Joy In The Journey

Taylor and Mom

1998

Today marks the 16th anniversary of my baptism. This has caused me to reflect on the growth I have had not only in the church, but as an individual. When Doug and I started medical school, I had a one year old baby. I remember feeling alone for that first year. Really alone. I was 1400 miles away from any family members and didn't know a single soul. Upon arrival, I did meet a lovely group of friends, but none of them had kids. Therefore, much of the time I felt sorry for myself that I couldn't just "drop" everything and go out with them. It was a time in my life I wanted to be part of that in group and my situation was hindering me from it. I can look back at that time in my life and I remember it being hard. Truthfully the only reason that first year of medical school was so horrible in my eyes was due to my attitude. Instead of looking at my situation. (i.e. having a big brown eyed sweet healthy little girl) I chose to look at my glass being half empty.

Chanel, Me, and Allison

It wasn't until about a year later when my dear friend Chanel moved in next door that I realized life was too short to sulk about silly things. Afterall, I had a healthy daughter and was pregnant with a sweet baby boy! I think what helped me the most was she too had a little girl (a year younger than Taylor) and we hit it off from the get go. We took up photography, quilting, took our kids to the park, swapped kids, had several family "waffle" dinners together, and stayed up late eating popcorn watching CSI while our husbands would study (thank goodness for baby monitors). The remainder of the 3 years of medical school ended up being some of my most treasured, memorable times in my life. The day I pulled out of New Orleans, Louisiana, I cried and sobbed for a good week. I not only left dear friends behind, but was also closing that part of my book and had to proceed forward.

Jared and Taylor

2004

Moving to San Antonio for residency, I was scared. Essentially, my comfort zone had been pulled from under me and I again had to make new friends. This time I had Taylor who was 4 and Jared who had just turned 2. The first year was hard. No surprise there right? Doug went from studying at home in our office, to literally not around at all. If he was, the poor guy was so exhausted he was falling asleep on the couch within minutes. I remember trying to fit in with some of the girls in church, because we all know that trying to barge in on a group, well it's never easy. I managed to quickly become aquainted, but still felt like I didn't fit in. Luckily, I met Angie who lived down the street from me and happened to have 2 little kids the same age as mine. I really believe that Heavenly Father knew I needed her because once we found one another we became fast friends and inseparable for 6 years.

Jen and Ang

Weekly Date Night

Like Chanel, Angie became my partner in crime, and my go to buddy. Because her husband Greg was a year ahead of Doug in the Orthopedic program, we turned to them for all advice. We survived 5 years of residency, an extra year of fellowship together along two more pregnancies each. When I look back at all of it, there isn't a single moment I wouldn't change. Was it tought? Sure. Doug and I probably had some of the hardest financial moments in our marriage during that time. It was stressful because he was striving to be the best doctor he could, soaking in all knowlege, not to mention impress all attendings. This inevitably left me a single parent a lot of the time and in return rely on the gospel in our life. I think this allowed me to absorb myself in my role as a mother, learn what it takes to be a supportive wife as well as a good friend. We closed our chapter nearly 2 years ago in San Antonio. On one hand it seems like just yesterday, but on the other it seems like an eternity ago.

Doug, Jenny, Angie and Greg

We picked up and moved our family in 2008 to Chandler, AZ. I remember crying and sobbing again as we left that state line of Texas. I wanted so badly to take my dear friend Angie and her family with us to Arizona. But, I knew that wasn't the path that either of us were supposed to take. We were excited to finally be back by family, but I also knew it was going to be hard work on my part to make that transition to a new place. The repeat pattern continues as I was in that place where I had to "sell" myself and make new friends. So, what did I do? I reached out and made extreme efforts to meet people. I showed up a book clubs (despite not liking to read). I attended relief society functions, ward parties and got nerve to call a few women I thought may have things in common with me. And I didn't just call them once, it was numerous times before that friendship was reciprocated. It took about a year before I really felt comfortable and that I had friends I could rely on, just like I could my Chanel and my Angie.

