have committed to you to run it. I love you so much, this was a memory I'll never forget!

My first Marathon

May 21st was the Ogden city marathon. I had registered for it way back in October. My life for the past several months revolved around "when am I going to fit my run into my day". Needless to say that now that it's over with it is so nice to have that little voice inside my head saying "you have to run today; you have to run today" gone. I once heard a quote about Marathons and I think it really summarizes my marathon experience. "Respect the distance, if you don't it will chew you up and spit you out". That is how I felt by mile 16 into the race. Of course I did my training but because I got some mild plantar fasciitis, and also a bad cold that took me out of running for a full week and a half a few weeks from the race, I didn't get in my two twenty miler's like I needed to. Also I'm expecting so training through morning sickness, and constant fatigue wasn't exactly a walk in the park either but I was determined to do it. I guess I'm the type of person who once they decide to something, they'll do it even if it kills em. Of course I wouldn't have pushed myself that hard being pregnant and all, but I was determined to still finish. I didn't waste the last several months of running just to get out of shape now. But enough about training, I was soooo glad that I still ran the race. My sister, who is also my best friend flew out to run the marathon too. I totally idolize her. I can still remember watching her run her first marathon over 13 years ago. I remember thinking to myself, I could never do that. She's fast, she's finished several marathons including the Boston. So obviously we didn't stick together. The morning of the race was fun. It's so much more enjoyable to stand around in the cold for and hour and a half with your sister, than standing around by yourself. The race started at 7:00 am and the morning was beautiful. Luckily it wasn't raining that day. I felt so good the entire first half. The time just seemed to fly by. I didn't even look at my watch until was was well over several miles in. At the half way point I could feel my legs getting a little tired, but I was still going strong. I think my half time was something like a 2:15. If I could have held on to that pace I would have reached my goal of a 4:30. But of course I hit the wall around mile 16. I kept getting slower, and slower. By mile twenty I had decided to not finish. I was walking at that point and my leg was bleeding from my stupid running skirt which was chaffing my leg. Dan was at mile 23 and I told him I was done. I was not in a great state of mind. I was ticked that I couldn't finish strong, and I was mad that my time just kept getting slower and slower. He just told me that I had to keep going, and just finishing would be awesome. Well I know that my time was anything but awesome, but I was so hungry I just wanted to finish so I could eat some food at the finish line (they always have chocolate creamies). He snapped this photo while we were debated the finish or not to finish question. So with that said I kept going and sped walked for another mile, and very very slowly finished and a snail paced run. The most frustrating part is during all of my training I always felt pain, but I somehow could run through the pain. I wasn't in pain my legs just refused to run anymore period. It's so maddening when you can't use "mind over matter" and just push through for a few miles. It was like I had weights strapped to my legs and they wouldn't go. But I finished. It was almost an hour later than I should have finished. I had been on a ten minute pace during all of my long training runs. That should have taken me in just before a 4:30. I honestly don't know what went wrong. I felt great most of the run, I probably went out a little to hard the first six miles, but who knows if that's what did it. I think deep down, it really was my lack of preparation. I only did two 18 milers, and then got sick right afterwards and didn't fit in any other super long runs. I think next time I'm going to train with several extra weeks built in for injury, or sick days. Also I've gained about 15-18 pounds already with this pregnancy. You'd think running like I have been would ward off the excessive weight gain, but nope. I'm sure that had to have slowed me down some. One thing is sure. My first marathon set the bar very low, so it should be easy to beat, my time when I run my next marathon. I definitely won't be pregnant, and I'll train harder. My sister said "Lisa training for a marathon will feel easy when your not sick and pregnant". We shall see, but I already can't wait to do Ogden's half next year. I'll have the baby in October, and that should give me enough time to pull off 13 miles. Then I'll to a full after that. I'm not sure which one I'll do, we will have to see, how out of shape I am after I have the baby. One thing is for sure I am proud of myself. After I had Benjamin, my third baby. I couldn't even run a mile without stopping. I was so out of shape. But I was determined not to stay that way. Now I guess you could say I'm in the best shape of my life, and I'm 20 weeks pregnant. It's amazing what the human body can do when you set you mind to it. I can remember when a four mile run seemed long and tough. I've never been a runner. It's always a struggle for me. Every step forward that I take requires a lot of work. But I think that's why I love it so much. For me running is completely personal. I'm not trying to beat anyone else. I'm not trying to win a race, it's just me and my body out there. I'm just running to conquer my own limitations, and expand my once thought "impossible" to "possible". I once said "I could never ever run a full marathon". Well I guess I upped that impossibility because I not only finished, but I did it all pregnant. I look back at the last four months of pregnancy and I smile. I think about all the days I was so sick, and the last thing I wanted to do was get on the treadmill. I'd just trick myself and say I'll only do a mile. You can just run one mile. Of course once I was on I'd end up doing several. I actually felt better once I was running and once I figured out that my nausea would subside once I got my butt going, it was easier to force myself to train. I think the interesting thing about marathons is that no matter how well you do, there's always a sense of discontentment when you finish. I remember when Dan ran his two. He wasn't totally happy with himself. He got an amazing time 3:22. I couldn't get that time even in my wildest dreams. But of course he had set his personal goals, and for him it was a good time, but not amazing. I guess that sums up my first marathon. I finished even though I was pregnant, I wasn't the last one to finish, but I'm not at all satisfied with my time. That's why I have to do another one. This Marathon was my first, but it's definitely not going to be my last!

