Day 1in OK

An alternate title would be "A series of Unfortunate Events",but that really is only applicable to Day 1.
So....Day 1. We had a crazy busy day on Saturday. TJ had a little baseball game in the morning, and Clint got a flat tire,so I had to follow him to Les Schwab to get it fixed. Then, KJ's little singing group sang at the Syracuse Days celebration. And, I still wasn't packed. We got home,and Clint gave me more or less one hour to get ready and be in the car.

We made it to the airport 3 1/2 hours before my flight was schedule to leave. Why? Well,why not? Because the BLAZE (that's the Utah's own redneck AFL team)went to the playoffs! For those of you who don't own a house on wheels, the AFL is ARENA Football League. My sweet husband, with all his priorities straight, had to take us to the airport early, because the the game started at 2,and he didn't want to miss kick-off. Turns out,since he was helping us...we were slow...you with kids,and all...he missed mthe first six minutes, and the Blaze's first touchdown. Poor Clint.

So, I had ALOT of time to kill at the airport with three little monkeys. So, first we found a restaurant,got dinner (or lunch), and headed toward the terminal, stopped at the potty, and then, as if sent by the Gods, found a little kid's play area. We spent the majority of our time there,until the kids got bored, so we bought some coloring books, went to the gate,and the kids were fantastically patient, coloring, while we waited to board.
They were fantastic on the plane, except, I'm pretty sure we spent most of the flight at the back of the plane waiting for the bathroom. Why can't my kids coordinate their bladders together,for my convenience?
By the way, I have NEVER been on a plane that small. Not even the commuter plane when we island hopped in Hawaii. I got a little nervous to be on such a small plane,but the flight went well,the kids were great and we survived.

We landed, got our luggage, went to get our rental car,and found out that it is NOT at the airport like I'd thought,and had to hitch a shuttle ride to the rental car place. Not too big of a deal. We got the car, grabbed some Arby's for dinner,and then hit the roade for the 2 hour drive to Enid.

I called Kristen to clarify directions,but was so hyped up on caffeine by that point,that I was only half listening. When I only had about 40 miles to go, heading down the highway, chatting on the phone with my hubby (by this time is was close to 10:00 pm,and dark),and saw a sign for Hwy 81, so I turned on a dime, took the off ramp on two wheels, everything flew to the floor,and for a brief moment, I was pretty sure we would roll and were about to meet our doom. But, we survived, and I didn't miss my exit! PHew! Clint and I chatted away for about 30 minutes,until I notice a sign that said I was on Hwy 81 South. South? I was supposed to be going North. I went 30 miles in the wrong direction.

So,I turned around,went 90 to make up for lost time. Can down this little hill into a small town,and saw a sign that said 40 mph. So, I slammed on my brakes, came to a redlight,and stopped. Next thing I noticed there are flashing lights behind me. Then a rap on my window,and this cop tells me to pull into the gas station after the green light.
He says he caught me going 68 in a 45, and that in the fine state of OK, going 20 over the speed limit is considered reckless driving, and that the penalty for this serious crime is a $600 fine, and 30, yeah, THIRTY days in jail. I'm sure the dude could see the panic in my eyes, as I had already explained to him that we were in a rental car,had just flown in that afternoon, and were on our way to visit my sister. So,I said to him, I have three little kids,and my husband isn't with me. He told me that he'd check my driver's license and if my record was clean,then he'd let me off with a warning.
Luckily,I didn't have any tickets on my record.
The guy were really nice about it,but seriously...30 days in jail?
I'm pretty sure he was exaggerating to scare me,but it worked! I went the speed limit the whole rest of the way.

We finally did make it to Kristen's house in one piece. The kids were so excited,it was hard to get them to bed.

Okay,that story was really long, so even though today is day 3,I think I'll stop here for now,and catch you up on the rest later.
(since I am upstairs in the office and all 6 kids are downstairs, and Kris is cutting Tyler's hair and watching all the kids,while I blog)
What an awesome host she is!

More to come...including pictures!

Random 10 Friday

I have some questions:

1st of all: Does anybody know why my photo at the top of my blog is crooked? Why can't I get it centered? It's been bugging me for months and I can't stand it anymore.
Along those same lines, many of you have some really cute collages on your headers. How do you do that?

B: Do any of you know how to get movies onto my I-pod. It's high time I use this big old I-pod for what it was made more. I have a TON of music on it, but I thought for our flight tomorrow it would be nice to have a movie or two on there for Peter.
TJ and KJ will be sitting in the row in front of us, and will have the portable DVD player. I just think it would be REALLY nice if Baylie has something to entertain her, so I can get some good reading time in!

I want to know if I can put my DVD's that I have onto my I-pod, and I also don't know how to put movies from I-tunes on my I-pod either. (No, it is NOT as easy as doing music. I don't know why, but I can't figure it out).

Y Tres: Actually, that's all the questions I have. I just wanted to show off my mad Spanish skills.
My husband brought to my attention yesterday that apparently the word I have been using all these years for "Remember" is actually the word for "Souvenir". But, he won't tell me what the actual word is. He always says, "Look it up.. It'll last longer" I HATE THAT! Why won't you just TELL Me! He's so determined for me to be smart, I'd rather him just think for me. It's so much easier.

