Monday, April 28, 2008

Chocolate Covered Strawberries


Last night, after dinner, I needed my usual sweet fix, so Clint suggested I make Chocolate covered strawberries. I have never made these before, and I'm sure i didn't do it right. i didn't find a recipe, so I just melted some chocolate and dipped in the strawberries. They're not very pretty, but they were oh, so yummy.

Somebody Help me!!!


I think my son might have ADD or ADHD or whatever you call it. That is really, really, really, (emphasis on the REALLY) hard for me to say. I have always been of the mind that ADD is this fake, made up thing that people thought of as an excuse to get out of being responsible for their actions, and to be lazy. I hate the idea of giving any of my children, or anyone for that matter, an excuse to get out of doing what they're supposed to. But, I've been thinking.
I know a lot of people, including TJ's primary teachers, school teachers, karate sensei, friend's parents, and innocent passers-by think that he is just totally undisciplined and that I'm just a loser mom who doesn't discipline her child. I have actually had people make comments to me to that effect. Seriously. I actually had someone tell me one time, that they would never raise their kids the way I'm raising mine. I'm getting worked up right now just thinking about it. I'm not usually one to hold a grudge, but that one, I have had a really hard time getting over it. Talk about the ultimate insult to a parent!
The fact of the matter is that TJ probably get disciplined more than any other kid I know. We are VERY strict with him. He spend A LOT of time in time out, gets spanked regularly (oh so taboo, I know), and I try my hardest to give him structure and rules to follow. Tyson just doesn't respond to it, no matter how hard I try.
He just can't focus. It seems like the word I use the most in my vocabulary with Tyson is FOCUS! If he tells me he needs to go potty, he can't seem to focus long enough to make it the 10 feet from the kitchen to the bathroom without getting distracted, and ends up wetting his pants. It takes him half an hour to get dressed in the morning because he keeps forgetting what he's doing. If I tell him to clean something up, he has to keep being reminded over and over because he gets distracted so easily. He moves sooo slowly with everything he does.
But, I've been thinking. What if ADD is like Depression. There are a lot of people out there that think the depression is a fake disease, and a cop-out. And even though we hate to admit it, taking medication for it actually helps. What if ADD is like that? What if it really is something real and valid and what if putting Tyson on something would help him? It's hard, because I HATE the idea of putting my child on drugs. But, what if that's what he needs?
So, if any of you have experience or knowledge about this, I would love to hear your opinions.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

22 miles and Jazz Playoffs


You may have noticed that my posts have become more or less completely unrelated random thoughts. I'm pretty sure that my post on Friday was so long and sporatic that most of you couldn't stand to finish it. That's ok. This blog has become something of a journal for me, but I do appreciate the comments when I get them.

Ok.

Saturday, I ran a 30K race up in Eden. It's that last of my training races before the BIG ONE! In case you are wondering, a 30 K is about 18.64 miles. At one point during the race, my glove fell out of my pocket and I had to turn around and run back for it, so at the finish line my Garmin read that I was at 18.76. After I got home and ate some lunch, ventured out, again, and ran another 3 1/2 miles to round off my total to just over 22 miles.
That might be cheating, but I got the miles in and now I can take it easy until the marathon.
By the way, my legs are KILLING me! I have never been so sore in my entire life!
Remember a couple weeks ago, when I ran 18, and I felt so good? Yeah. Not so much, this time. Oh, I'm proud of myself, don't get me wrong. But, this run really took it's toll on my body! I don't think I'll be going to the gym tomorrow.

By the way, I learned a little marathon history this weekend. I've never heard this before, so I thought I'd share. Apparently, the reason we have marathons now is because back in Ancient Greece, during the Persian War, a messenger (Pheidippides) ran about 25 miles, from Marathon to Athens, to announce the defeat of the Persians. At the end of the march he died of exhaustion. That's where the distance and the name come from.
(I hope I don't do that after running a marathon)

So, after running (and resting) Clint and I went to the Jazz game on Saturday night. We lucked out and got the suite again! Thanks to Citadel (Clint's company advertised through them, that's how we get the suites). There is a completely different feeling going to a playoff game. The crowd is so alive. It was so exciting! It was a really great game!
I felt really bad though because the game went so late, and we didn't get home until 12:30. It was so sweet, though, when we got home, our babysitter was asleep on the couch with Kennedie and Tyson. I felt so bad waking her up to take her home.