Luke potty training

I am not sure if it is the knowledge I have gained over the years or lots of practice, but I have learned to look at things with a grain of salt. Doug's famous quote and motto has always been, "happiness is not found at the end of the road, but along the way." Over the years I have been blessed to be able to latch on if you will to a friend to help me get through the times I couldn't on my own. Each chapter has had it's own set of challenges. Being a young mother with small children, going through the newborn stage (which was always my favorite), sleep deprivation, potty training, having two kids in diapers, whining, tantrums......the list goes on and on.

Weston

2006

Despite having my kids ALL in school now I still struggle with everyday things. For example, trying to parent a teenager without hoovering over her like a helicopter. Letting her make her own choices and telling myself that she is quite capable of making WISE decisions on her own without me telling her. Not letting my 3rd child's everyday tantrums crawl under my skin, making time to read my scriptures, serve others, excetra, excetra.....

Minnie, Tiffany, Jenny, Amber and Marisol

I have a new group I have seemed to create or "barge" in, now here in Chandler. I like to call them my very own personal consultants. We lift each other up with suggestions on how to become better, stronger women. I'll admit, most of them I run with, which works out well when you need a LONG therapy session. However, I have a few close friends I serve with, or are mother's to my children's friends. Have they replaced my oldest dearest friends? Of course not. That is where, phone, internet and planes come in handy.

Congress St. Bat Caves

2006

Looking back over these past few years, I definitely feel that there has been a time and season for each trial and event I have encountered. Each one has made me into the person I am today. I started motherhood at the age of 21. I vividly remember longing for the day for all of them to be in school. It's never easy to tow 4 small children to the grocery store. Sometimes even running small errands became much like nails on a chalkboard. However, now that my kids are essentially easier to take the store, we can no longer just pick up and head out on a family vacation. I do miss that luxury.

August 2010

Roaring Fork

I am not sure if it's my age or the knowledge I have now, but I really love when my family has time together. It comes rarely these days due to sports, piano, scouts, and schedules. If I could freeze time right now, I would in a heartbeat. If I would offer any advice to my friends, family, and children it would be to LOVE the moment you are in. In other words, find joy in YOUR personal journey, life truely is too short not too.

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!

Soaring High

The Hunter-Five-0, kindly invited us to tag along with them at the lake last weekend. Doug was hestitant to even break away from studying (despite it being one of his FAVORITE things to do). With a slight tug of the arm I convinced him to hop in the car for a few hours at the lake. My boys are always in awe to see their dad jump high in the air behind the boat.

I couldn't help but be a little impressed myself. Doug was catching some serious air. I am certain this was the best medicine and stress reliever for him.

Luke has come a LONG way since we moved here. This kid wouldn't even get out of the boat the first time on the lake, however look at him now he is now body boarding behind the boat. Loving the new pirate look of the missing tooth. Arrrg.... Go Lukie!

Weston on the other hand, you throw him a rope and he is ready to go. Jared and him attempted some body boarding, but the board didn't seem to want to stay under them.

Jared has now mastered getting up on the wake board. I guess now we just need to get a boat. On second hand, I think I like tagging along. Thanks Hunter Family for a great afternoon out!

Enough pictures already mom!!!

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!

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

Peralta Trail

We decided to take advantage of our nice spring weather and headed out to the Superstition Mtns. Saturday. The Hunter's joined us and we headed East to hike to Weaver's Needle. I haven't done the full 1.5 mile to the top since high school.

The photos really don't do justice, but the scenery was breath taking. I also opted not to bring my big good camera due to the weight. My old fashioned powershot still seemed to work. It was lush and green everywhere and the desert was in full bloom.

Doug showing us our victory making it to the top!

We were done by 9:30am and rewarded ourselves with some breakfast burrios, oh and a LARGE diet Coke. Yum! Thanks Mark and Heather for tagging along, we had so much fun!