Kirk's Indiana Jones Birthday Party

Kirk turned 5. He has been really into the Indiana Jones since we went to Disneyland. Of course after he begged us we rented the movies. Man I didn't remember them being so scary, or graphic, but Kirk loved them. This year I threw him an Indiana Jones party. This was a simple party because I used all of our old Halloween decorations. The boys each got a whip, and a Indiana Jones hat. We played alot of games like whip the bat, make fossils out of play dough, and throw the Velcro balls at the felt targets. We also ate pizza, and spooky punch. Of course after I snapped four pictures of Kirk's birthday party my camera's battery went dead. But I got a cute shot of him with his cup cake. At the end of the party we had a surprise visitor. Indiana Jones himself dropped in to wish Kirk a happy birthday. I regret not getting photo's of that, but o-well what can you do. He had a really fun birthday, and he us already talking about what type of birthday party he wants for next year. I'm thinking maybe only doing these parties every other year now! This party idea is a good one for little boys because it really is versatile. I read online that one Mom hired out a reptile zoo bring some snakes, and spiders for the kids to hold. I thought Kirk would have loved that, but it was a bit pricier than the character visit. I was really impressed with the Princess Parties. They also did Kate's mermaid party last year. He was really animated, and held the boys complete attention as he told them his story. It was a really fun party, but just about did me in. I ran 18 miles the day before. I was wiped out by Sunday. I hope I can maintain these with all of our kids. I may have to resort to chuckee cheese with Benjamin. Well we will see.

I'm the worst blogger, but I haven't given up!

Yes, It's been along time since I've blogged. No, I haven't given up on it altogether. I've been a little busy with a little something called....................................................................... Pregnancy!

Florida get away!

A week in the Florida sun!

Two weeks ago Dan and I had the opportunity to get away for a fun week of warmer weather, golfing, and relaxation. We went to a all inclusive resort in Florida with his siblings and parents. My wonderful sister in-law and little brother watched our kids for us. They watched the kids here at our home so that the kids wouldn't miss school.

Florida was wonderful. It's so beautiful there, we love palm trees. Plus the humidity was great, we were so use to dry winter weather that the week long reprieve was very welcomed. This resort was a golf resort, which had a 18 hole golf course. We ended up golfing everyday. I wasn't expecting to go so often, but I've discovered how it can become an addictive sport. If you have a bad game, you want to redeem yourself and play again, and if you do well it feels like such a great accomplishment that you can't wait to play again. There were also free golf lessons everyday. I hadn't been golfing in years, so the lessons really helped me with my swing. I discovered that I was golfing all wrong. I'm amazed at really how hard it is to golf well. Dan thought that the lesson's just messed up his swing, but he's already pretty good. I guess you shouldn't change up a swing that's working for you. We also played a lot of other sports. I took full advantage of the nice weather and ran outside everyday around the surrounding neighborhood. Dan played basketball with his brothers a lot too. The nice thing about a club med is that the food is all inclusive as well. They're a french resort so they always had amazing breads, cheese, and pastries. I swear I ate about five pieces of white chocolate bread everyday! It's a good thing we played hard, so we could justify eating a lot! We also soaked in the hot tub everyday. It was fun to sit in it and watch the river. I guess you could call it a river, the water is brackish. Fresh and salt water mixed together. We saw a Manatee, and the resort employees said that there have also been dolphins, and sharks spotted in the water. It definitely was to cold to swim in it, but they had sailing lessons. Dan and I opted not to go sailing after Dan's sister's boat capsized! There was also dancing at night, and a small group of acrobat circus performers. It was a wonderful trip, but it's so nice to be home. We really missed the kids tremendously. When we made it home Benjamin sat a studied my face like he recognized me, but couldn't remember exactly how I was related to him. After about thirty seconds he connected the dots, and was super excited to see us. The kids of course got "souvenirs" (thanks to the local walmart). Kate wanted a caboodle to keep her play makeup in. Seriously she loves makeup just like her mom, I'm scared she's growing up way to fast. Kirk asked for a fake snake, so we got him and Benjamin a plastic one. The funny thing about that is the cashier at Wal-mart wouldn't pick up the fake snake. She just said she was afraid of them, and refused to scan it. We had to take off the tag and she scanned that instead.

