Board Certified Baby!

Doug just got his results from his last set of orthopedic boards.

the results are.........................................

HE PASSED!

Congrats honey, I knew you would!! Love you to pieces and so proud of you!!

After 13 years, he is now a REAL doctor.

1st Day of School

Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 5th grade

Perhaps I should be reporting on their first quarter report card rather than document the first day of school, nevertheless, here we are 6 weeks into the school year already.... Backing up to July 26th, it was a bitter sweet Monday, not to mention a blazing 110 degrees. I had run earlier that morning and got what I think now, was heat exhaustion. I cut my 12 mile run in half and headed straight home. Thinking I had hydrated myself enough, it obviously wasn't enough. I was seriously sicker than a dog. I was burning up, my head killing and had the shakes. I was so nauseated that I couldn't even stomach making my kids their promised pancake breakfast. Thankfully, Doug was there to fill in the gaps until he had to leave for work.

The big 8th grader

I snapped a few shots of the kids and had a hard time standing up. However, Weston pleaded that I ride to school with them. Being the nice mom I am, I did. It wasn't easy, but it was his first day at the big school and I really wanted to be there for him.

Luke was so excited that he was back in class with his best buddy Magnus. Jared also scored ALL of his friends (5 to be exact) in his class as well. I was a little concerned for the teacher, but they seem to all be behaving, for now anyway. Weston followed Jared out to the playground and told me he was fine and that I could go home. I normally would have stayed, but my world started to spin and I knew I best be getting home before I couldn't even make it there.

I arrived home, plopped on the couch and within 10 minutes received a phone call from my friend Tiffany. She very calmly replied, I know you are sick, but I have Weston, he is a little upset and wanted to let you know I am walking him to class. My heart sank, I felt awful. Apparently, when the bell rung the kids ran from the playground and Weston lost sight of Jared and panicked. He somehow found his backback (which was in his line), picked it up and decided to walk back towards our house. Thankfully, Heather and Tiffany intercepted him before he got to far and got him to class. It was a rough start to a first day, but his teacher said once she was able to distract him, he did fabulous. Phew!

After the initial trauma was over and I knew he was safe in his classroom, I broke down and cried. Not only did I feel like a horrible mother for not staying at the school, but I missed my little guy. My house was almost too quiet. There was no more clanking of the candy jars, scoulding him to turn off the wii, no noise of rustling candy and gum wrappers, or complaining about being hungry. Just silence. I have since gotten used to the quiet, and I do still miss my little shadow. But, one thing for certain I don't miss is the trash that he used to leave behind. This is no joke what I found behind my couch. You would think I didn't teach Weston where the trash can was or perhaps he was just to lazy to throw it away. At first I was appauled and disgusted, but now I can't help but to laugh at how much he was able to stash and hide. Sneaky indeed! Here is to a great school year!!

My "New" Boyfriend

Usary pass ride

About 4 years ago, I was a hard core blogger. I didn't miss a day of documenting our life, whether is was short or even a long post. Sadly, this just doesn't happen anymore. I honestly don't think it's the time, now I just prioritize things differently. Doug once called blogging and the computer "my boyfriend" He has since labeled "my boyfriend" running. I have to laugh because truthfully they are so completely opposite. However, if you add the hours up in a day I guess I could claim it as a part time boy friend if you really need to label it as something.

my barefoot running shoes

After running 5 half marathons I was told by so many people that I really should try a full. Truthfully, I was scared to death, after all 13.1 miles is way more doable than 26.1. I geared myself up that I can do hard things and registered for the St. George lottery. I was denied. I had mixed emotions, but thought well, maybe it's not my time. As a month passed I began to reflect on my goals and realized qualifying for Boston was on my bucket list. I did my research and discovered if this was going to be the year to qualify I had a good chance. I would be able to be 5 minutes slower (3:40:59) AND be at the bottom of my age group. Two bonuses in my book. I began searching for other Boston qualifiers as well as races on Saturdays (again, not easy to come by). My friend informed me of the Santa Barbara one in November and I jumped on the chance. Without hesitation and anyone signing up with me, I registered for the FULL. As I clicked the button to finalize my registration, my heart pounded with anxiety. I knew I was in for a challenge, and now there was no turning back. Thankfully, since then I have convinced two other of my friends to register. Honestly, I have no idea how people can train alone. I have come to the conclusion I am NOT a solo runner.