Adventures of the Ragnar Relay

Another Ragnar has come and gone. It seems like I am still re cooperating and lacking energy. Each one seems to bring on a new adventure. (Tiffany wished for adventure...and did she get it). You can only prepare the best you can for running 24 straight hours, but somethings I have found are just completely unexpected. This year we were the first van which meant we were the first 6 runners to start the race.

Van #1 Carson's Crusade
Tiffany, Minnie, Jenny, Tishia, Kim and Nichole.

Leaving the night before was much more calm than last year. We grabbed a bite to eat and headed up to Prescott, arriving around 10pm.

Tishia and Jenny ready for some sleep!

Even though we had a nice bed to sleep in (our room was super nice), I don't think I slept more than 2 hours. Dang nerves any how! The alarm clock at 5am was definitely not welcoming.

Excited to start the race.

We arrived at the start line about 20 minutes before our start time. We quickly gathered our numbers, race map, and got Tiffany ready to go. Reflective vest, red flashing light, and head lamp. Check!

Checking in.

And there off!!

It was a mean 23 degrees when Tiffany led off with about 7 other teams at 6:30am. All I can say is BRRRRRR. My body was not happy.

Run.... Tiff...... Run!! She didn't even realize she was running by this beautiful lake.

By 7:ooam our second runner Kim was ready to go. I was starting to mentally prepare for my mountain climb. I choked down a Power Gel (I had never tried) and was hoping for some serious energy boost. After all that's what the package states. With about 5 minutes to spare I hit the port o potty one last time. Just as I was walking out adjusting my pants, Kim ran right by me! I sprinted behind her to grab the baton...not really how I wanted to kick off the race. But, I managed and blasted my music and was off.

Faking my excitement with a smile. Really I was dying.

Running up the beastly hills. Feeling much better at this point.
Nichole taking extra clothes from me.

The first 3 miles I was DYING. I am not sure if it was the combination of the high altitude, my numb toes (I was still freezing) and running up hill. But, it wasn't good. Hoping for some sort of energy boost, I plowed through the wall and around 4 miles by energy kicked in, I was warm and ready to run. Unfortunately, I only had 2.6 miles to go at this point, but you better believe I ran them fast. (PR 7:34 down the hill!)

Tishia followed me, then Minnie and our caboose was Tiffany's sister Nichole.

Exchange 6, meeting up with van #2 at 11:00am.

Once Nichole finished our set of legs (aka runs) were done, so we headed off for food and a place to sleep. Along the way back we stopped to stretch at the lookout point. The views were really amazing.

The town of Wickenburg about 15 miles from the exchange definitely didn't have many restaurants to choose from. We spotted a pasta restaurant and decided that would be a great carb loader. We walked around looking for an entrance and finally found the "Pizza" sign.

Italian food?? Oh, around the corner.....

We walked in and was confused by the inside. It was very cowboyish and the menus on the table read: Cowboy Cafe. Huh?? I knew we were tired, but seriously a completely different cuisine?

The proof we weren't all CRAZY

Tiffany questioned the waitress (which hardly spoke English) and basically told us she had no idea what we were talking about and said we don't serve pasta. O....K...A....Y.... being completely exhausted to get up. We all decided it wasn't worth the effort to try and find another place to eat. We are still cracking up that the lady who supposedly walks in the door everyday had NO clue there was a HUGE Pasta/Pizza sign on the door. We ate and all felt a little more alive and headed out to find a place to crash.

Notice I couldn't go without my Circle K Diet Coke.

There was a park across the street and we had about 2 hours to spare. I was so tired I didn't care what I was on, as long as I could lie flat. I am sure we all looked like a bunch of bums, but that was probably the best cat nap I had ever taken. By 4:30, it was time to head over to the next major exchange.