Friday, April 25, 2008

I almost forgot....

It's Random 10 Friday!

1. Addicted - Dan Seals
2. Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
3. Have a Heart - Bonnie Raitt
4. The Greatest - Kenny Rogers
5. All of that Love From Here - Wynnona
6. Summertime - George Gershwin
7. Love Walks in - Van Halen
8. The Day That She Left Tulsa (In a Chevy) - Wade Hayes
9. Emeraldine - Corrine Bailey Rae
10. Solo Se Vive Una Vez - Monica Naranjo

Bonus:
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica

Ode to the Monkeys

Computer is wigging out! I turned it on this morning and my disk drive keeps opening and closing on its own. (I think my computer is possessed). Actually, this isn't the first time this has happened. I think it's my security software trying to tell me to back up my system. I have already done this. Twice. In the last month. Both times it was because I couldn't stand the opening and closing anymore, so I just started putting disks in. But it takes A LOT of disks to back up the hard drive, so I don't have any left. I'll just have to hurry up with this post, so I can turn off my computer. Have you ever wondered why the heck we need a mouse pad anyway? Well, I have. The other day, I discovered why, when I walked past the computer to find the mouse pad in a hundred different pieces scattered all over the desk, floor and keyboard and a pair of scissor nearby. Hmmm. TJ!!!!!!
He is my little Mr. Scissors. I guess I got the Mother's curse, because I remember my mother calling me Miss Scissors when I was about that age. In fact, when I was 3, I cut a hole in the back of not one but two brand new 2 weeks old couches. I have never lived that one down. Back to the point, the mouse doesn't roll without something under it. It just doesn't work. So, now I have a piece of paper under it, and it'll do until i get a new mouse pad.

My hubby is out of town right now. He's only gone for one night (last night) but that's enough for me to go off the deep end. Twice this week, during piano lessons I have lost TJ. He is a wanderer. Tuesday I couldn't find him anywhere, and then thought to look in the Cox's sand box. They live on the street behind us, 3 doors down. TJ wandered through the backyards until he gets to their house. I don't know why he always go there. We have a sandbox here. I guess their's is cooler. I wouldn't mind so much, except he NEVER tells me where he is going.
Yesterday, my friend Lisa called while I was doing piano lessons, and said,"Did you know TJ is here?" Lisa lives 2 streets over and way down the block. It's kind of far for a 4 year old to wander on his own. I didn't even know he'd left. What a marvelous Mom I am! I have decided I need to get a babysitter while I do piano lessons. Because, It..IS..NOT..WORKING!!!!
So, needless to say, last night I totally lost it. Peter was having one of her tantrums, TJ was spacing out and refusing the listen as usual. KJ was trying her hardest to be good (bless her heart). I just completely lost it. Yelling and screaming..."I'VE HAD IT!!!" Poor kids. By the way, this little episode happened while we were trying to gather for family prayer. Yes, I know, a little ironic. So, I was telling my visiting teachers this story this morning, and Gayle says basically that I had a tantrum just like Peter was. Hello! She was joking, but holy cow, it totally put it in perspective for me! I'm always running around ranting and raving...why should my 2-year-old be held to a higher emotional standard than I hold myself?

I got tagged...again...by my cousin, Stacey, the queen of tags. Since my poor children think that they are living with the Wicked Witch of the West, I should do something to pay tribute to them for all of their patience.

5 things About:
KJ


1. KJ: I can already tell that she is one of those people who is good at everything she tries. She's already got her green belt in Karate, and is working toward her brown belt (as soon as I start letting her do sparring). She LOVEs to sing, and dance and is always doing some kind of tumbling or gymnastics or making up dances. She is at the top of her class at school and is reading like a pro! She is so smart!

2. KJ is very friendly and outgoing. She has made this one little friend in her class who she just adores. She loves going out and playing with friends and will make friends everywhere she goes. She has always been my little social butterfly.

3. KJ loves her treats and has memorized the recipe for chocolate chip cookies. She can make the whole thing all by herself. I have come into the kitchen several times to a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough all made, and the three little monkey crowded around the mixing bowl, munching. Although I don't like the mess, I love this sight, when all three of them are sharing something together and enjoying each other. I LOVE that!