My training began on July 12th. I didn't really have a training plan in mind, but found that Hal Higdon best suited me for my schedule and what I had time to do. I am currently doing the Advanced training which entails cross training along with running. I knew I also had to train myself to drink water. This probably was the hardest thing at first, but now I can't even run 4 miles without a bottle in my hand. And yes, I went out and bought an "official" running belt. I thought I would NEVER wear one of those spiderman gadgets and here I am. Other things I learned along the way....

-Any sort of energy enhancement has been my friend. I have become accustomed to taking FRS, sport beans, and Gu.

-Instant breakfast (chocolate milk) is my favorite recovery drink.

- I eat Cliff bars like they are going out of style. (peanut butter crunch being my favorite)

-Power Ad Zero, I love this stuff!

-I have purchased two sets of running shoes (as recommended in Runner's World) my running bible.

-I am even trying some running with my vibram toes (shown above) more like frog shoes, but they really are comfortable.

Monday's are my long running days. Why Monday? Because Sunday happens to be a non exercise day and I need all the energy I can. I won't lie it's been a big challenge living in Arizona running in the heat. We are having to get up at 3:40am in order to get the miles in before it gets too unbearable. Even then, it has been 89 degrees at 4am! The good news? We can accomplish 14 miles and be done before 6:30am.

2.5 mile backside climb

After long runs I do look forward for the cross train days that include:

Monday: At least 10 miles (mileage is now up to 15)

Tuesday: running 4 miles and lifting weights

Wednesday: rest or step class

Thursday: running sprints or doing the bleachers (hill training)

Friday: high impact aeorbics

Saturday: road biking with Doug 20-28miles.

6 weeks behind me, I only have 14 more to go. For the record, I guess my hard core blogging is now a pastime and has been replaced by running. Who knew? Wish me luck!!

Fasting For Blessings

It all began 2 years ago when we fasted and prayed about whether or not we should buy our current home. We fasted, prayed and it was confirmed in the temple (by Doug and I) that Glacier Place was a fit for our family. At the time I had no idea if we were the only members of our church in the neighborhood. A few weeks after we moved Doug and I made every effort to get to know people, or at least try and remember names in order to feel a part of our new community. Several people came up to me and asked, have you met the Brown family yet? To which I replied no, I didn't even know who they were. The response I had from more than a dozen people was, you have to meet them! They are such a great family! As you can imagine I was extremely curious to meet these folks (who wouldn't be with all the excitement I was getting from people). Once I found out their address (so I could map the distance from my house) we decided to do a drive by and discovered they lived on "Zion" St. To be honest, the first thought was, okay they are not only an amazing family in the eyes of so many, they stinking live on Zion St. A definite sign of not being worthy to meet them. And really, were they really as nice as everyone said they were? You know, those thoughts before you actually meet someone....... For the record. It was true.

Summer getaway to Pinetop

Fast forward, a few weeks, we FINALLY crossed paths with the Brown's. But, lets just say it wasn't in the most ideal situation. Our stake underwent major splits of 4 different congregations (or wards) and they gathered everyone together to explain the boundaries. Just before the meeting started we spotted the Brown's and decided to go and introduce ourselves and get a face to the name we had heard so much about. It was a brief hello and then we had to be seated. Well, as the new bishops were announced, it was then when Doug's heart sank. Bishop Brown was just called to preside over Grove 1st ward. He was going to be our new bishop. Doug's initial thought was oh, no I just introduced myself and set myself up for a huge calling. What in the world was I thinking??! And yes, a few weeks later Doug was called to be Young Men's President. Doug didn't have any hard feelings, and the Brown's have become some of our closest friends.