I bought two new CD's today for my trip.
Colbie Caillat, and Jack Johnson. Good chillin' music! Great for listening to while reading a book on a plane (that is assuming all the monkeys behave themselves)

By the way, if I didn't mention, I am flying to Oklahoma tomorrow, with my three little monkeys, to visit my gorgeous sister, Kristen. I'm a little freaked out about flying with all of the kids by myself. Actually, the flying part, I'm okay with. It's the getting from the terminal to the bag claim, to the car rental counter, with all our luggage, without losing anybody, that concerns me.
I would really like to hire a Sherpa for when I land in OKC. Anybody know where I can find one of those?
Clint is dropping me off at the airport tomorrow, so I'll be OK (no pun intended) at the SL airport. After we land, I have a 1 1/2 hour drive from OKC to Enid, where my sister lives. She had sent me directions, so hopefully I can manage.
Clint will be joining us on Thursday. He just can't get away from work for longer than a couple of days. Talk about a work-a-holic! I hope he doesn't have too much fun without us!
Actually, he is getting my dream come true this week. I would absolutely LOVE to be left home alone for a few days. Doesn't that sound nice? Aahhhhh. (that's me settling into a hot bath with a good book, after a day of shopping, pedicure and massage.)...someday......

Ok, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, back to the point. New CD's. Random 10 Friday. Ok, yeah, I'm cheating a little today. I just wanted to add some songs from the new stuff.

Here you go:
1. Realize - Colbie Caillat
2. Sleep Through the Static - Jack Johnson
3. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
4. All at Once - Jack Johnson
5. If I Had Eyes - Jack Johnson
6. Midnight Bottle - Colbie Caillat
7. Viva La Vida - Coldplay (for Motherboard)
8. Continuum - John Mayer
9. Little Voice - Sara Bareilles
10. If I Don't Stay the Night - Mindy Mccready

Bonus: Cosas De La Vida - Eros Ramazotti


p.s. I just put in my new Jack Johnson CD and it's skipping. On EVERY song. Crap. Now I have go argue with those mean Target people, who say you can't return a CD after it's been opened. How the hell am I supposed to know the CD doesn't work without opening it? Seriously!
Wish me luck!

Throwback Thursday (Sisters)

I have two very best friends (besides Clint). We've known each other our whole lives, and have had many great experiences together. We've watched each other succeed, seen each other fail, and stood by each other through all the good times and the bad. We've laughed together, cried together, even faught (but just a little).
This throwback Thursday is dedicated to my two sisters, Kat and Kris.
We're leaving on Saturday, to fly to Oklahoma to visit my sister Kris, who lives there. We're so excited to visit. (Although, I'm a little nervous for the traveling with all those monkeys).
I found a few pictures, but there is one picture in particular that I couldn't find. It is of all three of us at my wedding breakfast. So, if either of you have it, Kat & Kris, let me know. Because I'm very distraught that I can't find it.
That's one nice thing about digital pictures. I always know where to look (assuming my computer never crashes---knock on wood)

That's me in the middle. As you can see, I am the oldest sister. That doesn't necessarily mean the wisest. My sisters are wise beyond their years and I look up to them both immensely. I'm guessing I was 5. That's Kat (we called her Lissie back then)on the right, 3, and I'm holding Kris, 1.


This is on my 6th birthday, Kris, 2, and Kat (Lissie), 4


This is at the waterfall at the top of Adam's Canyon, a hike we liked to do frequently growing up because it was so close to home. Kris, Kat, our cousin Malinda, and me. I think I was 14.


This is one of our many Olan Mills pictures of the early 90's. I was 15. See the shoulder pads? My hair was naturally curly. Lucky for me, that was in style.


Me and Kathryn. I love this picture. We were always hamming it up for the camera. I think this was when I was 17, maybe. This picture has always reminded me of the theater mask pictures. Do you know what I'm talking about? With one smiling, one frowning? I was majorly into drama, music in high school, so I guess it was on the brain.


Kris and me, playing the piano. (Don't look at my butt.) We were always playing and singing duets. Kris, we need to start doing that again!



These are at my wedding (obviously). No, this isn't the picture I was talking about. The photographer took these photos. I got married right at the dawning of the digital era, and I can't remember if our photographer didn't have digital, or if we were just too cheap to buy the disc. These would look much better, if I could just put them on the computer instead of taking a picture of the print. I can't hold steady to save my life.

So, Happy Throwback Thursday sisters!
Kris, I can't wait to see you!
I love you both!

More Ragnar pics

For More Ragnar pics, go HERE!

Ragnar Relay

Ragnar Relay

So, I've already mentioned this relay that I did this weekend. The Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay. I wrote a post last week about our team. I hope you all read it. If not, you SHOULD!
One my teammates, LaRane, posted about her thoughts, and she is so much more eloquent than I, so I'm copy/pasting her. I'll change a few things here and there to make it from me. So, Rane, I hope you don't mind me copying you.

