Green Head To Toe

I just noticed how aged my feet are looking.

Yikes! Is this what over 400 miles of training does to you?

Ever since I was a young girl I thrived on spirit. My middle school colors were orange and brown. Go ahead and gag (I know I wasn't thrilled about them either) They were probably the worst combination any school could have. But, because I was apart of that school you bet I owned an obnoxious orange shirt AND wore it proudly for each assembly. As I have said in several previous posts our crusading color is green. Several people actually have asked me if I chose green due to the upcoming St. Patricks Day holiday. It would seem legit, but these toes have another reason to be green and that is for kidney cancer. It's not an accident that this lucky color will also carry us through our 202 miles.

Front View

We are less than 24 hours before the actual party begins. Today a few of us met up to decorate the cars to get in the spirit of the whole thing. I have heard there are some pretty fancy decked out vans. I thought ours turned out fabulous. Of course I musn't take credit. Michelle was the brains behind all of the creativeness.

Michelle

Side View

Don't you love the antenna? So cute!

These signs are made out of wood with felt letters. She drilled them on so they would stay on to the top of the luggage racks. Genius if you ask me. Look out Mardi Gras floats!

Minnie and Tishia

We weren't able to have all of our team members to help, but we had at least half. The first van (runners 1-6) is driving up tonight since our official start time is 7am. The rest of us will meet them up around noon when our van begins to run.

April (Carson and Braden), Paula, Tiffany, Minnie, Tishia
Martha and Michelle

Aside from my friends running the race I had three of my other sweet friends drop off a good luck bag. Thanks Carol, Denise and Natalie! Next up pasta for dinner and hopefully a GREAT night sleep. Next time I write I'll have close to 20 miles under my belt. Wish me (US) luck!

Lock Down

Symptoms: Barking cough, sore throat, fever, and headache.

Prescription: Extra slices of this.

And staying home to nap.

Say a prayer that I don't get this--- my race is 48 hours away! I have been eating airborne and vitamin C ALL day. Feel better soon sweet T.

Take A Look......

As a child I was a huge fan of public television, especially shows such as the Electric Company, The Bloodhound Gang, Kaptain Kangaroo, and Reading Rainbow. I can still remember the tune to Reading Rainbow, Take a look, it's in a book, reading rainbow.......I'll spare you all the other words or me humming live music. Levar Burton intrigued me in such a way that I sat mesmerized listening to him read stories that normally didn't interest me a bit. For me, that was a big deal because after about 4th grade me and reading didn't really like one another. I lost interest and most of the time was intimidated with small print and thick books. I was all about cliff notes and summarized versions.

At the beginning of the school year, it was obvious Luke was struggling in reading. He wasn't grasping simple site words. As a parent I became frustrated because after saying a word 5 times I fully expected he would at least recognize or remember what I told him 5 seconds ago. Not so. It was a battle just to ask him to read a sentence. I stopped for about a month because fighting with him each day going over simple reading exercises wasn't worth it. I got an email from his teacher a month later stating that Luke is progressing, but we (teacher and parents) really need to watch him. My heart sank. We all know that if we aren't reiterating what is taught at school children loose interest and aren't as successful. Doug and I immediately began disciplining ourselves and making it a habit to read with Luke ever so patiently each night. Some nights have been hard, but overall he has improved so much. I am happy to report a recent progress report has showed him moving up not one, but TWO reading levels. And in case you are wondering, these binoculars are a new way of reading.

Yellow J-Rod

It's all in the graphite (so I hear)

It's always interesting to see what comes from a block of wood, especially when it's a pinewood derby. Last year was nothing like this year. I mean NOTHING. In more competitive areas (aka Chandler) you must abide by the rules from the size of your axle all the way down to the precise measurement of 5 ounces. Jared and Doug had been discussing the design of their car this year since the loosing streak of last years model. Notice I say "their" because let's face it, it's just as much Jared's car as it is dad's. The final weigh in was at 2pm. It was then they realized they had to add on some major weight. The car started out only at 2.2 ounces so Doug frantically started hot gluing weights like crazy with even a penny on top. (for luck of course)

Half of the Bear Den
Anthony, Logan, Ryker, Josh and Jared

All the boys had high hopes that THEY would have the winning car. Deep down we all know it's a pretty competitive race. Each boy got to race their car six times in order to allow the car to run on each track. Races 1-4 went by and poor J-Rod (Jared's yellow car) came in dead last. By the 5th run you could see the disappointment in his face.