4. She is so nurturing with her little sister. She helps Baylie get dressed a lot and includes her in her play. She is kind of going through a "boys have cooties" stage right now so she struggles with TJ, but every so often they get going on some funny thing and have each other rolling with laughter.

5. KJ is THE biggest Daddy's girl in the world. She has Clint's cell phone # memorized, and I'm prettty sure she calls him several times a day behind my back. She LOVES her Daddy! When he's home they are pretty much inseparable. She always wants to pamper him: walk on his back, give him pedicures, scratch his hair. I think she has ulterior motives, though, because he pays her in M&M's.

TJ


1. TJ marches to the beat of his own drum. While this may pose a challenge sometimes as his mother, I really Love that quality about him. He is his own person, and nothing anyone can say or do is ever going to change that. He has this quiet confidence about him that is so precious. While sometimes this quality in him makes him want to be naughty, I never want to stifle that individuality that he has, because I LOVE that about him.

2. I have the most amazing and entertaining conversations with TJ. He says the cutest things. And sometimes the things he says are down right insightful. I would Love to get in that little head and see what is going on in there.

3. TJ is so full of Life and energy. I've never been able to keep up with him. He is a busy boy, and it's fun to see him when he gets with other little boys to play. Being surrounded by girls all day, he doesn't get a lot of Man to man time, so when he does its fun to watch him Let it rip!

4. TJ is a Mama's boy. Probably to the extreme that his sister belongs to her Daddy. He Loves to cuddle and more often than not he wanders into my room in the night so he can cuddle. Sometimes its nice to just sit and hug him, and just have a little chat.

5. TJ is my very best eater. He loves healthy food, too. Today he wanted eggs for breakfast. He also loves oatmeal, all sorts of veggies and shrimp! He LOVES shrimp. I guess he needs fuel for all the energy he burns!

Peter Suzy


1. Peter is my shy, quiet little sweetheart. She is content to just play by herself, but she loves to follow her big brother and sister around. She wants to badly to be like her big sister that she gets excited when she sees "Hannah Hontanatana" (Hannah Montana). She is so easy going and just goes along with whatever we are doing, mostly without complaining.

2. One word. Princess. Peter is our little princess. She is obsessed with Ariel. She has Ariel everything. She Loves to play dress up, or play with anything to do with princesses.

3. Peter has these little facial expressions that she does. Hopefully i can find a pictures to show you. She has the cutest little cheesy grin. And I love her little talking. Today, I told her to be big, and she said, "no, I little"

4. She, also, is a Mama's girl. She, usually won't have anything to do with anyone, except Mom. She also likes to sneak into Mom's room in the night and is happier sleeping on the floor in my room than she is in her own bed. She is my little shadow and follows me around everywhere. She is a fun little companion.

5. Peter loves to play outside. We got a new trampoline for Christmas and she is almost always outside jumping. Even when it's cold. She comes and asks for her coat and shoes and she's read to jump. She always enjoys jumping on the couch, chairs, beds, and occasionally her Mom & Dad.

There you have it. Was this a long enough post for you?

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

American Idol

How do I begin this post? First, let me say, that the fact that they had Andrew Lloyd Webber last night makes me wish I had auditioned and was good enough to be around and sing with him. I LOVE his music. ALL of it! I'll be honest, I almost wish they had either done it earlier in the season, or had the contestants do two songs, because I was disappointed that we only heard 6 songs.
I think if I got to sing in the that particular week, I would pick "Unexpected Song" from Song and Dance. It's so beautiful. I couldn't find a free recording of it or I would post it. There are soooo many others that I love, too, though

That said, here is the shocker of the week. Brace yourselves, (Motherboard, you might fall off your chair)

I think I might be moving over the dark side of David Cook fanism. Last night, he was amazing! He proved to me that the boy can sing! I liked him better, than as the rocker he's been, despite Simon's comment to the contrary. I never thought I'd say this, but I actually liked him last night.

Althought I do have to say, the I still LOVE David Archuleta the best. He was definitely the most original, turning "Think of Me" into a pop song. At first, I was nervous because I love that song so much, but he definitely pulled it off!