This weekend I joined 11 other INSANE people for the chance to...... stay up all night/day, RUN, spend serious quality time with 5 of those 11 people in the back of a Tahoe (sorry...what happens in the Tahoe stays in the Tahoe), eat gourmet cup o' noodles at midnight washed down by gatorade and red bull, RUN SOME MORE, eat lots of GU, laugh about things you normally would find maybe not so funny, say things that you would NEVER say in public, do the robot a few times, be jealous you don't have a "party jacket", talk about pooh, make up acronyms that are completely inappropriate (sorry...can't share those either...team rule), be more jealous you don't have shoes that say "kiss this", laugh some more because the fart machine is actually REALLY FUNNY, talk smack about the Incredibles and those damn coconuts, worry you were not going to be able to pooh and RUN ONE MORE TIME because... hey...delirious people and running apparently go hand in hand.

The Ragnar Relay--Wasatch Back is a race that covers about 180 miles from Logan, Utah to Park City, Utah. Most teams are made up of 12 people. However, the real crazies only had 6 people. Every team makes up a name and decorates however they want their two vehicles. We were a team of 12, which means we had two vans with 6 people in each. I was in van 2. Each member runs three legs of the race. Each leg was anywhere from 3 to 8 miles long and is ranked one of four ways 1-easy, 2-moderate, 3-hard or 4-very hard. Start times were from as early as 8 or 9 am (i think) to 5 or 6 pm on Friday, June 20th. Our team started at 1:00 p.m. There were 527 teams I think. It took us a little over 26 hours to complete the race and we came in 127th over all. Not bad!!

I'm so glad that Laurie organized our team, and that she invited me to be in it! I had sooo much fun, despite losing sleep, and turning into the wicked witch of the West on Sunday. My poor husband. I was such a you-know-what yesterday. Luckily, I got caught up last night, and I'm pretty much back to normal now.
I had fun getting to know everyone on my team, and getting to know (a little too well) the people in my van.
Thanks, everyone for putting up with me almost driving off cliffs, decorating my van with embarrassing and obscene statements, and pretty much offending, er, I mean, entertaining me endlessly with your bodily functions and potty jokes!, and inspiring me with your awesome running skills!

I will post a slide show with all the pictures!

The Cold, Hard Truth

After being gone all weekend, running in the Ragnar relay (I'll post about that later), coming home and crashing all day, Sunday, the house was completely TRASHED!
So, this morning after a dentist appointment, the car wash, and karate, the kids and I spent A LOT of time scrubbing and cleaning, and more or less playing catch-up on Crap. Then we had our daily ritual of playing at the pool! Then, we came home, and cleaned the church for family night. NOt so fun. But it feels good to get it all done.
So, my friend, Amy tagged me. I really liked this tag because it's a picture tag. And it is so brutally honest. You can't hide from it. Okay, I sort of cheated, because I read her blog last night, and did ALL my chores before blogging today on purpose so that everything would be clean, but still there are some things revealed that I more or less would have kept secret....like what is inside my fridge, for instance.

Here goes:
#1: Post a picture of you Favorite Shoes:

It HAS to be my running shoes! They've been VERY good to me and I love these pair! Brooks Radius! Major arch support and very cushioned and comfy. Plus, I LOVE that they're purple!

#2: Post a picture of your favorite room:


I have 2. First the kitchen, because I spent most of my time here and of course, this is where the FOOD is. And my bedroom. Because that's where I go to relax. I'm a little embarrassed to post a picture of this on the internet...not because I'm all private about it, because I'm not. It's just...I dunno..embarrassed...ok maybe it is because it's my private space. You should feel very priveledged to be seeing my own personal mess.

#3: What the kids are doing right now:



It's dinner time, Ok well, past dinner time (we are waiting for the pizza delivery guy...I know, I'm SUCH a good Mom), and the kids are outside riding bikes in their swimsuits. I know....don't you just LOVE summer?

#4:Post a picture of yourself as you look right now:


Okay, this is really scary. This is my self portrait, after not showering today, going to the pool, and then cleaning the church. Notice the signature curly frizz I ALWAYS have going on. But, Look how shiny clean my teeth are after going to the dentist today!!

#5: Post a picture of your kitchen sink:

I almost took of picture of this last night. Keyword: Almost. It was Pretty scary. So, this is what it looks like right after I clean. This is not indicative of a typical day in my kitchen. Usually it is full of sippy cups, plates with leftover "cheese tacos" and cucumber peels.

#6: Post a picture of your toilet:

Lucky for you, I cleaned today. This is my cleanest toilet. The half bath by the mudroom by the garage. It's used the least, so it stays clean. You really don't want to see any of our other bathrooms. S.C.A.R.Y.

#7: Post a Picture of your Laundry Room:

Yikes! This room, I didn't clean, except that I actually did some laundry today, so there isn't such a huge mountain of dirty clothes as before. Note my lazy habit of piling everything on top of the washer. I've only had this front loader for a month, and already, I don't think I could live without it! LOVE IT!!

#8: Post a picture of inside your fridge:

This is where the bitter truth comes out. Notice the plethora of Slim Fast, Cherry Coke, Gatorade, Red Bull, and bottled water. These are my staples. Yes, I'm terrible about drinking most of my meals. Please note: This does NOT include any of Clint's stuff. He has his own fridge in the basement.