Over the past 2 years I have gotten to know Tiffany and her family quite well. She has also become one of my close running buddies. (or obsessive workout friends?) She has taught me to relax and be a better parent to my children. Not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy the trials that we encounter. It's rare to see her without a smile and has the best attitude about life. I feel like she has been the older sister I never had. (7 years, 7 inches to be exact).

The night before Annie was sick

(SOOC unedited)

Having said all of this, her youngest Annie (9yrs) had a huge scare last week. Doug and I had just gotten back from his sister's birthday dinner when I received a message that Annie was in the ER in a critical condition. My heart immediately sank, my first thought was, I just took their family photos the day prior and she was absolutely fine! How is she in the hospital? Crazy how things can spiral to the worst so quickly. I immediately got my stuff and Tishia and I headed straight down to the hospital to support our scared, dear friend. By the time we arrived doctors had already intubated her and were trying to stablize Annie. Thankfully, before she was transferred to the Phoenix Children's Hospital her dad and good friend Scott administered a blessing. They ran several tests. Amber, Tishia and I sat with Tiffany until 2am that morning. It was scary to see little Annie hooked up to all sorts of tubes without knowing what was wrong. It wasn't until the next day, where she became conscious again. Even then she was having trouble remembering the simpliest of things. She still wasn't completely acting herself. More tests were ran on Friday (a spinal tap) to rule out meninigitis. Saturday came and still no answers as to what caused her sudden illness. It was then our ward decided to fast and pray for sweet little Annie. She was little, by little getting better each day. Annie was released on Monday and thankfully Tiffany and her family were able to rest in their own home after spending 4 sleepless nights in the hospital. Upon her release 2 doctors were still uncertain as to what caused her altered mental status Thursday evening. Was it viral encephalitis? Afterall she did have several of those symptoms. One doctor said there is no way she would have recovered that quickly from such a serious viral infection and would still be in the hospital today if that were true. It remains a mystery and they may never determine what happened. However, despite what doctors or test results say, I truely believe faith proceeds the miracle.

The Brown Family

(photos taken last week)

This family for the past 2 years has served with their heart, blessed the lifes of so many and continues to do this on a daily basis (without even realizing it). Because of the prayers and fasting of family and friends, Annie is on the road to recovery and going to be okay. Truthfully, I think it was THEIR turn to recieve a blessing. We love you Annie and are so happy you are home!

Keeping My Head Above Water

(photo courtesy of Tiffany)

I am swimming knee deep in photos and can't even wrap my mind around a post. So once I find time to sit (which is hard to come by these days) I hope to write about the following:

-my FULL marathon training

-35th birthday (goodness I am halfway to 70!)

-My personal challenge

-Taylor's 13Teenth birthday

-California Vacation

-Taylor getting her braces off (yay!)

-Jared starting tackle football and basketball league

-First Week of School (now almost a month ago!)

-Luke becoming toothless.

-More photo sessions of favorite families.

I hope to post sooner than later.....

p.s. back dating applies

Braces Are Off!

Before

Researching doctors, especially orthodontics is not my favorite thing to do. After 3 consultations I was done. Luckily, we found one 3 miles from our house and the other perk he knew Doug. Why does that matter? He gave us a great deal! Fortunately, Taylor's dental work was pretty straight forward. She got them on in June last year and 14 months later they were off!

After

And wow what a difference her smile looks, not to mention she looks TONS older. You look gorgeous darling Taylor!!

Summer Vacation

Pulling my kids out of school isn't the most ideal, but it was our only time to take a family vacation so the arrangements were made. The boys and I drove over to California Wednesday night and Taylor and Doug flew in Thursday evening. The best part about Carlsbad is we actually get to relax. Here are just a few things we were able to do......

Swim in Carlsbad Inn pool

Discovered Corvette Diner (thanks Gina!)

Beached it with family and cousins!

Doug surfed

Hung out with mom and dad c.

Went on two bike rides with Doug, Dean and Kathy along highway one. So pretty!

Stopped off at Disneyland on our way home.

I never understood how people could get burned out at Disneyland, but I think I am officially there. We bought season passes and have been 5 times. It has been fun, but it may be a while before we get passes again. Thanks California for a great time, until we meet again on October break!