Birthday, birthday, birthday!

Madison, April, Jenny, Leslie, Stefney, Angie, Sara, Gwen, Tiffany, Marla, and Haley

Once Spring break hits, it seems that each week someone is celebrating a birthday. Our ward normally has a lunch or dinner in honor of the special birthday girl. This dinner we rang in Sara's big 4-0. Crazy to think we are already reaching the point in life I used to think was old. Of course, I have gotten wiser since then. 40 is the new 20 in my book!

The fabulous five and Chloe

Amber, Tiffany, Tishia, Minnie, and Jenny

The week following Sara, was Minnie. I can't remember the last time the 5 of us had gone to lunch. These are my first, original running buddies. I think everyone is on board for running the Santa Barbara race, except Tishia. (come on Tishia...you know you wanna!).

Last but not least, I save the best for last. Today is Angie's birthday. Unfortunately, I can't physically go to lunch with her. But, know I would definitely share a burrito with some of that creamy tomatillo sauce. Happy Birthday Ang!! Miss and love you!

Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day started on a Friday with none other than muffins for mom at the school.

Luke gave me a special makeover. Okay I have a little bit of a clown mouth, but he did pretty good!

Then I was treated by a manicure with my favorite color pink.

Sunday we tried to get a snap shot of me and the kids. After several moans and groans, this is about as good as it got. Doug fixed me a wonderful meal, which included my favorite ribs, baked potatoes, rolls, followed by a coconut cream pie, oh my. The best part after I ate I left the table and didn't lift a finger. Slept for two hours and watched the Suns win! Most importantly, I feel extremely blessed to have 4 amazing children who all have different strengths and talents. It was a great Mother's Day!!

Five For Friday

1. When his brother's leave for school, Weston has no problem entertaining himself or engrossing into something messy. The latest thing he LOVES to do is go outside and play a mock baseball game. Its fun to listen to his play by play action of the game. "He hits..he scores...it's a HOMERUN!" The downfall....

He tries sneaking into the house with these feet. Most of you know what a clean freak I am, so you can imagine it never goes over well. I find myself over and over repeating, PLEASE, please, go wash you feet in the hose. I guess if that's the worse thing in life I am doing just fine.

yes, this is currently flying at our house.

2. I'll never deny how much I really love Texas, however we had a little bit of controversy this week. You see, our Suns are playing the Spurs in the playoffs. Doug has been a Suns fan as long as he can remember, even while living in San Antonio. Tonight was game 3 and neither Doug or I could believe they pulled off ANOTHER win. I think this is the first time who knows how long we have led the Spurs. We love you Gordons.....but GO PLANET ORANGE!!

3. I have come to grips that I am one of THOSE moms that enjoy supporting my childs team. Even if it involves choosing a color on my toes that I would normally never pick. Jared's little league team currently holds the leading record. It's so exciting!! We have 3 more games until playoffs. Go Dodgers!

4. I am happy to report that my teacher gifts are done WAY early this year. I stole this idea from my friend Tishia. I think my boys teachers will love it, isn't it darling??

My best half

5. This morning I awoke with a pit in my stomach. My nerves were beyond butterflies. I knew that the St. George lottery was being posted at 8am MST. So, 7am my time I logged on to find out I didn't make it in to the marathon race this year. I was super bummed all day because I really wanted to try and qualify for Boston. And I know that St. George is a overall downhill race making it easier for you to get a faster time. St. George isn't in my cards, but my friend found another race that I think will be even better. Santa Barbara Nov. 6th here I come!!!! Bring it on 26.2.

No Pain, No Gain

bright and early at the church

Many of my workouts begin WAY before my kids even think about getting up. The perk? I am done by 7am AND I get to see the sunrise. I am going into my second year of running. And officially have the running itch. With 2 Ragnar Relays under my belt and 4 half marathons, I guess it's safe to say I am a runner. As of late, I have become obsessive about becoming stronger, more fit and what it takes to build endurance. (Minus caloric intake, which I am finding to be bad. I like my In and Out Burger and Diet Coke too much for that one folks). I recently read an article from Runner's World that posed the question how fit are you? This included several exercises with a scale rating, good, better, best. A typical workout week for me:

Monday: Long runs--lately, 10 miles

Tuesday: Lift weights, sometimes cardio

Wednesday: Step class

Thursday: Bootcamp

Friday: Spin or Attack (high intense aerobics) class

Saturday: Short tempo run 4-5 miles

Sunday: Rest

I would say I am pretty fit based on the above workouts, but this article got my wheels spinning.

Kati and Jenny

Having said all of that...It's almost been 9 months since Kati started up a boot camp in the church parking lot. I remember feeling eager for something new and different aside from our mundane workout schedule (see above). Bootcamp has added a spice into working out. For 45 minutes we do things I never even knew my body could do, from agility, strength training our core, crawling like a bear, jumping like a rabbit and sprinting until exhaustion. I can only speak for myself but those first few times I found myself hobbling out of bed and scooting into the bathroom the next day. It's much better now, but the workout never seems to get easier.

We each bring our free weights and some of us who don't have any, bring soup cans....love it.

How high can you jump?

Each week brings us a new challenge, but we owe our strength and fitness dedication to Kati. The average that come are about 5-7 ladies. Has it gotten easier? No, but at least I can say I am a little more fit than 9 months ago. And I have met some lovely ladies thanks to this new sport. Yes, and I do love it. After all, pain is temporary right?

Jenny, Tiffany, Marisol, April and Mary

Relief Society Bootcamp

Texture

When we bought our home nearly two years ago (which I can hardly believe) we did some stuff in the design center and decided to do the other "wish" stuff out of pocket. It's obviously WAY cheaper to do it on your own with a separate company, but also teaches you patience. And to learn how to save money. We have added little things here and there and 6 weeks ago ordered shutters (before we knew our washer would die) for our dining room, hallway and garage.

Wow, and what a difference it has made. I feel as though the room has a little more texture. The mood is different and feels more warm and homey. There is still much to add...curtains, plants, chairs, a couch and some wall decor. But, at least now the neighbors can't see me running around in my underware. (we are surrounded by two story homes) Ha!