This photo cracked me up. Weston just adores Magnus (I love that soft little shoulder touch), which happens to be his older look alike. These boys are so much alike in personality and mannerisms it's freaky! Not to mention they are both the 4th child.

J-Rod Lane 4

Ready, set....race!

J-Rod takes third place in the 5th heat!

The 5th race was a little more promising, after all his car placed third. Unfortunately that wasn't enough to carry the rest of the race through. After averaging all the times together Jared's car ended up 2nd to last. I say this with optimism because at least he wasn't last! We have to take any positive we can get.

Jared holding his yellow and black striped masterpiece
"J-Rod"

So, another year has gone by with a loosing car. Building cars out of wood may not be our strongest point, but bottom line is (straight from Jared's mouth)--"At least I wasn't last and I had fun!" Or as Doug would say, "hey I have at least 10 more cars to build, one of these years were bound to win." So true, so true.

Five For Friday

Anna, Jenny
Amy, Lisa, Janae and Kelly

(not too bad for a self timer!)

1. Thursday night I was invited to the Sista's favorite things party. I haven't seen Anna in years and finally got to meet Lisa for the first time. A special thanks to Janae for being a fabulous host. It was a fun night of chatting and laughter not to mention the yummy desserts!


2. Monday Amber and I did a practice race run for the Ragnar Relay. We ran 8 miles at noon, 7 miles at 9pm and had intentions on waking up and doing the final 4 in the morning. Due to weather (pouring rain of all things) I had to run the remainder on the treadmill. Talk about painful! But, we survived and at least know we are prepared for the race. And speaking of running , I have been so fortunate to not have any injuries during my training minus a couple of missing toenails. Thursday morning we ran a quick 4 miles and I tripped and fell on the sidewalk. I felt like a complete idiot !!(like that Seinfield episode) I jumped back up and luckily wasn't hurt, you all know you wish you would have seen a video of that--ha.

Carol, Angela, Tiffany and me

3. A few weeks ago I was reassigned to a new visiting teaching companion and visiting new people. I set up the appointments at none other than Chick Fila. It couldn't have worked out more perfectly. I was able to get my Diet Coke, and the kids could play while we chatted. Definitely a win.win for all.

4. The trek is less than three weeks away. Saturday is our last training meeting. I know it will be a great experience, but I have some major anxiety about it. Period.

5. I am tired just thinking about tomorrow, updates coming soon.......

1,2,3......4!

1).  I can ride my bike without training wheels.

2).  I can write my name, count, and recite my abc's.

3). I am a stinker and on most days get whatever I want, whenever I want. 

Only one more month and I will be 4!

SPT--The First Thing That Attracted Me To You Was.....

Our Wedding Day
Dec. 27, 1995

Hmmm this was a tough one to narrow down. Was it....

14 years later do we look the same?
Your devilish handsome looks?

Your compassion?

Your dark edgy side?

Ability to have fun?

Your poise?

Your mean cooking skills--especially Thai food?

Your wit? OR...

Canyon Lake
June 1995

Your adventurous fun side taking me to the lake on our first date?

Because ALL of these traits attracted me to you, it wouldn't be fair to leave any of them out. All of these make up the Doug I know and love. Love you honey!

League Of Their Own

I am always gently reminded that each of my children are different and unique in their own ways. Some parents start their kids out as early as 3 to play sports and claim they are wonderful athletes because of it. I disagree. For us, 5 years has been that magical number. (although with baseball 7 may be that number--t-ball is just too painful!) With each child that age seems to creep up faster than I remember. Personally, since I have watched both Taylor and Jared grow they don't really catch on to a sport or even the cognitive thinking of it until about the age of eight. Jared has definitely changed in just a few years. His games are FINALLY quite enjoyable to watch. He really thrives on trying to be a team player defensively and offensively. Just look at his concentration! And yes, he actually guards the other man.