Here are few pictures of our trip we had a great time!

We flew into Orlando airport, because it was cheaper than flying into west palm beach. Orlando was over two hours away from the resort, so I arranged for a our group to be picked up from the airport, and then taken to the resort (this was cheaper than renting cars for everyone). We were all pretty excited when we saw our transfer was a big hummer limousine. I had never ridden in a limo before, so it was a new experience. It was nice to be able to stretch out, and all be together. It's hard to tell, but the limo is behind us in this photo.

Here we are golfing. We were able to take a quick shot before we started. Golfing was a lot of fun, I just wish it wasn't so expensive, or require so much time. It's hard to get good at golf when you only play about once every four years.

Dan's Mom holding Michelle's baby Bryston. He was the only child on the trip, and was given tons of attention, but you can't blame us, he is so darling!

The view from our room. Photo of the entire gang. Not a bad shot actually. I balanced the camera on a folded towel, and then used the timer. You can see how beautiful the lake is behind us.
The last night! We went dancing with everybody in the group.
In the Orlando airport wearing goofy sunglasses. The ones that Dan and robbie are wearing I got for 30 cents at down east home. They were making fun of them, I told them not to dis the sunglasses!

Christmas 2010

This year Christmas seemed extra magical. I think my kids are at the prime age when the excitement for Santa, and their anticipation for Christmas day is at it's peak. They were particularly mindful of Santa's good list and naughty this year. If ever they were tempted to get out of line, a quick reminder of "Santa's elves are watching" did the trick. This year Kirk was dying for an AT AT walker. It's the big star wars robot that walks. He started asking for it in September. I think Santa lucked out this year and got it on sale. He also got a couple of Lego sets; which he has played quietly with in his room for hours (I think I'm in love with Lego's too). And no Christmas would be complete for Kirk unless he got a few more star wars guys to add to his collection. He's been getting star wars stuff for Christmas since he was two, and still hasn't out grown them. I use to think this Star Wars fanaticism was just a stage, but it looks like he is a star was kid, and doesn't have any plans of changing that. Kate wanted American Girl stuff again, and was extremely surprised that Santa got her the Felicity doll which was about to be retired. It's so sad to me that the American girl company is retiring all of their memorable historic dolls. I read the books as a kids and Felicity and Samantha were my favorites; they have retired both of those dolls..... so sad. Luckily Kate got one before it was to late, Felicity looks just like me. She has red hair and green eyes. Needless to say I was ecstatic for her to get it. I have to admit that I've found myself brushing her hair, and dressing her up into her colonial gowns. She also got a amplifier which plays music on our i pod nano, and also amplifies a microphone so you can sing along. It's been very helpful for her to practise for her singing lessons. Finally Benjamin got a few things for Christmas too. Santa found it very easy to by for him. He got a car garage, and some new cars, and also some new trains to add to our train table in the basement, and lastly he got a toy push lawn mower. He loved that! Dan and I got our Christmas early this year. We scored an amazing deal on couches for our basement. I woke up at three in the morning to stand in line outside of RC Willey. If you know me well you know I LOVE black Friday deals. I just love the feeling of getting a bargain. I ended up getting a leather reclining couch set. There were only four per store, and I got the very last one! I felt like doing a happy dance in line when I got the voucher. We also splurged and got a big screen television. Now we don't have to watch movies in our bedroom (our bed was getting alittle cramped when we had all the kids watching too).

It's been a great Christmas. Here are a few pictures of the kids in their toy bliss!