#9: Post a picture of inside your closet:

You couldn't tell to look at this, but I actually cleaned out my closet last week. Now you know, I don't color coordinate everything. But I do have system in my chaos, and usually, I can find stuff.

So, there you have it. My secret chaos! I feel so naked, now!
So, come join in! This is fun! I tag everyone out there that wants to do it!
If you are looking for something to blog about and haven't blogged for awhile (hint, hint, you know who you are), then this would be a great excuse to do it!

Random 10 Friday

"My sport is your sport's punishment!"

Ok, I know I've been slacking on this lately...I've found I actually seem to have Less time for blogging since Summer started. I guess that just means more Kid time!

Here's my random 10 list:

1. Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. When I Think about Angels - Jamie O'Neal
3. Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra
4. Don't Stand So Close to Me - The Police
5. Time for Letting Go - Billy Ray Cyrus
6. Steady On - Shawn Colvin
7. I Grieve - Peter Gabriel
8. Wishful Thinkin'-- River Road
9. She Don't Know She's Beautiful - Sammy Kershaw
10. I Believe/You'll Never Walk Alone - Barbra Streisand

Bonus: El No Esta Por Ti - Laura Pausini

p.s. I'm leaving in about 2 hours to go run the relay! Wish our team "Erv's Angels" luck!!

Check out this Site!

I just found this awesome Blog today. This woman is seriously AMAZING!
She has so many fun projects, including how to turn an old T-shirt into other things, such as a dress, pants, a baby nightgown...

After all this racing business is over, I think i will be going through my "too-little" box and making some stuff!

Check it out!

Share the Love

My Friend, the Motherboard, sent me this lovely blog award.
This award is a mother's way of sharing her love for her child. A child that she would have lost had it not been for an organ transplant.

I thought it was very heart-warming, and even though it's been a few days, and I'm a little slow on the draw, I have been meaning to pass it along to all of you.

So, Share the Love, and pass it along!

Erv's Angels

I'm still recovering from that nasty flu bug from yesterday. My mom called it "the Mocus". So, now that's what I call it. I guess because it kind of sounds like "mucus", and it seems like a less disgusting way of saying I've been puking my guts out, and suffering from "Montezuma's revenge".

I woke up this morning feeling significantly better, until I stood up and then the world started spinning...again. Then, I thought, Oh, I just need to eat, since I didn't eat all day yesterday. Once I got something in my tummy, that woozy, churning in my stomach resumed. Yuck.

I can deal with being sick...I mean, heck, yesterday, the kids played outside ALL DAY and I finished a book. Actually, other than feeling like CRAP (no pun intended), it's kind of nice to lay around all day, sleeping and reading.

Except that my house is completely torn apart, and I have a friggin' race tomorrow, that now, I'm really, really....( x 10) nervous for. I was OK, mentally, about it until yesterday. How can I run a relay, overnight, with no sleep, when I haven't eaten anything in 2 days?
Hopefully, by this afternoon, I can actually eat something without getting nauseous, and I'll be Ok.

Laurie offered to run my legs for me. She offered to run both her legs and my legs. That was really nice of her, but there is NO WAY that my pride will let me do that, sick or not.
I'm running, baby. No if, ands, or buts! It might hurt a little more, I might be slower, but I'll survive.

I've never really talked about our relay team. We have kind of unique story. We were originally called "Insanity Prevails". But, after Laurie's Dad, Erv, who was going to run on our team, was diagnosed with lung cancer (he's been a super marathon runner for many years), given a year or so to live, and then shockingly, had multiple strokes, and passed away about a month ago. So, we changed our name to "Erv's Angels" in honor of him. Laurie wrote a beautiful story about it, and sent it in to the Ragnar officials for the race.

I would post a link to it to save space, but I only have it in a word doc, so here it is:
Myomed Ragnar Relays,

I am writing to tell you my story of our Ragnar team. For the last three years I have had a team that included my Mom (63), Dad (64), sister and myself, Laurie. I want to give a little background on my family. Almost 30 years ago my family took up “jogging”. This was around 1980 and our whole family participated in numerous “Fun Runs”. We started in the two mile races and progressed to the 10K’s. My sister and I both ran cross country and track in junior high and high school. My parents moved onto marathons and triathlons and we all became very dedicated “runners”. When my sister and I were younger we manned many aid stations, drove the support vehicle for triathlons and otherwise watched my parents live a very active lifestyle. We both carry on the tradition. In 2005, I heard of the Wasatch Back Relay and immediately wanted to be involved. I got my family and eight others crazy enough to participate and signed up. We loved every second of it. (We were the “Easier With A Dozen” team). We also competed in 2006 (12 Megahurtz) and 2007 (Y M I Do N This). In preparation for this year’s race I called my family in January and asked if they were in. Of course they said YES! We put together a team and were all set.