Now, sadly, I have to mention Brooke White. She has been my favorite through out the competition. I love her folky style. I think if I were ever to grow younger and audition for Idol, she would be the one I would compare myself to. But, I think, that the competetion has become too big for her. She lets her nerves show every week, and although I still love her voice and her style, I think it's catching up to her. I don't know if she'll last much longer...I wouldn't be surprised if she goes home tonight. It's either her, or the dreds guy...Jason...what's his name?
Yeah. him.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Hogle Zoo


Friday, we went to the zoo with my sister Kathryn, and sis-in-law Stacie and their kids. We try to make it once a year. That's about all I can handle of the zoo.
Here are some pics.



Look at me, Mom! I'm cuter than the Elephant!



Peter, KJ, PJ, PK, BS (PK & PJ's cousin on the other side), MM, AG, TJ


We take a picture like this every time we go. It's one of my favorite places to take pictures at the zoo.


My Lovely sister, Kat, and her beautiful baby PJ



These are the cutest monkeys we saw at the zoo.


TJ LOVED the gorilla!

This & That

I'm catching up on getting pictures off of my camera, so I thought I'd post some. I decided that instead of doing 12 different posts for each different activity, I'll just post all the pictures and try to keep the talking to a minimum. (Yes, I know, that is very difficult for me)



This is the monkeys at the Jazz game we went to about a month ago.


Kennedie trying on some false eyelashes. She's 6 going on 26.


Me and Kennie with my sweet little neice Presley. I have one thing to say about me in this picture. Have you ever seen the Legend of Sleepy Hollow? You know, the really old cartoon one? I look like the crazy short lady at the dance who giggles and the guy can't get rid of. Do you remember her? Come on, you have to admit there is a striking resemblence.



Kennedie and Baylie holding Presley (respectively)



Kennedie's corn rows. She wanted her hair braided so it will be "krinkly" tomorrow





I have more pictures of when we went to the zoo, but I just decided I will do that in a separate post.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Random 10 Friday


This is my hubby doing a back flip on the tramp. Isn't he cute!?

I borrowed another Tag from my cousin Stacey. Here it is!
My Life Tag

Here goes another tag……

What was I doing 10 years ago?
1998. Hmmm. I was living in downtown Salt Lake with two roommates, one of which always stole my tithing money and my bras when I wasn't home, and would wake up at 5 am on Saturdays and pound the piano and sing at the top of her lungs to her ugly cat. I hated her. In June, 10 years ago, I was going to a singles ward at U of U where I was the ward chorister, and one day sitting on the stand, I spotted the most handsome boy I'd ever seen, and shamelessly introduced myself after sac. meeting. That boy was my hubby Clint! I can't believe it's been 10 years since we met. And it only took me 2 years afterward to convince him to marry me. Also, my little sister got married in 1998. I was a little bugged because she met her husband one month before I met Clint, and they got married in Nov 1998, and we got married, slightly after that, in May 2000.


5 things on my to do list today:

1. Go to the Temple with my family. It's my Grandpa's birthday, and I think he is officiated in the session. What a wonderful way to spend his birthday: in the temple with his wife, children, and grandchildren!

2. Take the kids to the zoo! Yeah!!!

3. Go to the grocery store. I have been putting this off all week, and we have NO food in the house. I HATE to go grocery shopping. Clint alwasy teases me that I get to go shopping. WHat?!! Ummm, No. It's not like that, my dear. It sucks. But ya do whatcha gotta do, because I have hungry monkeys whining at me.

4. Clean, because I slacked yesterday and didn't do it.

5. Carb load. I have to run 20 miles tomorrow.


6 Snacks I enjoy:

1. Sugar snap peas. I love them. I buy the little bags in the produce section by the dozen and eat them all! My kids love them too. I'm going to plant some in my garden this year.

2. No Bake Cookies. I probably make these at least once a week. It's one of my many guilty pleasures.

3. Almonds. Raw whole almonds. I love them. And they are so good for you!

4. Grapes. I'm on a grape kick lately. Probably because they are starting to come in season and they're cheaper at the store.

5. Slim Fast. Sometimes, I just need something to fill my tummy, and I'm always on the go, and so i grap a slim fast. I tell myself that it's my chocolate multi-vitamin shake

6. Cucumbers. We all LOVE cucumbers. Yum yum yum!!


If I were suddenly a billionaire:

Wow. I didn't think that would be such hard question. Well, obviously I would pay off my mortgage, and all my debts. Pay my tithing. I'd probably dump my embarrassing minivan and buy an Escalade or something like that...and a mustang. I seriously think Clint would still keep his truck. Then I'd use some to travel to Italy, and all over Europe. I don't know. I think there'd be a lot left over if I had a billion dollars. I guess I'd have to hire a good financial planner to invest the rest.