Lindsey running in. I LOVED these girls tutu's. I wanted to run in something like this, my teammates had different ideas........

For our 2nd runs (which were at night) we were smart and had bike pacers. Last year, none of us had anyone to ride with and it got a little scary. Ty and April Havey were SO nice to take time away from their family drive 2.5 hours to ride with each of us while we ran.

Exchange 12

Tiffany's #2 run was a dirt trail, which I know she was nervous about. Luckily, she had April beside her and completely half of her run before it got dark. Thinking we knew where we were going we drove out of exchange 12. 45 minutes later (passing the place we needed to be 2 times!) we made it 10 minutes after Tiffany ran. Sorry Tiff! She patiently waited as Kim grabbed the baton and was off for her 2.8 mile run. My night run was my longest out of the 3, (8.7 miles) thinking I needed some of that extra energy I went out on a limb and tried one of those 5 hour shot drinks. Crazy?! Yes. I felt like I was high on something for about the first few hours it was instant and quite bitter to the taste. About half way through my run my stomach was NOT happy. I managed to finish it, but the rest of the night I paid for it. No more energy shots for me!

Minnie, Jenny, Nichole and our bike pacer, Ty.
Jenny GLAD to be done with her run.

We left our other van around 11:30pm and headed back to our 2nd hotel. After showering and eating we climbed into bed around 1am. We were thinking the other van would finish around 5am or so.....but they called about an hour earlier explaining we must come quick there had been an accident. Our hearts all sank and really no one knew what was going on. Between phones and text messages we figured out that a boy had been hit on the Carefree Hwy while trying to give water to his runner. At this point the road was closed for a few hours, several runners were stranded, others stopped on the road. It was a mess. Our teammate Marisol unfortunately had to run by the scene as the boy had just gotten hit. Luckily van #2 got passed the accident and none of our runners were stranded. I think we all had mixed feelings at this point whether or not to continue, not knowing details, we started back up again at 5:30am to finish the last set of our runs.

They started the race back up a few teams at a time, 10 minutes apart.
Our start time was 5:30am. Poor Tiffany never ran except in the dark.

The reward of running early, check out that sunset.
Gorgeous!

This is the point in the race everyone is exhausted, tired of using port o potties, and ready to be done. Fortunately, my last 7.1 mile run was all down hill, however I never would of imagined it to be so difficult.

I managed to keep a great pace, (56 minutes) however my toes were not very happy. You can imagine how excited I was to be done at this point.

Over tired, and sleep deprived meant I was slap stick happy. Tiffany shared the same mood, and we amused ourselves for the next few hours in the front seat. Good times.

We each took turns giving water to our runners, at this point we were all fighting who would get out. I sacrificed and stood waiting to give Nichole some water.

Tiffany happy to stay in her seat.

Saturday at 11:15am an awesome feeling to mark off those last runs!!

Yay!! Now off to hot showers and the finish line! Van #1 was finished.


The beauty of all the major exchanges, which include a lot of the teams you don't normally see is how many crazy teams their are. This van was fully equipped with a flat screen t.v. and full bed. You can guarantee they didn't need a hotel!

Nice.

Then there was the "Victorious" team. Would you ever run like this?? Not. This isn't even close to half as bad as some we didn't capture on film. Except this guy......

He didn't have a problem posing for us, he claims to have lost a bet and said he ran like this. Hmmm.....I'm pretty sure he's okay in the confidence department.

Showered, clean clothes, and eating REAL FAT FOOD. Famous Dave's hit the spot!

We all ran in with Lindsey our #12 runner. Boy, did my toes hurt at this point!

One last team photo.
Carson's Crusade
Back Row: Lindsey, April, Minnie, Tiffany, Nichole, Tishia, and Jenny
Front Row: Martha, Jen, Marisol, Kim and Tammy


Ragnar Del Sol, 2010. Complete!
Thanks ladies for all the great memories!
My next half marathon is this Saturday, wish me luck!