Unfortunately, on the day my Father, Erv Olen, retired, March 26, 2008, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. At the time we were all training for a half marathon and he had done a ten mile run within weeks of being diagnosed. He seemed perfectly healthy. They gave us reason to hope that he might live for a year to a year and a half. As can be imagined this was devastating news. He was determined to fight this and very hopeful that he could. We all hoped and believed that almost 30 years of running would allow him to beat this, or at least give him longer than the predicted 1.5 years. As he began Chemo and radiation treatment we all realized that he would have to sit out the Wasatch Back Relay this year. So we found someone to replace him. My Mom decided that she, too, would forego the race this year as she was busy (and wonderfully) taking care of my father. As we replaced them we did so with the expectation that next year we would be doing it together again.

We have since learned that sometimes cancer wins. We lost my wonderful, dedicated, active, crazy, and encouraging father very unexpectedly to cancer on May 9, 2008. As his impending death approached and we as a family struggled to deal with this tragedy, my Mother came to me and said, “I want to be in the relay.” I contacted the person who was the last member to join our team and asked if he would be willing to give up his spot. He graciously stepped aside and allowed her in. Someone else on our team suggested we rename our team “Erv’s Angels” and run in his honor. We were all touched and everyone on the team eagerly accepted the suggestion. We wanted to run for him.

So far this has been a wonderful event to prepare for. We are having t-shirts made up with a specially designed logo in his honor. It’s been a meaningful and rewarding experience and provided an opportunity to remember and reminisce about all of the races and events that my father participated in.

As we approach this race and look forward to completing it, I will always believe that my Dad is watching us with a smile on his face. We are living the life that he always wanted us to live. One of our team’s members described my Dad’s fight with cancer as being similar to the way a distance runner approached a long race: with “courage, poise and grit.” That was an apt description of my Father.

We love and miss him and will think of him during the race. Thank you for the opportunity this race has provided us as a family to spend quality time together. Please watch for “Erv’s Angels” on the course and know that we have a thirteenth member along with us.

Laurie

The Glass Castle--Sherrie's Review

Thanks to a miserable bout with the stomach flu today, I finished the book I'd starting reading this week.

This book was the book of the month for May for my blogging book club. I know I'm a little late, but I finally read it.
Here's my review:

Before I read this book, I read a bunch of reviews about it, so went in with some expectations. The only main theme I'd heard it that it makes you feel that Ok, I'm a good parent, and anything you do to your kids can't be THAT bad.
When I first starting reading it, I starting thinking, maybe I am that bad of a parent after all, because some of these things they are teaching their kids, I actually kind of agree with...such as, being independent, and not accepting handouts, learning to be tough, and not crying over everything that happens.
But, as I got further on in the story, and the father's alcoholism kept getting worse and worse, and the kids had to actually pay the bills and take care of the parents, I started getting frustrated with them.
I mean, every Mom doesn't feel like getting out of bed somedays, but everyday?
And a Dad who refuses to work, and can't afford to put food on the table, but somehow found plenty of money for booze and hookers.
And when the girls were molested by their uncle, the non-chalant, apathetic response they received from their parents was sickening.
I applaud the kids of this family for growing up and getting out and making a life for themselves....

Happy Father's Day

Today, I got to sub as ward chorister in Sacrament meeting. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity, because when else can I sit quietly, during the sacrament, and enjoy the spirit, while my husband wrestles ALL THREE KIDS in the back of the overflow? That was kind of a rotten Father's Day Present. I'm sorry, Clint. But, it was really nice for me!
Actually, while I was sitting up there, with all that time to think and pray. I looked out into the congregation, and spotted Clint way in the back, doing a fabulous job at keeping the kids somewhat still.
As I bowed my head after the sacrament prayer, I found myself praying in gratitude to be so lucky to be married to such a wonderful man.
He is so sweet and loving and supportive to me. He puts up with my "crazy", and still finds the heart to laugh at me, YES, he laughs at me, when I'm depressed. That sounds insensitive, but it puts me back into perspective.
He has such a great attitude toward life. He can make any situation into a joke, and laugh about it. Only someone with that much joy can fill up the empty space for someone as broken as me.
That's what he does for me. He fills up my empty spaces and makes me whole. Holy cow, this is getting a LITTLE CHEESY. Oh well, I don't care. (This way he can't make fun of me for being sappy)
He is seriously THE most awesome father to my children. First of all, he's so much fun with them. He teases them to no end, but I think that's good for them, so they know how to handle it in the real world, plus it gives them a sense of humor. He's so loving with them. He won't admit it, but I think he's a big ole pushover. When it comes to the girls, he is putty in their hands.
He is always so supportive to watch the kids whenever I need an out, to run, or whatever.
He works so hard to support our little family. Sometimes, he works a little too hard, if you ask me, but he loves his job and he does it well, and I'm so glad that it makes him happy.
And, not to mention, he is one HOT DADDY!

I honestly don't think I could possible ever find anything better. I feel truly lucky to be married to such a great guy.

Happy Father's Day Clint!
I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!

Recovered, Happy, and SORE!

Thanks for all of your comments regarding my last post. I like posting about being crazy, mostly because it helps me vent, so I don't have to take it out on my family (my husband thanks you too), and when you comment, it's nice to know I'm not alone in the world of crazy. Hopefully noboday gets offended by me referring to it as "crazy". But, for me, that's the only word even remotely acurate to describe my..."condition"

Well, I'm happy to report that I've gotten over that slump. Thursday night, after Clint got home, and commented on my post, and my mood, with some cynical remark that I don't remember, I decided to go for a little run.