5 Places I have lived:

1. Layton, UT (1978-1997)

2. SLC, UT (1997-1998)

3. Centerville, UT (1998-2000)

4. Layton, UT (2000-2006)

5. Kaysville, UT (2006-now)

5 Jobs I have had:

1. AT&T Universal Card (Collector)

2. The Associates (Collector)

3. National Fitness (Collector)

4. Piano Teacher

5. Mom


5 Things people may not know about me:

Ummm. My life is pretty much an open book, so this one is hard.

1. I love sports. Not to watch, but to play. Especially softball. and I think it's a widely known fact that I love to run!

2. I Love the outdoors. Camping, hiking, rafting. Just being in the mountains. We don't do it very much anymore, but I still love it, and hope we can start doing it more now that the kids are older.

3. I am a broadyway baby! I love musicals. I have a secret fantasy of being on broadway, and I still wonder about auditioning for some of the local theaters, but haven't gotten the nerve. I also have a dream to be in the Tab choir, someday.

4. I have an album that I'm in the process of trying to record (if I ever get around to recording it.) I've written a bunch of piano solos, and hymn arrangements, and a couple cover songs and I really want to make a CD. I fantasize about hearing my songs on the radio, even if it just on Sounds of the Sabbath on FM100.

5. I Love to read. Especially in the summer, out by the pool, while my kids swim. It's so relaxing. I also like to go out in the back yard and read while the kids play. And at night after the kids go to bed. I read every chance I get.

5 friends to tag:

Whoever wants to do it. I'd like to get to know these little things about all of you.

I'm adding to this tag. And I want all of you to participate.

My random 10 list. Just add 10 random songs from your Ipod or whatever CD is in your player, or on the radio.

1. It's Not Over - Daughtry
2. Bring Me to Life - Evanescence
3. Money in the Bank - John Anderson
4. Runnin' with the Devil - Van Halen
5. Dancing Queen - ABBA
6. Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi
7. Apologize - Timbaland
8. Paralyzer - Finger Eleven
9. Far Away - Nickelback
10. Walk of Life - Dire Straits

Bonus:
Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's

p.s. This list is all from my running playlist, in random order.
Happy Friday!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Sweeney Todd - Opening Scene

Sweeney Todd


We rented Sweeney Todd this weekend. When I was in high school I saw a recording of the Broadway production and LOVED it! I am a huge....i mean, HUGE fan of Stephen Sondheim. I love all of his music, but I absolutely fell in love with the music from Sweeney Todd. It is so hauntingly beautiful. I had intended to see the movie in the theater, but never got around to it.
I must say, I was so disappointed in it, compared to the broadway production. I remember it being more of a dark morbidly disturbing comedy. For instance, when I heard "A Bit of Priest" on broadway, I was rolling with laughter, but this time it wasn't much more than mildly amusing, to say the least. But, Tim Burton made sure to turn it into a complete horror. I should've known better. When it said it was rated R for GV(that's graphic violence---more like grotesque violence).
I was less than impressed with Johnny Depp (although he seems to always be type-cast in dark, brooding characters, like this and Edward Scissorhands, and Ichabod Crane, not to mention that pirate guy.
The vocals were less than impressive...disappointing to say the least. Except for the little boy, Toby, and the girl, Johanna. These two youngsters have obviously had a little musical theater in their background. I was surprised that good ole Johnny could sing, but I guess I was expecting something more "broadway-ish?" Mrs. Lovett sucked. I'm sorry, but she couldn't even carry a tune. Where's Angela Lansbury when you need her? (She played Mrs. Lovett on broadway) and I love her. (Yes, I used to watch 'Murder, she wrote')


This is a photo of the origingal broadway cast.

The worst disappointment was the fact that they completely omitted the Ballade of Sweeney Todd, and that's my favorite song in the whole thing! Oh, they had the main theme playing through the show, but in the broadway play They had the chorus singing it.
That song gets stuck in your head.....

Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd
His face was pale and his eye was odd
He shaved the faces of gentlemen
Who never, thereafter, were heard of again.....

(just try to imagine me singing that...cuz I am)
So, I stuck a video of the broadway production, playing the first scene, in case you want to get an idea.