Jared in action

I remember starting Jared when he was 5 and both Doug and I would be yelling, "Come on Jared, get the ball!!" I know Doug and I are guilty letting our competitive nature get the best of us. It's frustrating to see our children not use the aggressiveness we KNOW they have (at least horseplaying with their siblings not to mention all of that boy energy!) I have come to the conclusion that on most occasions it's the age and the readiness your child is before that "light bulb" kicks on. It's obvious Luke hasn't quite made that bulb switch on just yet, which makes good entertainment. I know I have been guilty of expressing my opinions about playing so young. You can often here me saying, THIS IS SO NOT WORTH IT! But, on the other hand my cute boy enjoys it, even if he stands there looking clueless watching his friend place his hands up (which he too should be doing) to defend the ball. This week Luke exclaimed "I only have two more games before it's over THEN I get my trophy right??" Whatever makes you happy honey. Just two more seasons and it will be worth it.

This face captures pretty much what we go through each week.
Luke are you paying attention??

Cupids Day

Red roses for his love

We had intentions on going out to one of our favorite steak houses, but 2 weeks prior they were booked until 10pm that evening. Who wants to eat a dinner that late anywhere? Not us. We had our first stay home Valentines Day this year and it was probably one of the best. I have come to the realization Valentines Day truly is over rated. Sure, the flowers are nice (which I did receive)

Green roses for his girl
(her favorite color)

Our friends/neighbors suggested that we come over and split up the menu. We had steak, twice baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, homemade macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, mock tails--bora boras (yum) and if that wasn't enough Doug took it upon himself to make homemade ice cream. The kids were at their own table and we were at ours. We ended the night with a game of pictionary--let's just say artistic abilities (especially drawing celebrities) are NOT my strong point. It was relaxing, low key and just plain fabulous. Thanks Hunter's for a great evening! I am thinking this could be a new tradition.

Grandpa Stan

Valentines Day is also another special day for our family each year. Both my parents are born on holidays. My dad happens to share his day with Cupid himself. I hope you had a great birthday (which I am certain he did) We are just glad to be able to have shared a slice of the pie with you this year. Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

Desert Field Trip

Have you ever taken a last minute road trip to the desert? Friday I got a wild hair and decided to drag Tishia and Amber up to where we would be running during the day and in the middle of the night. The actual race begins up in Prescott, but because we are in the second van of runners we start running in Wickenburg, AZ. Due to a time constraint, (being back in time to pick up our kids from school) we only drove 2 hours to find one of our relay exchanges. There our parts of the course that are definitely challenging, so the visual actually helped me see what exactly I was getting myself into. I am just glad we got some hill training in over the past 2 months.

Four Peaks Mountain Range

This was part of the route in the very North part of Scottsdale. On a map it looks pretty boring, but once you actually drive the course it is super pretty not to mention hilly. This photo doesn't really do it justice. From Scottsdale into Fountain Hills it is mostly rolling hills. (My favorite type of running) Due to a huge storm we got the surrounding mountains around the valley are covered in snow. The crazy thing about driving compared to running is, what normally would take 6 hours round trip will take us like 30 hours to run!

Crusading For A Cause

Pinetop, AZ September 2008
10K run this is the birth of our Ragner Relay team.
Tiffany, Aprel, Jenny, Martha, Monica and Minnie

The first day I walked into our ward I immediately recognized my friend Aprel from high school. (This obviously hasn't been an uncommon thing moving back here) She also happens to be one of the first friends I had in 7th grade. I moved from the far west side of Mesa to the east not knowing a single soul. Those of you know starting a new school can be unnerving, not to mention it was the 1st day of junior high. I wish I had a photograph of her helping me run for 7th grade President. She willingly gave me her support by passing out fliers that read "Cruise With Hughes For President" Truthfully I had no business running I was a new kid on the block and not even close to being in the IN crowd.

I almost felt that exact unnerving feeling walking into our new ward a few months ago. You can imagine my surprise after scanning the room seeing a familiar face I hadn't seen in over 20 years. I immediately recognized Aprel, she looks not a day older than high school.