I decided it was good to practice at night anyway for the relay coming up...NEXT WEEK! I was only planning on doing 3-4 miles, but ended up doing 6 miles.
MAN! Running is so completely theraputic for me! I felt sooooooo much better afterward.
So, Friday morning I got up early and ran another 5 miles with my friend Laurie (our relay team captain) She is one seriously amazing person to me. I just absolutely love her! She's so positive and uplifting to be around, and she can run like the wind! She is so fast.
So this morning, I ran with her and a big group she runs with. We ran from East Layton to Target in Centerville. 14 miles. That's the longest I've run since the marathon. It was great, but soo hard, because holy cow, those guys run so fast!
But, I was determined to keep up, so I kept plugging along, looking down every so often to check my Garmin, and was continuously shocked at the pace!
Our average was 8:48min/mile. WHAT?! That's really incredible to me. When I'm used to running 9:30-10 min/miles. I think I like running with Laurie. She makes me push myself to my outermost limits. I LOVE That!
So, emotionally, today, I feel GREAT! But, my poor little legs are screaming in protest. They are a little sore.

After running, I took the kids over to the little community pool in our neighborhood. Yes, this will be our daily ritual for the rest of the summer.
So, if you're ever looking for me, you'll know where to find me.
At. The. Pool.
Come on over and swim with us sometime!!
This is KJ in the pool last July (a year ago). I haven't taken any pool pictures yet this year.

There is something Wrong with me....

I think the crazy depression bug is creeping up on me again today. This time it's a little different. This happens to me every so often. Every once in a while the symptoms of depression seem to be less emotional/mental, and more physical.
For the past week, I've been so doggone tired. If you read my previous tag, you would know that today I slept in until 9, this morning. Yesterday, I did the same thing. Two days in a row without running or exercising. That fact alone makes me feel guilty and depressed. It seems that if I don't get up at 5am to run, then I don't want to get out of bed AT ALL.

Also, I'm so unmotivated to do ANYTHING. I don't want to clean, or do yard work (my neighbors will attest to this based on the huge weeds growing in my yard), or shower or get ready.

I'm tired, dizzy, have headaches. I'm just totally spaced out. When I'm out driving, I keep missing my turns, or forget where I'm going. It's like I'm just walking under a cloud.

No, I'm pretty sure I'm not getting sick. This has happened before. I'm just...BLAH...for lack of a better word. I'm not sad or anxious or angry, like I usually get when the crazy lady tries to appear. Today, I'm just..well..just there.

Sometimes I wish I could go back and just be a carefee kid again. I watch my children and their simple views on life...when everything is measured by the distance between your hands, when a snow cone or a popcycle is the highlight of my day, when I could entertain myself for hours just playing outside in the dirt, finding worms, or digging a hold to China, or just sit back and be without any responsiblities or consequences.

Throwback Thursday is dedicated to my former "kid" self:

In 1980...My brother, Josh, me, and sister Kathryn (back then we called her Lissie--Kat I hope you don't mind me saying that...that's how it was labeled on the back by Mom) I was 2.

This was on my 3rd Birthday. 1981. I loved everything pink, and frilly. I remember this Tu-tu. It's weird that this is a picture of me on my 3rd birthday and my baby just turned 3. She seems a lot littler than I do in this picture.

Both of these pictures are from 1984. I was six. Same age as Kennedie. This is me on the front porch with my little sister Kristen, who was 2 at the time. Do you love my snow suit? You can't see them, but I also had some killer moon boots.


I LOVED this princess dress. My Mom made it for me for Halloween that year. I loved playing dress up. Way more than both of my girls put together. My mom tells me I used to change my clothes 10 times a day. I still have this dress. My girls play dress up in it now! Thanks, Mom, for keeping it!

My Other Tag

My friend, the Motherboard tagged my a week or so ago, and I still want to do it. I hope it's not too late.
p.s. Motherboard's birthday is today, and she is having a give-away on her blog. Go check it out and enter it! Isnt' she awesome to give away a present on her birthday?!!
Here's my A to Z tag:

A -Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Clint, Kat, Kris
C- Cautious or Crazy: Crazy, always have been, always will be
D-Day: Saturday with Clint home
E- Essential Item: Deoderant
F- Favorite Color: Red, red, red
G-Gummi Bears or Worms: What's the difference? If it's not chocolate, I don't like it (except Swedish fish--hint hint, Motherboard)
H-Home town: Layton, UT
I- Indulgences: All things chocolate
J- January or July:July of course... its summer. Duh. Who likes January? It's too freakin' cold in January!
K-Kids: 3 kids: girl-6, boy-4, & girl-3
L-Life is incomplete without: My family, friends, music, and chocolate!
M- Marriage Date: May 26, 2000
N- Number of Siblings: 5 brothers, and 2 sisters
O- Oranges or Apples: Apples
P- Phobias or Fears: I'm pretty scared of heights, but I also like the thrill. But, I will probably NEVER sky dive.
Q- Quote: Anything is good if it's made of chocolate
R- Reason To Smile: Funny things the kids say, funny things my hubby says, listening to or playing a good song, hitting the adrenaline rush when I'm running!
S- Season: It's a tie between Summer, and Fall. I love that Summer slows down, but I'm usually ready to get back into it by Fall. I LOVE the colors, smells, and weather in the FAll
T- Tag Three: Only if you want to do it Jodi, Kristie, Jessica, Kat, Stacey, Holly, or anybody else who wants to do it
U- Unknown fact about me: My life is an open book, I honestly can't think of anything that people don't know about me, especially if you read my blog
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: I love a good steak, but with a big side of Veggies. I would say I'm more on the oppressor side.
W- Worst Habit: Yelling
Y-Your favorite food: Um, can't you guess? How many references have their been in the tag to chocolate? Um, yeah, chocolate
Z: Zodiac Sign: Pisces