There is my broadway vs. cinema soap box.
Can you guess which one wins for me?

p.s. If you want to see the show, but don't want the rated R version, go rent the broadway recording.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

I'm Back, Baby!!!



I feel so great today! This weather is awesome! I LOOOOOVE IT!
I was planning on running 16 miles this morning, but I didn't do 16....
I did 18 1/2!!! Oh Yeah, Baby!! Yeah, I'm bragging, and I'm not ashamed of it either! I feel sooo good, too. I think I've finally crawled out of my slump that I've been in the last month. I'm sure it has a ton to do with the sunshine, but I also attribute it to this: I finally took some days off my regimen and ate...a lot!
My normal schedule goes like this:
I lift weights for 1 1/2 hours on Mondays and Wednesdays. I run 6 miles on Tuesday and Thursdays. I rest on Friday. Long run on Saturday. Rest on Sunday.
This week I did a pretty rigorous workout on Monday. I did 100's. That's when you do 100 reps of each exercise with no breaks. So I did 100 squats, 100 lunges, 100 bicep curls and 100 skull crushers (triceps) Then I ran 6 miles on Tuesday.
I was soooo sore by Wednesday from the weights that I decided not to go to the gym and do weights, and I slept in on Thursday and didn't run. In the meantime, I ate myself out of house and home. I ate more this week than I have in a really long time. Then Friday, I ran 5 miles. (to make up for not doing anything for 2 days)
But, I really think the resting and the eating is what I needed.
I felt to good running, I probably could've gone longer
So, the song of the day is "The Final Countdown" by Europe. I think it's the song in Rocky where he's in the grey sweatsuit and runs up the stairs. There is something about that songs that just pumps me up. So if you ever see me on the street running with a stupid grin on my face, I'm probably listening to that song. That song comes on and I naturally start running faster, I even sprinted to the end of my route today. When the song got over, I really wanted to stop, throw my hands in the air and yell, "Yo Adrienne!"....But, I didn't. I thought the neighbors would think I'm crazy.
I didn't even take a nap when I got home. I feel so good today. I'm think I'm still on the endorphin high or something because I'm almost feeling euphoric, and I got home from running like 4 hours ago.
This is why I started running!
Happy day...happy weekend!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Random 10 Friday


I was watching the news this morning while I ate breakfast, and the weather man said it's supposed to get up to 79 by Monday! 79 DEGREES! Can you believe the high will be something like 48 today and in three days it will rise 30 degrees? (Only in Utah)
That actually makes me so excited for the weekend! My first thought was that maybe I can run on Saturday morning without 12 layers of clothing!
I think I might take the kids to the park, or go on a bike ride or something.
I wish there was no school on Monday, and we could just go play outside all day.
(Isn't it terrible when it's the Mom wishing school was out.)
I'm actually feeling myself get excited for school to be out. The kids and I had some a great summer last year. I pulled them out of all their activities and we just swam at the pool and relaxed everyday.


The thought of just taking it easy and not running around like a crazy person all the time sounds soooooo appealling.
Tonight, Clint promised me that he would be home early from work today, and we both agree how "exciting" it sounds that we have NO PLANS. Isn't it pathetic when we actually have an evening with no plans and we're excited.
We both thought that it sounds so nice to just be home with the family.
I took the kids to the store last night (because Clint was working late, as usual) and bought them some perler beads. Have you ever seen them?
Holy Cow! If you want to entertain your kids for hours and hours (without the TV) than perler beads is the way to do it!
They've already made a few lovely creations, and all they want to do today after school is play with their beads.
I love it! (I'll admit, I think they're kinda fun, too)

Here's hoping this weekend is peaceful and relaxing.

My Random 10 List:

1. Please - The Kinleys
2. Donde Estas Corazon - Shakira
3. That's Where It Is - Carrie Underwood
4. What It Takes - Wynonna
5. Good Times - Edie Brickell (this is the perfect song for this weekend)
6. Meet Me Half Way - Kenny Loggins
7. No One Needs to Know - Shania Twain
8. This Woman - Shedaisy
9. I Miss You - Miley Cyrus
10. Lay Your Hands on Me - Bon Jovi

Bonus:
Another Rainy Day - Corinne Bailey Rae (I hope not)

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Book Tag


I got tagged by my cousin Holly. I like this one, It's a little different.

Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages)

2. Turn to page 123.

3. Find the 5th sentence

4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog

5. Tag 5 people

Suddenly, like a striking snake, she reached out and grabbed my hand in a fierce grip.

This is from "The Other Boleyn Girl", which is what I'm reading right now. It's very long (661 pages), but I'm amazed at how fast I'm reading it. I started a week ago Saturday, and will probably be done within the week. It's very intriguing. I LOVE historical novels. It's about how Anne Boleyn married Henry VIII and became the queen of England. I'm hoping to finish this week, so I can go see the movie, while it's still in the theaters.
Since I got this tag, I thought I'd put in a plug for goodreads.com. (See the link on the side of my blog)
I love being able to see what my friends are reading and compare our reviews, if we've read the same books. It gives me ideas, and it's fun. If you are a reader, you should try it!

Ok, I'm tagging:
1. Elisa
2. Megan
3. Liz
4. Jodi
5. Shannon

I didn't tag my sisters because Holly already tagged them.

Happy Reading!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Success...AT Last!!


I think we might, finally, have Peter on the road to being potty trained. Sunday afternoon, after the last conference session, we decided to send the kids in for a bath. I went in to make sure everyone got in OK, and Peter had gone in her little training potty...of her own will and choice! I made a huge deal about it. Well, since then she has been wearing underwear (adorned with Ariel, her favorite) and going on the potty. She's only had one accident today, and one yesterday. HOORAY!
I'm so proud of her. When she starts to fight, which she tends to do, if we try to get her to do something she doesn't want to do, I remind her of her potty treats. I promised her I would get her a Barbie if she can stay dry all day with no accidents. Once I remind her, she is all excited.
We've read a LOT of stories in the john in the last two days.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Random 10 Friday

I'm running another half marathon tommorrow. I'm feeling a little ill-prepared. I have hit a complete mental wall as far as running goes...OK, maybe with everything else, too. (When was the last time I vacuumed? I don't remember) I don't know if it's nerves getting to me about the upcoming marathon, or just burn out.
Did I mention before that I'm training for the Ogden Marathon? Well...I am. I chose that one because it is rumored to be pretty easy. You start at the top of Ogden Canyon and just run down. I've heard it's pretty much downhill the whole way.
The marathon is in only 6 weeks. SIX WEEKS! Yikes!
On another note, I've completely fallen off the Isagenix bandwagon. After my little "episode" last weekend, I decided I would just kind of "cheat" my way through it. And I was doing pretty well until Wednesday, when I had a total relapse and ate probably 10 hershey's kisses. Then Thursday, we got pizza for dinner and I probably ate half of it. So much for self control.
Ok. This post is going to be totally random and full of different topics. Just now, while typing this post, I heard water running in the bathroom. So I went down there to check it out to discover Tyson, bare bottomed, standing over the toilet holding down the flusher, while water is flowing freely from the toilet bowl. He put a whole roll of toilet paper in after "taking care of business." HOLY CRAP! (no pun intended) Have you ever had to plunge the toilet while it's full of you know what? DISGUSTING! Not to mention the poop water flowing all over the bathroom floor and leaking out on the carpet in the hall! I had to rig up the thing-a-ma-jig (I don't know what it's called--I'm not a plumber) in the toilet tank to get the water to stop running while I plunged. Oh, by the way, this is probably the 6th, yeah, the 6TH time he has done this. Come on, give me a break, people!
I can tell by the way it's starting that is going to be a GRRREAT day! (read with complete sarcasm)

So, on to bigger and better things:
My random 10 list:

1. Elsewhere - Sarah Mclachlan
2. Loved Too Much - Ty Herndon
3. Savin' Me - Nickelback
4. Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie
5. I'd Like to - Corinne Bailey Rae
6. Bigger Than Us - Hannah Montana
7. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani
8. The Fire - Chely Wright
9. Blaze of Glory - Bon Jovi
10. Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls

Bonus:
Ice Cream - Sarah Mclachlan

HaPPY fRIday

Thursday, April 3, 2008

10 Types of Runners


Ok. I found another article from Active.com that I just loved! It's called the 10 Types of Runners.
It was totally hilarious for the simple fact that it is soooo true! If you have a moment click above and check it out!
I have seen the Dr. 90210/Desalination Machine. This description is NO EXAGGERATION! After I ran my last half marathon in St. George in January, I saw this girl who, no joke, was in full make-up, perfect hair, and not a drip of sweat on her perfect body and she strutted to the finish line in her little sports bra and shorts (Hello--it's January! and even in St. George it's still only 50 degrees!)
Nissa and I also spotted, during the race, a woman who was actually doing the "Phoebe run" Did you ever see that episode of Friends? Phoebe runs in the park flailing her arms like a maniac while running sporatically in a sort of Kermit the Frog fashion. This woman was seriously running like that. I think she would be categorized as "the Frightened Dog Swatter"
I hate to admit it, but I think I am a cross between "The Salination Machine" and "The Sloth" and "The Human Cybertron".
(Another one of my very embarrassing features is that I sweat like a pig when I exercise)
I might scratch the surface of the Human Cybertron because of my I-pod, and my Garmin (equipped with GPS and Heart Rate monitor). I LOVE my Garmin. Santa gave it to me for Christmas. I can't run without it now. I LOVE IT!!! But, I really don't think it's all that weird..a lot of people run with an I-pod and a GPS.
And the Sloth because of this: if you scroll down to the very first post I ever put on this blog it has pictures of me running my first half marathon.

Look at my feet. Am I really actually running? It looks like I'm ice skating across the pavement...do my feet really actually leave the ground? No wonder I'm always tripping! Luckily, I haven't fallen yet...knock on wood!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

One Word Tag

I decided I needed to put something a little more "light-hearted" on my blog after all the drama of the last few posts. So, I wasn't officially "tagged" but I borrowed this one from my cousins, Stacey.

1. Where is you cell phone? counter
2. Significant other? Clint
3. Worst bad habit? yelling
4. Hair? curly
5. Favorite Food? chocolate
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? forgot
8. Favorite drink? water
9. Dream/goal? Happiness
10. Room you are in? hallway
11. Your ex? None
12. Your fear? heights
13. Where you want to be in 6 years? Happy
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. What you're not? sane
16. Muffins? apple-cinnamon
17. Wish list item? grand piano
18. Where did you grow up? Layton
19. Last thing you did? Bike
20. What are you wearing? running-clothes
21. Your TV? dusty
22. Your pets? kids
23. Your computer? on
24. Your life? crazy
25. Your mood? good
26. Missing someone? Yes
27. Your car? tan
28. Something you are not wearing? Shoes
29. Favorite store? Target
30. Your summer? Swimming
31. Love someone? YES
32. Last time you laughed? Today
33. Last time you cried? Sunday

The Starving Runner

My friend Megan sent me this article today. You can read it here
It was SOOOO what I needed to hear this week.
Thank you Megan! You are awesome!

So, I had a little epiphany today. I was talking to me sister, and we were laughing a little bit over my drama of the past weekend. She mentioned her friend read my blog, and said how glad she was that I was willing to talk about what everyone else is afraid to say. I've had a lot of comment regarding this, and I want to thank everyone for their support.
As a person who has been battling depression my whole life, and I felt ashamed for so many years...like it's some kind of plague or weird mutation that I have.
A little while ago, my aunt said that depression runs in our family. That's just the way it is. So what, if we have to take a little pill to be happy.

So, here is my little epiphany. YES! So what, if I have to take a pill to function normally, to take care of myself and my family. I AM NOT ASHAMED of that! The Lord put us here to live this life and find out how to be happy. There is nothing wrong with doing whatever it takes to be happy. So, There is NO shame is having to take anti-depressants.
I used to be embarrassed, like I was a failure if I admitted that I was depressed. And being the prideful person that I am, I HATED that I had to take medication to overcome that. But after talking to some friends and family members who also struggle with depression, I finally realized that it is OK.
If the darn pills work, then it's obvious that there is a chemical imbalance, and if they help, then what's the big deal?
People with diabetes or asthma or heart conditions have to take medication to deal with their ailments? Why is depression so taboo? I don't know....

But I'm just saying....LIFE IS HARD...that's just the way it is...it's no different for me than for anybody else...Everyone has their challenges in life...and it's OK to do whatever it takes to make it bearable...whether it be taking a pill, running to blow off steam (yes, running is such a mood booster for me!!---that is partly why I do it), pounding the piano for an hour (I do that too), or whatever it is that works...it's OK.

So, I want to thank everyone of you for your comments and support. And for giving me the courage to be Honest, and hopefully, somebody out there will get something from all my crazy ramblings...