NUMB3RS

If any one were to ask me what my favorite number was my immediate response would be 27. Twenty seven has been my favorite number for as long as I remember. It partially started when I was young and also happens to be the day of the month I was born on. As I got older special events that happened in my life actually also fall on this date. Truth be known I NEVER planned any of them, they always just seemed to fall on the 27th. In case you were wondering here are just a few:

My birthday: July 27th
Day of my baptism: September 27th
Day I went through the temple for my own endowment: November 27th
Day Doug and I got married (the only day the temple was open: December 27th.

Do you see a pattern? With numbers on my brain this brings me to the current energy drink I have been taking. I am by no means one of those people who take vitamins, believe in supplements (I know bad) but my friend Julie insisted I try this supplement, so being a big girl I did. And you know what? It actually has made me feel pretty good. I won't lie, the taste isn't fabulous it reminds me of REALLY sweet grape juice (not my favorite). However you are only required to drink 1-2 ounces, which is partly why I don't mind it.

The other name for it is Exfuse. I had never heard of it until moving here, but apparently it's pretty big in Utah. It has definitely helped me through some of my longer morning runs. Last Monday Amber and I tackled 11 beastly miles. I used to be able to run solo, but my running partner has definitely made it more doable.

Official time: 2 hours 6 minutes
Mileage: 13.1 baby!

Today we ran a half marathon!! The good news is I feel pretty good, except for a little soreness in my ankles. The disappointing news is I don't have a cool shirt OR a medal to support around my neck. I did celebrate by getting a FREE pedicure (given to me at my favorite things party). It definitely hit the spot on my TEN toes.

Holding Together With Love & Frosting

My SIL Kathy and me

My family has been a HUGE help in so many ways with my single parenting. I have managed to somewhat keep them entertained either by trekking out to Mesa or spending time with their cousins. This doesn't mean my children have NOT taken a toll on my own mental health. Seriously. I won't lie, it is hard and I know Doug has gotten an ear full at times. (I really try not to) But, it's hard in new environments to vent about your children when your friends back (where you were familiar with) know how it is and how they act. What I would do to transport the Gordon girls over to my house knowing that my kids would play nicely and not act like caged animals (that is how it seems lately). Friday breakdown #1 began. To the point I thought I was going to loose my mind. One word to describe my children that day was N-A-U-G-H-T-Y. I felt like I was talking to a wall even though I had allowed their cousins to come and stay with us. (I thought I was being nice). Throw the worst behavior from your children together and voila' you had my Friday.

Our cute polka dot French manicures

Knowing me inside and out my husband knew I was in need of a break and immediately called his mom to watch the kids. At first I really was anti doing this, after all she just watched them when I went to the temple, just a few days prior. BUT, I followed orders and dropped them off. Doug had made an appointment to get a pedicure/lunch with Kathy. So sweet. We both got the same pink French toes, aren't they cute? And ended the afternoon with lunch at Crackers followed by indulging in their heavenly brownie. Yum! It was just what I needed. Thanks Mom & Dad C.!!

Remember never to ask me to make a cake

Saturday I decided to invite our family over for Sunday dinner. I have been excited about cooking for them and now that we live in the same state it will actually come to pass. 5 of us share a birthday in July (my mom, dad's wife, my sister, me and Taylor) and what a better way to celebrate than homemade chocolate cake? Doug's mom has a simple (so she says) recipe and I took upon myself the challenge. It turned out to be Betty Crocker's worst nightmare! I am not sure if it was my oven (I am still trying to get used to) or me not following directions properly. Needless to say after two separate batches of making frosting and another cake mix, I FINALLY pulled it off. Did I mention it was nearly 1 am? Good thing I did it last night and didn't wait until today. Phew.

Half of one side is for the nut lovers, hence the odd look.

It looks like a miniature tower of pisa but I am hoping the taste out ways the presentation. I am for sure no way an Amy! Due to my late night baking I found it a titch harder to get up this morning for our 8 am church.

We may have had a few sleeps in our eyes and perhaps a couple of kids that didn't brush their whites (aka hygiene vacation) but we made it only 6 minutes late. Riggs 1st ward has been so great to our family. It has been a huge blessing that my children loved primary the first day here. Now, if I could only remember peoples names. Baby steps....baby steps.

Toe Tapping Bling

Can you tell what I was doing today? In between primary program practice and shopping I couldn't resist to add the festivities to my toesies. They needed a little love after my 10K a few weeks ago. So fun--and felt oh, so good! Will you be getting one for the holidays??


good deed: dropped off a thank-you treat.