I got tagged twice in the last week or so, and now I'm finally getting around to doing it. I like these, it's a fun way to get to know little things about people.
This one is from my friend, Peggy

Three Fears:
Heights
Clint crashing his motorcycle
Me on the back of the motorcycle when Clint crashes it

Three Goals:
Make a CD and sell it at a store
Maybe get out of my jammies sometime today
Participate in a triathalon (my goal before that would be to take some swimming lessons)

Three Obsessions/ Collections
Piano
Running
Reading

Three Random Facts:
I drink SlimFast for breakfast
I hate pickles
I slept in until 9 today (I know I'm lazy, I'm dreading Clint reading this and know how lazy I really am)

Three people I tag:
Amy
Jen
Liz

KJ's Singing Recital

I never know what to call it. Her little group is called Performance Academy. It's very similar to Sunshine Generation (the elite children's performance academy from my era). They had a little recital on Saturday. KJ was so cute.
This time I did remember my camera, but I still didn't get very good pictures, because we were too far back.
Here she is in her costume!


KJ always puts her fingers in her mouth, when she's nervous or uncomfortable. It's weird because she was never a thumb sucker, never had a pacifier. it's just something she does. I need to figure out how to help her be more comfortable on stage. This is something I have never struggled with. I was always ready to perform even from a very young age!

KJ is the shortest one standing up in front of the three girls in the back. This is the best picture I got. I need a better camera.

The Rest...

On Sunday afternoon, I was sitting on my neighbor's front porch chatting, the kids were playing out front, when all of a sudden, TJ yells, "Hey Mom, watch me"
Then, as if he's been doing it for years, he rides by one the neighbor girl's princess bike with no training wheels.

WHAT?!!!



My boy, just hopped on the bike and started riding, no help, no lessons. Just hopped on and figured it out for himself.
<

He has been wanting to practice ever since. He does struggle a little more on his own bike because it's a little bigger and he can't quite get started on his own.


Clint watched him riding around on Lexi's bike and said, "Well, the problem all along is that we've been making him ride boy bikes! He just needed a princess bike to do it!"
Trust Clint, and his cynical sense of humor.


This picture is completely unrelated, but I just had to included because he is just so darn cute! I think he was mad at me about something, and I just couldn't resist snapping a picture of his "sad face"

Playing Catch up

I've been meaning to post for several days now, and I'm finally getting around to it. I should probably do several posts, because this post will have several random thoughts in it. Feel free to skim. I have time tonight because I just dropped off my kids about an hour ago with my sister-in-law Barb. She's taking them all to the drive-in to see Kung Fu Panda (everyone except Peter). My kids are sooo excited to see that movie. It's been hyped A LOT at karate.

You'd think this would give me and Clint more time together. But even without the kids (Peter asleep), we are still thrust into our ritual habits of me at the computer and he is downstairs watching the NBA finals. Go Celtics! (NO, I'm not really a Celtics fan, just really, really don't like the Lakers) But, I still don't care enough to actually watch the game. I can only watch if the Jazz are playing. And only if they are playing in the playoffs. Yeah, I'm a fairweather fan like that.

p.s. speaking of sports, we get to take the kids to the Bees game tomorrow night. Fun! Fun! It's funny. We went to a Bees game a couple of weeks ago, and on the way, I met the people who bought our fan in Salt Lake to make the exchange. So, TJ keeps saying that we left our van at the Baseball game. He really wants us to go get it back. My kids, for some reason, get attached to our cars. KJ still talks about the Explorer, which we sold when I was expecting Peter. I'm surprised she even remembers. She was only 3 when we sold it!

Off of one tangent, onto another....I'm really surprised at how "busy" we've been since school got out. But it dawned on me today that the reason is that the kids have been our of school, and therefore home all the time, and therefore making lots and lots of messes. So, I'm only busy because I'm cleaning up crap ALL THE TIME!

Speaking of cleaning up crap, Peter is now officially potty trained! Hooray! Yesterday after going to the grocery store, we stopped at the snow cone stand and let the kids get a snow cone. I wouldn't let them back in the car, so we sat in the parking lot and ate them. Peter said she needed to go potty, so we went into the store and let her go. This is not only the first time she has actually told me she needed to go, but the first time to went on a public toilet, and on a big potty. (She usually goes on the little "training" potty at home).