Years later it seems the tables have turned. I am fortunate enough to support her now, but for a much more serious cause. Aprel is an amazing woman, not to mention she has 6 boys. Six!! Her 5th little boy Carson developed kidney cancer when he was just a year old. Unfortunately, I wasn't here to support their family during this tough and scary time. They have dedicated a new blog to Carson which you can read here. He is currently in remission, but that doesn't mean Aprel and her family don't live on the edge of their seats. He has to be scanned every three months just to be sure there is no cancer present. This leads me to explain the reason and cause for running in two weeks. Istich was generous enough to allow us to come over to use her embroidery machine for our running shirts. Thanks Iileen! It is no accident the shirts are green. Like pink represents breast cancer, green is the color for kidney cancer. Which secretly made me giddy--green is one of my fav's.

Front

Back

And because I am a girly girl and volunteered to help out with the shirts I took it upon myself to have matching ribbons for our hair and shoes. And even sewed some headbands. I am sure my team mates are wondering why in the world they put me in charge of van #2???

Ribbon makes all girls happy. I especially LOVE this shade of green.

I am excited to see us all decked out in our race gear. I suggested tutu's but I think that was a bit too much. What can I say?? I am a cheerleader at heart.

The Crusaders
(back row)
Aprel, Minnie, Martha, Kim, Michelle
(middle row)
Tiffany, Jen, Amber, Tishia
Monica and Jenny

These are all of the ladies running on our team minus one. Last night was our final meeting to finish up all minor details of the race. We have all worked SO hard in training and have had countless early mornings running together. It has been such a great experience for me. A special thanks to my dear running partner Amber, I seriously couldn't have done this without you!!

Momnesia

Yes, this is a REAL term and I suffer from it horribly. (even my daily photo documenting is suffering!) I am not sure why it took my kids to be older before I actually saw the symptoms, but it is what it is. Despite my disorder I seem to be able to function on most occasions. Thumbing back through photos gives me the proof. I do, do something worth while (most of the time) here is just a taste of my life in the past 5 days.....

Thursday I received a photo traffic ticket in the mail. Ouch. I learned they are NOT cheap. I've had such a clean record in the past six years (okay we won't include the car accident a year ago), but seriously no speeding tickets!! The worst part is, there is no way out of it. I couldn't believe how clear the photo of me was driving and how sly the camera was. I still have no idea where I was going at the the time. Between Doug's parking ticket last month and now this it's enough to make us both sick! We have definitely supported our police departments this year. Ha.

This is what you do when you don't have any form of entertainment
digital cameras seem to work out pretty well!

Friday I survived Luke's well check up which included not one, but two shots. He was amazingly a tough cookie. He didn't even budge or complain after being poked. I was also informed my children are extremely short, he currently falls into the 25% for height.

Saturday was our third trek training meeting. While the men learned to butcher chickens, the women were instructed how to make the "perfect" dutch oven bread. Surprisingly, it didn't taste too bad. I'm sure it tastes even better if you are starving (which we will be by day 2!) And for the main course..........Yes we DO have to kill and eat our own chickens!! Beware below post is graphic.

I stepped over to take a peek at the men doing their manly thing. You can't really tell due to all of the hands. But this rooster was alive just an hour before they chopped of it's head, skinned and gutted it (sorry for the graphics) This was to prepare us for what we will be making for dinner on the trek along with stewed vegetables.

Two thumbs up for a successful kill. I am just glad Doug is the one doing this part and not me! 4 trek training meetings down 1 more to go!!

Changing gears, after a dance competition (in the morning and NO photo--sorry Tay!) and a basketball game. Doug headed over to Erik's house aka tool heaven to work on Jared's pinewood derby car. Once again I am not sure who cares more about the car, dad or Jared.

Tiffany, Heather, and me

And because we wanted to add just one more thing to Saturday's agenda.... The Brown's graciously invited us in on their date night with the Hunters. I was pretty hammered, but I don't usually pass up on a good movie. It was pretty intense, but I am an action movie girl. Definitely worth seeing in my book.

Our running pack

Minnie, Tiffany, Amber and I-- (looking scary!)

Today we headed East for the third week in a row to tackle more hills and add a few miles. (11.5 to be exact) Tiffany and Minnie ended up doing their longest run yet. Way to go girls!! We've come along ways since last August where none of us had ran over 6 miles ever (except Amber). I officially lost my first toe nail today (gross I know), but from what I read it comes with the sport. As our race is approaching I am getting excited and anxious. Tomorrow I will be revealing our team, our cause and new shirts.