This event lead me into chain of thoughts: First, this is the last rite of passage into "kid"hood, from babyhood. And since she just turned 3, all of sudden, I have been stripped of my baby, and now there is NO baby at my house. Just 3 KIDS! I have had a baby at my house for the last 6 1/2 years! This is one epiphane that has really left me very sad, and contemplative. Could this really be the end of my baby stage? Instead of being elated, though, I'm just sad. All I can think about since that moment of inspiration is getting my hands on one of my baby neices! Jess, Kat, Stacie: I really, really NEED your baby! Just for a little while...to appease my baby hunger. Then I'll give her back, I promise!

On to another random thought...I just finished reading New Moon. Holy Cow. I'm really into this series now, and I can't wait to read the third book. My thoughts: I really like Jacob, and I actually found myself a little disappointed when she ran off to find Edward 5 seconds after Jacob almost kissed her. I mean, come on! He's warm, sweet, sincere....Edward is so cold, and seems distant. I don't think their love is all that believable. Oh yeah, sorry about all the spoilers, if you haven't read it.

I have more, but I'm going to do it in another post....

Random 10 Friday

Random 10 Friday....

1. Addicted - Dan Seals
2. Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi
3. Hold On - Sarah Mclachlan
4. History of Us - Indigo Girls
5. Bicycle Race - Queen
6. Foolish Games - Jewel
7. Breath of Heaven - Amy Grant (yes, Motherboard, I still have Christmas songs on my mp3, too, but I LOVE this song!)
8. I Learned From You - Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus
9. Punishment - Shedaisy
10. What I AM - Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians

Bonus:
Crucify - Tori Amos

Baylie's Birthday!

Peter's Birthday!

Yesterday, for Peter's Birthday, we took the kids, and our cousin MM, and our next door neighbor AW to the Build-a-Bear store in the mall, and let them "build" a friend.
I got a lot of comments like, "Wow, you're brave to come to the mall with ALL those kids!" My thoughts: I only had 2 extra. I didn't think 5 kids was really that many. I'm surprised people were so astounded by it. I mean, this IS Utah!
Anyway, that night we had a little cake and ice cream party with Grandma and & Grandpa, and Aunt and Uncles and cousins.
I spent 2 hours yesterday making a Little Mermaid cake, upon Peter's request. I really enjoy decorating cakes, and I think I'm getting better, yet still nothing compared to you Holly! (p.s. Holly my cousin is a pro cake maker and does weddings. She's amazing--Holly do you still do that? I should hire you for my kids birthdays from now on!)

Since I took so many pictures, here is a slide show of the main event!

Ok. I'm dumb. I can't figure out how to do text and the slideshow in the same post. But here it is....in another post.

New Haircuts

The girls got new haircuts the other day. I meant to post picture, then, but didn't get around to it.
We're still getting used to short hair. Especially on Peter.
Here she is BEFORE:


And AFTER:



KJ BEFORE:



And AFTER:

Throwback Thursday

Once upon a time, not so long ago, on June 5, 2005, a crazy pregnant lady went into labor nearly 4 weeks early. She woke up at 5am, with contractions, waited an hour, decided it was time to go to the hospital. After getting settled in the hospital bed, making sure the hubby had eaten enough (so he wouldn't leave her there to get something to eat, like he did on the first two babies), refusing the epideral (because she had something to prove, I guess), then after her water "exploded" across the room (sorry for the graphic description, but we have to be accurate, right?), starting whining..."never mind, I can't do this without pain meds", got a drip of something in her IV to "take the edge off", then, 10 mintues later, the nurse checks to see that she is fully dialated, the contractions become too hard to bear.

Let me tell you something about going natural. You CANNOT resist the urge to push, there is NO WAY, NO HOW! In that last 30 seconds, I got that "urge", (yes, I'm changing tenses from 3rd to 1st person, that was getting old) the doctor strolled in, scrubbed up (with one arm in a cast), walked straight over, and caught the baby. One push. One very, very, painful push. If you've ever done this think with no epidural, you know what I'm talking about when I say "ring of fire!" Ouch!
But it was over in 5 seconds.

My beautiful baby girl, Peter Suzy, was born on June 5, 2005, at 7:53 am (Yes, only less then 3 hours after I woke up with my first contraction)

I can't believe by baby is 3 today! She's getting so big (although she is perfectly happy to remain the baby, and I'm perfectly happy to keep her that way)

Throwback Thursday is dedicated to Peter.
I just have one more story...sad, sad story before I post pictures. Clint took a ton of pictures on Baylie's first few hours of life, at the hospital. That night, after we were all rested, he went home to transfer the pics to the computer and after we got home from the hospital we discovered that ALL of those pictures were lost! I bawled like a hormonal new mother would in such an atrocious circumstance!
Sad, Sad. But we still have some pictures...and here they are!

Baylie's first bath!


4 days old. Isn't she beautiful?


My sweet babies. Look how little they were...time sure flies...


Baylie's blessing day!


Four Generations: Baylie, Me, My Mom, Mary, and her Mom, Grandma Jean


Daddy's girl


I love and hate this picture. I love that it's one of the few pictures of me with Peter. And I hate it because I look fat and exhausted.